Scott Spinelli Resigns to Take Post at Nebraska

5/29/2003

Assistant coach helped Ramblers land two strong recruiting classes

Chicago (May 29, 2003) - After two successful seasons as a men's basketball assistant coach at Loyola University Chicago, Scott Spinelli has resigned to assume a spot on Barry Collier's staff at the University of Nebraska. In his two years at Loyola, Spinelli was instrumental in the Ramblers' recruiting efforts and helped guide LU to 32 victories, including a trip to the 2002 Horizon League Championship title game.

"I'm thrilled for Scott and his family because this is a great opportunity," Loyola Head Coach Larry Farmer said. "This is becoming a habit because this is the fourth coach we have had leave here for a job at a high-profile program. That is a sign that we are doing good things and have good people here. I have no doubt that Scott will do a terrific job at Nebraska and when he gets his chance, will be a great head coach."

As recruiting coordinator, Spinelli helped Loyola land standout recruits such as Terrance Whiters, Demetrius Williams, and Paul McMillan. Whiters was a Top 100 player according to ESPN.com while McMillan was hailed as the 2002-03 Horizon League Newcomer of the Year, becoming the first Rambler since 1989 to earn such an honor. Williams, in the meantime, was also selected to the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team.

In addition, Spinelli helped Loyola bring in a strong recruiting class this year. That class features high-scoring Majak Kou who was rated as the No. 2 wing player in Canada, Andre Knox of Whitney Young High School in Chicago, and Blake Schilb, a 6-foot-7 power forward.

Spinelli tutored the Ramblers' post players the past two campaigns, helping Loyola produce the Horizon League's top rebounder in 2001-02 (Ryan Blankson) and 2002-03 (McMillan). Loyola enjoyed its most successful season since 1984-85 in 2001-02, by posting a 17-13 record and coming within a basket of its first NCAA Tournament berth since 1985.

"We are extremely pleased to have Scott joining our staff," Collier, formerly a head coach at Butler University, said. "He has excellent experience at a number of levels, from prep school to professional, and has been successful throughout his career. We are excited to have him."