Saint Peter's University is coming off a historic run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament and is making a coaching hire that shows a commitment to returning to the playoffs.
The school is going to hire Bashir Mason as its next head coach, according to sources. The move to bring in an experienced and established coach is indicative of the school's commitment to keeping the program competitive in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
After leading Saint Peter's on a run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament, Mason replaced the man who returned to his alma mater, Seton Hall.
Saint Peter's shows some of the ambition that can come with experiencing such a run. Since 2015, Mason has been the coach of the three NEC regular-season championship teams. He is from Jersey City, which is where Saint Peter's is located.
Mason has won more than 50% of his conference games in his 10 seasons as the head coach. There are three Northeast Conference Coach of the Year Awards and an NIT win that have been achieved by Wagner.
Mason was the youngest head coach in the country when he was hired. He was in charge after Dan Hurley left for Rhode Island. At St. Benedict's in Newark, New Jersey, Mason played for Hurley.
Mason has a history of consistent and competitive program building. The school finished in first or second place in six of the 10 seasons he was there.
Five of the school's top six players have entered the NCAA transfer portal, and he takes on the situation. In terms of finances, Saint Peter's is the least supported school in the MAAC, something that athletic director Rachelle Paul hopes to change in the wake of the unprecedented run.
The hiring of a sitting head coach is expected to bring with it both a boost in resources as well as staff support for Mason.
A press conference to announce his hiring is scheduled for Wednesday.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
