Dante Jackson Named 3rd Assistant

[94GRAD]

https://twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/1017049018147450882

[paulxu]

Good deal.

[Muskie]

Our long national waiting game is over... welcome back Dante.

[muskiefan82]

Hells Yeah.

[Masterofreality]

Yup.......and YEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!

[joe titan]

On a very serious note, maybe this move falls a bit short on the HR scale; I doubt wholeheartedly the other 2 assistants feel as exuberant as XH members.

[drudy23]

On a very serious note, maybe this move falls a bit short on the HR scale; I doubt wholeheartedly the other 2 assistants feel as exuberant as XH members.

Why?

[NWOHMuskie]

On a very serious note, maybe this move falls a bit short on the HR scale; I doubt wholeheartedly the other 2 assistants feel as exuberant as XH members.

I have to agree with Joe on this. Personally, I love it because D25 is back in the house, but we have spent this whole time thinking about what recruiting region is this next assistant going to bring in: DC, NY, etc. and this likely won't resonate on a national scale. That being said, WELCOME BACK DANTE!

[GoMuskies]

I think Dante is a fine hire for the third assistant. It's definitely not a homerun, but it's good to see a Xavier guy on the bench.

[BMoreX]

I think Dante is a fine hire for the third assistant. It's definitely not a homerun, but it's good to see a Xavier guy on the bench.

These are my feelings too. You can play a little loose with that 3rd assistant role, especially with how Hayes and Johnson are viewed as great recruiters. It's always great to see a Xavier guy there, and I personally think, later down the road, Dante will be a great hire/coach. I've thought that coaching would be his path ever since he graduated and always expected him to make his way back to the Cintas Center at some point. I'm looking forward to seeing how Dante will be able to recruit at the Big East level. Should be a good challenge for him and I expect good things from him.

[drudy23]

I highly doubt Steele hired a 3rd assistant without input from his staff. I'm sure they're fine with it.

[flagship]

Didn't Dante just take a job somewhere else? Kinda strange to jump ship before even a season.

[drudy23]

Didn't Dante just take a job somewhere else? Kinda strange to jump ship before even a season.

Not if he's coming back to the Flagship...you of all people should know that.

[MHettel]

good move.

He's a winner. That fire and passion will burn forever for him, and it's contagious.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I like the hire. Welcome back Dante.

[joe titan]

I highly doubt Steele hired a 3rd assistant without input from his staff. I'm sure they're fine with it.


Cannot be so naïve; first I doubt Hayes/Johnson had real input to the decision; doubt they participated in interview or were asked for any assessment of candidates. If anyone had input other than Coach Steele it was somebody higher up the XU food chain.


Of course the other assistants knew a third was to be added and whatever natural competitiveness they feel is on the back burner now. But bring DJ, a returning hero, and Travis better be able to soothe personalities better than any Dana's barista. Surely both Hayes & Johnson accepted the jobs with some eye toward future endeavors and growing responsibilities. Now DJ waltz in and the spotlight goes...


I'm not against the move b/c it is HC decision; just saying the other coaches would naturally feel some misgivings.

[GoMuskies]

I can't imagine Hayes or Johnson have any worries about Dante Jackson joining them on the bench. At least not from a career standpoint. Those guys are miles ahead of Dante in their careers. They might be worried (rightly or wrongly) about whether Dante can keep up with them, but other than a few stories over the next couple of days and a the occasional mention you're likely to hear during the season of Dante's playing days at Xavier, there's zero reason for Hayes/Johnson to worry about Dante stealing any of their thunder.

[joe titan]

"Go" sorry to use Socratic method here but why was DJ hired--that is what particular skills/abilities/knowledge/qualities does he bring to the table ? Frankly I think that answer is rather simple and does not involve being former player/grad assistant. Is the answer leadership ? I knew I could get something correct today. But certainly Hayes/Johnson will be comfortable with that.

Now I'm not suggesting there will be dissension in the coaching ranks just that Hayes/Johnson expectedly may be uneasy and slower to embrace the situation.

[GoMuskies]

Again, I don't see any reason for Hayes/Johnson to be uneasy unless they're worried Dante can't keep up and is going to hinder their efforts somehow. Dante is pretty clearly #3 of 3 in the assistant pecking order.

[MHettel]

"Go" sorry to use Socratic method here but why was DJ hired--that is what particular skills/abilities/knowledge/qualities does he bring to the table ? Frankly I think that answer is rather simple and does not involve being former player/grad assistant. Is the answer leadership ? I knew I could get something correct today. But certainly Hayes/Johnson will be comfortable with that.

Now I'm not suggesting there will be dissension in the coaching ranks just that Hayes/Johnson expectedly may be uneasy and slower to embrace the situation.

Confusing. he went to school here. That plays into his interest in the role, and our interest in continuity.

He's a low risk, rock-solid guy that can help bridge the gap from the winning tradition to the bright future.

Easy choice and a great chocie.

Not saying that it will happen, but potential futue XU Head Coach in Dante....

[joe titan]

Confusing. he went to school here. That plays into his interest in the role, and our interest in continuity.

He's a low risk, rock-solid guy that can help bridge the gap from the winning tradition to the bright future.

Easy choice and a great chocie.

Not saying that it will happen, but potential futue XU Head Coach in Dante....

I do apologize to "Q". But I am fairly sure you made my point.

[sirthought]

Congrats to coach Jackson.

Dante struck me as a big talker...as in, always talking all the time. Not sure if that's a plus or minus, but I'll hope it's a plus. Players need someone who communicates and is in their ear.

He was a decent player, who is familiar with the Xavier system. This is an advantage if Steele implements a similar offense and defense. This could help the other coaches, as well.

For those hoping for a coach with ties to a particular region for recruiting...I get it. That would be nice. But think about all of the top D1 players from Ohio and the Greater Cincinnati region who have decided to play elsewhere. Could a young Dante make some inroads on that region while working on his recruiting skills? I'd be pretty happy if we nabbed a Vincent Edwards or Luke Kinnard. Also, coach just might ask Dante to pick a region of the country and start networking fresh. It's happened before.




I'm actually interested to see how much Steele changes in the system. Does he select assistants based on what they picked up from previous mentors? Will we see shades of Minnesota/Georgia in our defense or offense now? Curious how much Dante has picked up from other coaches.

[XU88]

"Go" sorry to use Socratic method here but why was DJ hired--that is what particular skills/abilities/knowledge/qualities does he bring to the table ? Frankly I think that answer is rather simple and does not involve being former player/grad assistant. Is the answer leadership ? I knew I could get something correct today. But certainly Hayes/Johnson will be comfortable with that.

Now I'm not suggesting there will be dissension in the coaching ranks just that Hayes/Johnson expectedly may be uneasy and slower to embrace the situation.

To answer your question, Dante has skills/abilities/knowledge/qualities in the form of having played and learned Xavier's brand of packline defense under Miller (2 seasons) and Mack (2 seasons) - 3 seasons with Steele too. Steele has stated he plans on running a very similar system, with maybe some added pressure from time to time. Who better to teach it than someone who played it extensively?

On the recruiting end, Steele has said he plans on being more hands-on than a lot of head coaches. In that regard, it seems maybe he valued what Dante offers from the coaching standpoint more than his recruiting resume.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m also in the group that thinks that Dante has probably developed solid contacts in the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana areas, and will be an asset to recruiting in this area.

Bringing Dante back in, especially since X will have so many new parts this year, should help Steele to teach the system during practice too.

Certainly not a home run or flashy pick, but a solid pickup nonetheless.

Congrats DJ and welcome back!

[Juice]

Here's a review from a former teammate of his:

Tu Holloway
‏@SFFiveTu
Rampage Jackson.. My brother.. The best teammate I ever hooped with.. Team 1st regardless.. Was always completely locked in whether it was conditioning, lifting, video he was 100 percent devoted to that X.. I watched him for 3 years and admired his ways.. 50 Bricks lifestyle..

[sirthought]

No idea what 50 Bricks lifestyle means, but that is a pretty ringing endorsement from one of XU's best players ever.

[Olsingledigit]

Always liked Dante as a player. He was a leader an an attitude guy. I think he will be great for X

[xukeith]

Congrats to coach Jackson.

Dante struck me as a big talker...as in, always talking all the time. Not sure if that's a plus or minus, but I'll hope it's a plus. Players need someone who communicates and is in their ear.

He was a decent player, who is familiar with the Xavier system. This is an advantage if Steele implements a similar offense and defense. This could help the other coaches, as well.

For those hoping for a coach with ties to a particular region for recruiting...I get it. That would be nice. But think about all of the top D1 players from Ohio and the Greater Cincinnati region who have decided to play elsewhere. Could a young Dante make some inroads on that region while working on his recruiting skills? I'd be pretty happy if we nabbed a Vincent Edwards or Luke Kinnard. Also, coach just might ask Dante to pick a region of the country and start networking fresh. It's happened before.

I remember as a player he yapped all the time. It really got under Jason Love's skin in Puerto Rico I think and you just have to roll your eyes sometimes. Tu Holloway LOVES Dante. hope


I'm actually interested to see how much Steele changes in the system. Does he select assistants based on what they picked up from previous mentors? Will we see shades of Minnesota/Georgia in our defense or offense now? Curious how much Dante has picked up from other coaches.

I remember as a player he yapped all the time. It really got under Jason Love's skin in Puerto Rico I think and you just have to roll your eyes sometimes. Tu Holloway LOVES Dante. hope

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think this is a good get. I think all teams need assistants that are young and hungry. The Johnson hire has yet to pay but we will wait and see.

[smileyy]

No idea what 50 Bricks lifestyle means

Maybe it means shooting jumpers over the summer until your arms are so tired that you brick 50 shots.

[IM4X]

I see it this way:

One head coach who is a master with Xs and Os and a master at recruiting (with tremendous people skills). He will continue to do his thing in those roles.

Two proven assistants brought in who should be able able to coach up talent and bring in top 100 /4 star players (maybe even a 5 star player).

One last assistant brought in who beautifully compliments the other assistants by being an actual Xavier graduate and former player. He is someone who understands the Xavier basketball brand and the tradition from a player's perspective as well as anyone. His experience, along with high energy persona and his genuine enthusiasm and pride for X, will make him the ultimate X ambassador. His charm and playing experience will help him build relationships with prospects in the region and also help close the deal with top prospects outside the region that the other assistants are working hard to land.

I could see Dante's conversation with X prospects going something like, "If you come to X, you will be key to our continuing the tradition of basketball excellence. X has won the regular season championship at least once in every conference we've been in over the past 30+ years. I was part of a team that won several conference championships- where making the NCAA tournament and winning games was expected. Last year's team- So you probably know- just won the Big East regular season championship and got a umber 1 seed in the NCAA tourney. There are players on the roster who have been to an elite eight and are itching to take it to the next level. You see the thing is... X teams just keep getting better. It's just the X way. When you choose X, you will very possibly be part of a team of legends who take that next step and take X to a final four and a even a natipnal championship. It is a big responsibility, but we will give you everything you need to make it happen."

So if you're looking for an amazing school with a truly special basketball program: One witj a proven track record of success and a proven track record for bringing in new coaching staffs who exceed expectations, then X is the place for you. If you are looking for a home court and facility that is as beautiful and state of the art as any in the country... a place that will be packed with with fans, then X is the place for you. At X, you will be attending a great university with a big time basketball program, but without the feeling of being at a school that's too big or where you feel lost. I can tell you from my own personal experience that going to Xavier was the best decision I've ever made. It's the perfect size campus, perfect number of students with a world class basketball facility that gets filled with world class fans. It's amazing. You want what we can give you ...and we want what you can give us! It's a beautiful thing."

So I say... CONGRATULATION and WELCOME HOME DANTE!

YOU ARE THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR THE REMAINING ASSISTANT SPOT.

DO YOUR THING AND MAKE XAVIER NATION PROUD!!!

[IM4X]

Wow... sorry about the duplicate post folks.

[xu95]

Excited enough about it, he posted it twice.

xu95

[GIMMFD]

Excited enough about it, he posted it twice.

xu95

To be fair I agree with the sentiments, I think the staff compliments each other very well, it's not the greatest hire in the world, but it's a third assistant, a spot that we can take a flier on, and it's someone that knows and loves the program. I think it'll be a good hire, and we'll see how much Dante grows in terms of recruiting Big East talent, and developing talent. If his attitude can rub off on these guys, then we'll be just fine.

[xudash]

I see it this way:

One head coach who is a master with Xs and Os and a master at recruiting (with tremendous people skills). He will continue to do his thing in those roles.

Two proven assistants brought in who should be able able to coach up talent and bring in top 100 /4 star players (maybe even a 5 star player).

One last assistant brought in who beautifully compliments the other assistants by being an actual Xavier graduate and former player. He is someone who understands the Xavier basketball brand and the tradition from a player's perspective as well as anyone. His experience, along with high energy persona and his genuine enthusiasm and pride for X, will make him the ultimate X ambassador. His charm and playing experience will help him build relationships with prospects in the region and also help close the deal with top prospects outside the region that the other assistants are working hard to land.

I could see Dante's conversation with X prospects going something like, "If you come to X, you will be key to our continuing the tradition of basketball excellence. X has won the regular season championship at least once in every conference we've been in over the past 30+ years. I was part of a team that won several conference championships- where making the NCAA tournament and winning games was expected. Last year's team- S you probably know- just won the Big East regular season championship and got a umber 1 seed in the NCAA tourney. There are players on the roster who have been to an elite eight and are itching to take it to the next level. You see the thing is... X teams just keep getting better. It's just the X way. When you choose X, you will very possibly be part of a team of legends who take that next step and take X to a final four and a even a natipnal championship. It is a big responsibility, but we will give you everything you need to make it happen."

"So if you're looking for an amazing school with a truly special basketball program: One with a proven track record of success and a proven track record for bringing in new coaching staffs who exceed expectations, then X is the place for you. If you are looking for a home court and facility that is as beautiful and star of the art as any in the country... a place that will be packed with with fans, then X is the place for you. At X, you will be attending a great university with a big time basketball program, but without the feeling of being at a school that's too big or where you'll feel lost. I can tell you from my own personal experience that going tonXavier was the best decision of my life. It's the perfect size campus, perfect number of students with a world class basketball facility with world class fans. It's amazing. You want what we can give you ...and we want what you can give us! It's a beautiful thing."

So I say... CONGRATULATION and WELCOME HOME DANTE!

YOU ARE THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR THE REMAINING ASSISTANT SPOT.

DO YOUR THING AND MAKE XAVIER NATION PROUD!!!

Sign me up! Love it.

[MauriceX]

It has taken me a couple days to post since the news broke, but this was my dream as soon as I heard the news:

Coach Steele is a Xavier guy and stays for a loooong time. He takes Xavier to the next level and wins a national championship (or two, or three... or more :drool: ) Over this stretch, due to their amazing recruiting and development skills, Hayes and Johnson get hired away to be head coaches at other high-major programs. At the same time, Dante keeps improving and building up his recruiting and coaching skills, slowly working his way up the assistant ranks. One day way down the road, when Coach Steele decides it is time to move on because he has had just too much success, Mr. Dante Jackson is in the wings and waiting to become the next Head Coach of Xavier University, a national powerhouse.

[XUFan09]

Confusing. he went to school here. That plays into his interest in the role, and our interest in continuity.

He's a low risk, rock-solid guy that can help bridge the gap from the winning tradition to the bright future.

Easy choice and a great chocie.

Not saying that it will happen, but potential futue XU Head Coach in Dante....


I do apologize to "Q". But I am fairly sure you made my point.

By the time we potentially have a conversation about Dante as the head coach, Hayes and Johnson will already be years removed from the program, likely at their own head coaching jobs. Like Go said, Dante is so far behind those two in his coaching career that they aren't competing with him at all.

[GIMMFD]

By the time we potentially have a conversation about Dante as the head coach, Hayes and Johnson will already be years removed from the program, likely at their own head coaching jobs. Like Go said, Dante is so far behind those two in his coaching career that they aren't competing with him at all.

Yup agreed, Dante is just working to move up the ranks, I'm sure he'll be an assistant on our staff for as long as we want him. If he can develop as a coach, work hard recruiting, and all that jazz there's no reason to believe he wouldn't be a future head coach, he has the personality, and the attitude, I'm sure guys would love to play for him, but that is so far down the line, he's gonna have to put in grunt work for a while.