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Boston College men's basketball coach Jim Christian won't be formally introduced to fans until tomorrow's 3 p.m. press conference, but the Eagles' new coach is already making moves to fill out his coaching staff. The first coaching hire may very well come from a soon-to-be former conference rival.
Terps assistant Scott Spinelli is in "serious talks" with Boston College to become an assistant coach, Mark Turgeon said. Nothing final yet.
— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) April 7, 2014
Turgeon declined to provide specifics on Spinelli's deal, but says something that he called reporters while negotiations are ongoing
— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) April 7, 2014
Spinelli has a reputation as an excellent recruiter and a game tactician in a career that has spanned 23 years. Over the last eight years, he has served as Maryland coach Mark Turgeon's right-hand man with stops at Wichita State, Texas A&M and now Maryland.
More on Spinelli's recruiting rep from umterps.com:
"Scott is a bulldog recruiter with tremendous connections across the country," said Turgeon. "He is also an excellent coach with a tremendous basketball mind."
[snip]
Spinelli has also had great success recruiting and developing players that have gone on to play in the NBA. Five of Spinelli's former players are currently playing in the NBA: Gal Mekel (Dallas Mavericks), Donald Sloan (Indiana Pacers), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks), DeAndre Jordan (Los Angeles Clippers) and Alex Len (Phoenix Suns). In addition, Spinelli coached and recruited a pair of outstanding players while at Nebraska: Aleks Maric, an All-Big 12 selection at center, and Ryan Anderson, a 1,000-point career scorer with the Cornhuskers.
A Leominster, Mass. native, Spinelli played college ball at Boston University (under Mike Jarvis). A move to Christian's staff at BC would allow him to move closer to home and potentially receive a raise. The guys over at Testudo Times approve:
.@bcinterruption Sounds like he wants to be back closer to home, might get a raise. Would be a great pick up.
— Dave Tucker (@TestudoDave) April 7, 2014
Sounds like just the pickup Boston College needs to revamp a coaching staff that has struggled to stock the roster with ACC talent the past few seasons.