Drake hires Gonzga Assistant Ray Giacoletti

[GoShockers89]

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[DUBulldog]

I wish Coach Giac and Drake the best. I hope he raises the bar there.

It sounds like Drake is making a commitment to the basketball program. I don't know all the details, but I was told that Giacoletti asked for several things from Drake to show that they were truly committed to doing this right. I don't know what those things were, but given that he is now the coach, it tells me that Drake gave him what he was asking for. Not necessarily talking about salary. Speaking of salary, I know from one of the articles that he is making more than the president at Drake, which would put him at at least $350,000. Spokane paper was saying that he was likely in the $400,000-450,000 range.

[GoShockers89]

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[DUBulldog]

That's encouraging, DUB. What kind of things would you speculate the upgrade/commitment involves?

New practice facilities? Charter flights? Bigger assistant salaries? Or something more unique to Drake?

I'm guessing that practice facility was a big one, as Giacoletti mentioned the proposed practice facility several times during his press conference, and how important it is that the guys have some place they can go 24/7 to work on their game. Drake has had plans for at least a year, it's just a matter of raising the money....and it appears that money is starting to come in for this project.

I'm also guessing that assistant salaries came up, and possibly recruiting budget. Drake already flies via charter jet to at least some of the road games.

[GoShockers89]

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[DUBulldog]

“He’s a really good person, a quality guy. ... He’s an extremely hard worker, a very good basketball coach, all the stuff it takes to be successful in this business. This is good for our league, and I think Drake has made a very good hire.”

— UNI coach Ben Jacobson, who has known Giacoletti since he was an assistant at North Dakota and Giacoletti was head coach at rival North Dakota State

[valleychamp]

An endorsement from a guy like Jake is pretty substantial, IMO.

[DUBulldog]

An endorsement from a guy like Jake is pretty substantial, IMO.

I've always had great respect for Jake as both a coach and as a person.

I have also heard that Chris Hill, the Utah AD who fired Giacoletti, gave him a great recommendation. Seems like there might be more than meets the eye with regards to his time at Utah.

[DUBulldog]

Giacoletti announced his first assistant coach today. Stan Johnson, who was on Mark Phelps' staff the previous 2 seasons, will remain on staff. Stan recruited a lot of the current players, and the players love him.

Giacoletti and Johnson has known each other for years, as both coached out west before coming to Drake. In a strange twist, after Giacoletti was fired at Utah, his successor brought in Stan Johnson as an assistant there.