Vanderbilt, victim of a SEC victory, commits Stackhouse

Memphis Grizzlies' assistant, Jerry Stackhouse, has been hired as a men's basketball coach at Vanderbilt, school announced Friday.

Stackhouse and the Commodores have signed a six-year contract, sources told ESPN.

"I am extremely excited to join the Vanderbilt family and build on the incredible achievements of its athletics program and its men's basketball program," Stackhouse said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing Vanderbilt's unique track-and-field approach – combining a strong competitive spirit with elite academics to globally develop talented student-athletes and celebrate victories." on and off the court.

"I would like to thank Malcolm Turner and the Chancellor [Nicholas] Zeppos for giving me this fantastic opportunity to lead the Vanderbilt men's basketball program in his next big time. "

Turner, Vanderbilt's new athletic director, had been closely watching Stackhouse in his previous position as president of the NBA's G-League.

In addition to the six-year contract for Stackhouse, Vanderbilt is committed to strengthening its financial commitment to the program, including increasing the salaries and budgets of assistant coaches.

Stackhouse's intense workout style earned him significant respect during his two seasons as a 905 Raptors coach in the G League, where he won a title in 2017.

It provides an interesting counterweight to the hiring of Penny Hardaway by his American rival Memphis, setting the stage for a fascinating regional recruiting battle.

A veteran of the NBA for 18 years, Stackhouse has two years of experience as a head coach at Toronto 's G Affiliate, where he was also the coach of the team. year of the G League for its 2017 championship season.

Stackhouse, 44, spent two years as an NBA assistant, including Toronto and Memphis.

Vanderbilt sent Bryce Drew back to coaching after a winless season against the SEC.