It's official, Villanova has named Raphael Chillious as the newest Assistant Men's Basketball Coach.
After first noting the possibility of the move for the former University of Washington aid last week, the move got really close to happening shortly thereafter.
Chillious fills a vacant spot on Jay Wright's staff after the departure of Doug West and the resignation of Doug Martin.
Official ReleaseUniversity of Washington assistant coach Raphael Chillious has joined the Villanova Wildcats’ basketball staff in a similar capacity, it was announced today.
The move brings Chillious back to the northeastern United States after a successful three year stint working alongside head coach Lorenzo Romar in Seattle, where he was part of a staff that steered the Huskies to consecutive Pac-10 Conference Tournament titles and an appearance in the 2010 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen.
"We are proud to add Raphael and his family to our Villanova community," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "Raphael played for a great Villanovan, Fran O’Hanlon, at Lafayette and worked for an outstanding coach in Lorenzo Romar. He’s experienced and brings passion to everything he does."
Chillious, a native of Olney, Md., is a 1996 graduate of Lafayette College, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology. He began his coaching career in 1997-98 at the University of Victoria in British Columbia and served as the head coach at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Md. from 2001-03. In 2003, he was tabbed as head coach at South Kent (Conn.) School and later added the title of co-athletic director. In February of 2008, he was named business manager for Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball in Beaverton, Ore.
In April 2009, Chillious was named an assistant coach at the University of Washington. In 2009-10 he helped guide the Huskies to a 26-10 record, which included an appearance in the NCAA’s Sweet 16. In his second season on staff, Washington finished with a 24-11 mark. His duties included national and international recruiting, on-court teaching, and player development.
Now that it is official, what do you think of the move?