Slocum will return to coach YSU men’s basketball team
Veteran men’s basketball coach set to lead Penguins for a 12th season
By charles grove
youngstown
Youngstown State head men’s basketball coach Jerry Slocum is returning for the 2016-17 season.
YSU picked up the option on Slocum’s contract and the veteran coach will lead the Penguins for a 12th season. Slocum’s contract expired after the 2015-16 season and there had been speculation if it would be renewed.
Trevor Parks, YSU’s sports information director, commented on Slocum’s return saying, “Jerry is our coach and we’re looking forward to next season.”
The Jambar, YSU’s student newspaper, reported that Slocum would return, citing athletic department confirmation. YSU athletic director Ron Strollo did not return a call and did not respond to a text Thursday night.
Slocum’s Penguins have managed just two winning seasons over the past 11, a 16-15 record in 2011-12 and a 18-16 record in 2012-13.
Slocum’s overall record at YSU now stands at 129-211. Slocum is second in YSU history in both wins and losses.
As far as conference records go, YSU has gone 58-130 in Horizon League play under Slocum and have managed one winning conference record, a 10-8 mark in 2011-12.
Slocum did win his 700th career collegiate victory this past season against North Dakota with a 79-69 decision on Nov. 23.
YSU has had one postseason appearance with Slocum as head coach. The Penguins participated in the 2013 College Insider Tournament, defeating Oakland 99-87 in the first round before falling to Canisus 84-82 in overtime in the second round.
Coming into the 2015-16 season, Slocum ranked 37th in NCAA history in career wins.
Slocum has amassed 27 winning seasons over his coaching career with 25 of those coming at his previous schools, Gannon, Geneva and Nyack where he cumulated a 581-324 record.
YSU has also had issues keeping players in recent years. The Penguins have had multiple players transfer out of its men’s basketball program, including Ryan Weber after the 2013-14 season and Marcus Keene and Osandai Vaughn after the 2014-15 season.
It appears at least two players from the 2015-16 team won’t be back. Freshman Jordan Andrews recently announced he planned to transfer closer to his Louisiana home and freshman Bryce Nickels is listed on the NCAA’s transfer list and looks to be leaving the team.
Slocum’s option was picked up while other programs in the Horizon League decided to part ways with head coaches who have led their programs to more recent success. Milwaukee let go of Rob Jeter who had a 185-170 record guiding the Panthers and two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2006 and 2014.
Wright State fired Billy Donlon after the Raiders went 22-13 this year and had made the finals of the Horizon League Tournament three of the past four years. Donlon went 109-94 in six seasons at Wright State.