Former Butler University student-athlete and assistant coach LaVall Jordan, who has spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan, has been named Milwaukee's men's basketball coach. Jordan, a native of Albion, Michigan, who is regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country, helped the Wolverines to five NCAA Tournament berths, including national runner-up finish in 2013, during his tenure at Michigan.
"I am thrilled to welcome LaVall, his wife, Destinee, and their children to the Milwaukee family," Milwaukee Director of Athletics Amanda Braun said. "LaVall has impeccable character and integrity and he has been a winner both as a player and as a coach. Widely regarded as an excellent recruiter, LaVall also has a proven track record in player development. This is an exciting day for Milwaukee basketball."
In six seasons at Michigan, Jordan has worked under head coach John Beilein, who is regarded as one of the brightest and most innovative minds in the game. With Jordan on staff, the Wolverines compiled a 143-70 (.671) record and won at least one NCAA Tournament game four times in six seasons. In 2012-13, Jordan helped the program to a 31-8 overall record and a NCAA Runner-Up finish and one year later, Michigan compiled a 28-9 ledger and reached the NCAA Elite Eight.
A former guard himself at Butler, Jordan's tutelage helped develop Trey Burke into a 2013 NBA Draft pick and the Consensus National Player of the Year and a Consensus All-American.
"I would like to thank Amanda Braun and Chancellor Mone for giving me the opportunity to serve as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee," Jordan said. "I am extremely excited about the potential for this program. There is a proud tradition of success at Milwaukee and our goal is to consistently compete for championships in the Horizon League. I cannot wait to get started."
Before his tenure at Michigan, Jordan spent three seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa and four seasons, including three as an assistant coach, at his alma mater Butler. He helped the Bulldogs to a 29-7 record in 2006-07 and the team reach the NCAA Sweet 16 that season before falling to eventual national champion, Florida.
Jordan's coaching pedigree is impressive to say the least. He played under current Butler Director of Athletics Barry Collier and current Ohio State head coach Thad Matta, Todd Lickliter, and at Butler also worked alongside current Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens.
Prior to embarking on his coaching career Jordan starred at Butler from 1998-2001, helping the Bulldogs to three conference tournament titles and a pair of Midwestern Collegiate Conference regular-season crowns. He participated in four consecutive postseason tournaments and with a 79-63 victory over Wake Forest in 2001, helped Butler to its first NCAA tournament victory in 39 years.
A two-time All-MCC performer, Jordan was named the league's tournament MVP in 2001. He helped Butler to 91 victories in four years and graduated as the winningest player in program history.
A 2001 graduate of Butler, Jordan played professional basketball in Europe and in the National Basketball Developmental League before beginning his coaching career.
What They're Saying About LaVall Jordan
"Milwaukee has made a fabulous hire. I knew within the first few months of coaching with Val that he is a rising star and would make an outstanding coach one day. He will have a terrific impact on the Milwaukee program immediately as well as in the future. We will miss Val, Destinee and their family, but we will also be rooting for them and the Panthers every step of the way." –John Beilein, Head Men's Basketball Coach, University of Michigan
"Milwaukee hit a home run in LaVall Jordan. I've always counted myself blessed to have worked with LaVall at Butler. He has a great feel for the game, has outstanding relationships with his players and co-workers and understands the importance of the basketball program representing its school well, on and off, the court." – Brad Stevens, Head Coach, Boston Celtics
"LaVall Jordan is a rising star in coaching. He is a terrific teacher, an expert recruiter, and an excellent tactician. LaVall learned it and lived it the Butler Way and was an integral part of Michigan's success. He is a class individual in every respect. Milwaukee has a great one in LaVall Jordan." – Jay Bilas, ESPN Analyst
"Coach LaVall had a big influence on me and was a big part of my growth when I first got to Michigan. He played a major role in helping me get to where I am today. He allowed me to see the floor at a higher level. He is one of the best coaches I have ever had an opportunity to play for as far as the insight he gave me and allowed my game to grow. It's great to see a person like Coach Val get an opportunity like this. I am sure he will make the most of it. I am so happy for him. God is good and it's great to see what he's doing in Coach Val's life. He's a great leader and they are getting a great guy." – Trey Burke, former University of Michigan guard and current Utah Jazz guard
"Coach Val was one of my favorite coaches I've ever played for. His knowledge of the game is very high and he has an unbelievable ability to teach. As far as skill development goes, I've never had a coach who was able to teach me things offensively and defensively with the detail he used. I'm so happy for Coach and his family because I know he is very deserving of a head coaching job. Milwaukee is getting a great coach, but an even better person. I'm confident he will have great success with his new team!" – Nik Stauskas, former University of Michigan guard and current Philadelphia 76ers guard
Tags: Horizon League - Men's Basketball · Milwaukee - Men's Basketball
