Marshall University Athletics
Aki Collins Joins Men's Basketball Coaching Staff
7/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aki Collins Joins Men's Basketball Coaching Staff
7/29/2003
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall University men's basketball coach Ron Jirsa announced today that Aki Collins will join the Thundering Herd staff as an assistant coach.
"Im really happy that coach Jirsa presented with me with this great opportunity," Collins said.
"I know Marshall is a great school that has had success in the past and I am looking forward to helping build a winning tradition."
Collins, whose full name is David Akiele Collins, comes to Marshall after three seasons as an assistant coach at Howard University where he served under head coach Frankie Allen. During his stint at Howard, Collins helped Allen turn the school's basketball program around. Prior to their arrival, the Bison had won only three games in the two previous seasons. Howard has posted a record of 41-48 in their tenure.
"Aki has had a wide variety of responsibilities in his stops at Colorado and Howard, and he will bring a wealth of experience to our program at Marshall," Jirsa said. "He is highly personable and will fit in well with our team and coaching staff."
Collins, 31, spent three seasons as an assistant at the University of Colorado prior to his stint at Howard, one as a volunteer and two as the restricted-earnings coach. His responsibilities at Colorado included overseeing the team's managers, coordinating film exchange and participating in on-campus recruiting.
"I'm excited about working with Ron, Bob [MacKinnon], and Josh [Postorino]. Those are three outstanding coaches who I can learn a lot from and I believe I can compliment them with what I have learned in my coaching career," Collins said. "I know we play in a great league with good student-athletes, and I am confident that we can recruit the quality individuals we need to be successful on and off the court at Marshall."
Collins, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, began his collegiate career at Morehouse College before transferring to Clark Atlanta University where he graduated with a degree in mass media arts in 1997. He was also a standout prep player at LaSalle Academy in New York and helped lead his team to a 26-1 record and New York City championships during both his sophomore and junior seasons. LaSalle was ranked among the nation's preseason Top 20 during his senior campaign.
Collins joins, Bob MacKinnon, and Josh Postorino as the Thundering Herd's full-time assistants.