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New York Connection
April 10, 2008
Los Angeles, CA (April 9) -- The theme of "family" for the Loyola Marymount University men's basketball program continues as Jason Levy has been hired as an assistant coach, Head Coach Bill Bayno announced on Wednesday. Levy spent eight seasons with the Cal State Fullerton, helping them to a Big West title and first trip to the NCAA tournament in 32 years. The native of New York City has worked on the West Coast, in the Midwest and on the East Coast in a variety of coaching positions. In two of the past five summers he has represented adidas at clinics in Beijing, China, where he worked directly with the national and junior national teams. He also worked with professional coaches there on drills and coaching concepts. It is the New York roots that ties Levy and Bayno. "I first met Coach Bayno when I was 15 playing at the 5-star Camp in New York and he was a counselor there," said Levy. "I think so much of him that I am willing to leave a program that for the first time in 32 years went to the NCAA tournament and won 24 games. That being said, obviously I am willing to leave a great situation because I think so much of Coach Bayno. This is a great opportunity that has some great potential." During Levy's tenure, the Titans boasted four straight winning seasons, and 20 wins in three of the past five years. The team has been in the top-20 in the nation in scoring in the last three seasons with the team ranking fifth in 2007-08. This past season the team won the Big West Conference Tournament for the first time since 1978 and first conference regular season title since 1976. "I have know Jason since he was 15 years old. He is a loyal, hard working student of the game," said Bayno. "He brings a ton of energy and numerous years of experience working with some great coaches in Seth Greenberg and Bob Burton to name a few. He has established himself as one of the top recruiters in Los Angeles, leading Cal State Fullerton to the top of the Big West."
Prior to coming to Fullerton, Levy spent three seasons as an assistant at the University of Portland of the West Coast Conference. He had three prior years of experience in the Big West Conference with two seasons (1994-95 and 1995-96) at Long Beach State under Seth Greenberg and one (1996-97) at UC Irvine under Rod Baker. The 49ers went to the NCAA Tournament in 1994. At Portland, Levy coordinated recruiting efforts for the Pilots while assisting in practice and game preparation. On the floor he worked primarily with post players and assisted with the strength and conditioning program. Levy played high school ball for La Salle Academy in Manhattan, NY, before venturing west and playing two seasons at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. He transferred to Cal State Northridge, where he graduated in 1993. He served one season (1993-94) as an assistant to Rudy Washington at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to Long Beach State. He began his coaching career at the Double Pump Camp at Cal State Dominguez Hills in 1992-93. Levy has a son, Kyle, 4. - GO LIONS - |
