Washington women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff adds two assistant coaches

Mike Neighbors, who worked with new Washington women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff at Xavier, will join the Huskies' staff. McGuff also hired former California assistant coach Kevin Morrison.

by Syed Moiz
Paki news Staff reporter


First-year Washington women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff named two assistant coaches Tuesday.
McGuff, the former coach at Xavier, added longtime colleague Mike Neighbors to his staff. Neighbors helped Xavier recruit the 2010 class ranked 18th by ESPN/Hoopgurlz. McGuff also hired former California assistant Kevin Morrison, who joined the Bears' staff in 2007, focusing on recruiting and scouting, and serving as the team's academic liaison.
"Mike and I work really well together," McGuff said. "He and Kevin Morrison complement each other with their strengths. With the staff, I'm trying to keep it balanced and have them impact our players and the community.
"I know and trust them and think they would be really great here on board."
Sami Whitcomb, a former UW player, will remain as the team's video coordinator. Whitcomb was added to the staff before the 2010-11 season by former coach Tia Jackson. McGuff said Whitcomb's passion for the school and position is what kept her around.
"She's going to be great in helping with my transition," McGuff said.
Athletic trainer Jenn Ratcliff will also return. Ratcliff, a graduate of Mount Rainier High School, where she was a three-sport athlete, enters her ninth season with the program.
McGuff said he's going to be patient in filling his final two slots — a third full-time assistant and a director of basketball operations. He said he might select a local to help the Huskies regain ground in recruiting in the state. Those jobs could be filled by mid-May.
As for the roster, McGuff has hit the recruiting trail with the 2011-12 season in mind. There could be another signing in the works, but it's all about fit for the first-year coach.