Andy Enfield is bringing Dunk City to Los Angeles.
USC announced Monday night that they have hired Enfield to fill their coaching vacancy. Enfield led Florida Gulf Coast to the Sweet 16 in the school’s first NCAA tournament appearance. The No. 15 seed Eagles thrilled fans with a high-flying attack that resulted in the team receiving the nickname “Dunk City.” They also became the first No. 15 seed to ever reach the Sweet 16.
“My family and I are thrilled to join the Trojan Family and be part of the unparalleled athletic tradition at USC,” Enfield said in a release from the school. “In meeting with Pat Haden, I was very impressed with his vision for the men’s basketball program. I am looking forward to bringing an exciting, up-tempo style of play to USC and building the men’s basketball brand into one that the fans and basketball.”
Enfield played college ball at Johns Hopkins where he became the NCAA’s all-time leader in free throw percentage. He had stints as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics before heading to Florida State as an assistant in 2007. He left FSU to take the Florida Gulf Coast job in 2011 and went 41-28 over two seasons.
You have to figure the exposure Enfield received this March for his team’s success and exciting style will energize fans in Los Angeles. Another bonus is that Enfield’s supermodel wife will compete with Lane Kiffin’s wife for the title of most attractive coach’s spouse.
USC athletic director Pat Haden sounds stoked about the hire.
Spent 5 very interesting hours with Andy today! Awesome guy who has had much success in his life. Basketball will be fun at Galen! #FightOn
— Pat Haden (@ADHadenUSC) April 2, 2013
USC commit Kahlil Dukes also likes the move.
Welcome to the Trojan family @coachenfield! Let’s shake up the world
— Kahlil Dukes (@kahlildukes) April 2, 2013
This is a phenomenal hire for the Trojans. UCLA hired Steve Alford Saturday, USC hired Enfield Monday, and CSUN reportedly is hiring Reggie Theus. You could certainly make the case that of the three hires in the city, UCLA got the worst end. I was hoping the Bruins would be the ones to hire Enfield.
