Men’s basketball staff sees shake up

By Scott A. Nicol

DeKALB — The men’s basketball team had three coaches leave or not have their contracts renewed as the team continues to change.

Assistant Coaches Lou Dawkins and Jason Larson have left the program, Jeremy Reid, men’s basketball media services spokesperson said after the Northern Star received a tip of their departure.

Julian Springer will not be back as assistant director of basketball operations. Reid described Springer’s position as a part-time position that was treated more like an internship than a full-time position and that it was the first season there had been a positon like this.

Dawkins has left the team for another assistant coaching position, but Reid could not say where, as the program he is going to has yet to announce this information.

Reid said the decision to not bring Larson back was an NIU based decision.

“[NIU] decided not to retain Jason as an assistant coach after this season,” said Reid April 12 in an official statement on behalf of the men’s basketball program.

These releases and firings come after four NIU players left the program during or after the season: sophomore guards Laytwan Porter and Marshawn Wilson, freshman guard Nick Wagner and senior guard Dontel Highsmith, who is transferring after graduation in May and still has two years of eligibility left, according to Verbal Commit’s website.

Head Coach Mark Montgomery was unavailble for immediate comment. Larson, Dawkins and Springer were unable to be reached for comment.