Rookie NIU men’s head basketball coach Rob Judson is staying true to his roots, completing his triumvirate of head coaches with the addition of former DePaul volunteer assistant Ed Molitor.

Serving stints at Texas A&M, Lewis University and the Blue Demons last winter, Molitor’s father, Ed, was the first coach that Judson served under at the onslaught of his coaching career.

At Palatine High School in 1980, Judson began his coaching career at the northwest suburban program.

The 31-year old Molitor brings in a well-versed background to DeKalb.

Knowing each other for 25 years, Judson feels strong about his hire.

“Ed Molitor is a bright, young, energetic coach with one great basketball background,” said Judson. “I’ve known him since he was four or five years old. His work ethic, and, more importantly, his passion for the game will be a major plus for our program. Best of all, in all his coaching stops, Ed has developed great working relationships with the players. He is a natural for our on-campus position.”

With a career of his own on the hardwood, Molitor starred at Palatine under the tutelage of his father. Averaging 15 points and seven assists his senior year, the 5-foot-10 guard proved to be a coach on the floor for the Pirates.

Continuing his career into college, Molitor was a part of the Creighton University team as a walk-on under coach Tony Barone.

Transferring to St. Ambrose (IA) University, Molitor found greener surroundings, as he started at point guard for a 25-12 team.

As a senior he was named co-captain of the Fighting Bees and voted “Hardest Worker” by his coach.

After his playing days, the business administration major found himself at Lewis as a graduate assistant.

In his last three years at the Romeoville institution, Molitor also spent time as the school’s intramural director and men’s basketball recruiting coordinator.

Hooking back up with Tony Barone after Lewis, Molitor served for two years at Texas A&M before coming to Chicago. After a year with DePaul, Molitor now resides in DeKalb to Judson’s delight.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be on Rob’s staff at Northern Illinois,” said Molitor. “I’ve admired him for many, many years. Rob is renown for his integrity. To work for someone who is respected throughout the state of Illinois in basketball like him is a real privilege. We have an outstanding staff, and the foundation is here to have a very successful program.”