Just announced today that Cattoor is coming back to the men's hoops program as an assistant coach
https://techlunchpail.com/blog/hunter-cattoor-joins-virginia-tech-mens-b...
One of the most beloved Hokies in recent memory has joined Mike Young's staff at Virginia Tech as an assistant coach, the university announced on Thursday.
"I could not be more excited to welcome Hunter back home to Blacksburg as a member of our coaching staff," Young said in the school's statement on Thursday. "Hunter represented Virginia Tech men's basketball the right way from the moment he stepped on campus; he's tough, competitive, unselfish, and he understands our culture, our standards, and what it means to wear 'Hokies' across your chest. I am very much looking forward to the impact he'll have on our program."
Cattoor returns to his alma mater after spending one season with the Long Island Nets of the G League, averaging 8.4 points in 27 games and shooting 43% from three-point range.
While wearing the Orange and Maroon from 2019 to 2024, Cattoor was revered by Hokie Nation for his sharpshooting prowess and tough defense. He holds multiple records at Virginia Tech, including made three-point shots (332), which ranks seventh all-time in ACC history, as well as games played (152). What is perhaps the most memorable aspect of his legacy, however, is his 31-point performance that led the Hokies to their victory over Duke in the 2022 ACC Championship. The outing propelled him to win ACC Tournament MVP honors.
"I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to be back in Blacksburg and work with Coach Young and the rest of the staff," Cattoor said in the school's statement. "I look forward to meeting the student-athletes and bringing a championship mindset into the locker room."
Cattoor's hire brings Young's staff to four assistant coaches: Cattoor, Associate Head Coach Chester Frazier, J.D. Byers, and Jamie Moats. There remains one spot left on staff after Kevin Giltner accepted an offer to become Wofford's next head coach last September.
Comments
Welcome back Hunter!
Is he going to be full time or is this more like Kitley, where he will work with the team while prepping for the next basketball season?
I hope he is closer to the Kitley situation and not a full time coach- he isn't qualified for the job, and if his name was different with the same experience we would be sounding the alarm- I already am.
We've basically said MY is done... which is fine if we are focusing on football I suppose, but it would be nice to be good at both. I don't think we can afford that though.
If CMY is going to be a lame duck for a year, not a bad way to get Hunter some experience and still inject some energy into the program with no impact to a projected replacement coach.
If he excels, great for him and the program. If not, no real damage done in a year where we aren't expecting much anyway.
Will he though? David Teel on a TSL podcast said he expects Whit to re-up both Mike Young and John Szefc before he retires.
I know youre the messenger but I want to down vote this so much
I get it. I didnt like hearing/typing it either
A lot of people go from playing right into coaching even without an extended pro career. If Hunters intention was to become a coach then I'm sure that during his career to prep for the future.
I find this assertion that he's unqualified to be the 4th assistant coach fucking ridiculous and disrespectful of both Mike Young and Hunter Cattoor.
Which of the assistant coaching spots is the entry level spot? My guess is his salary is affordable and he will be coaching the guards. Is he can teach his floor positioning and shooting stroke to players with better size and ability than him, then he's qualified.
I believe he did work a little under his FIL at Kentucky, unsure of his exact role.
But yes, underwhelming coaching resume outside of being a great player for us.
For a second I thought he had found another year of eligibility and was suiting up again. Regardless, glad to have him back. I wonder if he's filling the unoccupied staff spot from last year so I can't think of any negatives to come from this.
That the spot you're thinking of?
Young has only had three coaches for the majority of his tenure. I dont believe he has ever had the full compliment of 5.
In Young's defense, he wasn't exactly given the funds to hire additional coaches when the bench was expanded from 3 to 5.
Also Ace Custis basically operates as an assistant coach, except for the off-campus recruiting part.
The dude was a dependable beast! If he can help bring Beast Mode back to VT MBB, yes sir!
LFG!