Read Named Associate Head Coach

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Syracuse women's basketball head coach Quentin Hillsman has announced the promotion of Vonn Read to associate head coach going into the 2013-14 season. A renowned expert on the "X's and O's" of the game with vast experience coaching and scouting at all levels - from college to the NBA and WNBA - Read has brought a unique skill-set to the Orange coaching staff over the last two seasons.

"This is well-deserved for Vonn," Hillsman said. "He is a brilliant basketball mind and an extremely dedicated and tireless worker. Vonn is one of the best in the game."

Primarily responsible for opponent scouting and game-planning as assistant coach and scouting coordinator for Hillsman's program the last two seasons, Read has helped lead the Orange to a combined 46-23 (.667) record and two post season appearances. In 2011-12, Read's first season at SU, the Orange finished 22-15, won a program record 10 road games, and won a program-high four post-season games as it reached the WNIT semifinals.

Last season, the Orange had one of the best season's in its history, going 24-8, including an 11-5 mark in BIG EAST play to finish in third place in its final season in the conference, and made its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 2008. Syracuse finished the season ranked 22^nd in both the AP and ESPN/USA TODAY polls.

"It is an honor and I am extremely blessed and fortunate to be a part of the Syracuse women's basketball program," Read said. "Coaching at such a prestigious university here at Syracuse has been a tremendous experience. Coach Hillsman has done a remarkable job of elevating this program to unprecedented heights, and I am humbled to be a part of the Syracuse University family! I look forward to helping Coach Hillsman and our staff continuing to build this program into a championship-level program."

Hillsman announced the hiring of Read on June 20, 2010. Read had a long coaching history that includes professional stints in the NBA, WNBA, USBL and collegiate stops at Kentucky and Albany.

Prior to SU, Read was most recently at UAlbany, where he was the team's scouting coordinator and was responsible for coaching the post players. Read helped guide Kentucky to three consecutive postseason tournaments, which included one of the most successful runs in program history in 2005-06. He coached the squad's post players and assisted with developing the team's offensive and defensive systems as well as scouting upcoming opponents.

Before time at Kentucky, Read served as an assistant coach under Dale Osbourne for the United States Basketball League's Dodge City Legend in 2005 and helped the team win the league title. Read spent the 2004 WNBA season as an assistant coach in charge of player development for the San Antonio Silver Stars under former NBA standout Dee Brown. In 2003, Read was an advance scout for the Charlotte Sting, and he also worked with Brown as an assistant coach for the league's Orlando Miracle during the 2002 season.

Prior to his tenure with the Stars, Read spent five years with the NBA's Orlando Magic under head coach Doc Rivers. In addition, Read was an assistant coach for the Magic's summer league team in 2001.

Read's first professional coaching stop came on Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller's staff for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. During the 2000 season, he helped lead the Mercury to the playoffs and post what was then a franchise-best 20-12 record.

A talented writer, Read has published six basketball playbooks, which are in a series of books called "The Basketball Encyclopedia of Plays." He has also written numerous articles for various basketball publications.

"I would like to thank Coach Hillsman, our student-athletes, and the Syracuse administration for their support and for this incredible opportunity," Read said.

Syracuse University Athletics

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