Geno Ford Returns to Kent State
6/26/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Kent, Ohio- Geno Ford has rejoined the Kent State men's basketball staff as an assistant coach after spending the past two seasons as the head coach at Muskingum College. Golden Flashes head coach Jim Christian made the announcement on Monday (June 25).
"To maintain success at this level, you must have great people on board," said Christian. "Geno is a proven coach and we're very excited to have him back. He knows our program inside and out and it was important for us to have continuity here."
Prior to Muskingum, Ford served on Christian's staff for three seasons from 2002-05. During that time the Flashes went a combined 64-31 and captured a pair of Mid-American Conference East titles.
"Often times the hardest part about bringing in a new a coach is getting everyone to work together, but with Geno, we won't miss a beat as we move forward." Christian added. "It's an easy adjustment for myself and our players. This was a great opportunity for us to bring in a young talented coach who has already proven to be successful."
A Cambridge, Ohio native, Ford is 51-32 as a college head coach and was named American Mideast Conference Coach of the Year in his lone season (2001-02) at Shawnee State University. He guided the Bears to 22 victories, a 10-game improvement from the previous season. In just his first season at Muskingum (2005-06), Ford led the Muskies to their best record (17-9) in 15 years.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to work for coach Christian again and be part of a program that's been successful for a long time," said Ford. "I'm anxious to get started in my new role and want to help this team in any way I can. I'm extremely familiar with the players and this program and it's good to be back."
Ford began his coaching career at his alma mater, Ohio University. He served as a graduate assistant for one season (1998-99) and was promoted to assistant coach, where he remained for two more seasons. During that time the Bobcats went 57-34 and made two postseason appearances.
An outstanding guard at Ohio, Ford finished with 1,752 career points and was named to the All-MAC First Team as a senior. The Ohio Associated Press tabbed him "Mr. Basketball" in 1993 following his senior season at Cambridge High School.
Kent State will aim for its 10th consecutive 20-win season when the 2007-08 campaign tips off in November. The Flashes are one of just nine Division I teams that have put together nine straight 20-win seasons.
