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Hays is right man for the job
Interim title will be removed as basketball coach lands extension
By Matthew Quane
mquane@mscd.edu

After a successful year as interim head coach of Metro’s men’s basketball team, Brannon Hays was awarded the gig full time.

Hays was given a $72,500 per year contract similar to what former head coach Mike Dunlap received when he began his stay at Metro.

“We wanted someone that had coaching experience, had been successful as a head coach and everything that goes along with it – good knowledge of the game of basketball and good experience working with students,” Metro athletic director Joan McDermott said.

“I’m really appreciative of the support from Joan McDermott and President Jordan,” Hays said.
The success of student athletes, as the term suggests, is twofold. McDermott said that the emphasis for hiring Hays was placed on the former. Academic success and athlete graduation were the administration’s main priority.

But the athletic part is important as well.

“The good part is that Brannon knew the institution, knew Dunlap’s system and came back onto staff after Dunlap left,” McDermott said.

Hays led the team to a 28-4 record, winning all 17 home games. The team also set school records for 3-point shots made with 298 and a .441 3-point shooting percentage.

“The success we had as a team had an impact on me being able to come back,” Hays said.

“He had to earn the position and he did. He did a great, great job this season,” McDermott said.

Of course, Hays has some large shoes to fill, as he is following in the footsteps of Dunlap, Metro’s most successful basketball coach. But McDermott is confident in his abilities.

“He did a really good job handling the pressure,” McDermott said.

Hays is more concerned with the future than the past, and ready to keep the team moving forward.

“It can be overwhelming,” Hays said of Dunlap’s legacy. “But I feel good. He trained me how to be a good coach.”

As for the upcoming season, Hays is focused on bringing in the best recruits he can find. Hays plans to continue the wide-net recruiting style employed by Dunlap.

“This season is very exciting,” Hays said. “When Dunlap left, he left the program intact. Our expectation for this year is to bring in a good recruiting class.”