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He is currently the vice president for athletics at Abilene Christian University and takes over the position from Brian Thornton, who resigned as commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference to join the Big 12 Conference.
Zack Lassiter, the vice president for athletics at Abilene Christian, has been appointed to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, succeeding Brian Thornton, who stepped down as commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference to join the Big 12 Conference earlier this month. Lassiter's five-year term begins immediately and will conclude in August 2029.
Prior to his role at Abilene Christian, which he assumed in November 2021, Lassiter was the deputy athletics director for external operations at Oregon State from 2015 to 2021. During his time there, he served as the sport supervisor for men’s basketball, overseeing the Beavers' two NCAA tournament appearances, which included their first Pac-12 Conference championship and a remarkable run to the Elite Eight in 2021.
“It is with great humility and enthusiasm that I accept the professional opportunity of a lifetime,” Lassiter said. “I believe the NCAA men’s basketball tournament is one of the greatest events in all of sports. I’ve been involved with March Madness in many different capacities over the last two decades, but to serve in this role is incredibly exciting. I want to thank Dan Gavitt and everyone else involved in the nomination process. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and put in the work necessary to continue to make this championship special for everyone.”
A new season brings fresh faces in different roles. Andy Katz shines a spotlight on his top 10 coaches taking on new programs for the 2024-25 men's basketball season. Here’s a glimpse at those poised to make a significant impact:
- John Calipari, Arkansas: John Calipari’s move to Arkansas has shaken up the college basketball landscape. The Hall of Fame coach, who led Kentucky to a national title and multiple Final Fours, now takes on a new challenge at Arkansas. Known for developing NBA talent and elite recruiting, Calipari brings a wealth of experience and success with him to Fayetteville.
- Dusty May, Michigan: Dusty May rapidly gained recognition after guiding Florida Atlantic to a surprising Final Four appearance in 2023, catching the attention of basketball fans nationwide. He is now set to lead Michigan, having signed a five-year contract aimed at revitalizing the Wolverines' basketball program. Renowned for his talent in fostering winning cultures and developing players, May introduces an explosive offensive approach that spreads the floor and prioritizes perimeter shooting. With 126 wins in six seasons at FAU, Michigan is optimistic that May can mirror his previous successes and elevate the program's standing in the fiercely competitive Big Ten.
- Mark Pope, Kentucky: Mark Pope, a former player and captain of the 1996 national championship team for the Kentucky Wildcats, returns to Lexington as the head coach of the prestigious program. Having guided BYU to two NCAA tournament appearances and achieving 110 wins in five seasons, Pope is set to bring his high-energy, fast-paced style back to his alma mater.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is currently the favorite to win the 2023-24 NBA MVP award, with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic closely behind him. Embiid, who is the reigning NBA MVP, has seen his odds shorten from +250 to +210. He has been on an impressive streak, recording at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in 15 consecutive games, breaking a franchise record previously held by Wilt Chamberlain. This streak is the longest of its kind since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar achieved it in 16 straight games during the 1971-72 season. However, it's worth noting that NBA MVP odds can fluctuate throughout the season, and it's always a good idea to check reputable sportsbooks for the most up-to-date information.
Nevertheless, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the standout guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is posting impressive statistics of his own and has firmly entered the competition for the NBA's most esteemed individual accolade.
Only three players stand out to me early as possibly actionable MVP bets to make for the upcoming season.
PICK: Jayson Tatum (+800 at time of pick) to win MVP (Celtics)
With their consistent appearances in the conference finals over the past six years, the Boston Celtics are among the teams I believe have a strong chance of winning the NBA championship, and a significant factor behind their potential success is Jayson Tatum. I see the trade involving Marcus Smart as a beneficial move for both the Celtics and Tatum. This trade will allow the 25-year-old Tatum to step up as the true leader of the team, a role that Smart has held since entering the league.
Throughout his career, Tatum has shown continuous improvement in points, rebounds, and assists each year. In the previous season, he achieved career-high averages of 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Tatum has also received first-team All-NBA honors in the last two seasons. Based on his performance, I have high expectations that Tatum will not only win the MVP award but also lead the Celtics to an NBA championship.
PICK: Nikola Jokic (+430 at time of pick) to win MVP (Nuggets)
The player who has won the MVP award twice is coming off an NBA championship, being named the Finals MVP, and is widely regarded as the top player in the NBA. He is considered the frontrunner for a third MVP title, largely due to an exceptional playoff performance where he averaged 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists over 20 games, while also shooting an impressive 46% from beyond the arc. Given these achievements, it seems logical to place a bet on him.
However, it is difficult to measure his motivation now that he has already secured a championship and has an impressive collection of trophies. With nothing left to prove, there is a possibility that he may conserve his energy during the regular season to prioritize his performance in the postseason. We witnessed this strategy towards the end of the previous season, which ultimately proved successful. Regardless, considering he is widely regarded as the best player in the game, it's worth taking a chance on him.
PICK: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+1700 at time of pick) to win MVP (Thunder)
If I'm searching for a dark horse candidate to win the MVP award next season, my pick would be SGA. At just 25 years old, he is coming off an outstanding season where he achieved a career-high average of 31 points per game and was recognized as a first-team All-NBA player.
Before dismissing this choice, it's important to consider that the Sacramento Kings showed a significant improvement of 18 wins last year. Additionally, the Oklahoma City Thunder could be a team to watch as they aim to build on their play-in appearance from the previous season, especially with the addition of Chet Holmgren to their starting lineup. With these potential factors in mind, SGA could emerge as a strong contender for the MVP title.