Jeff Boals, who spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach at Ohio State, has been named head men's basketball coach at Stony Brook University, Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron announced Saturday.
Boals will be officially introduced as the 11th head coach in the program’s history to the Stony Brook community at a press conference on Monday, April 11 at 11 a.m. in Island Federal Credit Union Arena.
“We are extremely excited to become a part of the Stony Brook community and university,” Boals said. “We are grateful for the opportunity that Dr. Stanley and Shawn Heilbron have given me and I look forward to working with the team, building upon the success of last season and continuing it into the future. I can’t wait to get started.”
A member of Thad Matta's staff since 2009-10, Boals [pronounced BOWLS] helped guide Ohio State to seven postseason appearances, including six NCAA Tournaments. The Buckeyes, who won or claimed a share of three Big 10 titles, advanced to the Final Four in 2012. OSU went 193-62 during Boals' time in Columbus.
Boals was instrumental in bringing some of the top players in the nation to Ohio State, including current NBA stars Jared Sullinger and D’Angelo Russell along with Aaron Craft, the all time steals and assist leader in Ohio State history. He also coached 2010 National Player of the Year Evan Turner during his outstanding collegiate career with the Buckeyes.
“My focus during this search was to find the right person who could lead Stony Brook men's basketball to new heights, and Jeff Boals is the right guy at the right time,” Heilbron said. “He is prepared for this opportunity, which comes at a critical time in our history following our first America East title and NCAA Tournament appearance.
“Jeff has coached at the highest level as a member of Thad Matta's staff at Ohio State and he understands what it takes to win,” Heilbron added. “I am excited for our players to learn from him on the floor and, more importantly, he will serve as a strong mentor to our student-athletes in all areas of their lives outside of basketball. We look forward to welcoming Jeff, Katie, Sydney and Chase to Long Island and the Seawolves family.”
“I am very happy to welcome Jeff Boals as Stony Brook’s new head men’s basketball coach on the heels of our team's first appearance in the NCAA tournament,” said President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. "His experience on the national stage is sure to have a positive impact on our student-athletes and help them reach their highest potential. Our athletic programs continue to increase the profile of our University, engage the community in an important way, and contribute tremendously to student life, and I look forward to the continued success of the men’s basketball program under the leadership of Coach Boals.”
Prior to Ohio State, Boals spent three seasons at Akron, serving as the team's recruiting coordinator and working with the post players. The Zips advanced to three Mid-American Conference championship games, winning the title in 2009. It was Akron's first NCAA Tournament berth since 1986. Boals also recruited Anthony "Humpty" Hitchens, a MAC All-freshman performer, and Zeke Marshall, a top-35 national recruit.
Boals spent two seasons (2004-06) at Robert Morris and four years (1999-2003) at Marshall. In his final season at Robert Morris, the Colonials posted their first winning record in 15 seasons. He also spent a total of four seasons at Division II University of Charleston in two different stints.
A 1995 graduate of Ohio University, Boals was a two-time captain and four-year letterwinner for the Bobcats, who advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 1994. The following year, Ohio University won the Preseason NIT Championship after wins over Ohio State and No. 14 Virginia as well as George Washington and New Mexico State at Madison Square Garden.
Boals and his wife, Katie, have two children, Sydney and Chase.
