Coach Chris Mack has filled the gaps created in his coaching staff by the departures of Kareem Richardson and Rasheen Davis. Ashley Howard, from Drexel, and Mike Pegues of Delaware will join the Xavier staff for the 2012-2013 basketball season. With that, the Atlantic 10's open season on all things Colonial Athletic Association should be coming to a close.
Howard played his collegiate ball at Drexel prior to his career being cut short by injury. The son of a Cleveland Cavaliers second round pick in 1976, Howard has been around the game his entire life. In 2006 Howard was an assistant coach for the Jamaican national team that earned a gold medal in the FIBA CBC Championship qualifying tournament. Howard brings previous A10 coaching experience, having spent four seasons as an assistant at La Salle.
Mike Pegues may be a somewhat more familiar name to diehard college basketball fans. Pegues is the all time leading scorer for the Blue Hens, and led them to NCAA berths in 1998 and 1999. Pegues spent his time at Delaware playing for Mike Brey, who may be familiar with the Xavier organization. The top player in Delware history (as named during the UD 100th anniversary year) played professionally in Italy, New Zealand, England, Argentina, and the CBA before a knee injury ended his career. Interestingly enough, Pegues also has video coordinator experience at new A10 member school, Virginia Commonwealth University.