Two programs, two leaders. How establishing a winning culture intertwines Manhattan and Louisville basketball.
Louisville basketball is in the midst of an unprecedented season. No one, and I mean no one would’ve thought that a team coached by former player and National Champion Kenny Payne would struggle the way it has. Payne’s Cardinals are off to the worst start since World War II, going 0-8 with four of their last five losses coming by 25-points or more.
Even after being outscored 231-154 in the Maui Invitational, Payne remained optimistic amidst loud cries of displeasure from the fans. “So I can walk away and be doom and gloom,” Payne said, “But I have to look at this and figure out a way to get this team better and get this team for these young men to go out and get a win.” Fans didn’t imagine things getting worse than the 10-18 finish they endured in 2021-2022. Almost foreshadowing, Payne spoke on what could lie ahead for the program in his introductory press conference, saying “There are going to be days we are going to go through adversity. I need you with me. Don’t jump on me when it’s good and then jump off the bandwagon when it’s bad.”
A lot of coaches have faced adversity and those who haven’t, make up reasons why they have or will. In fact, that word “adversity” may be one of the hottest buzz words in sports. It’s what coaches and players alike use to motivate and drive them to reach the top. As cliché as it may sound, there is no other coach in the country who can relate more to the adversity Payne has faced than Manhattan College Interim Basketball Coach RaShawn Stores.
Just seven years ago, Stores was finishing his senior year at his alma mater, Manhattan College. He was never the star of the team or the biggest man on campus – much like Payne. His 6.2 points and 2.5 assists didn’t scream out superstar by any means – just like Payne. But what Stores brought to the Jaspers was irreplaceable when it came to winning at the highest level.
Speaking on his “coach on the floor” in 2015, then Manhattan Head Coach Steve Masiello told the New York Post, “he means everything. He’s an extension of me on the court. He’s got the greatest I.Q. of anyone I’ve seen. He’s as tough as they come. He makes big shots. He’s not afraid of the moment.”
Now in his first year as a head coach, Stores is walking in the same shoes as Payne. Oddly enough, the ties between Louisville and Manhattan don’t stop there. Despite being thousands of miles away, the programs are linked in a way many don’t realize – not even me. That is, until I made the trip to the Bronx to cover the Jaspers against former conference foe, Monmouth.
Mentor vs. Protégé
Coming from the Louisville basketball program as a long-time assistant, the future was brighter than ever when Manhattan basketball hired Masiello back in 2011. In his first four years as a head coach, a young one at-that, things looked promising. The Jaspers accrued a record of 79-53, reaching and conquering back-to-back MAAC Conference Championships and NCAA Tournament Appearances.
You may remember Manhattan’s tournament appearance in 2014. If you’re a UofL fan or college basketball fan, how could you not? Louisville was set to defend its 2013 national title and per usual, Rick Pitino was not pleased with his team’s placement as a four-seed.
That matchup paired mentor vs. protégé in the first round. Manhattan, led by current Interim head coach RaShawn Stores and current lead assistant coach Tyler Wilson, showed in that game what it means to fight like your life depends on it. Despite being a massive underdog, Manhattan took Louisville basketball down to the wire nearly upsetting one of the tournament favorites.
“I remember we were right there,” Stores said when I asked about his recollection of that night.
“We thought we got a bad draw as well. We expected to be a little higher that year. We felt it was Coach P v. Masiello.”
Pitino felt similarly, telling ESPN prior to the matchup “I don’t think it’s right for either one of us,. I don’t know why (the selection committee) would do it.”
Following the near upset, Pitino expanded on his frustrations. “I knew this game was going to be this way. When we play against ourselves in practice, it’s a nightmare,” Pitino said. “We don’t play well against ourselves… They were like mirror images.”
Then things took a turn. First, Masiello was hired as the head coach of South Florida before a background check revealed he never received the degree from the University of Kentucky, as his resume said he had. That forced a tough decision upon Manhattan, who ultimately allowed him to return following his contract being rescinded by USF. With little margin for error, things never improved from there. Between the years of 2017 and 2021, the Jaspers had a combined record of 83-124 with zero conference titles (regular season or post-season) and no post-season appearances.
Tied together again
Fast forward eight years and Manhattan basketball fans find themselves in circumstances that Louisville fans remember quite well.
Back in 2017, just 27 days before the start of a season that looked to be destined for big things, the university made the call to fire Hall of Fame Head coach Rick Pitino.
After allegations of serious recruiting violations, assistants Kenny Johnson and Jordan Fair were terminated along with Pitino which left one man for the job; David Padgett. In less than ideal circumstances, Padgett stepped into the spot vacated by his mentor and former coach looking for help in righting the ship. Stores now finds himself replicating the exact same situation stepping into the shoes of his former coach, boss, and mentor.
Over his five-year playing career, Stores accrued a 71-58 record. While his numbers never were astronomical he did all the little things needed to win big. As a two-time team captain, the 5’10 guard was the heart and soul of his teams and it showed. He received a number of accolades including being on the All-MAAC Freshman team as well as being a Lefty Driesell Defensive All-American as a senior. He’s also forever cemented in the record books, finishing ninth in school history in total assists.
It didn’t take much drawing of lines to conclude that Stores had a bright future in the game of basketball. Following his playing career, he got into coaching and quickly climbed his way to the top of Masiello’s staff as an assistant.
Just as Padgett experienced five years ago, Stores was thrusted into the head coaching position for the first time following the unexpected firing of his coach. Only days before the season tipped off, one that had Manhattan pegged as the MAAC favorite, the school made the controversial decision to let the 11-year veteran go.
“We thank Coach Masiello for his service and wish him well,” read the official statement from Athletic Director Marianne Reilly. “As we look to building successful teams for the future – and with recruiting season beginning and Coach Masiello’s contract ending in April 2023 — we determined that it was the right time to begin rebuilding from the top down.”
In was Stores.
“Manhattan College is my school. I am grateful and proud to have this opportunity and excited about the season ahead,” Stores said in his official statement following his move to Interim head coach. Quickly reality of the situation set in. Stores was faced with roster turnover – something Padgett was lucky to avoid at Louisville. Gone in a matter of days was nearly one-third of the team’s scoring output. Preseason Conference Player of the Year, Jose Perez, incoming graduate transfer Omar Silverio, and veteran big man and UMass transfer Samba Diallo all walked following the dismissal of the program’s head coach.
Adversity wasn’t limited to just roster turnover. Stores was faced with replacing long-time Masiello right-hand man Matt Grady and assimilating his off-court personnel, which includes former Rick Pitino Student Assistant and Louisville Native, Josh Pittman and former Hartford player Jeremiah Aska.
Having former teammate and fellow assistant Wilson helped, as did the return of former Manhattan assistant Anthony Doran who offers an endless amount of basketball experience. From a former D3 assistant to a former high school and AAU coach to a young up and coming Director of Player Personnel.
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The ‘c’ word
Culture is real and building it takes time, dedication, and the ability to deal with adversity in a way that reflects character. Manhattan’s coaches have been given the worst hand possible. But it’s a hand that they see as an opportunity to prove that they are the right staff to turn things around and get back to winning basketball.
“They each bring something different, but they all have one thing in common: they like being a family. I think that translates. When guys can see us come out the office together, having fun, and being a family through wins and losses – that’s what it’s all about. They watch every little thing, so if they see us connected that’s what it’s all about.”
Much like current Louisville basketball head coach Kenny Payne, Stores is doing his best to implement a new culture under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Payne spoke on his struggles as a coach earlier this year, saying, “We have players that are struggling with confidence, struggling with who they are, and what they are, and we’re trying to help them through it. That’s what coaching is it’s not X’s and O’s and drawing up plays, it’s inspiring young people to be great, inspiring young people to believe more than they’ve ever believed in their life.”
Stores has faced plenty of the same issues that have plagued Payne. Lapses in effort, countless turnovers, a lack of following scouting reports, and general role changes for multiple players have cost the Jaspers games early. That included a one point loss to Farleigh Dickinson on the road and a two point loss to Northeastern in London.
While a banner that pays homage to Masiello and several of his former players looms large in the coaches office inside Draddy Gymnasium, Stores is putting his own stamp on Manhattan basketball.
Brotherhood
Through the ups and downs of the last two months, Stores has preached being together.. being a brotherhood. Whether on the basketball court, in the film room, in class, or even hanging out off the court – being together and being family is the most important thing.
That message isn’t new to the nine fifth and sixth-year seniors who, like Stores, have been with the program through thick and thin. But it’s a drastic change from the way Masiello, a Pitino-like character, managed the program.
“I have a relationship with a lot of these guys previously,” Stores told me. “They knew what I was about and stood for. I always preached defensive passion and playing the game with energy. That’s something that’s natural for me… They’ve also watched games of me and Coach [Tyler] Wilson and they know that one thing we bring is intensity and passion.”
Much like Payne, Stores has had to work through deeper confidence issues with his team. Through the ups and downs, Stores has asked his team to keep the constants, constant. Play hard. Play for your bother. Know your job. Do the little things. It may sound like coach speak but it’s what makes the difference in getting a culture to stick and losing the ear of a team.
What I admired most about Stores is his trust in his staff. While some head coaches micro-manage their staff or refuse to delegate or trust assistants, Stores shows his trust in his group every day. Whether in practice, in the film room, or in team meetings, Stores coaches understand the assignment and lead in a way that reflects the trust given to them; Each of them offering something insanely valuable to the team.
I watched on from practice as Doran participated in drills and scout team activities, bringing passion & energy. Wilson led scouting reports, showing his basketball IQ and attention to detail. Aska leads player workouts and skill development, using his experience at the college level to evolve the game of each player on the roster.
Payne has done similar things at Louisville. Bringing in Nolan Smith and Danny Manning gives the Cards two proven winners and leaders of men. Josh Jameison provides experience as a long-time operations coach and someone who has been apart of building a culture at Oregon. Stephanie Davis, Reece Gaines, Kamari Wooten, Justin Perez and countless other support staff members bring in their own expertise and wrinkle to add, helping day-by-day to build something great.
Each day is a watering of the plant that is Manhattan basketball and Louisville basketball. Each coach has a role, as does each player and daily their jobs together are to grow the plant.
When players don’t do their job or make mistakes (like forgetting to water the proverbial flower), that’s when the relationship between player & coach sets in. If the guys feel the love is real, they’ll buy in. If not, things can go in a number of undesired ways.
It’s bigger than basketball
“It’s bigger than basketball,” Stores repeated time and time again to his team as they prepared for Monmouth. Each member of the staff knows the importance of this season not only for their futures on the court but also for the lives ahead of each player.
Playing hard and doing the little things should come second nature but for a plethora of reasons, it often isn’t as simple as just doing. Some coaches have luck for whatever reason. Others must constantly tweak and test new ways to get through to the players and motivate change.
Payne wants to see his team be better and learn from their mistakes but he knows there’s more beneath the surface that must happen first.
“There’s not one player in that locker room that I don’t love. With that, they have to get better. And because of that, I’m going to take the criticism, the blame, because I love them and I want them to figure it out and I want them to be successful.”
You could say the start to Manhattan’s season hasn’t gone the way Stores and his veteran team had hoped. The Jaspers are 3-4 (1-0), and have dealt with losing in frustrating manner. At times you see brilliance and a team capable of winning the conference, despite all the outside noise. Then there’s the team that turns the ball over at a high clip, goes on long-stretches of scoring droughts, and misses basic scouting report details. All things that will make a coach restless at night.
Manhattan hasn’t shown the ability to put it all together but they have shown flashes. Stores has gotten a lot out of Seton Hall & St. John’s transfers Ant Nelson (10.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.3 apg) and Josh Roberts (13.6 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.9 bpg), both of whom have All-Conference Potential. He and his staff have also worked hard to push role players into more active contributors including seniors Samir Stewart, Nick Brennen, Adam Cisse, as well as freshmen Raziel Hayun and Adam Walden.
A new pipeline
“Build it and they will come.” It’s a line almost every sports and cinema fan can recite by heart.
For both Louisville and Manhattan basketball, the building of a winning culture takes time and the necessary pieces.
Fitting a square into a round hole is impossible for all (not just my 1 year old). It’s why finding the right players with the right mindset can make or break a rebuild.
While the Cards are able to recruit at a much higher level, they aren’t the only ones recruiting the Bluegrass state.
The connections to Louisville aren’t limited to the past or just similar adverse situations. Stores employs former UofL graduate and Louisville native Josh Pittman. The long-time assistant coach with stops all over the country, ranging from New Mexico State to Trevecca Nazarene University, comes to Manhattan with rich ties to the 502 & the entire state of Kentucky.
“Josh Pittman, he’s come on the staff [as the Director of Basketball Operations]” Stores said talking about his new staff. “He used to watch me play, which is a funny thing. He’s been a great help to our staff, and he can recruit Louisville.”
Like the other members of Manhattan’s staff, Pittman brings a variety of experience across all levels of college basketball.
He spent the last four years at Centre College and Berry College, proving to be a winner at both stops — something Stores values desperately.
Along the way, Pittman won three SAA Conference Titles and helped lead two different schools to DIII NCAA Tournament Appearances.
What made that possible was his strong relationship-building ability and basketball accumen.
Former Centre College (D3) big man and SAA Conference Player of the Year (and Louisville native) Jacob Bates played for Pittman and credits a large part of his development and the team winning on him.
“Coach Pittman had an impact as soon as he stepped on campus at Centre,” Bates said. “He was always willing to do whatever it took to help us win and get better, whether that was putting us through a workout, recruiting, scouting, or playing in practice. He could do it all and did it gladly for the good of the team.”
Those connections to local high schools and AAU programs across Louisville & the Ohio Valley region will bring a new recruiting pipeline to the Jasper’s. With 10 scholarships to fill heading into the 2023-24 season, recruiting is already well underway with the Louisville native offering former Eastern Eagle James Jewell as well as Dupont Manual’s Damone King according to each athlete’s Twitter accounts.
Watering the plant
No one knows what will happen at the completion of the 2022-2023 basketball season – neither for Louisville or Manhattan. Two coaches look to lead their teams to big things, but each face different barriers from their programs.
With his eyes set on coaching up his program and getting back to playing postseason basketball, Stores understands the need to win now. Being the coach of Manhattan isn’t promised.
Pressure is mounting on Payne and Louisville, but there’s reason to believe the future will be bright. The Cards no longer sit under the black cloud of the NCAA and despite early misses the recruiting staff is as strong as ever.
Take away all the drama on and off the court and what you have is two coaches who bleed red & green respectively. Just as much as they care about winning championships, they care about mentoring and leading young men.
“It’s like having a plant, you gotta water it, have soil, and sunlight to see it grow,” Stores said,
Each day brings a new opportunity to be the water, no matter whether you’re 3-4 or 0-8.
