Addition of Skinn helps Tech solidify 'players program'

RUSTON – If there's one thing Eric Konkol has demonstrated during his short tenure at Louisiana Tech, it's that he holds true to his word.

Konkol delivered on his promise to bring in a well-respected assistant coach with the hiring of Murray State's Matt McMahon.

He then checked the box of Tech becoming a "players program" with the addition of Tony Skinn, a former George Mason point guard who played for the Nigerian national team in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

"Tony is going to help reinforce that," Konkol said. "The most important thing is hiring great person, the right people, but there's no question it shows our current players here that I want to be a part of their lives forever. I want to help them in any way I can. In Tony's case, there was a great fit for him here."

Skinn, 32, played at George Mason from 2004-06 when Konkol was an assistant coach. Konkol wasn't around when Skinn helped lead the Patriots on a magical Final Four run in 2006, but the two have kept in touch since, even during a six-year stretch when Skinn played overseas.

An injury ended Skinn's career in 2012, which led to the coaching circuit. Skinn spent the last few years as an assistant on Nike Team Takeover, an AAU team out of Washington that Skinn referred to as "probably one of the top three programs in the country."

However, his resume remained void of one thing — no college coaching experience.

This was never an issue with Konkol, and as Skinn views it, he had to start somewhere.

"It is what it is as far as experience is concerned," Skinn said. "I don't see how a coach can start being a coach and gain experience if he doesn't get his first job."

Even before Konkol called, Skinn already had his eyes set on the collegiate ranks. He previously interviewed at George Mason and a few other spots, so he figured it was only a matter of when — not if — he landed his first gig.

Skinn will essentially serve as Tech's third assistant — McMahon is the associate head coach and Konkol still has one slot to fill. In addition to bridging the gap with the players, Skinn will recruit and handle scouting duties.

And if Skinn's playing career is anything like his coaching career, Konkol doesn't see how Skinn's lack of experience will hinder him in any way.

"I know he is an unbelievably quick learner," Konkol said. "I saw it as a player. I see him as a real rising star in this business, and I'm happy to be the guy to give him a chance."

The connection was strong enough to earn Skinn an interview of sorts last week when he slid right in and interacted with Tech's players.

Some knew who Skinn was — he has a popular YouTube video from 2012 when he crossed over NBA star James Harden — and some didn't. He still commanded respect.

"When you have a successful professional career like Tony had, it gives you a little bit of instant credibility with the players and really helps from a recruiting standpoint," McMahon said.

Once Skinn took the job, he texted every player to let them know that even though change is difficult, the staff shares the same goal of reaching the NCAA Tournament.

Tech wrapped up finals last week, and the players won't return until July when workouts start back up. Skinn still urged them to "keep things rolling."

"Just because you have three or four weeks off, the best time to get better is when you're by yourself," he said. "I just kind of texted with those guys to let them know we're here to have fun but we gotta work."

Konkol referred to Skinn as someone who knows more people than he even realizes, a trait Konkol likened to former Miami assistant Michael Huger, who just took over Bowling Green's program. Huger played in Europe for 12 years and received a head-coaching gig 10 years after he broke into the business as an assistant at Longwood.

"(Skinn) was really just one of the most hardworking guys," Konkol said. "He just really wanted to make it as a basketball player. He was just so driven to do that. He's the same way about coaching."

The connections will come in handy for a program that spends the least amount on recruiting in Conference USA.

Tech's recruiting footprint rarely extends east, instead staying in the Southeast and Midwest, yet Skinn is confident he can bring the Bulldogs' reach to the East Coast.

"Louisiana Tech is not a household name on the East Coast until you realize the history behind Louisiana Tech," he said. "It's huge and I think that's something we have. We have to keep luring people to come down to see."

Connect with Sean Isabella on Twitter at ST_IsabellaTNS