George Mason Names Tony Skinn New Coach

George Mason has named Tony Skinn, a starter on the 2006 Final Four team, the school’s new men’s basketball coach. It is his first head coaching job after assistant coaching stops at Louisiana Tech, Seton Hall, Ohio State and Maryland.

He spent this past season on Kevin Willard’s staff at Maryland, where he helped lead the Terps to a 22-13 record and an NCAA Tournament victory over West Virginia.

Skinn replaces Kim English, who left George Mason last week to take the Providence job.

“It is with great excitement that I return home to George Mason,” Skinn said in a statement. “I’d like to thank Dr. Washington and Nena Rogers on this tremendous opportunity and for believing in my vision. I am committed to greatness! We will set our standards high, hustle every step of the way and compete amongst the best. It’s an unbelievable feeling to step back on campus. I’ve had some of my greatest memories here and I’m looking forward to making new ones with our fans and our community. Our best days are ahead! Mason Nation, I missed you and I am honored to represent you.”

A two-time All-CAA selection with the Patriots from 2003-06, Skinn scored 1,079 career points while starting 68 games in his George Mason career. During the 2006 NCAA Tournament, he averaged 11.3 points and shot 35 percent from 3pt range while leading the Patriots to the national semifinals.

“Tony Skinn is the right man for this moment in Mason’s basketball program,” George Mason University President Gregory Washington. “His coaching style will galvanize our student-athletes and his connection to our finest hour on the court is sure to electrify our alumni and fans. Let the Tony Skinn era begin!”

Under English, George Mason went 20-13, 11-7 in the Atlantic 10 this past season.