For the first time in five years there will be a new voice on the Lipscomb basketball bench this fall as Bisons Head Coach Scott Sanderson announces the hiring of Ryan Cahak as assistant coach for the program.
The 28-year-old Cahak comes to Lipscomb after spending the last two seasons as a member of the University of Tennessee staff in Knoxville as a graduate assistant working with the likes of Milwaukee Bucks forward Tobias Harris, the 19th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft.
“Ryan has been with some really good people,” Sanderson said. “He played for Jim Boeheim at Syracuse and has worked under Bruce Pearl and Cuonzo Martin. Those are some really good basketball genes in my opinion.
“He’s been around some really good basketball people with different philosophies on how to do things differently. I think that’s a big asset for Ryan.”
Cahak headed to “Rocky Top” to work with the Volunteer post players after a year at Colgate as the Raiders’ director of operations.
“It’s a great opportunity here at Lipscomb with Coach Sanderson and the rest of the staff,” said Cahak. “I’m excited to jump in, learn from the guys and hopefully have a successful season.”
The Syracuse native graduated from his hometown university in 2008 having suited up for the Orange for three seasons under Boeheim. Cahak prepped at St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Conn., and the Bisons plan to build on his connections in the region to expand recruiting efforts.
“About a month ago we talked about starting to recruit prep schools more, and Ryan played at St. Thomas Moore, so that will be an avenue that we start to research more,” Sanderson said. “He has a lot of good contacts in the northeast, and that will definitely be a benefit to us as well.”
Sanderson said he believes Cahak will be able to communicate well with the student athletes and bring new ideas to the table.
“With Ryan being 28, he’s closer to our players’ ages and will hopefully be able to communicate with them really well, both on and off the floor.
“I also think it will be good having a new set of eyes and someone that will see things the way we haven’t seen it,” Sanderson continued. “Ryan will also bring the perspective of the three guys he’s been around, and I think it will be good for us to hear a different voice and the players to hear a different voice.”
Having not had a coaching change for the past five seasons, Sanderson was looking for the right person to gel with Lipscomb’s veteran staff.
“Probably more than anything, he fits with me and Coach Froedden and Coach Senters, and that’s very, very important to me,” Sanderson said. “I’m excited about the things that he will bring to the table for us.”
Cahak replaces Jay Walton, who accepted a sales position with Nashville Sporting Goods in May.
Press release courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics. For more information, visit www.lipscombsports.com.