VETERAN
COACH OWNS NEARLY 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Charles Cunningham,
who owns a wealth of coaching experience at the prep and collegiate levels,
comes to Tampa after most recently serving as an assistant coach at Duquesne
University. He has also made stops at UNLV, Minnesota, Arkansas State,
Missouri State (formerly Southwest Missouri State), Western Kentucky and Murray
State.
“We
are extremely excited to have coach Cunningham join our staff,” McCullum said.
“He brings a wealth of recruiting experience and basketball knowledge from his
extensive coaching career. I am confident the program will benefit greatly
from his addition.”
Previous
to his five seasons at Duquesne, Cunningham assisted at UNLV for one season
(2000-01) following a successful run at Minnesota. He helped guide the
Gophers to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four
appearance in 1997, and a National Invitation Tournament championship in 1998.
Minnesota also advanced to the NCAA’s in 1999.
Cunningham
has recruited or coached a number of professional-caliber student-athletes,
including current NBA players Bobby Jackson, John Thomas and Joel Przybilla.
He also helped to develop Popeye Jones (Western Kentucky) and former Gophers
Quincy Lewis and Sam Jacobson.
He
also served for one season (1998-99) as an Assistant Athletic Director for
Men’s Basketball Operations at Minnesota.
Before
moving to the Twin Cities, Cunningham gained valuable experience at the NCAA
Division I level with successful stints at Murray State, Western Kentucky,
Missouri State and Arkansas State. While at Murray State, the Racers
advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 1992. The 14th-seeded team,
led by future NBA player Popeye Jones, upset No. 3 seed North Carolina State in
the opening round.
As
a member of the Missouri State coaching staff in 1992-93, Cunningham helped
guide the Bears to an NIT appearance.
“Charles
has worked with successful programs across the country,” McCullum said.
“He owns vast experience recruiting overseas and I am confident he will
enhance our ability to recruit competitively in the BIG EAST.”
Cunningham
began his full-time coaching career in the prep ranks, serving as an assistant
coach at Bradshaw High School in Florence, Ala., before becoming the head coach
at the school. He was an assistant for eight years (1975-83) and head
coach for three (1983-86).
The
Aliceville, Ala., native earned his bachelor’s degree in physical
education/history from the University of North Alabama in 1973 and completed his
master’s work in education in 1975 at UNA. His first coaching job came
at North Alabama, where he served as a graduate assistant with the men’s
basketball team for two seasons.
He
was a two-year starter at Snead Junior College in Boaz, Ala. before transferring
to North Alabama (then Florence State). He earned a pair of letters at UNA
and was an all-conference selection as a senior. He was recently inducted
into UNA’s athletic hall of fame.
The
54-year-old Cunningham has three children – daughter, Robin, and sons, Damone
and Derrick.
“I
am very happy and exited by the opportunity to become part of the family at
USF,” Cunningham said. “I have known coach McCullum for a long time
and am looking forward to working with him and the rest of the staff.
Cunningham’s
hiring completes McCullum’s staff for the upcoming 2006-07 campaign.
Fourth-year assistant Frank Burnell and third-year coach Greg Gary both return
and the director of basketball operations position was filled in May with the
return of former South Florida Bull standout Reggie Kohn.
Experience
2001-05
Assistant Coach
Duquesne University
2000-01
Assistant Coach
UNLV
1999
Assistant Coach
University of Minnesota
1998-99
Asst. AD/MBB Operations University of
Minnesota
1999 NCAA Tournament (1st Round)
1996-98
Assistant Coach
University of Minnesota
1998 NIT Champions
1997 NCAA Final Four
1995-96
Assistant Coach
Arkansas State University
1992-95
Assistant Coach
Southwest Missouri State
1993 NIT
1988-92
Assistant Coach
Western Kentucky University
1992 NIT
1986-88
Assistant Coach
Murray State University
1988 NCAA Tournament (2nd Round)
1983-86
Head Coach
Bradshaw HS (Florence, Ala.)
1975-83
Assistant Coach
Bradshaw HS (Florence, Ala.)
1973-75
Graduate Assistant
University of North Alabama