U Of New Orleans Hires Mark Slessinger As Coach

UNO Athletic Director Amy Champion introduced Mark Slessinger as the Privateers' men's basketball coach Wednesday.

Champion referred to the former Northwestern State assistant's connections within the state and his recruiting ability as reasons for his hiring.

"He is the perfect fit for us at this point," Champion said. "He really does mesh with our staff. We knew after the campus tour that he was the fit. He knows every corner of the state of Louisiana. He knows every high school coach."

Slessinger said he jumped on the opportunity to become a head coach in Louisiana.

"I think everybody matures and moves on to the next step," Slessinger said. "And to be able to do it in the state I have such a great passion for, this is where I want to live. I really believe you're only going to be successful where you're comfortable, and Louisiana is where I'm comfortable."