Hubert Davis: New Assistant Coach Makes Sense for North Carolina Tar Heels

Its no secret that Roy Williams wanted his new assistant coach to have North Carolina ties, and today he made his decision. 

Hubert Davis, currently an ESPN College Basketball studio analyst, will now be sitting on the bench alongside Roy for the 2012 season and beyond, according to Robbi Pickeral of ESPN.com.

Call it a PR move if you want, but I think this is a great hire. 

First, it provides the program even more visibility.  High school kids across the nation likely watch ESPN and their college basketball coverage, meaning Davis already is a household name for many of the kids he will likely help recruit. 

That type of recognition is invaluable when he walks through the door into some young recruits home.  Plus, he grew up in North Carolina, so he has ties in that regard as well.

He also demonstrates a clear knowledge of the game, both as an analyst and as a player.  Sure, they could've hired someone with more bench time or coaching experience, but why not take a guy that has analyzed from the studio. 

I'm sure he's noticed things in his time at ESPN that a normal assistant coach wouldn't catch. 

Though I can't say I've ever personally met him, he comes off as a genuine person that is well liked at ESPN.  That speaks to his character, something that can be crucial for members of the coaching staff. 

Nothing is worse than having an assistant coach in the headlines for recruiting violations or dumb statements.

And here's where I think he could be invaluable.  He has a great relationship with both the university and with Williams.  (via the ESPN.com article)

"

"I am elated that I can fill this spot with Hubert," Williams said in a prepared statement. "I helped recruit him to Carolina in 1988, coached him in the World University Games in 1991 and have always admired him on and off the court. I knew the day would eventually come when I would need to replace staff members as they moved on.

"For the last four or five years Hubert has always been on my mind in case a spot did come open. I didn't know if I could get him to come back, but I knew I wanted him to be the first option. Coaching is about teaching, relationships and passion and I feel Hubert is the perfect choice. Our student-athletes will benefit greatly from what he adds to our staff."

"

That means they'll likely have a good working relationship, which means he'll have plenty of opportunities to learn from Williams. 

That could be vital to the future of the program, as Roy is now 61 years old.  I'm not trying to push him into retirement or anything, but who knows how much longer he'll want to coach.  I could see Davis being an assistant for a few years, leaving for a head coaching job, then coming back in 10 years after Williams announces his retirement. 

Sure, that's probably looking way to far ahead, but I see that type of potential in a guy like Davis.

Finally, you also have to consider money.  I imagine Hubert Davis is likely to get a few more dollars from donors than your typical assistant coach, both because of his personality and his history with the team. 

To me, this hire seems to be a win all the way around.  What do you think?