Q&A with assistant coach Jevon Mamon
12/09/2019 | 4:50:00 | Men's Basketball
Assistant coach Jevon Mamon talked about his coaching journey, his impression of Coach Mullins from Loyola, and the 2019-20 Salukis.Â
Background
I have an older brother and an older sister. Both of them live in Atlanta area. Grew up in Chicago area. I played at Barat College. It's a small NAIA school in Lake Forest. My freshman year, we went 24-9, which at the time was the best in school history. We averaged more than 100 points per game. It was a fun style of play. It wasn't quite the Grinnell system, but we did put up a lot of shots. My sophomore year, we went 33-6 and advanced to the NAIA semifinals. We lost in overtime to go to the national championship game.Â
When did you get the coaching itch?
After I was done playing, I moved down to San Antonio, where some friends and I started a basketball academy, which included camps, clinics, and youth teams. I really enjoyed it. I had already dabbled in it while I was playing in college with some summer stuff and a few spring things. I got a call from a mentor of mine. A really good friend of his was a superintendent of a school in the suburbs. They had a freshman job open, and he asked if I would be interested. I began going to school to get my teacher certification. I left for a year to go to Eastern New Mexico University. I came back to Niles West as an assistant for a few years and got my first head coaching opportunity at Perspectives Leadership Academy. I began coaching on the Nike EYBL circuit with MeanStreets. I've been fortunate to coach a lot of guys that have gone on to play college ball at various levels, as well as guys who are having success in the NBA and overseas.Â
How did you get into college coaching?
I was preparing to start my second year at Hyde Park. Over the summer, I had spoken to Coach (Porter) Moser about the ops position (at Loyola). Things kept coming up, and it kept getting delayed. It was around September, and Loyola was having boot camp. I was driving up there at 5 a.m. to sit in on boot camp. I would watch, then get in my car and drive back to the south side in time for school. In mid-October, he offered me the job. He knew it was a week or two away from the high school season, and he offered to hold the position until the spring. But I didn't have to think long. After that much time, I really wanted to get in. I'm so fortunate and blessed to get that opportunity. My first year was the year of the Final Four.Â
What were your impressions of Coach Mullins when you joined the Loyola staff?
His basketball mind and his sharpness. Obviously, he's a very bright guy. He's very detailed. He knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it done. His thoroughness — you notice that when you work with him. He's a very hard-working guy. That's a reflection on the success he's had as an assistant and he will have as a head coach as well. You knew it was a matter of time before he was a head coach.Â
Was there a moment that Coach Mullins made a particular impression on you?
There wasn't one moment. It's every day. He's as consistent as can be with his work ethic. He's an every day guy. That's what is most impressive. It's not one thing. He brings it every day.Â
What was the process that brought you to SIU?Â
First of all, I'm very fortunate and happy to be here. When he asked me to join his staff, I was elated. I've talked about his work ethic — I knew he would work hard to be successful here. I'm happy he has faith and trust in me and chose me to be a part of this staff to bring championships back to SIU.Â
That's an impressive few years of growth — from NAIA to high school to college.Â
Mitch Berk — the same mentor I mentioned earlier — I coached his sons. One year, his sons middle school team had another team in the district that needed a coach. He sought me out. I enjoyed that experience, but didn't think about coaching too much. Once my playing days started to wind down, I started thinking that was something I wanted to do. I have definitely put the time and work in, and I have worked my way up. It has been a goal of mine, and I want to keep growing in this profession.Â
As a Chicago guy, what did you know about SIU before you got the job here?
I was already familiar with SIU as a community. My sister went to school here for a couple years in the early to mid-90s. That was around the time Chris (Lowery) was playing, so it was rolling. I knew it was a big-time basketball school and big-time basketball community that backs the program and university. Even being at Loyola for two years and coming down here, having to step foot in this place, seeing the banners and seeing the place full, loud and supportive. It's a great college basketball environment.Â
What has it been like coaching these guys in your first year?
It has been a joy. These guys truly bring their best effort every day. They work hard. It's a great group of high-character kids. They want to get better; they support each other and compete with each other. It's going to help us get better in the long run. Even through the ups and downs we have had early in the season, these guys come in the next day ready to learn and get better. You couldn't ask for a better group of guys.Â
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