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NEWARK, N.J. — Alabama basketball senior Houston Mallette will be forever grateful for the lessons he learned from Crimson Tide assistant coach Ryan Pannone.
After midnight of Alabama's (28-9) Elite Eight loss to Duke, Mallette confirmed to the Tuscaloosa News that Pannone is headed for Arkansas State. When asked who is biggest mentor was, Pannone, who was reported to be finalizing a deal with former Crimson Tide assistant and now-USF coach Bryan Hodgson's ex-team on Saturday, was the first name that came to Mallette's mind.
"Honestly, obviously, he's going to Arkansas State now, which I'm really happy about, like, kind of happy and sad, but Coach Pannone," Mallette said, confirming the coach's exit to take the helm of the Red Wolves program.
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"He's one of the greatest coaches I've ever played for," Mallette said of Pannone.
Mallette said Pannone was "different." Not because he's a Florida man from Clearwater. Not because he came to Alabama with NBA experience as an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans, or all the time coaching all levels around the globe from Jerusalem to China.
When Pannone was hired on Jun. 7, 2023, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats commended the now 40 year-old Pannone for the "wealth of Xs and Os" knowledge that he'd bring to Tuscaloosa, calling him a "top recruiter and a leader in player development."
To Mallette, Pannone's impact went deeper than what he drew up in the playbook.
"He loves basketball and he loves human beings," Mallette said, hoping to be a coach like Pannone himself one day.
What resonated with Mallette most was the way that Pannone talks about "loving other people in everything you do."
"For instance, my role on the team wasn't as big as I would have thought it was, in terms of, like, on court production and whatnot. But that shouldn't stop you from loving your teammates and giving your all ... in practice, in rehab, to everybody treating everybody with respect," Mallette said.
Despite burning his redshirt to step up for an injured Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Mallette — who informed Tuscaloosa News that he would be returning for a fifth year in Tuscaloosa — only played in six games for the Crimson Tide as he dealt with knee injuries.
"I think it's just interesting to talk about, though, like you can learn a lot from everybody ... ," Mallette said. "Like our whole coaching staff, Preston Murphy, like, we all have intricate relationships and unique relationships. We've already talked a lot and I'm going to miss a lot of these guys."
It's Mallette's hope that he won't have to miss Alabama down the stretch, though. If Oats' coaching tree keeps growing, the Pepperdine transfer wouldn't mind taking an opening.
"That's my goal. I want to coach. I specifically kind of want to coach for college," Mallette said. Pointing to a tattoo reading 'Agape,' which is a popularized term at his former Pepperdine, he believes his "mission in life" is helping people and loving them.
Pepperdine's Boone Center for the Family defines "Agape love," as "the kind of love and action that shows empathy; extends the desire for good of the beloved; wants the best; extends help or demonstrates good intentions; and is intended for everyone." It's a love that's "sacrificial," and can mean putting the needs of others above your own and showing forgiveness when it's hardest to find it.
"Whether that be how I play or how I interact, I love people. I love loving people. I love seeing people get better. That's what fills my cup, is loving others," Mallette said.
For Mallette, Pannone was quite the teacher.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball player reacts to Ryan Pannone's exit for HC job at Arkansas State
Continue reading...
After midnight of Alabama's (28-9) Elite Eight loss to Duke, Mallette confirmed to the Tuscaloosa News that Pannone is headed for Arkansas State. When asked who is biggest mentor was, Pannone, who was reported to be finalizing a deal with former Crimson Tide assistant and now-USF coach Bryan Hodgson's ex-team on Saturday, was the first name that came to Mallette's mind.
"Honestly, obviously, he's going to Arkansas State now, which I'm really happy about, like, kind of happy and sad, but Coach Pannone," Mallette said, confirming the coach's exit to take the helm of the Red Wolves program.
COMING BACK TO TITLE TOWN: Houston Mallette confirms he will return to Alabama basketball for fifth season
WHAT'S NEXT FOR MO D? 'I know what I deserve': Alabama basketball forward Mouhamed Dioubate wants starting spot
"He's one of the greatest coaches I've ever played for," Mallette said of Pannone.
Alabama basketball players confirm, react to Ryan Pannone's exit for HC job at Arkansas State
Mallette said Pannone was "different." Not because he's a Florida man from Clearwater. Not because he came to Alabama with NBA experience as an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans, or all the time coaching all levels around the globe from Jerusalem to China.
When Pannone was hired on Jun. 7, 2023, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats commended the now 40 year-old Pannone for the "wealth of Xs and Os" knowledge that he'd bring to Tuscaloosa, calling him a "top recruiter and a leader in player development."
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To Mallette, Pannone's impact went deeper than what he drew up in the playbook.
"He loves basketball and he loves human beings," Mallette said, hoping to be a coach like Pannone himself one day.
What resonated with Mallette most was the way that Pannone talks about "loving other people in everything you do."
"For instance, my role on the team wasn't as big as I would have thought it was, in terms of, like, on court production and whatnot. But that shouldn't stop you from loving your teammates and giving your all ... in practice, in rehab, to everybody treating everybody with respect," Mallette said.
Despite burning his redshirt to step up for an injured Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Mallette — who informed Tuscaloosa News that he would be returning for a fifth year in Tuscaloosa — only played in six games for the Crimson Tide as he dealt with knee injuries.
"I think it's just interesting to talk about, though, like you can learn a lot from everybody ... ," Mallette said. "Like our whole coaching staff, Preston Murphy, like, we all have intricate relationships and unique relationships. We've already talked a lot and I'm going to miss a lot of these guys."
It's Mallette's hope that he won't have to miss Alabama down the stretch, though. If Oats' coaching tree keeps growing, the Pepperdine transfer wouldn't mind taking an opening.
"That's my goal. I want to coach. I specifically kind of want to coach for college," Mallette said. Pointing to a tattoo reading 'Agape,' which is a popularized term at his former Pepperdine, he believes his "mission in life" is helping people and loving them.
Pepperdine's Boone Center for the Family defines "Agape love," as "the kind of love and action that shows empathy; extends the desire for good of the beloved; wants the best; extends help or demonstrates good intentions; and is intended for everyone." It's a love that's "sacrificial," and can mean putting the needs of others above your own and showing forgiveness when it's hardest to find it.
"Whether that be how I play or how I interact, I love people. I love loving people. I love seeing people get better. That's what fills my cup, is loving others," Mallette said.
For Mallette, Pannone was quite the teacher.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball player reacts to Ryan Pannone's exit for HC job at Arkansas State
Continue reading...
