Houston- Tony Harvey was introduced as Texas Southern’s new Men’s basketball head coach today. It was an emotional time for Harvey, who has passed on several coaching opportunities since leaving Missouri University in 2004.
“I believed this is the right fit for me,” said Harvey. “I want to thank Dr. Rudley (TSU President) for believing in me enough to give me this opportunity.”
Harvey says he is ready to hit the ground running. “TSU has so much potential and I plan to build this program into one that we can be proud of.” He has seen success in nearly every stop of his career. Harvey has been to the NCAA six times with three different teams…Missouri in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003; Eastern Michigan in 1998 and Southern in 1993. These appearances include one “Elite Eight,” two “Sweet Sixteen” and three second round appearances.
“This coach knows how to build a top basketball program and he knows how to win,” said Interim Athletics Director Johnnie Cole.”He is what TSU needs right now to take this program to the next level.” Harvey has 11 years experience as an assistant coach on the collegiate level. HoopInsider.com named him one of the top five recruiting assistances in the country. He was the chief engineer in a recruiting system that produced five top-25 classes for Missouri University. At EMU, the team had two 20-win seasons and made the 1998 NCAA tournament after claiming the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship. The Eagles went 23-10 and were MAC runners-up during the 1996-97 campaign. While there, Harvey coached current NBA player Derrick Dial of the Toronto Raptors
Harvey says he will use those same principals and techniques to bring quality players to Texas Southern. “There are plenty of great players sitting on the benches of the nations top schools who often end up being great assistant coaches. They have aspirations of going to the next level and I want them to know that their dreams can come true playing right here at Texas Southern, “said Harvey.
A native of South Bend, Ind., Harvey grew up in Benton Harbor, Mich., and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1983 after playing on district and regional basketball championship teams. He then moved on to Louisiana Tech for one year before earning an associates degree from North Dakota State College of Science, where he led the men’s basketball team in scoring and rebounding while earning all-state and all-region honors. From there, Harvey transferred to Cameron University in Lawton, Okla., where he was an all-conference player and a member of the Deans Academic Standout list for two years.
Harvey says he expects to have his coaching staff together within the next few weeks
Coach Harvey will lock down the state of Texas. Just don’t let him drive home after his coaching show. Wink Wink
I have known coach Harvey personally and professionally for many years and I believe that he will be a great asset to the state of Texas overall.
I have known Coach Harvey and his family all of his life and I think TSU is lucky to get him as a coach. He is going to be great for the team and the college.
Good Luck Tony!!
Coach Harvey has hurt those boys he was suppose to do good and came in a thought he was A god walking around the school all I no is if he doesnt fix his problem God dont like Ugly he will get a visit from a thing Called Carma so I hope he change this year