CLEVELAND — It seems more and more people are taking notice of the culture change at Cleveland State.
The Horizon League has certainly taken notice, so much so that on Monday it named the Vikings' Dennis Gates its men's basketball co-Coach of the Year. Gates, in his first season in Cleveland, is only the second coach in program history to win the award after Gary Waters in 2007-08.
Said Gates in a statement:
"I am honored and humbled. I want to thank Cleveland State President Harlan Sands and Director of Athletics Scott Garrett for believing in me to lead this program. I also want to send my appreciation to the Horizon League head coaches, sports information directors and media members for their votes. Most importantly, I share this award with my staff, as well as the young men in this program. I am thankful for their unselfish commitment to the vision of this program both on and off the court."
The 40-year-old Gates, a Chicago native and former Florida State assistant, came to Northeast Ohio last July under rough circumstances: CSU had just fired head coach Dennis Felton after only two seasons and under a cloud of controversy, and multiple players had decided to transfer away from the school. The situation was seemingly hopeless, and the Vikings were picked to finish last in the Horizon League before the season began.
However, Gates quickly put his stamp on the squad, and has so far led them to a respectable 11-20 overall record and a 7-11 mark in conference play (both their best in five years). CSU is the No. 7 seed in the Horizon League tournament, and will face Oakland in the first round Tuesday night from Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Gates shares the honor with Wright State's Scott Nagy, who led the Raiders to their second straight regular season conference title. In addition, Vikings forward Algevon Eichelberger was named All-League third team after averaging 14.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
"This award is a true assessment of Algevon's perseverance," Gates said of the junior. "He has done everything we have asked of him and is arguably one of the most improved players in the country. To be recognized as an all-league performer speaks to his toughness, resolve and consistency."