The Glenn Cyprien File ...

[BirdofParadise]

Oklahoma State assistant Glenn Cyprien is the choice to lead the Cajuns' basketball program.

He will be introduced at a 3pm Wednesday Press Conference.

[NewsCopy]

Cyprien, a New Orleans native and 17-year Division I coaching veteran who helped lead Oklahoma State to the NCAA Final Four this past season, was named head men’s basketball coach at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on May 5, 2004.

The school's 11th head coach of men's basketball, he is replacing former head coach Jessie Evans who became the head coach at the University of San Francisco April 22 after seven seasons as the head coach at Louisiana-Lafayette.

In his fourth season and final season at OSU, Cyprien helped lead the Cowboys to a 31-4 record in 2003-2004, a season which finished at the Final Four in San Antonio. During his stay under Sutton's leadership, the Cowboys made four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and posted four straight 20-win seasons.

Cyprien was instrumental in helping OSU lure John Lucas III from Baylor and Tony Allen from junior college to form the Cowboys' formidable backcourt that ignited a Final Four run.

Sutton's reputation for for delegating work among his assistants allowed Cyrpien to learn all facets of the game which has readied him for the position of head coach.

Prior to arriving at Oklahoma State, Cyprien spent five seasons helping turnaround the program at UNLV as an associate head coach where he was a member of Bill Bayno's original staff in 1995.

In 1996-97, UNLV's recruiting class was tabbed the nation's best by the Sporting News and Basketball Times, and the 1998-99 class was ranked second nationally by The Hoop Scoop. While at UNLV, Cyprien helped recruit Tyrone Nesby, Keon Clark and Shawn Marion, who went on to play in the NBA. The recruiting classes helped turn a 10-16 season in 1995-96 to a 22-10 campaign in 1996-97 and eventually NCAA appearances in 1997-98 and 1999-2000. The Rebels made four postseason appearances during his stay.

He was an assistant coach at Western Kentucky during the 1994-95 season, helping lead the Hiltoppers to a 27-4 record and a final ranking of No. 21 in the Associated Press Poll. His recruiting class ranked No. 10 in the nation and helped land WKU the Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament titles along with a first-round win over Michigan in the NCAA Tournament.

Before joining Western Kentucky, he was the associate head coach at then-Sun Belt member Jacksonville University from 1991-94. He has also been an assistant coach at Lamar (1990-91) and Texas-San Antonio (1987-90).

Cyprien began his coaching career at UTSA in 1987 and helped guide the Roadrunners to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance that season. When he joined the staff at Lamar, the Cardinals win percentage increased from .259 (7-20) to .556 (15-12) and the team grade point average jumped from 1.00 to 2.55.

Cyprien attended Southern University (1985-87), lettering for two seasons in basketball, before transferring to Texas-San Antonio (1987-90). He received his bachelor’s degree from UTSA and earned his master’s degree from LaCrosse University in May 2002.

He attended Jesuit High School (1981-85) in New Orleans and played guard and lettered four years in basketball. He lettered two years on the football team as a wide receiver.

His father, James, coached for 30 years and his mother, Janice, also was a coach.

Cyprien has coached Robert Pack (Dallas Mavericks), Tim Breaux (Vancouver Grizzlies), Dave Johnson (Italy Pro League), Randy Livingston (Houston Rockets), Chris Robinson (Vancouver Grizzlies), Isadore Thorton (Argentina Pro League) and Lyle Mouton (Chicago White Sox) during his career.

Cyprien and his wife Monique have two daughters; Asia and Karter.

RaginCajuns.com

[EVCajun12]

I see nothing wrong with this hire. He has coached some great kids, played high school in Louisiana, was an assistant in the Sunbelt, and is one hell of a recruiter judging by some of the players he coached. Also, has worked under a legend for the past few years. good hire if you ask me.

[bigearl]

No doubt, I just wish they would have interviewed a few more people before reaching a decision. I hope they didn't rush this choice. Also, with this hire, we seem to have the same delima as when we hired Jesse... he won't be here for long.

[vatican]

A great move by Nelson and Dr. A. Cyprien was the best of all available options - he is young, personable, and has been successful everywhere he has been. Working for a legend the past 4 years could not have hurt his apprenticeship. Unlike the other candidates, he is on his way up!

[CajunRebel]

Wow, that was quick!!!!

I don't know that much about the guy, but I am happy with the decision. I'm looking forward to a good year next year.

[Cajun Express]

Originally posted by bigearl
Also, with this hire, we seem to have the same delima as when we hired Jesse... he won't be here for long.

I can only hope he excels and gets a gig at a more visable university.. get my drift Big E.

[Russ1]

Wasn't this guy under some sort of NCAA investigation for paying players or something of that nature?

[B-ball Fan]

Wasn't this guy under some sort of NCAA investigation for paying players or something of that nature?

All accusations were found to be baseless. The NCAA found no facts which warranted further investigation.

This is an awesome hire! He will bring his 17 years of college coaching experience, his Louisiana ties and his substantial energy and conviction to our program. The list of players he has recruited and coached who have gone on to play in the NBA is impressive. The current players and recruits will love this guy.

[CajunCharlie]

I feel bad for Robert Lee. I did not know him personally, and was in his presence only a few times. During these times I was impressed with his demeanor and candor. Hopefully, he will be offered and opportunity to remain on the coaching staff, and will accept the offer. Cyprien seems like a good hire, but we shall have to wait and see. I have hopes!!