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Tennessee basketball: Vols hire Aubin Goporo as Director of Player Development on Rick Barnes staff

By Caleb Calhoun

Jan 9, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; General view before the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; General view before the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee basketball has a new member. The Volunteers named Aubin Goporo as Director of Player Development to Rick Barnes’s staff.

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Rick Barnes now has a legendary high school coach as a member of the Tennessee basketball staff. The Vols added Aubin Goporo as Director of Player Development for the program.

Goporo spent 15 years as the head coach of Florida Air Academy, where he went 355-52 record with four 3A state championships.

According to UTSports, Goporo’s new role with Tennessee basketball will involve community outreach with the program along with serving as a mentor for personal and professional development.

Here’s what Barnes said about the hire, according to the UTSports story.

"“Aubin is a great man—one of the finest individuals I know. His influence on the character and development of our young men is going to be significant. He brings global experience and a unique perspective to our staff. This is a great addition to the culture of our program.”"

Originally from the Central African Republic, Goporo played for his home country’s national basketball team in the 1988 Olympics.

He comes to Knoxville after spending a year with the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.

Goporo’s high school experience in Florida, his international experience, and his experience in this role at another school make him a perfect fit for the job.

His high school coaching and international experience are huge for Barnes in recruiting. After Yves Pons’s commitment this past year, the Vols could potentially continue to go international. Goporo only helps that.

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On top of recruiting, Goporo’s unique experience also helps with player development. He is perfectly cut out to work with athletes and help them grow.

Oh, and his winning track record as a high school coach combined with his experience in the Olympics suggest he knows a little bit about coaching basketball as well. All of this makes him a home run hire.

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