FAU Basketball hoping to continue forward with head coach John Jakus at the helm

BOCA RATON (CBS12 News) — One day before FAU Athletics officially introduces their newly hired head coach John Jakus, who's replacing Dusty May, who was hired by Michigan this week, fans were doing their research on the new man on campus. Former UMASS head coach, and one time FAU assistant, Matt McCall says FAU made a great choice.

"John's one of the most respected assistant coaches in the entire country," says McCall. "You don't spend time working for programs like Baylor and Gonzaga and not know exactly what you're doing."

Florida Atlantic University has signed the former Baylor and Gonzaga assistant Jakus to a 5-year deal worth a reported one-millon dollars per season. Jakus made it to the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight and finally won a National Championship with Baylor in 2021, and is hoping to continue to share future NCAA Tournament successes with college basketball fans in Palm Beach County.

"That's the biggest piece in all of it," reflects McCall. "Getting a group of guys that are on the same page, that want to do something that's bigger than themselves. He's had a first class front row seat to that at both programs that he's worked at. There's no question there's going to be an adjustment, because it is different. When you're an assistant your main focus is recruiting, player development and scouting. He's got a lot of other things that are getting ready to come across his desk. But he's prepared. No question about it."

It's a challenge Jakus seems excited for, saying in a statement, "I have a tremendous amount of respect for what Dusty May, his staff, and the players have accomplished. FAU has been one of the best teams in the nation the last two years and I am so fortunate to carry on that tradition."

FAU Athletic Director Brian White says about Jakus, "He checks so many boxes in what we’re looking for to enhance and build on the momentum in our program. His pedigree, learning from two of the greatest coaches in the game today, is unmatched." White also called Jakus a tireless worker who "cares deeply for his players." That's a big reason why White moved so quickly to hire Jakus. Meanwhile, McCall, who is a former Southern Conference Head Coach of the Year, warns FAU fans to poise themselves for some of their favorite players to not be here for 'Jakus' Journey'.

"Fans have to be realistic and understand," explains McCall. "There is going to be players that leave. We can't get upset, disappointed. We can't be upset with Dusty May, or any players that do leave. That's just the landscape of College Basketball, it's going to happen. It's hiring the right people, surrounding himself with the right staff, and really hitting the ground running in recruiting, because there's going to be some challenges."

Jakus has never been a College Basketball head coach, but has been the head coach of a pro Team in Macedonia. McCall says that could help Jakus think "outside the box".