A quiet but not insignificant newsbreak slipped under the Northwestern sports consciousness Monday. Northwestern announced the newest addition to its basketball staff in formally welcoming Chris Lauten into his “director of basketball operations” position.
https://twitter.com/NUMensBball/status/331439400087072768
According to NUSports.com, Lauten’s work will include everything from logistical travel plans to scheduling specifics to academic advising. Lauten is a Duke graduate who served as the Blue Devils senior manager for two seasons before joining the NBA D-League, where he served as a scout, tape compiler and analyzer, salary cap manager and a key communication link to the NBA.
With Lauten on board, Collins’ staff now counts three members – assistants Tavaras Hardy and Patrick Baldwin, and Lauten. A third assistant, former Philadelphia Sixers coach Brian James, is expected to add his name to the list in the near future.
In very short order, Collins has settled into his new position, hit the recruiting trail with gusto and laid the foundation for a successful first season. A long offseason awaits.