SV grad Bazzoli takes reins of Gannon men’s basketball program
ERIE — Easton Bazzoli was recently reminded by his father of a comment he made over 15 years ago.
“He said I told him when I was 12 years old that I would be a basketball coach one day,” said Bazzoli, a 2013 Seneca Valley High School graduate. “I have no recollection of that, but I knew as I got closer to the end of my playing career that I didn’t want my involvement in the sport to end.”
Bazzoli spent seven seasons as an assistant coach, the last of which coming this past season at Gannon University under Jordan Fee, who recently stepped down to pursue the next step in his coaching career. On Thursday, the former was introduced as the Golden Knights’ 21st head coach in program history.
“(Thursday) was exciting, hectic, my emotions were all over the place,” said Bazzoli. “The fact that I’ve already been here for a year, I already have relationships on campus. It’s not a brand new situation I’m walking into and that’s an advantage for me.”
With Bazzoli on staff, the Knights turned in the most successful season in the history of the program, going 32-3 and reaching the NCAA Division II Elite 8.
“We had 14 new players on the roster and for the team to come together in a short time, just seven months, and accomplish what they did, it’s truly incredible,” said Bazzoli. “We were the 2nd-highest scoring team in the nation (100.4 points per game) and scored the most fastbreak points in the country. Our guys bought into the system and out-worked opposing teams nearly every single night.”
"We are excited to welcome Easton Bazzoli as our next men's basketball head coach," said Gannon Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk in a released statement. "Easton has tremendous basketball knowledge, as well as an unwavering commitment to excellence and the student-athlete experience. We are excited for our men's basketball program to continue its forward momentum and excel under his leadership."
Bazzoli, a native of Cranberry Township, was named Butler Eagle Boys Basketball Player of the Year shortly after his scholastic career ended. He averaged 15 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game that season. Following a four-year collegiate career at Cedarville (Ohio) University, he took an assistant coaching position with Union University, a Division II school in Tennessee where he remained for six seasons before coming to Gannon for the same role.
“Gannon is a special place,” said Bazzoli. “They care about basketball here more than other colleges in the majority of the country. I was ready to move on, expand my knowledge and expand my network. It was not a lateral move. It was a move in the right direction.”
Bazzoli wasted no time in beginning to put his imprint on the Knights as head coach. Within hours of officially taking over, he was in contact with several potential recruits. His plans for the team include keeping its foot on the gas in regard to style of play.
“We plan on being the fastest team in the country,” he said. “I’m confident there’s not a more fun system to play in.
“There’s no break when it comes to recruiting. It’s 24/7. We already have commitments from some of the most talented, high-character guys around. After last season, we aren’t going to come out and surprise anybody. It will be a challenge, but one that we are looking forward to.”
Bazzoli believes he is in the perfect place to do what he loves.
“It’s insane to be in a place this good and be able to impact young men through basketball,” he said.
