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5. Hiring Rob Lanier
Lanier spent the last four years in Austin with Barnes where he developed a reputation as one of the nation’s best recruiters. In total, he helped sign eight McDonald’s All-Americans has seen 10 players that he either signed or coached selected in the NBA Draft.
His success wasn’t limited to Texas. Lanier also has coaching stops as an assistant at Florida (2007-10), Virginia (2005-07), Rutgers (1997-99), St. Bonaventure (1992-97) and Niagara (1990-92) on his resume. The 46-year-old Lanier served as the head coach of Siena from 2001 to 2005 and led them to one NCAA Tournament during his tenure.
For a few days, it looked like Lanier might stay at Texas with Shaka Smart. Ultimately, he followed Barnes to Knoxville and that has already proven to be a big win for the Vols.
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