Former assistant coach helped KSU to four post-season appearances

KENT, Ohio – Kent State men’s basketball Head Coach Geno Ford has announced the return of Rob Senderoff to the program as the associate head coach. A 12-year Division I coaching veteran, Senderoff makes his return to the Golden Flashes program which he helped to four straight 20-win seasons and four post season appearances from 2002-06.

“We are really lucky to get someone with Rob’s quality and experience on our staff,” said Ford, “He is proven national recruiter and an excellent on the floor coach that brought five guys on our current roster to Kent State. His familiarity with the program gives him credibility with the players.”

During Senderoff’s first stint on staff, the Golden Flashes went 89-40 (.690) and won three Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division titles. After three straight National Invitational Tournament appearances, he helped KSU advance to the NCAA Tournament in 2005-06 as the team won both the MAC regular season and tournament titles with a 25-9 overall record.

“We are pleased to have Rob rejoin our staff under Coach Ford,” said Athletic Director Laing Kennedy. “I look forward to what he brings to our program and the positive impact he will have with our student-athletes both on and off the court.”

Known for his ability to develop post players, Senderoff spent the 2006-07 season at Indiana where he worked with All-Big Ten and preseason All-American D.J. White. While a member of the Hoosier’s staff, IU went 21-11 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He was also part of a staff that recruited The Hoops Scoops No. 1 recruiting class in the country in 2007.

With the Golden Flashes he had a critical role in the progression of 2004 First Team and MAC Defensive Player of the Year, John Edwards, who played in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers. Additionally at Kent State, Senderoff also coached All-MAC performer Antonio Gates who went on to become an All-Pro tight end for the San Diego Chargers. During his tenure at Miami University, he was on a staff that helped develop current NBA players Wally Szczerbiak and Ira Newble.

A native of Spring Valley, N.Y., Senderoff began his coaching career as a student assistant at the University at Albany under legendary coach Richard “Doc” Sauers before moving on to the MAC as a graduate assistant at Miami from 1995-97. Returning to the East Coast, he spent time at Fordham (1995-97), Yale (1999-2001) and Towson (2001-02) prior to joining the Golden Flashes staff.

At Kent State, seven players earned All-MAC honors, including 2006 MAC Player of the Year DeAndre Haynes. At Yale, he saw one recruit earn Ivy League Freshman of the Year accolades and at Fordham another player earned A-10 Freshman of the Year honors.

“I’m excited to be back at Kent State,” said Senderoff. “I appreciate Coach Ford, Athletic Director Laing Kennedy and the University administration for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to continuing the success and tradition of the program.”

Senderoff earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Albany in 1995 and a master’s in sports studies from Miami in 1997. He is married to the former Lauren Edelstein, and the couple have two daughters, Samantha Brooke (4) and Rachel Senderoff who was born in March.