Larry Mangino finished his second season at SMU (2011-12) and 26th season as a collegiate coach. He was named an assistant coach by Matt Doherty on Aug. 19, 2010. Mangino came to the Hilltop with 24 years of college coaching experience, including nine years as a head coach. He spent the two years prior to SMU as the player development coach for the Denver Nuggets.
In 2011-12, SMU set the school record for scoring defense (60.1) while leading C-USA and ranking 20th nationally. The Mustangs also held opponents to 30.8 percent from 3-point range, which was first in C-USA (34th NCAA) and second in SMU history. On offense, the Mustangs made 248 3-pointers, which was second in a season at SMU; and the 7.8 threes per game led C-USA and ranked 46th in the NCAA. Overall, SMU finished the 2011-12 season at 13-19 and 4-12 in C-USA. Senior Robert Nyakundi led the Mustangs as he was named All-C-USA Third Team, USBWA All-District and NABC All-District Second Team. He led C-USA in 3-point percentage at 41.4% (25th NCAA) and ranked second in C-USA for threes made (2.7), was 7th in scoring (14.8) and 6th in free throw percentage (.780). Three of the top five scorers for SMU were in their first season.
Mangino[apos]s first season at SMU was the most successful season on the Hilltop in more than a decade. The Mustangs recorded their first 20-win season and first postseason bid since 1999-2000; finishing 20-15 and advancing to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT) semifinals. SMU had its most wins in Conference USA (8) while leading the league in field goal (7th NCAA), 3-point (13th NCAA) and free throw percentage (38th NCAA). SMU also led C-USA and was 23rd in the NCAA in scoring defense (61.3 ppg). SMU made a team-record 277 3-pointers, finishing first in C-USA and 33rd in the NCAA in 3-pointers per game (7.9). Senior tri-captain Papa Dia led the Mustangs, earning selection to the 2011 CIT All-Tournament Team, NABC Division I All-District First Team, All-C-USA First Team and C-USA All-Defensive Team. He was also named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. Junior Robert Nyakundi was selected third-team All-C-USA, marking the second straight year SMU had two members named all-league.
Before joining the Nuggets[apos] staff, Mangino spent seven seasons as an assistant men[apos]s basketball coach at the Air Force Academy (2000-07). The Falcons made the 2004 and 2006 NCAA Tournaments and advanced to the semifinal round of 2007 National Invitation Tournament.
Before Mangino joined the Academy, he was a head coach for nine seasons; first at Clark University in Massachusetts from 1991-96 and then at Ferrum College in Virginia from 1996-2000. At Clark, Mangino developed the Skills for Life program to help athletes prepare for their post-graduate careers.
Before becoming a head coach, Mangino worked as an assistant coach at George Washington from 1986-91, at Yale from 1984-86, and at Montclair State in 1983-84. He also helped George Washington to the NIT in 1990-91.
Mangino is a 1983 graduate of Montclair State where he earned his bachelor[apos]s degree in physical education. He later earned his master[apos]s degree in human development from George Washington in 1996.
He was a three-year basketball letterwinner at Montclair State and helped the team to the 1981 regional championship. Mangino began his coaching career at Montclair as a graduate assistant in 1983-84 after his playing career ended.
Mangino has worked as a clinician at several major basketball camps, including the Boston Celtics rookie and free agent camp. He[apos]s also been active in community affairs throughout his career, including the Big Brother program.
Mangino and his wife, Ann, have two daughters, Chelsea and Grace.
