Florida Atlantic has hired former NBA basketball player and assistant Michael Curry to replace Mike Jarvis as the head coach of FAU Basketball. Jarvis, who resigned at the end of last season, managed just one wining season in a six year tenure at Florida Atlantic. He spoke of a disconnect between he and athletic director Patrick Chun as last season wound down.

North Carolina Central head coach LeVelle Moton and Ohio State assistant Dave Dickerson both were suggested as candidates for the vacancy. As recently as last weekend, Moton was thought to be in-line to get the job.

Athletic director Patrick Chun spoke highly of the man whom he has bestowed the duty of changing the culture of a program that has suffered three consecutive losing seasons.

“When you study Michael Curry, you get to know his reputation in the business. He’s done it through hard work, character and fortitude and commitment to be the best you can be,” he said. “We believe all these will translate to be a highly successful division 1 men’s basketball coach.”

John Kelly, FAU’s newest president, on Curry: “We’re confident Michael Curry is going to be a winner. He’s going to be our men’s basketball coach, he’s going to be a leader and we’re confident he’s going to help us educate and graduate future leaders. These are all the reasons why Michael is a right fit for FAU.”

After serving as head coach of the Detroit Pistons during the 2008-2009 season, Curry ended up as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers all the way through last season, before being relieved of his duties. This will be his first head coaching job at the college level, and he has his work cut out for him. Last season, the Owls went just 10-22, losing six straight contests to end the year. Their leading scorer, Pablo Bertone, is graduating this spring, and the team will need to find some real source of offensive output heading into the 2014-2015 season.

All four other Owl starters are returning, including forward Justin Raffington (10.1 PPG, 8.5 REB) and Marquan Botley (11.3 PPG), who was recognized for his play a All-Freshman Conference team selection this past March.

The reporting of Rodolphe Ganthier contributed to this report. He can be reached at [email protected].

Wesley Wright is the Sports Editor of the University Press. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @NotEvenWes.