Casciano resigns UMPI hoop post

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine –Men’s basketball head coach Jim Casciano has resigned from his position at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
After three seasons at the helm of the Owls’ program, Casciano has accepted the position of men’s head basketball coach at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C.
“We are obviously disappointed to see Jim go, but wish him luck going forward. He coaches an exciting brand of basketball and has generated a lot of momentum recruiting good young players from all over the world,” said Athletic Director Paul Stone.
The veteran coach amassed a record of 22-45 in his three years, but saw great improvements in the depth and reach of recruiting and outstanding individual accolades for many Owl student-athletes.
Patrick Manifold was named 2013 Player of the Year by the Association of Division III Independents (AD3I) and twice named AD3I All-Independent. Claude Louis and Michael Warner were named AD3I First Team All-Independent in 2013 and Manifold was named United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division I Second Team All-American in 2013 and an Honorable Mention All-American in 2012.
This past season, Casciano mentored Warner. who was awarded a spot on the USCAA All-American Second Team and AD3I All-Independent First Team. Freshman Thiago Conceicao was named to the AD3I Second Team All-Independent and sophomore Chase Vicaire earned honorable mention on the AD3I All-Independent squad.
Casciano also served as assistant athletic director at UMPI.
The athletic department will conduct a national search for Casciano’s successor.