Staley's Friend Reiss Takes Florida Job

On March 23rd, Florida is expected to name Tammy Rice as his next women's basketball

coach starting next season.

That sets up an intriguing SEC match-up for South Carolina's Don Staley against her old

college teammate and close friend.

Multiple reports confirm the hire on Monday, though Florida has not made it official yet.

Reese has just wrapped up a standout year at Rhode Island when she led the Rams to 28

wins, a program record.

They made the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1996, as an 11-seed, but fell

to Alabama in the opening round.

Since taking over in 2019, race posted a 138 wins to 73 losses record overall.

Staley and Reesco way back as stargars and roommates at Virginia in the 1990s undercoach

Debbie Ryan.

The Cavaliers made three straight final fours during that run, and the two have stayed

tight ever since.

Reese even made a fun surprise appearance during Staley's ESPN selection shows bought last

Sunday.

Florida parted ways with Coach Kelly Ray Finley earlier this month after five seasons.

Now with race in the mix, South Carolina and Florida could face off twice next year, depending

on SEC scheduling, which rotates opponents annually.

We'll keep an eye on the official announcement and how this friendship plays out on the court.