Stanback stays solid through coaching change
Back in November, Trevor Stanback became the first member of the 2016 recruiting class for Stanford. Since then, the men’s basketball program has gone through some changes, with head coach Johnny Dawkins being replaced by former UAB head coach Jerod Haase.
Despite what transpired at the end of the season, Stanback is still firmly committed to the Cardinal. It’s everything that Stanford has to offer that made it such an appealing location for the next step of his life.
“It was definitely the academics that stood out,” emphasized the Rivals top 100 recruit. “All the schools that recruited me were very good programs, with very good coaches. With Stanford, it was the academics that put them over the top and created the best fit for me.”
Academics have been a priority for Stanback for as long as he can remember. This focus is what made Stanford such a good fit.
“The importance of academics has been instilled in me since I was young,” the Maranatha high school star explained. “I know I want to major in psychology, and Stanford has one of the best programs in the country. I know that there is a life after basketball and Stanford can help me pursue those other aspects of life once basketball is done.”
While it’s easy to look back on it now, Stanback admitted that the rigorous admissions process with Stanford was difficult.
“The one thing I can say about the admissions process is that it was stressful,” he said with a laugh. “When you are filling it in, you don’t want to get anything wrong, and you want every answer to be perfect. I had received the admissions papers, and turned them in a week later. But there were some issues with my application and they said they didn’t receive one of my teacher recommendations.”
“In the end, I’m really glad I went through the process. I found out I was admitted after a practice, and it was one of the best days of my life.”
One thing in his recruitment that the talented big man couldn’t have seen coming was a change in the coaching staff. While it was surprising, Stanback remains firmly committed to Stanford after meeting with Coach Haase.
“It was definitely a setback and I didn’t see it coming at all,” he admitted. “I have the upmost respect for Coach Dawkins and I’m glad he has found a new job. I have talked with Coach Haase and he met with my family and myself. We talked about what his expectations are and we are both very excited to be coming to Stanford.”
This summer will allow both parties to get a better feel for each other, with Stanback planning to arrive on The Farm and get to work with his new teammates.
“I will be coming in over the summer and working out with the team so he (Coach Haase) can get a better feel for my game and we can go from there. I really just want to help the team in anyway that I can. Whether it’s being the best teammate, hustling every plan when I get in, or just making the right plays, I just want to help the team.