CHAMPAIGN — Jody Martinez’s last day as head coach of the women’s basketball team at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla., was Friday. His first as an assistant on Matt Bollant’s coaching staff was Monday.
In a way.
Martinez won’t be on campus until Aug. 3 — just in time for practices to begin leading up to the Illini’s trip to France. In the meantime, he’s giving himself a crash course in recruiting at the Division I level in preparation for the necessary recruiting certification and getting his family ready to move to Illinois.
“I’ve been coaching for 24 years and, of course, this is one of the biggest calls you can get,” Martinez said.