Excitement is in the air as the College Park Skyhawks, the G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, embark on a new journey under the leadership of their freshly appointed head coach, Ryan Schmidt. With a wealth of championship experience and a strong track record, Schmidt’s arrival brings high hopes for the team’s future.
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Stepping into the shoes previously filled by Steve Gansey, who led the Skyhawks for the past two seasons, Schmidt is no stranger to the G League. His most recent G League stint was with the Raptors 905, the Toronto Raptors’ affiliate, where he served as an assistant coach from 2017 to 2021. This experience allowed him to work closely with emerging talents and fine-tune his coaching skills.
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Schmidt’s coaching journey extended beyond the G League when he assumed the role of head coach for the Hamilton Honey Badgers (now Brampton) of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) in 2020. In his three seasons there, Schmidt’s leadership culminated in the ultimate prize: the CEBL Championship in 2022. It’s clear that Schmidt knows how to guide a team to victory.
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Last season, Schmidt took his talents overseas to coach the London Lions in the British Basketball League (BBL). The Lions’ remarkable success in the 2022-23 season included victories in three major competitions: the BBL Cup, the BBL Playoffs, and the BBL Championship. Schmidt’s ability to foster a culture of excellence and lead his teams to championship glory is undeniable.
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As the College Park Skyhawks prepare to take flight under Schmidt’s tutelage, fans can’t help but be filled with optimism. With a coach who has demonstrated the ability to develop talent, win titles, and adapt to different leagues, the sky’s the limit for the Skyhawks.
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This season promises to be an exciting one, as the team looks to make its mark in the G League and continue to develop the rising stars of tomorrow. With Ryan Schmidt at the helm and a new era dawning, the College Park Skyhawks are poised to soar to new heights, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds.
