Yesterday, Candi Whitaker added to her coaching and support staff, announcing that Sheryl Swoopes is now the Director of Player Development and also added Melanie Balcomb as associate head coach. Here is Whitaker on adding Swoopes:

“I am thrilled to welcome Sheryl back to Texas Tech as our program’s Director of Player Development,” Whitaker said. “She brings a wealth of experience playing at the highest level and will be an outstanding resource for our student-athletes. Sheryl’s passion for our program and for impacting young players will be extremely beneficial for our continued growth. She is a fantastic addition to our staff.”

And Whitaker on Balcomb:

“We are very fortunate to add Melanie to our coaching staff,” Whitaker said. “Melanie’s long-standing success as a Division I head coach makes her an invaluable asset to our program. She knows how to win at the highest level, helping the University of South Carolina win a National Championship last season. Melanie’s a proven recruiter and will benefit our team in all facets. We are excited to welcome her to the Lady Raider family.”

I don’t know what to make of the Swoopes move, she’s obviously been significantly embraced by the coaching staff as well as Marsha Sharp since she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Swoopes was dismissed by Loyola Chicago for allegations of mistreatment of players, none of that has come to light since the dismissal. The job description says that Swoopes will help breakdown film as well as working with players on academic development as well as doing color commentary for some games.

Balcomb was with the National Champions, South Carolina, and was previously in an off-the-court role with the Gamecocks and was also a long time head coach at Vanderbilt.