Cleveland State has hired former assistant Rob Summers as head coach. The 7’0″ coach was with the program from 2019 to 2022 and will look to bring the Vikings back to prominence.
The program, located in Cleveland, Ohio, has made March Madness three times, the most recent of which was back in 2021.
Who is Rob Summers?
According to the team’s social media page, Summers was hired recently as the 18th head coach in program history.
Welcome BACK to Cleveland @RobSummers33!
Excited to introduce Rob Summers as the 18th Men’s Basketball Head Coach in program history!
🔗 – https://t.co/mEkauR6FCm#GoVikes pic.twitter.com/ZnMCHMRTSp
— Cleveland State Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@csu_basketball) April 9, 2025
The former Penn State and West Virginia big man had a strong playing career in both college and the pros. He was a key member of the 2005-2006 West Virginia team that reached the Sweet 16.
In his final college season, he recorded a field-goal percentage of 63.3% (second-highest single-season mark in WVU history) en route to helping the team win the NIT Championship in 2007.
He would go on to play overseas in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa.
After his playing days were over, he went on to be an assistant coach at several different schools, such as James Madison, Miami (Ohio), Missouri, and, of course, his previous tenure with Cleveland State.
Now, he will have his opportunity to make his mark as a head coach.
What Rob Summers Can Accomplish in Year One
Simply put, Summers has to prove that he can be a quality coach for years to come.
While the team has won 20-plus games in each of the last four seasons, it has made just three NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 50 years.
The Ohio native also has a very innovative offensive mind, seeing as he was in charge of Missouri’s offense last season.
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The Tigers finished last season ranked ninth nationally in total offense, which was a notable mark.
In the Horizon League this season and beyond, Summers will look to bring the Vikings back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2020-2021 season, which was shortened due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
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