Mark Byington joined the Vanderbilt Commodores men’s basketball program as head coach in 2024. At the time, the Commodores were struggling, and Byington was coming off a strong season with the James Madison Dukes.
In his last season with James Madison, Byington took them to the Round of 32. The Commodores, on the other hand, were struggling to make the NCAA Tournament bracket. Their last appearance was back in 2017.
Byington has since taken them to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. In his first season, the Commodores were eliminated in the first round, whereas they made it to the second round of the tournament this year.
Once again, Byington will have to rebuild the team for next season. Several players are leaving through the transfer portal, while others are graduating this year. Six Vanderbilt players have entered the portal so far. The list includes:
Mike James, a 6’5 guard who played 22 games, averaging over 10 minutes per game for 1.5 points and 2 rebounds. Tyler Harris, a 6’7 forward who transferred from Washington, was expected to play a huge role this season.
However, Harris didn’t get the minutes, averaging over 12 minutes per game for 5.5 points and 2.3 rebounds. Guards George Kimble III, Jaylon Dean-Vines, and Frankie Collins have also entered the transfer portal alongside forward Mason Nicholson.
While six players are in the portal, looking for better opportunities, the Commodores have hosted Colorado forward Bangot Dak, Washington State guard Ace Glass, and Troy forward Thomas Dowd so far.
Saint Mary’s guard Mikey Lewis and Belmont’s Drew Scharnowski are also slated to visit the program. As of now, none of these players have committed to the Commodores, but Coach Byington’s program is considered to be one of the frontrunners.
Mark Byington Received Contract Extension
Byington has helped revive the program at a time when they needed it the most. He became the first coach in program history to win 20 or more games each of his first two seasons.
The Vanderbilt Commodores offered a contract extension to Byington after they secured their second straight NCAA Tournament spot.
“Mark understood that relationship from the beginning and won over Commodore Nation with his selfless spirit and an entertaining style of play that honors our commitment to aim higher and be bolder than ever before,” athletics director Candice Storey Lee said.
Lee said that Byington is reshaping the program, and they’re excited about the vision he has for the Commodores.
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