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Jets men’s basketball: JCC hires Finamore, Willis to coach
Jackson Community College is pleased to announce the hiring of men’s basketball Coach Stephen Finamore and Assistant Coach John Willis.
JCC Athletic Director Steve Bloomfield said, “We are very excited to have both of these coaches come to JCC. Steve (Finamore) brings a lot of energy and passion for the game, as well as a real interest in student learning. John has done so much in the community in terms of his connections with young people, helping them educationally and socially, and coaching, which has been so huge. To have him be part of our program, to complement a man like Steve Finamore, I believe sets us up for success.”
Finamore recently worked as assistant basketball coach at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, N.J. He spent three years as a student assistant coach under Tom Izzo at Michigan State University, and also served as head coach one year at Portland High School in Portland, Mich. Finamore holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, majoring in sports studies.
Finamore said, “I love to coach. I thought it would be a great fit for me to start a program from the ground up where I can go in and recruit my own players and get the program going the way I want. In a sense, that’s every coach’s dream, to start a team from scratch. But this isn’t fantasy, it’s reality!” He plans to connect with local high school coaches right away to help build relationships to assist in recruiting. “I want the best student athletes I can find, to put together the team that will make Jackson proud.”
MSU Coach Tom Izzo said: “I am very excited for Steve. He helped us win a national championship when he was here. You won’t find a more dedicated and hard-working person. He is also very personable and develops strong relationships with student-athletes. He will be a good addition to Jackson Community College.”
Finamore currently resides in East Lansing with his wife, Mary Hogan, and 7-year-old daughter, Taylor.
John Willis is well-known in the Jackson community, having served as director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for 10 years. Willis has coached Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the center and served as head basketball coach at Tomlinson Alternative School for three years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix in business administration, and also attended JCC and the Detroit Technical Institute.
“I am thrilled! I think this (the basketball team) will mean a lot for Jackson and for the young men of the community,” Willis said. He remembers the reputation and positive influence the College’s players from the past had when they would go into the community and play around younger kids, and what a powerful impact it had on the younger players.
“I think this will help to keep JCC in contact with the community, and help out the young men who may not have a chance to go to a four-year university,” Willis said. “I can’t wait to get started.”
Willis lives in Jackson with his wife, Mary, and their 10 children, seven boys and three girls.
