University of Memphis Athletics
Orlando Antigua Named Tiger Basketball Assistant Coach
Jun 10, 2008 | Men's Basketball
June 10, 2008
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Orlando Antigua, a member of the University of Pittsburgh basketball staff the last five seasons (2004-08), has been hired as an assistant coach for the University of Memphis men's basketball program, head coach John Calipari announced Tuesday.
"Orlando is a great addition to the Memphis basketball family," said Calipari. "He is a tireless worker and an energy guy. Orlando has enjoyed a great amount of success in every stage of his basketball career as a player, operations director and assistant coach. Orlando is a winner, and we're looking forward to having him come on board."
Antigua served on the Panthers' staff during one of the best runs in that program's history. He was hired prior to the 2003-04 campaign as director of basketball operations, and then in the summer of 2006, was elevated to an assistant coach position. During his time in the Steel City, Pittsburgh posted a 132-40 overall record (.767 winning percentage) and a 55-27 Big East Conference mark. The Panthers had five-straight 20-win seasons and had 10 or more wins in league play in each of his five years on staff. Pittsburgh won the 2003-04 Big East Conference regular season title in Antigua's first year.
The Panthers also had great success in the postseason during Antigua's stint. Pittsburgh played in four of the last five Big East Conference Tournament championship games, taking home the league's tournament title in 2008. The Panthers earned NCAA Tournament berths all five years and advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2004 and 2007.
"I'm excited about coming to Memphis and joining Coach (John) Calipari's staff," said Antigua. "I've known Coach Calipari for years and admired what he has done from a distance. But now, to get to work side-by-side with a future Hall of Fame coach is a tremendous opportunity for me, and I look forward to learning a lot from him.
"I'm excited about working at a great university with an outstanding basketball program. Memphis has a rich basketball tradition, and I want to help continue that by recruiting quality student-athletes that excel in the classroom and on the court. My family and I are also looking forward to eating lots of barbecue."
Prior to his coaching stint at Pittsburgh, Antigua was a four-year letterwinner and two-year team captain for the Panthers from 1991-95. Antigua ranks 11th all-time in career three-pointers made (117) and sixth in career three-point field goal percentage (.386). He also ranks among the school's career leaders in blocked shots with 78, the 12th-best total in Panthers history.
Over his four-year career, Antigua scored 930 points and grabbed 409 rebounds. He averaged 8.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while starting 78 of his 116 career contests played. A 1992 Big East Conference All-Rookie Team member, Antigua helped lead the Panthers to an 18-16 record and berth in the National Invitation Tournament as a freshman. As a sophomore in 1992-93, Antigua helped lead Pittsburgh to a 17-11 record and NCAA tournament berth under head coach Paul Evans. He was named the United States Basketball Writers' Association (USBWA) Most Courageous Athlete in 1994, an honor presented annually to the college basketball player who displays exceptional courage both on and off the floor. Antigua averaged over 10.0 points per game in each of his last two seasons. He graduated from Pitt with a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences in December 1995.
"I have known Orlando for 20 years, and he is one of the best people I've ever met," said Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News. "It's that simple. His enthusiasm is infectious. His integrity is above reproach. He is genuine. I'm absolutely certain Memphis is going to love him."
After graduation, Antigua was selected to play for the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters, becoming the first player of Latin American descent to play for the squad. Nicknamed "Hurricane" for his dazzling moves and quickness, Antigua played with the Globetrotters for seven years until 2002. He represented the squad in 49 different countries and on tours to South America, South Africa and on the acclaimed "Youth in Our Lives Tour."
Antigua also played in the Puerto Rico Superior Basketball League for eight years and represented the Dominican Republic national team in both 1994-95 and 1997-98. Because of his dedication to the community, Antigua was named one of the nation's top-100 most influential Hispanic Americans by Hispanic Business magazine.
In 2002-03, Antigua served as an assistant basketball coach at nearby Mt. Lebanon High School under former Panthers player Joey David (1983-86) and worked as a sales representative for Cavanaugh Promotions in the North Hills.
Fluent in Spanish, Antigua and his wife, Dana, have two children: son, Orlando Anthony, and daughter, Olivia.
