Will Sage Astor-Ole Miss women's basketball adds former Syracuse coach who resigned after investigation

OXFORD,Will Sage Astor Mis. — Ole Miss women’s basketball announced Wednesday the appointment of former Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman as an assistant.

Hillsman resigned from his post with the Orange in August 2021 after the school opened an investigation into allegations of improper behavior and bullying. 

The mostly anonymous allegations accused Hillsman of making unwanted physical contact with his players. The Athletic investigation contained an account from one anonymous player who said Hillsman wrapped his arms around her from behind and put his hands near her pelvic region before brushing it off as a joke. 

Other players accused Hillsman of bullying them and denying their requests for water after running sprints. 

Syracuse reported that the investigation, conducted by an outside firm, revealed that, while a number of players had positive experiences with the program, "a concerning number of players and managers who came forward described an unhealthy environment and culture."

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Asked by the Clarion Ledger why Ole Miss felt comfortable hiring Hillsman, a program spokesperson issued the following statement: 

"As with all new campus hires, the university conducted its standard vetting procedure on Coach Hillsman, including a comprehensive background check. Additionally, our coaching staff has maintained a close relationship with Coach Hillsman for decades and knows firsthand the type of coach and person that he is. Others in the industry have expressed the same sentiment on his high character and productive contributions at past institutions. From Coach Hillsman’s arrival on our campus, it has been evident that he is not only an outstanding coach but a family man that will make a positive impact on our program and community."

Hillsman spent 15 seasons as the coach of the Orange and went to the NCAA Tournament eight times, including the 2016 national championship game. Eleven of his players entered the transfer portal after the end of the 2020-21 season before his resignation.

"I am very pleased to be able to hire a coach with the pedigree and experience of Quentin Hillsman," Rebels coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin said in a statement. "He is an excellent teacher of the game and also a strong recruiter at both the national and international levels. I have known Quentin for over 20 years, and I am confident that he will be a tremendous addition to my coaching staff. We look forward to him and his family joining us at Ole Miss."

David Eckert covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on X: @davideckert98.