On the September episode of the “Connect with County Leaders” Podcast, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill is joined by Tony Skinn, the new men’s basketball coach at George Mason University.
Skinn is no stranger to George Mason, having played for the Patriots from 2003-2006, including the team’s Final Four NCAA Tournament run. A two-time all-conference selection during that time, Skinn scored 1,079 career points while starting 68 games in his George Mason career. During the 2006 NCAA Tournament, he averaged 11.3 points and shot 35 percent from three-point range while leading the Patriots to the national semifinals.
After college, he went on to play professional basketball in France, Italy, Germany and Israel before becoming an assistant coach at various NCAA programs, including Seton Hall, Ohio State, Maryland and Louisiana Tech.
Skinn’s passion for coaching and desire to grow as a leader guided his career choices. Now, Skinn has returned to Fairfax County and his alma mater as the newly hired men's basketball coach, ready to lead the Patriots in a new era.
During his conversation with Hill, Skinn highlights that his coaching style emphasizes playing with freedom, tempo and a tough pressing defense. He also notes the importance of seizing opportunities and being adaptable in the ever-changing landscape of college basketball coaching. Skinn's experiences as both a player and a coach have shaped his approach to leadership, where he prioritizes growth and development, both on and off the court.
Skinn recognizes that succeeding at Mason requires engaging with the community. He plans on maximizing visibility around Fairfax by accepting any invitation and “marketing the university via our basketball program.”
The Mason basketball season starts Nov. 6 at home against Monmouth. Tickets are available at GoMason.com.
Fun Fact: Skinn represented Nigeria in the 2012 Olympics and is currently one of only two college basketball coaches born in Africa.
George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Mason offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees and numerous minors and certificate programs to customize students' education and meet career and personal goals. Mason’s six-year graduation rate exceeds the national average, with no disparity based on ethnicity or economic status. To learn more, visit www.gmu.edu.
CONNECT WITH THE COUNTY LEADERS PODCAST
The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is a monthly opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific programs and services in Fairfax County.
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