Benzie probable for UM assistant’s job Coach Jaskulski headed to Miami

Mike Jaskulski, an assistant under University of Maine men’s basketball coach Rudy Keeling for the last five seasons, has accepted a similar position at the University of Miami.

Jaskulski confirmed from Miami’s Coral Gables campus Sunday that he has joined Coach Leonard Hamilton’s staff. The official announcement is expected to be made later this week, pending the results of a mandatory drug test, given to all prospective UMiami employees.

Keeling said Sunday night that he plans to fill Jaskulski’s spot with Orono native Scott Benzie, who has been a volunteer assistant with the Black Bears for the last two seasons.

“We’re going to miss him,” Keeling said of Jaskulski. “I think he was a valuable part of our staff and had a lot to do with what we did. He’s a friend and he’s a guy who knows basketball.”

The 39-year-old Jaskulski, who had served on the UMaine staff since Keeling took over the program in 1988, had handled much of the recruiting for the Black Bears. He will take on similar duties in his new position, expanding Miami’s recruiting effort in the Midwest.

“It’s a wonderful challenge and it’s very good fit,” Jaskulski said. “The things that they’re asking for are things that I’ve had a lot of responsibility doing in the past.”

Jaskulski said Keeling is a friend of Hamilton and was instrumental in helping him get the job. Jaskulski sees the move as a chance to help him take the next step in his career.

“For me personally, this is just a great opportunity to get me to a career goal, which is to be a head coach,” Jaskulski said. “I sense that Rudy’s pretty comfortable at Maine and I think they’re going to have some real success. Moving here probably will give me the chance to advance quicker.”

Working with Keeling was a rewarding experience for Jaskulski, who says the Black Bears should have some outstanding success with the current and incoming group of players.

“Rudy was very good to me,” Jaskulski said. “He had a big part in this (move). Being a longtime assistant like he was, he’s got a pretty good understanding of what needs to be done to advance your career. He doesn’t let his ego get in the way. Maine’s very lucky to have him.”

The 37-year-old Benzie, who coached the Rockland High School girls varsity team for 10 seasons prior to returning to UMaine as a graduate student in 1991, is looking forward to additional responsibilities with the Bears.

“I’m just excited because the major change for me is I’m going to be able to go on the road and recruit,” Benzie said. “To be able to learn under a guy like (Keeling) has been a great experience. For me, just the move in the responsibility is going to be good.”

He expects to make a smooth transition to recruiting in the Midwest, since he has a sister in the Chicago area and is familiar with the region. Benzie, a 1978 UMaine graduate, had been the girls varsity coach at Machias High for two years prior to taking the Rockland job in 1981.

“Scott is a very knowledgeable coach. That’s what attracted me to him initially,” Keeling said. “He really knows the Xs and Os and he’s a guy who gives us some ties to the state.”

Mike LaPlante will stay on as an assistant under Keeling, who said it will be difficult to replace Benzie, who had worked on a volunteer basis.