Popa accepts head coaching position
The University of Indianapolis named former women’s basketball assistant coach Constantin Popa head coach of the program after former head coach LeAnn Freeland resigned earlier this week.
Freeland took a head coaching position at Division II Nova Southeastern in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., providing the opportunity for Popa to be promoted to head coach.
“He has good rapport with the team,” said UIndy Director of Athletics Sue Willey. “He’s been a great asset in his time here, and he’s respected.”
Before coaching, the 7-foot-3-inch Popa played for the University of Miami Hurricanes from 1991-1995 where he was a two-time All-Big East performer. He finished his career with more than 1,100 points and 700 rebounds. He still holds the record at Miami for career blocks with 263.
Popa then played basketball at the professional level in both the United States and Europe. He was drafted by the L.A. Clippers in 1995 but soon traveled to Europe to play instead.
Popa explained that he spent most of his time playing in Israel until he retired from professional basketball in 2000 because the political situation was beginning to get out of control. He had a wife and children and knew it was in their best interest to leave the country. He said that although he wanted to keep playing, he didn’t want to start all over in a new country, so he decided to retire and go into coaching.
“I was fortunate enough to play at every level [in basketball],” Popa said. “I had many different coaches and got to see many different styles of coaching. I learned a little from everybody, and just being around the game for so long helped me transition into coaching.”
Popa first coached at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, Fla., where he was the head coach. After two years, he joined the Greyhound coaching staff in 2007 and was the assistant coach under Freeland for four years.
“[Freeland] opened up my eyes as far as dealing with young ladies,” Popa said. “I had only dealt with the men’s side until then. As far as basketball, she had some very good ideas as far as motion offense and other things.”
Popa is taking over a team that has a history of success. Over the past four years, the Greyhounds have had 89 wins, three consecutive NCAA appearances, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2009; national rankings as high as No. 2 and an appearance in the 2011 GLVC conference final. Popa also had the opportunity to coach both All-American and all-conference players.
As for the transition from assistant coach to head coach, Popa says he is prepared for the change.
“I’m definitely ready for it; there’s no doubt about it,” he said. “Even as an assistant coach, I had a lot of freedom from Coach Freeland and got to give a lot of input. I’ll just be the one making the final call now, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Popa explained how his coaching style involves giving the players more freedom. He likes to let his players make their own decisions on the court as long as they are under control. He also noted that he is intense on the bench, and that intensity is passed on to his players.
“I’ll be making some changes, but nothing major,” Popa said. “We like motion, but I want a little more of a controlled game and to make some play calls. We may throw a little zone out there or some full court pressure. We have some options.”
Willey’s expectations remain high for the women’s basketball team. She said she fully expects them to continue where they left off this season and progress as a team.
“It will be a smooth transition,” she said. “We wanted to keep continuity instead of bringing someone else in and starting over.”
Popa already has taken over the postseason workouts as the young Greyhound squad, which only graduated one senior, looks to build on this year’s conference tournament success.
“I’d like to thank Dr. Willey and [UIndy President] Dr. Pitts for the opportunity,” Popa said. “I’m really excited, and I’m looking forward to continuing working with these girls and taking them to the next level.”
