UPDATED: Zeigler inks four-year deal; Reports state son Trey headed to CMU
Ernie Zeigler finalized a four-year contract Tuesday to stay on as men’s basketball coach at Central Michigan University — the same day his son, Trey, a highly-sought-after basketball recruit, revealed he will announce his decision Wednesday.
Published reports late Tuesday stated Trey, who was runner-up for Michigan's Mr. Basketball award for the state's top player, will play for his father at CMU in the fall, citing unnamed sources.
Zeigler, who enters his fifth season at CMU, had one year remaining on his original deal, which was extended one year beyond his original four-year contract he signed in 2006. The new deal will pay him the same base salary he was slated to receive — $175,446 — but includes $25,000 per year for radio and TV along with numerous performance incentives.
“I’m extremely excited about having the opportunity to continue to be the head basketball coach here,” Zeigler said. “I think it’s a statement to the direction that myself and my staff and the players in our program have this thing going in the right direction.”
Zeigler led the Chippewas to their second consecutive MAC West title last season, losing in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals for the fourth year in a row. CMU finished 15-15 overall — its highest win total since 2002-03 — and 9-7 in the MAC.
“This program is positioned for success,” said Athletics Director Dave Heeke in a press release. “Our goal is to be highly competitive in the MAC and contend for championships on a regular basis. With Ernie’s leadership I am confident we can accomplish that.”
National interest in Trey's decision
Trey, a 6-foot-5 guard who played at Mount Pleasant High School, said he finally made his decision Monday, narrowing his collegiate choices from four — CMU, Michigan, Michigan State and UCLA. He will announce his intentions on ESPNU during a 4 p.m. program and hold a news conference at Mount Pleasant High School on Thursday morning.
“It’s been a long-time coming and finally getting it over with is going to be huge,” Trey said Tuesday. “I’m going to talk to all the head coaches tonight and give them an idea of where my head is at going into tomorrow.”
Trey said his father’s long-term deal only helps the Chippewas.
“It’s great for my dad — he’s done some great things and won back-to-back MAC West titles,” Trey said. “For me, without that contract, I don’t think there would’ve been a shot of me coming here (CMU). We wanted security in a situation, so I think that’s great for him to happen and it opens the door for him.”
