In light of Tom Abatemarco’s announcement of his resignation on Monday,
March 13, California State University, Sacramento Athletic Director
Debby Colberg announced Tuesday morning that the process of finding a
new head men’s basketball coach would begin immediately.
Abatemarco, the head men’s basketball coach at Sacramento State over
the past three years, guided the Hornets to a 13-66 overall record and a
6-42 record in Big Sky Conference play. While the 1999-2000 squad
finished the year with a 9-18 overall record (the most wins by a Hornet
squad since making the move to Division I in 1991), Sacramento State
posted a 3-13 mark in Big Sky play.
“Tom and I had a good working relationship and for some reason that
fact has been obscured in recent days,” Colberg said. “In light of his
announced resignation, I wish him the best in the future and am grateful
for the time and energies he brought to the program.”
While the process of hiring a new head men’s basketball coach is
underway, assistant coach Jerome Jenkins will assume additional duties
over the men’s basketball program as the assistant coach in charge,
Colberg said. Jenkins, a native of Los Angeles, was largely credited
for installing the Hornets’ defense that finished the season ranked No.
1 in the Big Sky Conference in turnover margin and second in the league
in scoring defense (behind only NCAA tournament-bound Northern Arizona).
“Jerome came into the program this past year and earned the respect of
his players, fellow coaches and the entire staff,” Colberg said. “He
has proven himself as both a solid coach and mentor for this team and
his leadership over the next few months will be critical for the
basketball program as it transitions to a new head coach.”
Jenkins, who oversaw the day-to-day operations of the basketball office
this past year, joined the Hornet staff in the summer of 1999 after
having served two years as Eastern Washington University’s backcourt
coach and lead recruiter. He also served as the coordinator of scouting
and financial aid while with the Eagles’ program.
Prior to his time in the Eastern Washington program, Jenkins spent four
years as a member of the Diablo Valley College coaching staff (two years
as an assistant coach and two years as associate head coach).
