Jonas Sahratian, who worked five seasons as Kansas University’s men’s basketball strength and conditioning coach, has accepted a similar position at the University of North Carolina.
Sahratian, who also worked with athletes in volleyball and swimming and diving at KU, will work men’s basketball and one other sport at UNC.
“It was a tough decision. The hardest decision was leaving the kids. There are so many great kids I’ve had the opportunity to work with in those sports,” Sahratian said. “Working with coach (Bill) Self has been great. He’s doing great things here.
“Another hard decision is leaving this year. They’ve got a chance to win the whole thing. It’s hard to walk away from that and to walk away from so many kids you grow attached to.”
Sahratian, a Detroit native, is a Western Michigan graduate.
“Jonas did a real nice job. We definitely appreciate the time he gave us,” said Self. “We’ve got some great applicants, some guys in mind I’m excited about. I always hate losing quality guys, but sometimes people moving on provides opportunities, too.”
Self has filled all staff openings. Director of basketball operations Ben Miller has been replaced with Danny Manning, last year’s director of student/athlete development. Manning’s title will be “director of basketball operations.”
