Nobody knows the Gary Waters system better than Larry DeSimpelare, who is in his 11th season on the Viking coaching staff and his third as associate head coach.

A coaching veteran at the collegiate level, DeSimpelare has worked with Coach Waters for the last 20 years, gaining valuable insight into how to build champions.

During his time at CSU, DeSimpelare has helped the Vikings to a pair of Horizon League Championships, one NCAA bid, four NIT berths and two  appearances in the CBI. The 2009 squad advanced to the final 32 of the NCAA tournament after an opening round win over Wake Forest.

DeSimpelare works with the Viking guards on the court, focusing on the wing players and defense. He is also responsible for helping to oversee game preparation, scheduling, scouting and recruiting.

Prior to coming to Cleveland State, DeSimpelare spent the previous five seasons with Waters at Rutgers (2001-06), helping the Scarlet Knights to a 79-75 record and three NIT appearances, including a second place finish in 2004.

With DeSimpelare serving as the primary recruiter, Hoop Scoop rated the Scarlet Knight 2006 recruiting class as one of the best in the nation.

DeSimpelare first worked with Waters in 1995-96 as administrative assistant at Eastern Michigan.

His only season in Ypsilanti was a memorable one as the Eagles went 25-6, won the MAC regular season and tournament titles and knocked off Duke in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Connecticut in the second round.

Kent State beckoned for both Waters and DeSimpelare the following season, starting a five-year odyssey that turned the Golden Flashes into one of the top mid-major programs in the nation.    

Kent State went 92-60, including three straight 20-win seasons and two NCAA and one NIT bid.

A native of Unionville, Mich., DeSimpelare lettered three times in basketball at Spring Arbor College, earning academic all-district honors and serving as team captain as a senior in 1989-90. 

While finishing his coursework for his undergraduate degree, he served as an assistant coach at Spring Arbor in 1990-91.

DeSimpelare became one of the youngest head coaches of a four-year school in 1991 when he took over at Concordia (Mich.) College, a position he held for four seasons.

DeSimpelare and his wife, Susan, have two children, Abigal (17) and Tyler (13).