Holton Is Bolting for Portland

The UCLA basketball program bid farewell to one of its key components Tuesday when Michael Holton, the team’s top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, was named the University of Portland’s head coach.

The former UCLA guard coached the past five seasons at his alma mater.

The move is a homecoming for Holton and his family. He got his Division I coaching start as a Portland assistant in the 1993-94 season and played two seasons for the NBA’s Trail Blazers.

“I have a strong sense of belonging in the city of Portland,” said Holton, 39, who also was a candidate to fill coaching vacancies at New Orleans and North Texas. “I owned a home here for several years, my daughter was born here, and I played here professionally. I just feel real comfortable.”

He replaces Rob Chavez, whose contract was not renewed after four losing seasons in five years. The Pilots of the West Coast Conference finished 10-17 this past season.

The leading candidate to replace Holton at UCLA is former Bruin guard Gerald Madkins, a Cal State Stanislaus assistant who spent time with Coach Steve Lavin at the Final, and assistant coach Jim Saia. Another possibility is Cameron Dollar, also a former UCLA guard, who coaches at Saint Louis.

According to Bill Bennett, in charge of media relations for the basketball program, Lavin said he might wait a month or longer to make a hire.

Lavin issued a press release regarding Holton’s departure, but otherwise was unavailable for comment.

“Our staff is excited for Michael to have an opportunity to run his own program,” Lavin said. “Michael’s experience, background and familiarity with the Pacific Northwest make him a perfect fit for the University of Portland.”

In addition to overseeing recruiting for the Bruins, Holton was instrumental in the development of players such as Earl Watson, Matt Barnes and Billy Knight.