Nate Latsch photo
Justin Tatum announces he's leaving CBC High School for role with Australian basketball club
Justin Tatum announced on Thursday night he is leaving his position as the basketball coach at Christian Brothers College High School for a job as an assistant coach in Australia.
Tatum, the father of NBA star Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, is joining the coaching staff of the Illawarra Hawks in Australia's NBL after 16 years as a boys basketball coach at Soldan and CBC.
Tatum, who won a state title with Larry Hughes as a senior at CBC in 1997, won one state championship as Soldan's coach before moving on to CBC, where he led the Cadets to two state titles. Tatum's teams won 10 conference championships – four Public High League titles at Soldan and six Metro Catholic Conference titles at CBC.
The Illawarra Hawks announced on Thursday night that Tatum would be joining the coaching staff for the upcoming season as an assistant coach.
Tatum announced his departure on his Instagram account:
"25 years ago, as a kid playing basketball for CBC, I never envisioned making an announcement like this…
I won my first MO state championship, as a player, wearing purple and gold, and ten years ago I was honored when CBC invited me back to coach. I am who I am, as a man, player and coach, because of years I spent learning and teaching the game of basketball on the hardwood of DC Wilcutt gym. Thank you @cbchighschool for 10 unbelievable seasons with @cbchoops and for allowing me to grow as a coach.
I also want to acknowledge @soldan_bb for taking a chance on me. You took a risk, and it jump started my coaching career. I wouldn’t be where I am without the you. Thank you.
Most importantly, I want to talk to the players who trusted me with the privilege of being their coach. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey, and I pray my impact on your lives was just as fulfilling as yours was on mine. You ALL are the greatest accomplishment of my high school coaching career, and I am forever indebted to you, and the experiences we shared as a team.
I’m grateful my coaching career in STL has allowed me to meet and work with incredible people. All of my former players, staff, coaches, admin, parents and fans at CBC and Soldan have played an intricate part in getting me ready for the next chapter. Saying all that. I’m extremely excited to.be joining the staff of the @illawarrahawks for this up coming season.. THANK YOU.
My 16 years, as a MO state high school basketball coach saw my teams flourish:
🏀 7 MSHAA Final Four Appearances
🏀 3 MSHAA State Championships
🏀 4 PHL Conference Championships
🏀 3 District Championships (PHL)
🏀 6 MCC Championships
🏀 7 District Championships (MCC)
🏀 4x coach of the year (MBCA)
🏀 Only male coach in the history of MO state athletics to win a state title in classes 4, 5 & 6.
Coach Tat!!"
Tatum's departure from CBC High School means one of the top boys basketball programs in Missouri will be looking for a new head coach for the first time in a decade.
After winning a state championship in 2022, the Cadets went 18-11 this past season. CBC's top three scorers were juniors Nassir Binion (13.3 points per game) and Anthony Gause (12.8) and sophomore Terron Garrett (8.4) and that trio should give the Cadets a chance to make a long playoff run this upcoming season.
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