Newly appointed head men's basketball coach Todd Lee is making his way back to Vermillion ahead of Friday's introductory press conference at 1 p.m. Today, we look at what some of the best in basketball are saying about the man in charge of leading the Coyotes into the future:
 

"The most important hire when I got this job was get Todd Lee. He has been huge as far as establishing our culture in five short years and a lot of the success goes to Todd and his dedication to coaching and tireless work ethic. He will be greatly missed and is a great hire for South Dakota."

- Dan Majerle, Grand Canyon head coach

 

"Todd Lee is known in the coaching fraternity as a star. He is an incredible X and O coach, as well as having a magnetic personality. He has a unique background having coached both at a collegiate and professional level. He will have tremendous success at South Dakota. He is one of the best coaches I have ever been around."

- Eric Musselman, Nevada head coach

 

"I have known Coach Lee for close to 30 years. He was an assistant at San Diego where I played and we are still very close. He has won big everywhere he has coached and he will win big at South Dakota. He is a tremendous coach but an even better person!"

- Mike Brown, Golden State Warriors assistant coach

 

"I have known Todd for almost 30 years and wherever he has gone, programs have gotten better. He is a high-character guy with a wide range of contacts with great knowledge of the game."

- Jamie Dixon, TCU head coach

 

"Congratulations to the University of South Dakota on hiring Todd Lee. Todd has worked in basketball nearly 30 years in both the collegiate and professional ranks. He has successful head coaching experience and was very instrumental in Grand Canyon's transition to Division I. Todd will give everything he has to make South Dakota basketball successful."

- Randy Bennett, Saint Mary's head coach

 

"We are very happy for Todd. He did a fabulous job at Grand Canyon. Five years ago, he was hired as the associate head coach because of his experience and track record of success. He groomed Dan and showed him the ropes to being a college coach. He was great to be around and a real professional with a great work ethic. He did whatever it would take to get the job done. He is a great hire for the University of South Dakota."

- Jerry Colangelo, former President of USA Basketball