Tony Skinn ('06), head coach of George Mason University men's basketball, has been named a finalist for the 2024 Joe B. Hall Award, recognizing the top rookie, first-year men's basketball Division I head coach. In his inaugural season, Skinn led George Mason to 20 regular season wins for the first time since 2011-12 and obtained a top-100 ranking for the first time since 2010-11. The team's 20 wins ranked fifth among first-time head coach-led programs nationally and marked the second-most in school history by a first-year Mason head coach. The Patriots also achieved significant milestones in non-conference play, including 11 wins, which is a rare feat for the program. Skinn's impact was evident in the development of key players, such as Keyshawn Hall, Baraka Okojie, Darius Maddox, and Amari Kelly, who all showed notable improvement under his leadership.

By the Numbers
  • Skinn led George Mason to 20 regular season wins, the most since 2011-12
  • The team's 20 wins ranked fifth among first-time head coach-led programs nationally
  • George Mason achieved 11 non-conference wins for just the second time in the past 40 campaigns
  • The team's non-conference winning percentage (.846) was the nation's best for a program led by a first-time head coach
  • Skinn's impact was clear in the development of players like Keyshawn Hall, Baraka Okojie, Darius Maddox, and Amari Kelly
State of Play
  • Skinn's success in his inaugural head coaching campaign at his alma mater has positioned him as a top contender for the 2024 Joe B. Hall Award
  • The Patriots' achievements under Skinn's leadership mark a significant upward trajectory for the program
  • His impact on player development and team performance has been widely recognized
What's Next

The winner of the 2024 Joe B. Hall Award will be announced at the 2024 Final Four in April.

Bottom Line

Tony Skinn's nomination as a finalist for the 2024 Joe B. Hall Award underscores the remarkable impact he has had on the George Mason University men's basketball program in his inaugural season as head coach.