COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou Men’s Basketball head coach Cuonzo Martin announced three additions to his staff on Friday, April 7, in director of athletic performance for men’s basketball Nicodemus Christopher, director of player development Marco Harrisand director of basketball operations Paul Rorvig. Christopher and Harris join Martin from his staff at California, while Rorvig returns for his third season in his respective role and fourth season overall at Mizzou.
“Putting together a staff that will help the Mizzou Basketball program be at its very best on and off the court is always the goal, and I believe Nicodemus, Marco and Paul help us achieve that,” Martin said. “Having the same vision and beliefs is important, but this group’s fresh outlook and their ability to bring new ideas to the table will benefit us now and as we continue to grow as a family.”
Christopher has worked alongside Martin for the past five seasons, joining Mizzou’s new leader at California for three seasons after working the previous two campaigns at Tennessee. For the Black & Gold, Christopher will oversee all athletic performance-related efforts for the Tigers’ basketball program, including strength & conditioning, individualized training and nutritional and dietary programs.
A native of San Diego, California, Christopher originally joined Martin after serving as speed and conditioning coordinator for Purdue for the 2011-12 season. Along with working with the Boilermakers’ men’s basketball program, Christopher also oversaw sports performance for Purdue’s softball and track & field squads.
Prior to his arrival in West Lafayette, Indiana, Christopher worked as a sports performance coach at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in Dallas, Texas. Most notably, he worked with professional athletes from the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL) and from FC Dallas of Major League Soccer (MLS).
A 2007 graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor’s degree in health and human performance, Christopher earned a master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in biomechanics and anatomical kinesiology from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2010. Upon completing his education, Christopher interned as a strength coach at Stanford in 2010. Christopher is married to the former Fallon Smith, a native of San Jose, California.
Harris served as director of operations for the Golden Bears during Martin’s tenure (2014-17), also working in the same role for Martin at Tennessee (2011-14). Harris’ close relationship with Mizzou’s head coach dates back to their youth more than 30 years ago growing up together in East St. Louis, Illinois.
At Mizzou, Harris will have oversight of the program’s many initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience within the basketball program. Harris will work on projects to grow campus and community involvement, while also fostering success in the classroom and off the court.
During Harris’ first two seasons at Tennessee (2011-13), he served as the Volunteers’ student-athlete welfare coordinator. In that role, he aided the program’s student-athletes in high achievement on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
Prior to coming to the collegiate ranks, Harris enjoyed success as a high school coach and entrepreneur. Harris’ Booker T. Washington High School squad out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, posted a perfect 21-0 record and claimed a state championship in 2011. In addition, Harris has owned and operated several businesses and has served in athletic administrative positions throughout his professional career.
A former student-athlete in his own right, Harris began on the diamond as a baseball player at Southern Illinois. After transferring to Southwestern Oklahoma State (1992-94), Harris worked his way to the starting point guard spot and team captaincy.
Harris earned an associate’s degree in business management from Southwestern Illinois College in 1992 before receiving a Bachelor’s degree in business management from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1994. He is married to the former Ramona Knight, of Frogville, Oklahoma.
Rorvig continues in his role as director of basketball operations for the third season and his fourth overall at Mizzou. Formerly an associate director at the NCAA Eligibility Center (2010-14), Rorvig began his tenure at Mizzou as director of student-athlete development for the basketball program in 2014-15, focusing on academics and compliance, while also assisting with the team’s video operations.
The Odessa, Missouri, native brings a unique blend of basketball experience and administrative knowledge to Martin’s program. While in Indianapolis, he helped manage the high school review process, assisted in educational outreach efforts for the national office and conducted reviews for high schools exhibiting academic irregularities.
A two-time graduate of Central Missouri, Rorvig played for the Mules from 2002-05 and earned an undergraduate degree in social studies education in 2005, followed by a Master’s degree in secondary school administration in 2007. As a standout at Odessa High School, he claimed school records for career points (1,877), three-point percentage (.392) and blocked shots (172). His 355 career three-point field goals made ranks No. 1 all-time in Missouri state history.
Rorvig is married to the former Jena Shackelford. Both played basketball at Central Missouri. Jena is the all-time leading three-point shooter in school history. The Rorvigs welcomed twin boys to their family in March 2016, Jameson and Camden.
For all the latest on Mizzou Men's Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team at @MizzouHoops (Twitter,Instagram, Facebook).
Statement from new director of athletic performance for men’s basketball Nicodemus Christopher
“It’s exciting to get this opportunity at the University of Missouri, an institution rich in tradition and history, and also a place that values and can provide the resources necessary to be successful. The challenge of developing a new culture is one that I always welcome, and approaching that task with Cuonzo Martin is the perfect scenario for me. His passion, energy and overall consistency he carries himself with everyday makes him an outstanding head coach, mentor and person. Coach Martin creates a family environment wherever he is, and that impacts the players, coaches, support staff and local community. Coach Martin invests in you on a daily basis.
“I’ve quickly noticed the excitement that is in the air in Columbia. It’s an amazing feeling. The support for Mizzou’s program is everywhere, from the students, to those Antlers, to local business owners. You can tell everyone wants Mizzou Basketball to succeed.”
Statement from new Mizzou director of player development Marco Harris
“I grew up not far away from Columbia, Missouri, watching Mizzou Basketball in East St. Louis, but never feeling like I’d reach such a special place in this state. To be able to come home and be a part of the University of Missouri family still feels surreal.
“Cuonzo Martin is a man of integrity. You’ll hear that from anyone who has had the pleasure of working alongside him. He really cares about his players and staff, which ultimately helps me do my job. On-the-court success is important, but putting our student-athletes in positions to succeed away from the court, in the classroom and in the community is something that Coach Martin truly values most.”
Statement from Mizzou director of basketball operations Paul Rorvig
“The University of Missouri and Mizzou Basketball has been a big part of my family’s life, and I’m thrilled for that to continue working alongside Cuonzo Martin, who has an incredible reputation around the state and in the basketball community.
“Missouri is home for me and being able to help this basketball program succeed on a daily basis is always my goal. We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us at Mizzou, and I’m excited for fans and people across the state to get on board and show their support.”
“Putting together a staff that will help the Mizzou Basketball program be at its very best on and off the court is always the goal, and I believe Nicodemus, Marco and Paul help us achieve that,” Martin said. “Having the same vision and beliefs is important, but this group’s fresh outlook and their ability to bring new ideas to the table will benefit us now and as we continue to grow as a family.”
Christopher has worked alongside Martin for the past five seasons, joining Mizzou’s new leader at California for three seasons after working the previous two campaigns at Tennessee. For the Black & Gold, Christopher will oversee all athletic performance-related efforts for the Tigers’ basketball program, including strength & conditioning, individualized training and nutritional and dietary programs.
A native of San Diego, California, Christopher originally joined Martin after serving as speed and conditioning coordinator for Purdue for the 2011-12 season. Along with working with the Boilermakers’ men’s basketball program, Christopher also oversaw sports performance for Purdue’s softball and track & field squads.
Prior to his arrival in West Lafayette, Indiana, Christopher worked as a sports performance coach at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in Dallas, Texas. Most notably, he worked with professional athletes from the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL) and from FC Dallas of Major League Soccer (MLS).
A 2007 graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor’s degree in health and human performance, Christopher earned a master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in biomechanics and anatomical kinesiology from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2010. Upon completing his education, Christopher interned as a strength coach at Stanford in 2010. Christopher is married to the former Fallon Smith, a native of San Jose, California.
Harris served as director of operations for the Golden Bears during Martin’s tenure (2014-17), also working in the same role for Martin at Tennessee (2011-14). Harris’ close relationship with Mizzou’s head coach dates back to their youth more than 30 years ago growing up together in East St. Louis, Illinois.
At Mizzou, Harris will have oversight of the program’s many initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience within the basketball program. Harris will work on projects to grow campus and community involvement, while also fostering success in the classroom and off the court.
During Harris’ first two seasons at Tennessee (2011-13), he served as the Volunteers’ student-athlete welfare coordinator. In that role, he aided the program’s student-athletes in high achievement on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
Prior to coming to the collegiate ranks, Harris enjoyed success as a high school coach and entrepreneur. Harris’ Booker T. Washington High School squad out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, posted a perfect 21-0 record and claimed a state championship in 2011. In addition, Harris has owned and operated several businesses and has served in athletic administrative positions throughout his professional career.
A former student-athlete in his own right, Harris began on the diamond as a baseball player at Southern Illinois. After transferring to Southwestern Oklahoma State (1992-94), Harris worked his way to the starting point guard spot and team captaincy.
Harris earned an associate’s degree in business management from Southwestern Illinois College in 1992 before receiving a Bachelor’s degree in business management from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1994. He is married to the former Ramona Knight, of Frogville, Oklahoma.
Rorvig continues in his role as director of basketball operations for the third season and his fourth overall at Mizzou. Formerly an associate director at the NCAA Eligibility Center (2010-14), Rorvig began his tenure at Mizzou as director of student-athlete development for the basketball program in 2014-15, focusing on academics and compliance, while also assisting with the team’s video operations.
The Odessa, Missouri, native brings a unique blend of basketball experience and administrative knowledge to Martin’s program. While in Indianapolis, he helped manage the high school review process, assisted in educational outreach efforts for the national office and conducted reviews for high schools exhibiting academic irregularities.
A two-time graduate of Central Missouri, Rorvig played for the Mules from 2002-05 and earned an undergraduate degree in social studies education in 2005, followed by a Master’s degree in secondary school administration in 2007. As a standout at Odessa High School, he claimed school records for career points (1,877), three-point percentage (.392) and blocked shots (172). His 355 career three-point field goals made ranks No. 1 all-time in Missouri state history.
Rorvig is married to the former Jena Shackelford. Both played basketball at Central Missouri. Jena is the all-time leading three-point shooter in school history. The Rorvigs welcomed twin boys to their family in March 2016, Jameson and Camden.
For all the latest on Mizzou Men's Basketball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team at @MizzouHoops (Twitter,Instagram, Facebook).
Statement from new director of athletic performance for men’s basketball Nicodemus Christopher
“It’s exciting to get this opportunity at the University of Missouri, an institution rich in tradition and history, and also a place that values and can provide the resources necessary to be successful. The challenge of developing a new culture is one that I always welcome, and approaching that task with Cuonzo Martin is the perfect scenario for me. His passion, energy and overall consistency he carries himself with everyday makes him an outstanding head coach, mentor and person. Coach Martin creates a family environment wherever he is, and that impacts the players, coaches, support staff and local community. Coach Martin invests in you on a daily basis.
“I’ve quickly noticed the excitement that is in the air in Columbia. It’s an amazing feeling. The support for Mizzou’s program is everywhere, from the students, to those Antlers, to local business owners. You can tell everyone wants Mizzou Basketball to succeed.”
Statement from new Mizzou director of player development Marco Harris
“I grew up not far away from Columbia, Missouri, watching Mizzou Basketball in East St. Louis, but never feeling like I’d reach such a special place in this state. To be able to come home and be a part of the University of Missouri family still feels surreal.
“Cuonzo Martin is a man of integrity. You’ll hear that from anyone who has had the pleasure of working alongside him. He really cares about his players and staff, which ultimately helps me do my job. On-the-court success is important, but putting our student-athletes in positions to succeed away from the court, in the classroom and in the community is something that Coach Martin truly values most.”
Statement from Mizzou director of basketball operations Paul Rorvig
“The University of Missouri and Mizzou Basketball has been a big part of my family’s life, and I’m thrilled for that to continue working alongside Cuonzo Martin, who has an incredible reputation around the state and in the basketball community.
“Missouri is home for me and being able to help this basketball program succeed on a daily basis is always my goal. We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us at Mizzou, and I’m excited for fans and people across the state to get on board and show their support.”
