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Patrick Klein |
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Patrick Klein is entering his first year as an assistant coach on Jim Foster's staff -- though, he is no stranger to the program.
Klein, who served as an assistant coach at Illinois from 2007-09, served as a graduate assistant on Foster's staff from 2005-07 and again last season where he assisted in several areas including summer camps, community service and supervising the student managers. During his time at UI Klein played a large role in the development of Illinois post players in addition to scouting, scheduling, recruiting, summer camps and academic mentoring.
Klein helped the Fighting Illini to 49 wins and two postseason appearances in three seasons and played a big part in Jenna Smith's development into one of the top post players in the country. Klein also helped coordinate summer camps and had a hand in landing three talented recruiting classes.
During his first season in Champaign, Klein helped the Illini to a 20-win season, a postseason appearance in 2007-08 and helped Smith earn All-America honors as a sophomore. In November of 2008 Klein helped Jolette Law and her staff sign the No. 3 recruiting class in the country - the highest-ranked class in school history.
In 2008-09, Klein helped a young Illini squad play its best basketball at the end of the season as the team finished 6-5 in the final 11 games after starting 4-16. Then in 2009-10 the Illini had a 19-win season and earned a trip to the WNIT quarterfinals.
In addition to his contributions at Ohio State, Klein also gained experience working with USA Basketball in the summer of 2006. He served on the support staff for the U18 FIBA Trials, monitoring and supervising 30 athletes during the trials week and assisting with on-court practice. Then, in August of 2006, he was on Anne Donovan's support staff for the USA Senior Women World Championship Trials, serving as a practice player and assisting the staff with on-court and post-practice workouts.
Klein's success isn't solely devoted to basketball. He founded PB& J Consultants, a leadership consulting firm in Columbus, Ohio, in June of 2003 and remains the company's CEO. The business develops leadership workshops for high school student organizations that motivates students to excel in all areas of life.
A native of Belpre, Ohio, Klein attended Ohio State, earned a bachelor's degree in business management in 2005 and a master's degree from the Fisher College of Business in March 2011. While a student, he served as Director of Tournaments and Leagues for Ohio Sports Plus, Inc., managing AAU and seasonal leagues for over 500 high school athletes. He also worked one year as a student manager for the Buckeyes in 2004-05 before becoming a graduate assistant for the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.
