Xavier University Athletics
Isaac Chew Has Been Named To The Seventh Annual Silver Waves Media 100 Most Impactful High Major Assistants List
01.12.26 | Men's Basketball
Chew is in his fifth season working on Richard Pitino's staff.
CINCINNATI --- Isaac Chew, the Crawford Family Associate Head Coach at Xavier, has been named to the Seventh Annual Silver Waves Media 100 Most Impactful High Major Assistants list, one of the most prestigious honors in college basketball coaching. The 2026 list was released today, recognizing assistants who have made a significant impact at the highest level of the sport.
Chew, who has experience coaching in four different power conferences, is in his fifth season on Richard Pitino's coaching staff and came with Pitino to Xavier from New Mexico in the offseason. During his first three seasons at New Mexico, Chew played a key role in the program's resurgence and was promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2024.
Chew has served as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level since 2007 (18 years) and has helped guide six different programs to the postseason and has led teams to seven championships, including Mountain West titles in each of the last two seasons. His longevity and success have established him as one of the most respected assistants in the college game.
Before his time at New Mexico, Chew built an extensive resume, spending time with Murray State (2007-11), Missouri (2011-12), Marquette (2012-14), Virginia Tech (2014-16), Texas A&M (2016-19) and Grand Canyon (2019-21).
Throughout his career, Chew has coached several NBA draft selections, including Robert Williams III (2018), Isaiah Canaan (2013), Marcus Denmon (2012) and Kim English (2012). He has also helped lead teams to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 2013 and Sweet 16 in 2018.
Last season Chew helped guide the Lobos to a 27-8 overall record and advance to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament with a first-round win over Marquette, one of Xavier's BIG EAST rivals. New Mexico posted a 17-3 league record and won the 2024-25 Mountain West Conference Regular Season Championship.
