Breaking News: Crestmont Arcane Hire Michael Stauffer as First Head Coach

By Amy Andrews, Crestmont Sports Report

Amy Andrews

Crestmont Arcane lead beat reporter for the Crestmont Sports Report

The Crestmont Arcane, the NBA’s latest expansion team, have made their first major move by hiring Michael Stauffer as their inaugural head coach. In a press conference held at the team’s headquarters, owner A.J. McCloud expressed his excitement about Stauffer’s leadership and vision for the franchise.

Image of Michael Stauffer, new Head Coach of the Crestmont Arcane

“Michael is a basketball strategist with a proven track record of developing talent and implementing innovative systems,” McCloud said. “As we launch this exciting chapter, I am confident he’s the right person to lead the Arcane into the future.”

Stauffer, 46, has been a sought-after name in coaching circles, known for his emphasis on modern, high-tempo basketball. His preferred system, Space & Pace, is built around maximizing floor spacing, three-point shooting, and rapid ball movement. The style relies on versatile players who can stretch the floor offensively while remaining disciplined on the defensive end.

“The Space & Pace style is about creating opportunities by keeping defenses off-balance,” Stauffer explained. “We want to spread the floor, find open shooters, and attack mismatches. It’s an exciting, fast-paced brand of basketball that I think fans in Crestmont are going to love.”

The Arcane, which will officially begin play in the 2024-25 NBA season, are part of a broader league expansion that includes additional teams whose locations and names will be announced at a later date. To build their inaugural roster, the Arcane will participate in the NBA’s expansion draft, where they’ll have the opportunity to select players left unprotected by other teams in the league.

While the specifics of the expansion draft—such as protected player limits and draft order—have yet to be finalized, Stauffer and McCloud both expressed confidence in their ability to assemble a competitive roster. “This is a unique challenge but also a tremendous opportunity,” McCloud said. “With Michael’s eye for talent and his commitment to our vision, we’re ready to hit the ground running.”

Stauffer’s immediate focus will be on filling out his coaching staff, a task he’s approaching with care. “I’m looking for a group that shares my passion for the game and the Space & Pace philosophy,” he said. “From player development specialists to defensive coordinators, I want a diverse staff that brings a wide range of expertise.”

For Crestmont, this is more than just the creation of a new basketball team—it’s the birth of a community cornerstone. McCloud’s vision for Crestmont as a sports utopia is taking shape, and the Arcane’s hiring of Stauffer is the latest step in bringing that dream to life.

“This is a momentous day for the Crestmont Arcane and our fans,” McCloud concluded. “We’re building something special, and this is just the beginning.”

With a coach in place and the expansion draft on the horizon, the Arcane are already generating buzz. Crestmont’s newest team promises to be a thrilling addition to the NBA—both on and off the court.