Barnes Arico introduced as new Michigan coach

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) Kim Barnes Arico says there's no mystery behind her decision to become Michigan's new coach after a decade building St. John's into a women's basketball powerhouse in the Big East.

Barnes Arico debuted Monday in Ann Arbor and was asked why she decided to join the Wolverines in the Big Ten.

"It's the University of Michigan, for God's sake," she said to applause from players and athletic department officials.

Barnes Arico borrowed the phrase from Brady Hoke, who used it to explain his decision to become the Wolverines' football coach.

Barnes Arico, 41, led St. John's for 10 seasons and guided the Red Storm to a second-place finish in the Big East this past year, including a victory at Connecticut in February that ended the Huskies' 99-game home winning streak.

She succeeds Kevin Borseth, who left Michigan after a 20-12 season to go back to Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Michigan can be a consistent contender for the Big Ten championship, Barnes Arico said.

"I think that's one of the most exciting things about this league: As good as the Big Ten is, and it's tremendous, you have an opportunity to win it," Barnes Arico said. "I don't think you could say it" in the Big East.

"Any given night you have a great shot at winning a game, but you've also got a great shot at winning the championship. That's one of the real exciting things about this league."

Updated April 23, 2012