‘I’ve been wanting to coach at the next level for 10 years now.’ Ex-Cat gets his wish.
A former University of Kentucky star and national champion is returning to college basketball.
Northern Kentucky University announced on Wednesday that Anthony Epps has been hired to join the women’s basketball program as an assistant coach. Epps, who won a state title as a player at Marion County High School in 1993 and started in the backcourt for UK’s 1996 national championship team, spent last year as head coach of the Campbellsville High School boys’ basketball team.
“We are absolutely thrilled Coach Epps decided to join our family at Northern Kentucky University,” Northern Kentucky head coach and former UK women’s basketball assistant coach Camryn Whitaker said in a press release. “I had the privilege of coaching Anthony’s daughter, Makayla, at the University of Kentucky and can’t wait to have him alongside helping lead our talented group of young women. His playing experience at a championship level, knowledge of the game and ability to coach and develop players will help our team reach another level. We welcome Anthony and his family to Norse Nation and can’t wait to get started.”
In his only season as Campbellsville boys’ head coach, Epps led the Eagles to a 15-15 overall record and the 5th Region All “A” Classic championship. After a shaky start to the season, Campbellsville won six of its last eight games.
Prior to last year, Epps was head coach of the Campbellsville girls’ team for three seasons, earning 5th Region co-coach of the year honors in 2017.
Following a loss to St. Henry in the All “A” state tournament in January, Epps told the Herald-Leader he had long dreamed of stepping up to the college coaching ranks.
“Everybody wants to coach at the next level, and I’ve been wanting to coach at the next level for 10 years now,” Epps said.
Now, the former UK star who dished out seven assists in the Wildcats’ national championship victory over Syracuse in 1996 will get that opportunity.
“I’m grateful and blessed to be joining the women’s basketball staff at Northern Kentucky University. Thank you Coach Whitaker for this amazing opportunity in the next chapter of my life,” Epps said in the school’s press release. “I am excited to work with this staff and team as we compete for Horizon League Championships!”
Last season, Northern Kentucky went 20-12 overall and 12-6 in the Horizon League, finishing fourth in the conference regular-season standings. The Norse ended their season with a 50-49 loss to second-seeded Green Bay in the Horizon League Tournament semifinals.
