After leading EKU basketball back to the postseason, Colonels’ coach signs extension
Eastern Kentucky University announced on Thursday that men’s basketball head coach A.W. Hamilton has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Richmond through the 2023-24 season.
Hamilton, a Georgetown native and Scott County High School graduate, helped the Colonels reach the postseason for the first time since 2015 this year, his second with the program. He was named Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year after leading EKU to a fourth-place finish in the regular-season standings and a semifinal appearance in the conference tournament.
The Colonels finished 16-17 overall but caught fire during league play after a grueling non-conference schedule. After falling to 3-10 after an eight-game losing streak EKU got off to its best start in OVC play in 41 years, winning nine of its first 11 OVC games. The Colonels were in contention for the regular-season league title for most of the year and finished 12-6, becoming one of just four teams in program history to win 12 OVC games.
In a press release from the school, EKU vice president and director of athletics Matt Roan said, “In two short years, A.W. has done a phenomenal job returning our men’s basketball program back among the best in the OVC. Having worked together previously and knowing him before I arrived, this is not at all surprising. He has engaged and energized our fan base and he and his family have immersed themselves fully into the Richmond and EKU communities.”
Hamilton’s up-tempo style helped the Colonels finish in the top 10 in several statistical categories this season. They ranked fifth nationally in forced turnovers per game (18.2), seventh in steals (9.3) and 10th in turnover margin (4.3).
“I want to thank EKU chair Lewis Diaz, interim president David McFaddin and director of athletics Matt Roan for the faith and support they are placing in me with this extension,” Hamilton said. “It is a blessing to be around and work with three people who have an outstanding love and passion for this university. The trust and belief they have in me has allowed me the freedom and security to build not only a great team, but a championship level program.
“My staff and our student-athletes are a huge piece to what makes us go, and I am grateful for each and every one of them,” said Hamilton. “As we head into year three, with our brand of basketball firmly in place, this extension allows us to continue being ambassadors for EKU in the classroom, in the community and on the court.”
