A new season means new faces in new places. Andy Katz highlights his top 10 coaches stepping into new programs for the 2024-25 men’s basketball season.
Hereโs a look at whoโs set to make an impact:
John Calipari, Arkansas
Cal. Those. Hogs. ๐
Hall of Famer John Calipari is officially the head of the Arkansas Razorbacks. pic.twitter.com/UPp8ljTZB7
โ Arkansas Razorbacks Menโs Basketball ๐ (@RazorbackMBB) April 10, 2024
John Calipariโs move to Arkansas has shaken up the college basketball landscape. The Hall of Fame coach, who led Kentucky to a national title and multiple Final Fours, now takes on a new challenge at Arkansas. Known for developing NBA talent and elite recruiting, Calipari brings a wealth of experience and success with him to Fayetteville.
Dusty May, Michigan
Dusty May quickly rose to prominence after leading Florida Atlantic to an unexpected Final Four run in 2023, turning heads across the nation. Now, May takes over the reins at Michigan, signing a five-year deal to rejuvenate the Wolverines’ basketball program. Known for his ability to build winning cultures and develop talent, May brings a high-powered offensive style that spreads the floor and emphasizes perimeter shooting. After compiling 126 wins in six seasons at FAU, Michigan hopes May can replicate his success and restore the program’s stature in the competitive Big Ten.
Mark Pope, Kentucky
Mark Pope, a former Kentucky Wildcats player and captain of the 1996 national championship team, returns to Lexington as the head coach of the storied program. After leading BYU to two NCAA tournament appearances and amassing 110 wins in five seasons, Pope brings his high-energy, up-tempo style back to his alma mater.ย
Kyle Smith, Stanford
Got our guy!
Welcome to The Farm, Kyle Smith!
๐๏ธ ยป https://t.co/CmmTr6JgBq#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/BuVyBwCuaK
โ Stanford Men’s Basketball (@StanfordMBB) March 25, 2024
Kyle Smith, fresh off a standout five-year tenure at Washington State, is the new head coach at Stanford. The 2024 Pac-12 Coach of the Year brings his analytics-driven approach, known as “nerdball,” to The Farm after leading the Cougars to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2008. Smith’s success in developing players and turning around programs makes him a perfect fit as Stanford transitions to the ACC. With a 258-193 career record, Smith looks to take the Cardinal back to the March Madness spotlight for the first time in a decade.
Eric Musselman, USC
Eric Musselman, fresh off a successful five-year stint at Arkansas, is now the head coach of USCโs men’s basketball program. Known for his high-energy coaching style and track record of success, Musselman led Arkansas to three NCAA tournament appearances, including two Elite Eight runs. His ability to develop talent, with several of his players reaching the NBA, and his experience at both the collegiate and professional levels make him an exciting addition as USC transitions to the Big Ten.
Chris Holtmann, DePaul
Chris Holtmann, a former Big Ten and Big East Coach of the Year, was named DePaul men’s basketball head coach on March 14. Holtmann brings over 25 years of coaching experience and a 251-170 (.596) record, including successful stints at Ohio State and Butler. Known for leading teams to eight postseason appearances, including five consecutive NCAA tournaments at Ohio State, Holtmann is a two-time Naismith Coach of the Year finalist.ย
Danny Sprinkle, Washington
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ค๐, ๐๐จ๐๐๐ก ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐!#GoHuskies
โ Washington Men’s Basketball (@UW_MBB) March 25, 2024
Danny Sprinkle was named Washington’s head men’s basketball coach on March 25 after leading Utah State to a 28-7 record, a Mountain West title and an NCAA tournament win. The 2024 Mountain West Coach of the Year, Sprinkle boasts a 109-50 career record, including two more NCAA tournament appearances at Montana State.ย
Pat Kelsey, Louisville
Pat Kelsey was named the new menโs basketball head coach at Louisville on March 28. With a career record of 261-122 (.681), Kelsey has proven to be a program builder in his 12 years as a head coach, previously leading College of Charleston and Winthrop to a combined 11 conference titles and four NCAA tournament appearances. In his final season at Charleston, Kelsey led the Cougars to a 27-8 record, a CAA championship and an NCAA tournament bid.ย
Cuonzo Martin, Missouri State
Cuonzo Martin, a proven program builder with a .571 career winning percentage, has been named Missouri State’s head men’s basketball coach for a second stint. Martin, who previously led the Bears to a Missouri Valley Conference title and CIT Championship, returns after head coaching roles at Tennessee, Cal and Missouri. In 14 seasons, he has guided teams to nine postseason appearances, including four NCAA tournaments.ย
Josh Schertz, Saint Louis
Josh Schertz, fresh off a 32-7 season and NIT championship game appearance with Indiana State, has been named the head coach of Saint Louis. Schertz, the 2024 MVC Coach of the Year, brings a career coaching record of 403-109 (.787) across 16 seasons, including a successful stint at Division II Lincoln Memorial.ย
