After a search that didn’t last a long as many thought it would, NC State has hired Kevin Keatts, who led UNC Wilmington to a 72-28 record during his three seasons with the Seahawks, as their new head basketball coach.
“When we set out to hire our next men’s basketball coach, we wanted to identify someone with the pedigree, vision and plan to serve as the architect of NC State basketball,” Athletic Director Debbie Yow said in a statement. “Kevin quickly emerged as the perfect fit in each of these areas. His history of success in building programs, of competing at a championship-level in every stop of his career, his commitment to player development and priority in academics make him a tremendous hire for us. We welcome Kevin, his wife Georgette, and two sons K.J. and Kaden to the Wolfpack family.”
Before taking the head coaching job at UNCW, Keats served as assistant coach on Louisville teams that reached two Final Fours, a Sweet 16 and won the 2013 NCAA title.
“I have an incredible respect for the history and tradition of NC State University, and am honored by the opportunity to lead the Wolfpack,” said Keatts. “There is an unbelievable commitment to basketball in Raleigh, and I share a vision with Debbie Yow and Chancellor Randy Woodson on what NC State can achieve.”
Expectations will be high for Keats, especially living in the same neighborhood as basketball powerhouses Duke and UNC, but hopefully he’s given enough time to get a program that seemed to be on the cusp of national relevancy back into the mix.