NC State assistant A.W. Hamilton is the new head coach at Eastern Kentucky

A.W. Hamilton is the next head coach at Eastern Kentucky, the school announced Friday afternoon. Hamilton spent one season as an assistant for Kevin Keatts at NC State, and prior to that he had been the head coach at Hargrave Military Academy.

Keatts and Hamilton go way back—Hamilton played for Keatts at Hargrave and then coached alongside him at the school. He was instrumental in bringing both Braxton Beverly and Derek Funderburk to NC State—he coached both players at Hargrave.

The recruiting connection Hamilton had to that school and that area is a big part of what made him a valuable part of NC State’s staff, and I’m sure that will serve him well at EKU. Hamilton is a Kentucky native, as well. From EKU’s release on the announcement:

“The opportunity to come home and coach at a place like Eastern Kentucky University, with first-class leadership in President Michael Benson, Director of Athletics Stephen Lochmueller and Board of Regents Chair Craig Turner, is one that I cannot truly put into words,” Hamilton said. ”The fit is perfect for my family and me, and we look forward to building on everything EKU has to offer, both on and off the basketball court. It truly is a great day to be a Colonel.”

Best of luck, coach.