Hampton names Kevin Nickelberry head men’s
basketball coach
March 31, 2006
Hampton, Va. – After a nationwide search, Hampton University
has named Kevin Nickelberry head men’s basketball coach.
 |
Kevin Nickelberry |
Nickelberry comes to Hampton from Clemson University, where
he served as assistant men’s basketball coach for three
seasons. At Clemson he coordinated recruitment of top national
and international prospects. Nickelberry has also served as
an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina Charlotte,
Holly Cross College, Monmouth University and Howard University.
Nickelberry, a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College, has been
ranked by Basketball Times, the Hoop Scoop and Rivalshoops.com
as one of the top 20 assistant coaches in the country.
“We are pleased to add Coach Nickelberry to our athletics
staff as head men’s basketball coach,” said Joe
Taylor, interim athletics director. “He brings with
him a strong commitment to excellence in intercollegiate basketball.”
The committee worked hard to make the right choice. Over 100
applications were received for the position and eight candidates
were invited to campus for interviews. Applications were received
from major and mid-major head coaches and major and mid-major
assistant coaches.
“We were impressed with Coach Nickelberry’s experience,
enthusiasm, disciplined approach to the game of basketball
and his commitment to academics for his players,” said
HU President William R. Harvey. “Our feeling is that
he can take us back to being one of the best mid-major programs
in the country.”
Nickelberry had been praised across the country from fellow
coaches and sports writers.
“Wherever he has been, Kevin Nickelberry has proven
himself to he one of the brightest young assistant coaches
in America,” said Seth Davis, of Sports Illustrated. “He
is energetic, hard-working and charismatic and has the requisite
qualities to take the next step and become a successful head
coach.”
|
