A.W. Hamilton, a Georgetown, Kentucky native, became Eastern Kentucky University’s head men’s basketball coach in 2018. Under his leadership, EKU has reached new heights, including winning the 2023-24 Atlantic Sun Conference Regular Season Championship—the program’s first in 45 years. He has been named ASUN Coach of the Year twice and has broken 68 program records during his tenure.
Hamilton’s up-tempo style, dubbed “The Most Exciting 40 Minutes in Sports,” has captivated fans, leading EKU to record-breaking attendance numbers and consistent top rankings in scoring, steals, and turnovers forced. His teams have ranked among the nation’s best in scoring and defensive metrics, and EKU led the ASUN in attendance in consecutive seasons.
Before joining EKU, Hamilton was an assistant coach at North Carolina State, helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament in 2018. He previously led Hargrave Military Academy to six successful seasons, including a 2016 National Prep Championship and a 237-22 record.
Hamilton’s love for Hargrave extends beyond the court. He speaks fondly of the academy’s values and discipline and the lasting impact it had on his coaching career. Inducted into Hargrave’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, Hamilton proudly carries the lessons learned at the academy into every chapter of his career.