Men's Basketball
Nov 3 (Mon)
TBD
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- awhamilt@ncsu.edu
- Phone:
- (919) 515-2104
NC State men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts completed his inaugural staff at NC State with the hire of A.W. Hamilton.
Hamilton played for Keatts at Hargrave Military Academy, and after being a graduate assistant at Marshall, joined Keatts staff at Hargrave as an assistant coach starting with the 2006-07 season. When Keatts left to become an assistant coach at Louisville in 2011, he recommended Hamilton take over the Hargrave program.
“I’ve known AW for over 15 years as a player and assistant coach, and I’m excited to have him join our staff,” said Keatts. “His ability to recruit, teach and game plan is exceptional, and he is going to be a great asset for our staff and players.”
During Hamilton’s 11 year tenure, Hargrave produced 113 NCAA Division I players, 33 NCAA Division II players, one McDonald’s All-American, one Parade All-American and nine NBA players. Hamilton took over as Head Post-Graduate Basketball Coach in 2011. In the 2015 NBA Draft, two of Hamilton’s players were selected: Terry Rozier #16 to the Boston Celtics and Montrezl Harrell #32 to the Houston Rockets.
“Coach Hamilton not only took my game to another level, but he helped me grow as man. Coach is like a father to me and I will always value my time at Hargrave and with Coach Hamilton,” current LA Clipper Montrezl Harrell was quoted saying on draft night.
Hamilton’s teams had one of the best two year runs in prep basketball history in 2015-16 and 2016-17. They amassed a 90-3 record, reached a National Final Four in 2017 and captured the National Prep Championship, the third for Hargrave overall in 2016. Hamilton’s teams set the record for most wins in a season (47; 2016), and points scored in a single game (163; 2-15-2017). Hamilton’s 2016-17 team blistered the scoreboard averaging 114 points per game. Across the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, Hamilton’s teams won 45 straight games and went 364 days in-between losses. Additionally, 34 players in the past two seasons have signed basketball scholarships, including 24 Division 1 signees.
Hamilton averaged an eye-popping 40 wins per season and his success didn’t go unnoticed. In 2012 and 2016, Hamilton was named National Coach of the Year and in 2014, 2015 and 2017 Hamilton was named East Region Coach of the Year. Hamilton has also been named head coach of the oldest high school all-star game in the country, the Derby Festival Classic in 2013 and 2015. Hamilton’s coaching tree grew in his time as head coach, producing six coaches who have moved on to the college ranks as assistant coaches.
Hamilton eclipsed the 200 win mark in his 6th season, and pushed his overall record to 237 wins against just 22 defeats. His home record in Walter Davis Gymnasium stands at 120-2, including a 75 game home winning streak. On September 21st, 2017, Hamilton was inducted into the Hargrave Military Academy Basketball Hall of Fame.
Following his career at Scott County High School, Hamilton was the starting point guard at Hargrave Military Academy for Head Coach Kevin Keatts, where he helped his team to a 23-3 record and #2 national ranking. During the 1999-2000 season, Hamilton led the team in assists and steals. While at Hargrave, Hamilton signed a full scholarship to play basketball at Wake Forest University.
After a year and a half at Wake Forest, Hamilton transferred to Marshall University. During his career at Marshall, Hamilton was the team leader in assists, steals and minutes played for three seasons. Hamilton was team captain from 2002-2005 and during Hamilton’s senior season he was named team MVP. Hamilton ranks in the top 10 in school history in assists and in the top 20 in steals. Following his playing days at Marshall, Hamilton served as the Graduate Assistant to the program.
During his high school career, Hamilton played at Scott Country High School in Georgetown, Kentucky. He starred at Scott County and led his team to the 1998 State Championship. The following year, Hamilton’s Scott Co. Cardinal team burst onto the national scene and was ranked as high as #4 in the country.
Hamilton led his team to a State Runner-Up finish his senior year, and was later named first team All-State for his senior season. He played in the prestigious Kentucky-Indiana All-Star game following his senior year. On September 4, 2015, Hamilton was inducted into the Scott County High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Hamilton and his wife Chelsea, have two daughters, Charleigh and Andi.
