REPORT: Eastern Kentucky to hire NC State assistant A.W. Hamilton

We reported a week ago that this was in the works and that NC State assistant A.W. Hamilton was being considered for the head coaching job at Eastern Kentucky. Then, just a few days ago rumors swirled that Hamilton was one of the final two candidates along with Purdue’s Greg Gary.

Eastern Kentucky is expected to hire N.C. State assistant A.W. Hamilton as their next head basketball coach, per multiple sources.

— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) March 23, 2018

Now, 247’s Evan Daniels is reporting that Eastern Kentucky has made their decision and is set to hire Hamilton as their head coach.

Hamilton is just one year removed from the high school ranks. He played for Keatts at Hargrave and later became an assistant before taking over the head coaching job when Keatts left for Louisville.

This will be the first college head coaching gig of his career.

NC State and A.W. have yet to comment, but this looks legit.

Good luck A.W. you will be missed!

As for NC State, where they turn next is anyone’s guess. Hamilton to EKU has been in the works for a while now, so it’s likely Keatts has his list ready. If we were to guess we’d take a look at the Hargrave connections first and work form there. Former players or former assistants of Keatts seem to be the guys he’s surrounding himself with. Will he continue with this new hire or will he look to bring in someone who has closer ties to NC State? We’ll keep a close eye on this situation.