HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – Hampton University announced on Friday who the new head men’s basketball coach will be.
According to a statement from the university, Norfolk native Ivan Thomas will take over as the new head coach. Thomas has an extensive coaching background, from coaching at Kecoughtan and T.C. Williams High Schools, to impactful roles within collegiate and AAU circuits.
The announcement was revealed by Director of Athletics Anthon D. Henderson Sr.
“We are excited to welcome Ivan Thomas back home as our head men’s basketball coach,” Henderson said. “He has a deep commitment to excellence and is a proven winner at the high school, AAU, and collegiate levels. He is a tremendous recruiter who has developed players throughout his career. As a native of Virginia, he has strong ties to the Hampton area and has a vision of how to build Hampton basketball into a championship program. He understands the commitment it takes to be successful on the court and the role athletics can play in developing young men.”
While under Ed Cooley’s leadership at Providence College, Thomas contributed to multiple postseason appearances and NCAA Tournament berths. Thomas spent his time at Providence focusing on recruiting, in-game coaching and player development.
Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams also released a statement regarding the hiring of Thomas:
We are thrilled to welcome Ivan Thomas as our new head men’s basketball coach. His exceptional coaching pedigree, combined with his dedication to player development and community engagement, align perfectly with Hampton University’s values. Ivan’s vision for the program’s future, coupled with his deep-rooted ties to Virginia, makes him an ideal leader to guide our student-athletes to success. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will have on our basketball program and the entire Hampton University community.”
President Darrel K. Williams
Thomas has degrees from both VCU and George Mason University, and was also named Virginia Coach of the Year in 2008.
“I am honored and humbled to return home to the 757 as the head men’s basketball coach at Hampton University,” Thomas said. “My journey in coaching has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for developing young athletes both on and off the court. Hampton holds a special place in my heart, and I am committed to building a championship-caliber program that reflects the values of this esteemed institution. Together with our dedicated staff, talented student-athletes, and the unwavering support of the Hampton community, I am confident that we will achieve great success and leave a lasting legacy.”
An official press conference for Coach Thomas is scheduled to take place on March 20 at 11 a.m.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
