Kevin Keatts, the head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, has made significant strides since taking over in 2017.
Under his leadership, the team achieved impressive milestones, including defeating rivals Duke, North Carolina, and Wake Forest during his first attempt. Keatts led NC State to the ACC Tournament title, which they rode all the way to the Final Four in the 2023-24 season. This remarkable turnaround earned him recognition and put him under the spotlight of many college basketball enthusiasts.
Throughout his tenure, Keatts has maintained a calm and collected demeanor, even when the NC State Wolfpack faced challenging seasons.
His ability to turn potential setbacks into opportunities helped regain the trust and excitement of fans and alumni alike.
Despite being on the hot seat earlier, Keatts’ notable nine-game winning streak is now a celebrated moment in NC State’s history.
Keatts’ journey with NC State continues to captivate the press and media members, especially as he navigates the 2023-24 season.
Often seen as a resilient leader, his strategies and coaching philosophy have not only uplifted the team’s performance but also his own reputation within the college basketball community.
To learn more about his impactful career, you can explore details through various articles and updates on the NC State Wolfpack under his tenure.
Who Is Kevin Keatts?
Kevin Keatts is the head coach of the NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team. He has a rich background in coaching and playing basketball.
His journey spans from playing college basketball to coaching at various levels, making him a notable figure in the sport.
Where Did Kevin Keatts Grow Up?
Kevin Keatts grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia. Lynchburg, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a city known for its historical significance.
Growing up here played a significant role in shaping Keatts’ future in basketball.
His passion for basketball was evident from an early age. He attended Hargrave Military Academy, where he developed his skills both as a player and later as a coach.
Hargrave has a strong basketball program, which helped Keatts hone his abilities and lay the foundation for his future career.
Where Did Kevin Keatts Play College Basketball?
Kevin Keatts played college basketball at Southwestern Michigan College and later transferred to Ferrum College, a private college in Ferrum, Virginia.
At Ferrum, he was a standout player, showcasing his talent and leadership on the court.
His performance at Ferrum College caught the attention of many, setting the stage for his transition into coaching.
Playing at the college level provided Keatts with a deeper understanding of the game, which he later applied to his coaching career.
Where Does Kevin Keatts Live?
Kevin Keatts currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh is the state capital and is known for its vibrant culture and educational institutions.
Living in Raleigh places Keatts in close proximity to NC State University, where he fulfills his role as head coach.
Raleigh offers a balanced lifestyle with its mix of urban and suburban areas. This location is ideal for Keatts and his family, providing a supportive environment as he focuses on leading the Wolfpack to success.
Who Is Kevin Keatts Married To?
Kevin Keatts is married to Georgette Keatts. Together, they have two sons, K.J. and Kaden.
Georgette has been a steadfast supporter of Kevin throughout his coaching career, attending games and being an active part of the basketball community.
Their partnership is a significant part of Kevin’s stability and success.
Georgette’s involvement in his career highlights the importance of family support in the high-pressure world of college sports. This strong family foundation has helped Kevin Keatts navigate the challenges and achievements of his coaching journey.
Kevin Keatts Professional Career
Kevin Keatts has made a significant impact in college basketball through his coaching tenures and achievements. His career illustrates his dedication to developing winning teams and leading them to prestigious tournaments and championships.
What Teams Has Kevin Keatts Previously Coached For?
Kevin Keatts began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Hargrave Military Academy. He then served as an assistant coach at Marshall University before joining the staff at Louisville, where he worked under Rick Pitino.
Keatts was part of the Louisville team that won the 2013 NCAA Championship, though this title was later vacated due to violations.
Keatts then became the head coach at UNC Wilmington, where he led the Seahawks to two CAA regular-season titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2016 and 2017.
These achievements garnered him recognition and paved the way for his move to NC State.
What Team Is Kevin Keatts Currently Coaching For?
Kevin Keatts is currently the head coach of the NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team. He was appointed in 2017 and has been instrumental in rebuilding the program.
Under his leadership, the Wolfpack have made several NCAA Tournament appearances and consistently performed well in the ACC.
Keatts is known for his emphasis on strong defensive play and his ability to develop players like Jarkel Joiner and DJ Burns.
He has also guided the team through significant games against traditional rivals like UNC and Duke, further solidifying his reputation as a capable coach.
Does Kevin Keatts Want To Coach In The NBA?
While Kevin Keatts has not publicly stated a strong desire to coach in the NBA, his coaching style and success at the college level could make him a candidate in the future.
His ability to turn around programs like NC State and his knack for developing talent are qualities that NBA teams might find attractive.
Currently, Keatts seems focused on his role at NC State, continuing to build on the team’s success and aiming for deeper runs in the NCAA Tournament. His dedication to college basketball remains a priority.
What Are Kevin Keatts Future Prospects?
Kevin Keatts has a bright future in college basketball. His record at NC State suggests he will continue to lead the Wolfpack to success.
With a strong recruiting pipeline and talented players like Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Ben Middlebrooks, Keatts is poised to keep NC State competitive in the ACC.
Long-term prospects may include potential offers from larger programs or even a move to the NBA if the right opportunity arises.
For now, Keatts focuses on keeping NC State among the top teams in college basketball.
Kevin Keatts Major Achievements And Awards
Kevin Keatts has several notable achievements. At Louisville, he was part of the coaching staff that won the 2013 NCAA Championship, though it was later vacated.
As head coach at UNC Wilmington, he won back-to-back CAA Coach of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017.
Since joining NC State, Keatts led the team to an ACC Tournament title in 2024 and a Final Four appearance the same year. His overall coaching record at NC State stands at 113-79, showcasing his impact.
Similar Coaches To Kevin Keatts
Kevin Keatts can be compared to coaches like Jim Valvano, who also led NC State to significant heights during his tenure.
Rick Pitino, under whom Keatts worked at Louisville, shares a similar coaching philosophy and has had considerable success in college basketball.
Other coaches who share Keatts’ commitment to defense and player development include Tony Bennett at Virginia and Mike Krzyzewski, formerly of Duke.
These coaches also emphasize creating strong, competitive teams capable of making deep tournament runs.
How Does Kevin Keatts Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Kevin Keatts has successfully navigated both the Transfer Portal and NIL landscape to build a competitive team. His strategies reflect a strong understanding of modern collegiate athletics dynamics.
Kevin Keatts And Transfer Portal
Kevin Keatts has made significant strides with the transfer portal, transforming NC State’s roster efficiently.
He has recruited several key players through the portal, enhancing the team’s depth and talent.
Drawing from his prep coaching background, Keatts has identified and integrated transfers who fit well into his system.
One notable aspect is Keatts’ ability to quickly assess and incorporate new talent.
For instance, he brought in players like Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Mike James to fill crucial roles.
These transfers have allowed NC State to maintain consistency and progress deep into tournaments, exemplified by their recent Final Four appearance.
Kevin Keatts And NIL Money
Navigating the changes brought by NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money, Keatts has supported his players in maximizing their earning potential.
The NIL landscape has changed college basketball dramatically, providing athletes with financial opportunities and influencing recruiting.
Keatts has taken a proactive stance, educating players about managing deals and understanding the implications of their brand.
By fostering an environment where athletes feel supported in their off-court endeavors, he ensures they remain focused on their performance.
This balanced approach helps NC State attract top talent who see the university as a place where they can excel both athletically and financially.
How Much Is Kevin Keatts’s Contract For?
Kevin Keatts, the head coach of NC State’s men’s basketball team, earns a significant salary augmented by various bonuses. His contract details reveal a lucrative package designed to secure his long-term commitment to the team.
How Much Does Kevin Keatts Make In Salary Per Year?
Kevin Keatts earns $2.7 million per year as the head coach of NC State’s men’s basketball team.
This figure includes both his base salary and supplemental income, making him one of the higher-paid coaches in college basketball. The base salary is $1.1 million, while the remainder comes from additional sources tied to his role.
This salary increase came with a new six-year deal that extends his tenure and recognizes his achievements with the team.
The salary structure is designed to ensure that he remains motivated and focused on leading the team to further successes. For more details on his salary, you can check out the AP News article.
How Much Does Kevin Keatts Make In Incentives Per Year?
In addition to his annual salary, Kevin Keatts has the potential to earn several bonuses and incentives.
These include performance-based bonuses tied to the team’s success in tournaments and championships.
For instance, his recent victory in the ACC Tournament triggered a two-year contract extension, as mentioned in Pack Pride.
These incentives can add significant amounts to his earnings, making his total compensation highly variable and dependent on the team’s performance.
Such incentive structures are common in college basketball, rewarding coaches for achieving specific milestones and enhancing team performance.
What Is Kevin Keatts Net Worth?
Kevin Keatts, head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, has amassed a significant net worth during his coaching career.
When Keatts joined NC State, he signed a six-year contract worth at least $2.2 million per year.
This deal included an annual salary of $1.1 million along with additional incentives.
Keatts has earned substantial bonuses for his team’s achievements.
For example, after winning the ACC Tournament, he received a $100,000 bonus. He also got additional bonuses for making it to the NCAA Tournament and achieving victories in each round.
Here is a summary of his earnings:
- Annual Salary: $1.1 million
- Contract Value: $2.2 million per year
- ACC Tournament Bonus: $100,000
- NCAA Tournament Bonuses: $25,000 per round win
In March 2024, Keatts received a $400,000 raise after winning the ACC title, further boosting his net worth.
Adding all these figures gives an insight into how his financial status has been augmented by his success at NC State.
Keatts’ earnings also reflect his significant contribution to the basketball program at the university.