On March 31st, Troy University just dropped big news, naming Adam Howard their eighth-head men's basketball coach on March 29th. Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. and Athletics Director Kyle George made the call. Howard packed 16 years of coaching chops, known as a top offensive brain and killer recruiter.
He steps in after Scott Cross bounced to Georgia Tech following seven solid seasons, including two straight NCAA trips for the Trojans. This marks Howard's second run at Troy. He was an assistant there from 2016 to 2018, helping snag their first NCAA bid in nearly 15 years. Since then, he's bounced through power programs one year at NC State under Will Wade, pushing them to the tournament with elite three-point shooting.
Before that, three seasons at Nebraska with Fred Hoiberg, four at South Alabama where he sparked a turnaround to a 75-51 record, plus stops at Tennessee, Southern Miss, and Moorhead State. Coaches and analysts are hyping the higher. Wade calls him the full package for recruiting, coaching, and mentoring. Hoiberg praises his ex's and o's, player growth, and connections.
TB analyst Tom Kreen, who's tracked him since his playing days at Western Kentucky, says Howard's resilient, competitive, and ready to demand. Excellence, just like in college where he hit the Sweet 16. At NC State, his offense ranked ninth nationally in 3.8% at 38.8%. 28th in 3's made and 29th in scoring.
South Alabama flipped losing seasons into wins under his watch. Now back home, he's set to build on Troy's momentum with his tournament know-how from five appearances as player and coach. Troy's betting on Howard to write the next chapter in their hoop's legacy. Eyes on the core for how he flips the script this fall.