KSU names Antoine Pettway as new men’s basketball coach

Following a fantastic basketball season, a run in the NCAA Tournament, and the departure of their head coach, Kennesaw State University and its men’s basketball team are preparing for their eighth head coach in the history of their program with the naming of Antoine Pettway. 

Pettway is coming to KSU from the University of Alabama where he spent the last 15 years on staff. Pettway helped lead the Crimson Tide to the No. 1 team in the country this past season and the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Known as one of the top recruiters in the nation, he brought in the third-ranked class in the nation in 2022 that included two five-star and two four-star recruits, highlighted by potential NBA Draft Top 3 pick and 2022-23 National Freshman of the Year Brandon Miller.In a written release, Kennesaw State athletic director Milton Overton said, “Coach Pettway is a well-rounded basketball coach, elite recruiter and family man with great integrity. His core values, exceptional work ethic, dedication to his players and love for the game is clear through the success Alabama basketball has experienced over the years.”

On his appointment, Pettway said, “This has been extremely emotional and exciting for my family and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to lead this program and work with an amazing group of people at Kennesaw State University. I am ready to get started and soar to new heights with the Owls. I cannot go without thanking the University of Alabama. The last 15 years in Tuscaloosa have molded me into the man I am today. Tuscaloosa will always hold a special place in my heart for helping me live out my dream of playing Division I basketball and coaching at the highest level.”

Pettway spent two years as an assistant coach at Jacksonville State, before joining the Alabama staff in the summer of 2008. His tenure at Alabama includes serving as an assistant coach from 2008-10; three seasons as the team’s director of operations; and then moving back into an assistant coach role for the 2013-14 season.

Pettway replaces former coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who left to take the same position with the University of South Florida. Under Abdur-Rahim, KSU had its best season in Division I history, going 26-9, winning the ASUN regular season and postseason tournament, and earning its first trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Pending background checks and USG approval, Pettway will be formally introduced at a press conference at the KSU Convocation Center next week.