Keatts Joins Herd Hoops Staff

6/29/2001

HUNTINGTON, WV -- Marshall University men's basketball coach Greg White announced today that Kevin Keatts has been hired as a new member of the Herd coaching staff.

Keatts comes to Marshall from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., where he served as head coach for the last two years. He replaces Steve Snell, who left to take an assistant coaching position at Tulane University.

"I am thrilled to announce Kevin as my new assistant coach," White said. After a very thorough search, Kevin clearly was the best fit for Marshall and our program."

Keatts' team posted a 47-4 record over the last two seasons at Hargrave, including a school record 27-1 mark this past season. "I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Coach White and the Marshall basketball program," Keatts said. "Coach White is a great teacher, motivator and coach and Marshall plays a very exciting style of basketball. It is geared toward today's type of athlete and allows them to be themselves. Marshall University is a reputable and prestigious university that definitely takes an interest in the student-athletes." Keatts, who is well-known for his recruiting skills, joins the Marshall program just in time for the crucial July recruiting period. Over four seasons as both an assistant and head coach at Hargrave he coached eight players who were nominated for the McDonald's All-America game. Current college stars Lonnie Baxter of the University of Maryland and David West of Xavier are among the players Keatts recruited and coached at Hargrave.

"Kevin brings a combination of head coaching experience and recruiting experience that will be invaluable to our staff," White said. "Our recruiting should not miss a beat. The July recruiting period is right around the corner and with the addition of Coach Keatts we are excited about hitting the road."

Keatts recruited a wide area at Hargrave, including the basketball hotbeds of Kentucky, North Carolina, New York, Virginia and Texas. In two seasons at Hargrave he sent 23 players on to play at Division I schools.

A native of Lynchburg, Va., Keatts was a two-sport (basketball and football) performer at Heritage High before attending Ferrum College, where he received his degree in 1995. His coaching stops have included Ferrum, Southwestern Michigan College and Hargrave. Keatts is married to the former Georgette Reed of Lynchburg, Va.