Army tabs Butler assistant Kevin Kuwik as new men's basketball head coach. What to know

Army has hired Butler assistant coach Kevin Kuwik as its new head coach for men's basketball.

Kuwik has worked with an impressive line of head coaches, including Thad Motta and Brad Stevens.

"What an amazing honor for my family and me,’’ Kuwik said in a release. “We could not be more thankful to (athletic director) Mike Buddie and his entire leadership team for their belief in me. I am excited to get to work with a special group of young men, producing not only winners but future leaders and defenders of our nation."

Kuwik will be introduced at a press conference in mid-April, following a heavy period of college recruitment.

Kuwik replaces Jimmy Allen, who was head coach for the past seven seasons and an assistant for six years previous. Kuwik will be the 32 nd head coach in Army history, a list that notably includes Bobby Knight and Mike Krzyzewski.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Kuwik and his family to the West Point team,’’ Buddie said. “Kevin is uniquely qualified to develop our cadets as both athletes and leaders of character while fulfilling our goal of winning a Patriot League championship. His experiences at several great institutions as well as his time in the Army will translate well to the culture at West Point.’’

Army has the dubious distinction of being one of only four of the original 120 NCAA member schools to have never reached the NCAA tournament since its inception in 1939. The Black Knights have also never reached the Patriot League championship game since joining the league in 1990-91.

Allen put Army in position to challenge recently, guiding Army to five consecutive top-half finishes in the Patriot League. He also guided the team to three consecutive seasons of at least 15 wins (not counting the COVID season of 2020-21), a feat only matched by previous head coach Zach Spiker (2012-16) and Knight (1967-70).

Kuwik has more than 20 seasons as an assistant coach, including time with Matta at both Ohio State and Butler and Stevens, also at Butler.

"Army is getting a tremendous basketball coach and an even better person in Kevin to lead their program,’’ Matta said. “He has a strong knowledge and feel for the game and brings great energy each and every day. He has impacted multiple winning programs and I know he will do the same for the Army program.’’

Kuwik has a military background. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate in Notre Dame’s ROTC program and served 10 years, serving in Iraq and earning the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He received an honorable discharge from the military in 2006.

“You always hear the term 'fit' this time of year as coaches take over programs, but Kevin's service to our country and his true appreciation of West Point and its values make this an ideal fit,’’ Matta said.

"He's a very good coach that combines a wealth of experience with a real hunger to grow,’’ said Stevens, now the president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics. “With intelligence, work ethic and service-oriented mindset, I think he will be a special coach and leader.’’

Kuwik has also worked various roles at Saint Michael’s College, Ohio University, Dayton and Davidson.

Kuwik has already received a vote of confidence from Krzyzewski.

"Kevin is a great choice,’’ said Krzyzewski, who coached Army from 1975-80 before going on to Duke. “He has worked with the best at very special places. I'm excited for the future of Army West Point Basketball."

"We look forward to coach Kuwik's arrival,’’ said Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland, the superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy. “His proven dedication to developing future leaders of character and demonstrating excellence both on and off the court will make him a great addition to the USMA team."

Army returns eight seniors next season, notably all-star Jalen Rucker and Charlie Peterson.

kmcmillan@th-record.com

Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Kevin Kuwik hired as Army men's basketball's next head coach