American University's men's basketball head coach Duane Simpkins is a finalist for the 2023-24 Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year Award, recognizing the top rookie head coach in NCAA Division I Men's College Basketball. In his first year, Simpkins led the team to a 16-16 record and a tie for second place in the Patriot League, achieving several program highlights despite key injuries in the lineup.

By the Numbers
  • 16-16 record in the first year
  • 10 regular season conference games won
  • 279 three-pointers - a new school record
State of Play
  • Simpkins is one of 16 finalists for the Joe B. Hall award
  • The recipient will be determined by a 10-member voting committee
What's Next

The 2024 Joe B. Hall Award recipient will be announced in Phoenix, AZ, the site of the men's Division I Basketball Championship.

Bottom Line

Despite facing challenges, Coach Duane Simpkins' impressive performance in his first year positions him as a strong contender for the prestigious Joe B. Hall Coach of the Year Award, with the winner soon to be revealed in Phoenix, AZ.