James Madison swiftly filled their head basketball coaching vacancy by appointing Preston Spradlin, who led Morehead State to their second NCAA appearance in four seasons, signing a six-year contract. During Spradlin's tenure, Morehead State achieved a record of 94-40 overall and 58-16 in league games in the Ohio Valley Conference, marking the best four-year performance in program history. Spradlin's coaching saw the Eagles achieve consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time, with four such successful campaigns in over 90 seasons of the team's history.

By the Numbers
  • Morehead State under Spradlin posted a record of 94-40 overall and 58-16 in league games in the Ohio Valley Conference.
  • The team had four consecutive 20-win seasons, a first in over 90 seasons for the program.
  • Spradlin achieved the best NET rating in the OVC at 106, with the next best mark at 182.
  • Morehead State was top 10 in the country in field goal percentage defense (7th, 39.3%), scoring defense (9th, 63.4 points/game), and rebounding margin (6th, 8.5 rebounds/game).
Yes, But

No significant counterarguments or complexities were identified.

State of Play
  • James Madison moved swiftly to appoint Spradlin following a record season and an NCAA Championship Second Round appearance.
  • Spradlin's success at Morehead State, including consecutive 20-win seasons and a top-three finish in the league, positioned him as a prime candidate.
  • With a strong coaching record and positive impact on Morehead State's performance, Spradlin is expected to bring significant value to James Madison's basketball program.
What's Next

Spradlin's appointment at James Madison sets the stage for potential improvements and successes for the basketball program under his leadership. Fans and analysts will be eager to see how he shapes the team's future performance and competitive edge in the ASUN conference.

Bottom Line

Preston Spradlin's move from Morehead State to James Madison represents a strategic and promising decision, considering his track record of success and the positive impact he has had on his former team. With a history of building competitive programs, Spradlin's appointment heralds a new era for James Madison basketball, offering a strong foundation for future achievements and growth.