NC State men's basketball head coach Kevin Keatts has been named the Division I Clarence Big House Gaines College Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Keatts led NC State to its first ACC title since 1987 and the program's first Final Four since 1983, after a 17-14 regular season, sweeping five games in five days to win the ACC Tournament, and reaching the national semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Keatts' NC State teams have won at least 20 games in five of his seven seasons as head coach. The Gaines Awards will be presented during the NSMA's 64th awards banquet on July 1, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

By the Numbers
  • Keatts' NC State teams have won at least 20 games in five of his seven seasons as head coach.
  • NC State won its first ACC title since 1987 and reached its first Final Four since 1983 under Keatts' leadership.
State of Play
  • Keatts will be presented with the Gaines Award at the NSMA's 64th awards banquet on July 1, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina.
  • The Gaines Awards are presented to coaches in NCAA Divisions I and II and are voted on by an NSMA committee at the conclusion of the NCAA men's and women's tournaments.
Bottom Line

Kevin Keatts has been recognized for leading NC State to its first ACC title in 35 years and its first Final Four in 41 years, solidifying his impact on the university's basketball program.