A star player can be the spark to lead their team to victories, but the even the best college athlete can only impact a college basketball program for a short four years. The real program leader is the head coach, the one calling all the shots and training up their players to be successful.
Even when we're watching some of the most famous sports movies such as Hoosiers, Coach Carter, and Remember the Titans, much of the focus is on the head coaches and how they inspire their players to do great things. These D2 men's basketball coaches hold a similar value to their programs and are a huge reason why their teams have found success.
Lonn Reisman, Tarleton
When Lonn Reisman took charge of Tarleton basketball in 1988, they had went 3-25 in the previous season and only had one winning season in 25 years. Since then, Reisman has turned Tarleton into a powerhouse known for consistency and winning. Over the last eleven seasons, Tarleton has a 278-82 record. Tarleton is also the first program in Texas to make it to two Final Fours after making it last season. Oh, and he just reached the milestone of 600 total wins.
Bobby Champagne, North Alabama
Bobby Champagne has been affiliated with 13 postseason tournaments, including nina NCAA tourneys and two NIT's. North Alabama has qualified for post-season in all 12 seasons under Champagne, including 12 consecutive Gulf South Conference Tournaments.
Jim Crutchfield, West Liberty
In his first season, Jim Crutchfield led West Liberty to a 21-10 season after they had went 4-23 the previous year- one of the best turnarounds in college basketball. Last season he became the fastest Division 2 coach to reach 300 wins, and his career record sits at 310-53.
Scott Davenport, Bellarmine
In six seasons, Scott Davenport led Bellarmine to a National Championship in 2011. Last season, he led them to their third Final Four in five years and the team had a 31-4 record- the best in the schools history. Davenport had inherited a GLVC last place team and in his debut season led them to a .500 record.
Bob Hofman, Fort Lewis
Bob Hofman is serving as the team's enterim head coach this season after announcing his retirement. As the winningest head coach in Fort Lewis history, Hofman has led the program to a 352-182 record and to three regular season championships, four RMAC postseason championships, and seven D2 playoff berths.
Greg Kamansky, Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona won the National Championship in 2010, but the list of Greg Kamansky's accomplishments doesn't stop there. He has nine NCAA tournament berths, four Elite Eight appearances, nine 20-win seasons, and countless Coach of the Year awards from the CCAA, NABC, and a couple National Coach of the Year awards from NABC.
