Amir Abdur-Rahim‘s decision to accept South Florida‘s head coaching position left Kennesaw State as one of the only remaining head coaching vacancies in college basketball.
After a little over a week of searching, the Owls Athletic Department finally came to a decision in hiring Antoine Pettway.
“Coach Pettway is a well-rounded basketball coach, elite recruiter, and family man with great integrity,” KSU Athletic Director Milton Overton said. “I have no doubt that Coach Pettway and his staff will work tirelessly to maintain the incredible momentum KSU basketball experienced during its historic run this season.”
Hailing from his hometown of Camden, Alabama, Pettway initially made a name for himself in the basketball world as a player at the University of Alabama, being a rotational player all four years and starting every game his senior season.
After brief stints at the professional level in both the NBA developmental league and the World Basketball Association, Pettway began his coaching career as an assistant at Jacksonville State University in 2005 as an assistant coach.
In 2008, Pettway would return to Tuscaloosa to accept an assistant coaching position for the Crimson Tide.
After a four year stint as the director of basketball operations, Pettway returned to the assistant coach title, where he has remained till now.
“This has been extremely emotional and exciting for my family, but I am so grateful to have the opportunity to lead this program and work with an amazing group of people at Kennesaw State University,” Pettway said in regard to landing his first head coaching gig. “Kim and I cannot wait to bring our family down to Kennesaw and get to work.”
Despite inheriting a KSU program fresh off their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, Pettway will have his work cut out for him.
Along with the departure of Abdur-Rahim, the Owls will have several holes to fill in their rotation. Starting guard Spencer Rodgers and key bench piece Alex Peterson have both graduated and run out of eligibility. All-ASUN guard Chris Youngblood and ASUN Defensive Player of the Year Brandon Stroud both have opted to follow Abdur-Rahim to South Florida. Finally, Kasen Jenningswho had been labeled as the Owls’ best perimeter defender will also be following his coach and teammates to South Florida.
With all departures accounted for and the de-commitment of Center Daniel Tobiloba, Pettway will have 5 scholarships to fill before the beginning of the 2023-24 season.
The Owls are expecting the return of super-seniors Terrell Burden and Demond Robinson who were crucial pieces during last season’s ASUN Championship campaign. Bench guards Simeon Cottle and Quincy Ademekoya will have to take on larger roles next season.
Becoming the sixth head coach for KSU Men’s Basketball since joining the NCAA Division I level, Pettway will have the opportunity to become the first coach to hold a winning record at the school, something Abdur-Rahim was unable to accomplish himself, going 45-74 during his time as the Owls head coach.
2023-24 will mark the first year of the Pettway era at KSU as well as the Owls’ final season as a member of the ASUN conference.
