MOREHEAD, Ky. -
Preston Spradlin, who spent the majority of the 2016-17 season as interim head coach and just concluded his third season with the program, has been named the 14th men's basketball head coach at Morehead State.
Spradlin will be formally introduced during a press conference on Tuesday (March 28) at 1 p.m. ET. The press conference, which is open to the public, will be held in the south lobby of Johnson Arena.
"Preston emerged through a rigorous process that demonstrated truly how special this job is in the basketball community," said President Wayne D. Andrews. "I have appreciated his good work throughout this season and know his values will help us continue to achieve our goals at a very high level."
"Preston exhibits many fine qualities that I look for when considering head coaching candidates," said Director of Athletics
Brian Hutchinson. "His knowledge of our basketball program is unique, which gives him a head start in building towards our short term goals.
"Most importantly, he's a student-first coach that will undoubtedly lead us to achieving our long term goals in the (Ohio Valley Conference) and nationally. I'm honored to have Preston lead our men's basketball program for years to come. He's earned the job, and we need the Eagle Empire to rally behind him and this program."
Spradlin officially took on the interim head coaching position on Dec. 15, 2016, nine games into the season after the Eagles opened with a 2-7 record. He then guided Morehead State to a 12-9 record the rest of the way and a 10-6 mark in OVC play, which ranked second in the league.
At the conclusion of the season, he finished second to Belmont's Rick Byrd in OVC Coach of the Year voting.
Following the 2015-16 season, Spradlin was named to the National Basketball Coaches Association (NABC) 2016 Under Armour 30-Under-30-Team, which recognizes 30 men's basketball coaches across the country that are under the age of 30.
Spradlin came to Morehead State after five seasons with national power Kentucky. He spent two campaigns (2009-11) as a graduate assistant with the Wildcats before three years as the assistant director of operations (2011-14).
Spradlin, a native of Pikeville, Ky., worked with the Dominican Republic National Team during the summers of 2011 and 2012. The squad reached its highest finish and won the bronze medal in the Tournament of the America's Olympic Qualifier in 2011 and came within one game of qualifying for the 2012 Olympics.
Spradlin earned a bachelor's degree in history from Alice Lloyd (Ky.) in 2009 and master's degree in kinesiology and health promotion, with a sports leadership emphasis, from Kentucky in 2011. He was a four-year men's basketball letterwinner for the NAIA Eagles from 2005-09.
Spradlin, a 2005 graduate of Betsy Layne High School (Ky.), is married to the former Misty Tackett. The couple has one son, Bentley, who was born on June 19, 2012.
Media members needing assistance may contact
Nick Evans (
n.evans@moreheadstate.edu) or
Matt Schabert (
m.schabert@moreheadstate.edu) in the Morehead State athletic media relations department.
Â
