New Head Coach Hank Plona Takes the Reins at WKU Men’s Basketball

Basketball coach with team.

Hank Plona Named as New Head Coach for WKU Men’s Basketball

In a recent exciting development, Hank Plona has been officially announced as the 17th head men’s basketball coach at Western Kentucky University (WKU), according to Todd Stewart, the Director of Athletics. In prior seasons as a head coach, Plona celebrated an outstanding win ratio of 86.5% and led his team at Indian Hills Community College to numerous accolades, including eight consecutive regular-season titles.

Plona’s Track Record of Success

Stewart lauded Plona as a champion and appreciated his significant contribution to their prior championship season. Plona’s winning streak as head coach at Indian Hills, paired with his robust background in recruitment and player development, was cited as evidence of his competence and qualifications for his new role at WKU.

Welcoming Remarks From WKU Administration

WKU President Timothy C. Caboni echoed Stewart’s sentiments, expressing faith in Plona’s experience, knowledge, and vision. Caboni expressed certainty that Plona’s familiarity with the program and the team would contribute positively to their pursuit of excellence, given the team’s historical reputation.

Plona’s Grateful Remarks, Experience and Future Plans

Upon his appointment, Plona expressed his immense gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to carry on the momentum of the 2023-24 season, as the team builds for a stronger future. Plona commended his predecessor, Steve Lutz, for his outstanding contributions to the team and conveyed his determination to maintain a high-performing, community-supported team.

An Official Introduction In the Offing

A formal public press conference has been planned to introduce Plona as the new head coach of the WKU Hilltoppers men’s basketball team. This will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning at the E.A. Diddle Arena, Bowling Green, KY.

Last Season’s Achievements Under Plona’s Leadership

With Plona as assistant coach last season, WKU made its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2013. The Hilltoppers led the country in adapted tempo and scored an impressive average of 80.2 points per game, their best performance since the 1994-95 season. Several players under Plona’s guidance, such as Don McHenry, registered stellar performances.

Previous Success at Indian Hills and Future Expectations at WKU

Throughout his coaching career at Indian Hills, Plona guided the Warriors to a stupendous record of 225 wins against only 35 defeats, with the Warriors qualifying for the NJCAA National Tournament in seven of those eight seasons. Along with his immense success in moving players to the next level, Plona has also helped numerous assistant coaches secure positions at top programs around the country. This record gives great promise to his performance at WKU.

Now that Plona is at the helm for the WKU Hilltoppers, fans and the basketball community eagerly await the coming season, filled with the anticipation of witnessed further records and championships.