The Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List for 2025, presented by AXIA Time, features 15 distinguished coaches who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and success in men’s college basketball. This annual recognition honors the top men’s coach in Division I basketball.
**Coaches on the Watch List:**
– **Greg Gard** (Wisconsin, Big Ten)
– **Dennis Gates** (Missouri, SEC)
– **Todd Golden** (Florida, SEC)
– **Penny Hardaway** (Memphis, AAC)
– **Tom Izzo** (Michigan State, Big Ten)
– **Pat Kelsey** (Louisville, ACC)
– **Dusty May** (Michigan, Big Ten)
– **Grant McCasland** (Texas Tech, Big 12)
– **Ben McCollum** (Drake, MVC)
– **Matt Painter** (Purdue, Big Ten)
– **Bruce Pearl** (Auburn, SEC)
– **Rick Pitino** (St. John’s, BIG EAST)
– **Richard Pitino** (New Mexico, MWC)
– **Kelvin Sampson** (Houston, Big 12)
– **Jon Scheyer** (Duke, ACC)
These coaches have been instrumental in leading their respective programs to notable achievements this season.
**Notable Highlights:**
– **Kelvin Sampson** has guided the University of Houston Cougars to a No. 5 national ranking and is on course for a second consecutive Big 12 regular-season title.
– **Matt Painter** has led Purdue to a 19-8 overall record, positioning the Boilermakers for their third straight Big Ten title, despite the loss of key players from the previous season.
– **Pat Kelsey** has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at the University of Louisville, with the Cardinals improving by 13 wins from the previous season, marking one of the largest turnarounds in the program’s history.
– **Richard Pitino** has revitalized the New Mexico Lobos, earning a spot on the watch list for his significant contributions to the program.
The Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List serves as a testament to the outstanding leadership and coaching excellence in college basketball. The selection committee will continue to monitor these coaches’ performances as the season progresses, with the finalists to be announced in March and the winner revealed in April.
