Pat Kelsey, in his inaugural season as head coach of the University of Louisville men’s basketball team, has been honored as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year. This accolade comes after Kelsey led the Cardinals to a remarkable 25-6 regular-season record, a significant turnaround from the combined 12 wins over the previous two seasons. Under his leadership, Louisville secured the second seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament, set to begin on Thursday, March 13.
Kelsey’s achievement marks the first time a Louisville men’s basketball head coach has received a conference Coach of the Year honor since Rick Pitino was named Conference USA Coach of the Year for the 2004-05 season. His coaching career includes successful stints at Winthrop University and the College of Charleston, where he led teams to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
In addition to Kelsey’s recognition, senior point guard Chucky Hepburn was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-ACC First Team. Hepburn leads the ACC in steals per game (2.43) and ranks third in assists per game (5.87), while averaging 16.3 points per game. Senior guard/forward Terrence Edwards Jr. was also honored, securing a place on the All-ACC Third Team with averages of 15.8 points, 2.65 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
Louisville will commence their ACC Tournament journey in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m., facing either Virginia Tech, California, or Stanford.
For more insights into Coach Kelsey’s recognition, you can watch the following video: