Indiana University Kokomo men\u2019s basketball head coach\u00a0Eric Echelbarger\u00a0has announced that Lennon Hardy has been promoted to assistant coach after serving as a student assistant coach for the past four seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCoach Hardy has been a major contributor to our program since he arrived as a freshman in 2021,\u201d said Echelbarger. \u201cNow an IU Kokomo graduate, he continues to find ways to make our coaching staff more efficient and improve player performance. He has led our recruiting efforts and been actively involved in player development. We are grateful for his contributions and excited to have him serve our student athletes as assistant basketball coach.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since joining the staff during the landmark 2021-2022 season, Hardy has played a key role in guiding the Cougars to an impressive overall record of 97-30, including a 54-16 mark in River States Conference play. In 2021-2022, IU Kokomo set a program record with 32 wins and made a stunning upset over #1 overall William Penn on their home court in the \u201cRound of 32,\u201d advancing to the \u201cSweet 16\u201d for only the second time in program history. The Cougars claimed the RSC West title in both 2022 and 2023, and finished as runners-up in both the RSC Regular Season and Tournament in 2023.<\/p>\n
A Noblesville native, Hardy stated \u201cI could not be more excited and thankful to continue my tenure here at IU Kokomo. Coach E does a fantastic job of developing his staff and being alongside one of my closest friends in Coach Spivey, it made it a really easy decision for me. I am excited to continue working with them and for our group of student-athletes!\u201d<\/p>\n
Lennon and his wife Kristen reside in downtown Noblesville.<\/p>\n