Stansbury’s future at WKU uncertain

Head+coach+Rick+Stansbury+points+the+Hilltoppers+to+defensives+positions+during+the+matchup+with+UTEP+in+E.A.+Diddle+Arena+on+Thursday%2C+Feb.+4%2C+2023.+WKU+won+74-69.

Tucker Covey

Head coach Rick Stansbury points the Hilltoppers to defensives positions during the matchup with UTEP in E.A. Diddle Arena on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2023. WKU won 74-69.

Molly St. Clair

Editor’s Note: This story originally had an incorrect team name. It is now updated with the correct name. The Herald regrets the error.

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Stansbury indicated he is unsure about his return to the Hill next season in a post game interview following a loss to FAU in the C-USA quarterfinals on March 9. 

“I’m gonna do this,” Stansbury said when prompted about his future at WKU. “I’m going to get back, sit down and visit with Todd [Stewart] and we will make the decision of what’s best for everybody.”

Stansbury, who was hired in March of 2016, holds a 139-89 cumulative record on the Hill.

Within the 2022-23 season, Stansbury missed nine regular season games due to health issues. During his absence, the Hilltoppers went 3-6.

WKU Men’s Basketball finished the 2022-23 season 17-16 overall and 8-12 in conference play. The Hilltoppers finished 7th of 11 teams in the C-USA rankings.

One of the biggest blows came in the regular season closer as WKU lost by 34 points to the University of North Texas, 67-33, March 4.

“From the get go, things haven’t been really smooth,” Stansbury said. “You know, I put the team in a bad position. I’ve said many a time, coaches did a great job, players did a great job of staying together, but missing the first nine games of conference play, it’s hard on those guys and they deserve a lot of credit.”

The Hilltoppers have not seen the NCAA Tournament since 2013. However, WKU won the Conference USA East Division Championship in 2021. This is the team’s only title since joining C-USA in 2014.

The school has yet to share any updates regarding Stansbury’s position at WKU following his remarks during the interview. 

 

Sports editor Molly St. Clair can be reached at [email protected].