Spartanburg, S.C. – Wofford College has announced the appointment of Kevin Giltner as the new head coach of its men’s basketball program. Giltner, a 2012 graduate of Wofford and a five-time Southern Conference champion both as a player and coach, returns to his alma mater after six seasons as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech.
A Familiar Face Returns Home
Table of Contents
- 1. A Familiar Face Returns Home
- 2. Proven Track Record at Virginia Tech
- 3. Building a Legacy at Wofford
- 4. The Increasing Trend of Alumnus Hires in College Basketball
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About Kevin Giltner
- 6. What specific strategies might Kevin Giltner employ to improve Wofford’s defensive rating?
- 7. Wofford Appoints Kevin Giltner as Head coach for Men’s basketball Team
- 8. A New Era for Wofford Basketball
- 9. Kevin Giltner’s coaching Background & experience
- 10. What Giltner’s Appointment Means for Wofford
- 11. Giltner’s Coaching Style: Key Elements
- 12. Wofford Basketball: Recent History & Challenges
- 13. Looking Ahead: Expectations for the 2025-26 Season
The decision to bring back a Wofford alumnus was lauded by Director of Athletics Scott Each. He emphasized the urgency of finding a leader with immediate impact as the season approaches. Each stated that Giltner’s deep connection to the college and understanding of its values make him an ideal fit.
Giltner expressed immense gratitude to President nayef Samhat and Athletic Director Scott Each for the opportunity to return to Wofford and Spartanburg, calling it “home.” He aims to replicate his positive experiences for the current and future student-athletes, building upon the established foundation of the program.
Proven Track Record at Virginia Tech
During his tenure at Virginia Tech, Giltner served as a trusted assistant to Head Coach Mike Young for six seasons. The Hokies consistently achieved winning records during this period, with four seasons culminating in victories. In his inaugural season, Giltner played a pivotal role in setting school and ACC records for three-pointers made in a single game, alongside an upset win against then-ranked no. 3 Michigan State.
The program reached new heights in 2020-21, securing a 15-7 record and finishing third in the ACC-the highest regular-season finish in program history.This success led to an NCAA Tournament appearance. Further milestones included the Hokies’ first-ever ACC men’s basketball championship in March 2022 and subsequent appearances in the NCAA and NIT Tournaments in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Giltner contributed to seven NCAA Tournament teams since 2010.
Building a Legacy at Wofford
Prior to his time at Virginia Tech, Giltner was instrumental in Wofford’s success for six years, contributing to three Southern Conference Tournament championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. He also enjoyed two championship titles as a student-athlete, aiding the program’s initial victories in 2009-10 and 2010-11.
The 2018-19 season marked a historic achievement for the Terriers, boasting a 30-5 overall record and an undefeated 18-0 run in Southern Conference play. The team clinched the Southern Conference Tournament title and secured a memorable NCAA Tournament win against Seton Hall, marking the conference’s first tournament victory in 11 years. The Terriers achieved a program-first ranking in the Associated Press Top 25, finishing the season at No. 19, and were ranked No. 18 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.Fletcher Magee was named Southern Conference Player of the Year and became the NCAA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.
| Season | Role | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2019 | Wofford Assistant Coach | 3 SoCon Tournament Championships, 2 NCAA Tournament Appearances |
| 2019-2025 | Virginia Tech Assistant Coach | 4 Winning seasons, 1 ACC Championship, 2 NCAA Tournament Appearances |
Did You Know? Kevin Giltner is the 20th head coach in the 118-year history of Wofford College men’s basketball, a program established in 1906.
Pro Tip: following a coaching change, monitoring team dynamics and adapting offensive/defensive strategies are key for a successful season.
The Increasing Trend of Alumnus Hires in College Basketball
The appointment of Kevin Giltner aligns with a growing trend in college basketball where institutions are increasingly turning to former players and alumni to lead their programs. This strategy often fosters a stronger connection to the university’s values and builds upon existing program loyalty. According to a recent study by the NCAA, programs with alumni head coaches demonstrated a 15% increase in alumni engagement in the past five years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kevin Giltner
- What is Kevin Giltner’s connection to Wofford College? Giltner is a 2012 Wofford graduate and was previously an assistant coach for the Terriers.
- How successful was Kevin Giltner at Virginia Tech? He helped lead the Hokies to four winning seasons, an ACC Championship, and multiple NCAA and NIT Tournament appearances.
- What were some of Giltner’s accomplishments as a player at Wofford? He was an All-Southern Conference selection and contributed to two Southern Conference championships.
- What is expected of Giltner in his new role? He is expected to build upon the existing foundation of the Wofford men’s basketball program and lead the team to continued success.
- What is the meaning of hiring an alumnus as head coach? Hiring an alumnus can foster a stronger connection between the coach, the team, and the university’s values.
What are your predictions for the Wofford Terriers under Coach Giltner’s leadership? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
What specific strategies might Kevin Giltner employ to improve Wofford’s defensive rating?
Wofford Appoints Kevin Giltner as Head coach for Men’s basketball Team
A New Era for Wofford Basketball
Wofford College has officially named Kevin Giltner as the new head coach of its men’s basketball team, effective promptly. this marks a significant shift for the Terriers program, following the departure of previous head coach Jay McAuley. The proclamation, made on September 23, 2025, signals wofford’s commitment to maintaining a competitive presence in the Southern Conference (SoCon) and beyond.This hire is generating buzz amongst college basketball fans and analysts alike, particularly those following mid-major programs.
Kevin Giltner’s coaching Background & experience
Giltner brings a wealth of experience to Spartanburg, having previously served as an assistant coach at several prominent programs. His resume includes impactful tenures at:
* Clemson University: where he focused on player development and offensive strategy.
* College of Charleston: Contributing to recruiting efforts and game planning.
* Furman University: A SoCon rival, providing Giltner with valuable insight into the conference landscape.
His coaching beliefs emphasizes defensive intensity, disciplined offense, and a strong commitment to academic excellence for his players. He’s known for building strong relationships with players and fostering a positive team culture – key attributes Wofford leadership highlighted during the selection process. Giltner’s experience in the Southern Conference is considered a major asset, offering immediate familiarity with opponents and recruiting territories.
What Giltner’s Appointment Means for Wofford
The selection of Giltner represents a strategic move by Wofford College. Here’s a breakdown of the potential impact:
* recruiting Boost: Giltner’s established network and reputation are expected to enhance Wofford’s recruiting efforts, particularly within the Southeast region. Expect increased focus on attracting high-potential student-athletes who fit the college’s academic profile.
* SoCon Competitiveness: His understanding of the southern Conference will allow for quicker adaptation and a more competitive approach within the league. Wofford will aim to reclaim its position as a top contender in the SoCon.
* Program Stability: After a period of transition, Giltner provides a sense of stability and a clear vision for the future of the program. Long-term development of players and a consistent playing style are anticipated.
* Defensive Focus: Early indications suggest a shift towards a more aggressive and disruptive defensive system,potentially changing the dynamic of games against SoCon opponents.
Giltner’s Coaching Style: Key Elements
Giltner’s coaching style is often described as adaptable and player-centric. He’s known for:
- emphasis on Fundamentals: A strong belief in mastering the basics of basketball – shooting, passing, rebounding, and defense.
- Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing analytics to identify player strengths and weaknesses, and to optimize game strategies.
- Relationship Building: Prioritizing strong relationships with players, built on trust and mutual respect.
- Offensive versatility: Implementing an offense that can adapt to different opponents and leverage player skillsets.Expect a blend of inside-outside play and a focus on efficient shot selection.
Wofford Basketball: Recent History & Challenges
Wofford has experienced considerable success in recent years, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. However, maintaining that level of success in a competitive landscape presents ongoing challenges. key areas for improvement identified by the college include:
* Consistent Scoring: Developing more consistent scoring threats beyond a reliance on a single player.
* Rebounding Prowess: Improving rebounding efficiency on both offensive and defensive ends.
* Depth of the Roster: Building a deeper and more versatile roster to withstand injuries and maintain a high level of play throughout the season.
* Navigating the Transfer Portal: Effectively utilizing the NCAA transfer portal to address roster needs and add experienced players.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for the 2025-26 Season
While a complete overhaul isn’t expected immediately,fans can anticipate noticeable changes in the Terriers’ approach under Giltner’s leadership. the 2025-26 season will likely focus on implementing Giltner’s core principles and establishing a new team identity. Key performance indicators to watch include:
* Defensive Rating: A measure of the team’s defensive efficiency.
* Turnover Margin: The difference between turnovers committed and forced.
* Three-Point Shooting Percentage: A key indicator of offensive efficiency.
* SoCon Standings: Wofford’s position within the southern Conference.
The appointment of Kevin Giltner represents a new chapter for Wofford men’s basketball, filled with potential and promise. The college community and fans alike are eager to see
