Florida State University Athletics
Hamilton Honored In Special Ceremony At Austin Peay State University
10/29/2024 3:44:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Florida State Head Coach Leonard Hamilton, who began his coaching career at Austin Peay State University in 1971, was honored by the APSU coaching staff for his contributions to the program during a special ceremony on October 28. The one-time graduate assistant turned assistant coach for the Governors was honored along with a number of former coaches and players who have made a special impact on the program.
Hamilton was honored during a special charity game, which included many of the greats of the program's history in a game that benefited the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
Hamilton was inducted into the ASPU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000 – one of seven Halls of Fames Hamilton has been inducted into during his career.
The Seminoles' coach spoke to the current Austin Peay coaches and players on Sunday and was recognized on the court prior to the Governors' Alumni game on Monday. He was honored for the impact he played in the ascendance of the program throughout its history to where it is today as one of the top programs in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Hamilton began working as a graduate assistant under the late coach Lake Kelly in 1972, 1973, and 1974. After just one season, he was elevated to full-time assistant coach.
Hamilton's coaching and recruiting efforts helped APSU to a 49-31 record during his tenure and back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, the Governors' first as a Division I program. Hamilton also served as APSU freshman coach in 1971-72.
Hamilton is credited with recruiting James "Fly" Williams to play for the Governors. Williams averaged 27.5 points per game – the third-highest average in the NCAA as a sophomore. He led the Governors to the NCAA Tournament in both the 1972 and 1973 seasons. Williams is considered to be the greatest player in the history of Austin Peay basketball.
Hamilton was honored during a special charity game, which included many of the greats of the program's history in a game that benefited the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
Hamilton was inducted into the ASPU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000 – one of seven Halls of Fames Hamilton has been inducted into during his career.
The Seminoles' coach spoke to the current Austin Peay coaches and players on Sunday and was recognized on the court prior to the Governors' Alumni game on Monday. He was honored for the impact he played in the ascendance of the program throughout its history to where it is today as one of the top programs in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Hamilton began working as a graduate assistant under the late coach Lake Kelly in 1972, 1973, and 1974. After just one season, he was elevated to full-time assistant coach.
Hamilton's coaching and recruiting efforts helped APSU to a 49-31 record during his tenure and back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, the Governors' first as a Division I program. Hamilton also served as APSU freshman coach in 1971-72.
Hamilton is credited with recruiting James "Fly" Williams to play for the Governors. Williams averaged 27.5 points per game – the third-highest average in the NCAA as a sophomore. He led the Governors to the NCAA Tournament in both the 1972 and 1973 seasons. Williams is considered to be the greatest player in the history of Austin Peay basketball.
INSIDE SEMINOLES EPISODE: 14 | Fall Sports, New Facilities
Thursday, October 02
DB Earl Little Jr.: “Crazy physical game”
Wednesday, October 01
HC Mike Norvell: “It’s going to be emotional”
Wednesday, October 01
WR Duce Robinson: “This is why you come to Florida State”
Tuesday, September 30