Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - The University of Missouri-Kansas City has
named Kareem Richardson its new men's basketball coach.
Richardson is currently an assistant at Louisville and will remain with the
Cardinals through their NCAA Tournament run. The 16-year coaching veteran was
an assistant at UMKC in 2007-08.
"I would like to welcome Kareem back to Kansas City," said UMKC athletic
director Tim Hall on Tuesday. "He has strong relationships with high school
and AAU coaches here and throughout the Midwest. He brings a high basketball
pedigree in the areas of recruiting, on-the-floor coaching, strategy and
preparation, and service to young men. Kareem is an educator, and knows what
it takes to be successful in the mid-major ranks."
The 38-year-old Richardson has also been an assistant at Xavier, Drake,
Evansville, Indiana State, Wright State and Indianapolis, in addition to his
lone season at UMKC.
"It is an honor and privilege to be named the next head coach at UMKC," said
Richardson in the school's release. "Being at the University of Louisville and
working under future Hall of Fame coach Pitino, it had to take a special
situation for me to leave, but I know the vision that (UMKC chancellor) Leo
Morton and Tim Hall have for the program makes UMKC a special situation. It is
extremely exciting to have the opportunity to lead the UMKC men's basketball
program and to be back in the wonderful city of Kansas City."
UMKC fired Matt Brown last week after an 8-24 season and a record of 64-122
since 2007. The Kangaroos, who were also 5-11 in the Summit League this year,
will join the Western Athletic Conference next season.
The Sports Network