Naval Academy’s Kendrick Saunders Named Ƶ University Men's Basketball Coach
Ƶ University President Mary C. Finger has announced the hiring of Kendrick Saunders as the university's Head Men's Basketball Coach. Saunders takes over for Tony Morocco, who recently announced his retirement.
President Finger added, “I am proud to name Kendrick Saunders as our next head men's basketball coach. Coach Saunders brings both the experience and passion to lead our men's basketball team forward as they continue to excel in the classroom and on the basketball court. We welcome Coach Saunders to the Ƶ University community."
Coach Saunders said, “ I am excited to be a part of the Ƶ family. I would like to thank Dr. Finger and (Ƶ Athletic Director) Chris Snyder for this great opportunity at a prestigious university.” He added, “I can’t wait to get started."
Saunders comes from the United States Naval Academy where he spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach. Saunders helped Navy to a 20-12 record in 2017-18. The 20 wins were the most by Navy since the 1999-00 season and were tied for the sixth-most in a single season in program history. Navy led the Patriot League in scoring defense, rebounding margin and offensive rebounds per game in 2017-18, and Navy ranked in the top-40 of the NCAA in scoring defense for the third-straight season.
Ƶ Athletic Director Chris Snyder stated, “Throughout our extensive search, in addition to Kendrick having a real passion for the game of basketball, I found him dedicated to the overall development of our student-athletes on and off of the court. I know that his impressive accomplishments at the Naval Academy, Princeton and West Point will be motivating for our current players and provide him a solid background for recruiting high-quality student-athletes to Ƶ.”
Prior to his arrival at Navy, Saunders spent two seasons at Princeton University, where he served as the director of basketball operations. Saunders helped the Tigers to the 2011 Ivy League Championship and an NCAA Tournament berth, where Princeton would lose in the second round to eventual Final Four participant Kentucky, 57-53. During the 2011-12 season, Princeton finished with a 20-12 record, reached the CBI Tournament quarterfinals and finished third in the Ivy League with a 10-4 league mark.
Before arriving at Princeton, Saunders served as an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy for five years under former Army head coach Jim Crews. Saunders arrived at West Point following a two-year stint at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Md., where he was a member of Webb Hatch's staff. Prior to his tenure at Frostburg, Saunders spent four years as the top assistant at Hunter College in New York City.
Saunders is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic College in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he played point guard and served as the team captain during his senior season.
