One of the most tenured coaches in U Sports men's basketball history is hanging up his clipboard.
Kevin Hanson, who has led the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds men's basketball program since the 2000-01 season, announced on Tuesday that he was stepping away from the sidelines.
"As I reflect on 25 years of coaching university basketball at UBC, I'm extremely proud of the foundation I've laid and the legacy I leave, both on and off the court," said Hanson. "From building lifelong relationships to growing a healthy basketball endowment that will support men's basketball student-athletes for decades to come, it has been an honour and a privilege to serve this incredible university."
Through 25 years, Hanson accumulated 614 victories, fourth all-time on the U Sports wins list and won six Canada West championships ('03, '07, '08, '11, '13, '20).
The Regina native led the Thunderbirds to 13 U Sports Final 8 appearances, advancing to the title game twice, and claiming two bronze medals.
"When I began coaching here 25 years ago, my goal was simple," said Hanson. "To build something special, to win games, yes鈥攂ut more importantly, to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young men I had the privilege to coach. I wanted to help them grow as athletes and as people, to be invited to their weddings, to watch them thrive after university, whether in professional basketball or in life."
Hanson was twice named U Sports coach of the year in 2006 and 2010 and was honoured with the Canada West coach of the year in 2002, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2017.
In 2020, Hanson won his 314th regular-season game in Canada West, setting a new record for most wins in the league. Fast forward five seasons, and Hanson walks away with his record displaying a lofty 378 total Canada West wins.
Stepping into the head coach role for the Thunderbirds on an interim basis for next year will be Phil Jalalpoor. Jalalpoor was an assistant coach with the T'birds last year and was originally recruited to play under Hanson in 2015 through 2018.
Prior to his time at UBC, Hanson was a head coach at Langara College, and guided the team to back-to-back CCAA National Championship titles in 1998 and 1999.
"To the hundreds of student-athletes who have come through this program, thank you," Hanson added. "You have enriched my life in ways I can't fully express, and being part of your journey has been the greatest reward of all."
