News Summary
Patrick Crarey II is set to become the new head coach for Grambling State University’s basketball program. He replaces Donte Jackson, who recently moved to Alabama A&M. Crarey’s track record at Florida A&M, where he led the team to a significant playoff appearance, adds to the potential excitement as he steps into this new role. Grambling State just celebrated its first-ever SWAC Tournament title, creating an optimistic environment for Crarey to build on their success. The official announcement will be made on April 11 during a press conference.
Patrick Crarey II to Lead Grambling State’s Basketball Program
In an exciting turn of events for college basketball, Patrick Crarey II is making waves as he prepares to take on the role of head coach at Grambling State University. Word first came from college basketball insider Olivia Antilla, and it’s buzzing through the basketball community! The official announcement from Grambling State is slated for this Friday, so mark your calendars!
A New Chapter at Grambling State
Crarey is stepping in to replace Donte Jackson, who recently departed from Grambling State to assume the head coaching position at Alabama A&M University. This change brings fresh potential to Grambling State, a school that just celebrated a major win by securing its first-ever SWAC Tournament title this past season.
As head coach at Florida A&M University (FAMU), Crarey guided the men’s basketball team to a notable 14-17 record, with a respectable 10-8 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This is quite an achievement, especially since those 14 wins are the most for FAMU since 2008. Under his guidance, the Rattlers achieved a significant milestone by reaching the SWAC Tournament for the first time since the 2021-2022 season, and they did it in style by winning their first-ever tournament game against Prairie View A&M!
From FAMU to Grambling State
Crarey was initially appointed as FAMU’s head coach just last April after a successful tenure at St. Thomas University, where his team made two NAIA Tournament appearances and clinched a conference championship. His impact was undeniable, earning him the title of Sun Conference Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
FAMU’s board saw Crarey’s potential early on and extended his original one-year contract, originally worth $150,000, to a two-year deal costing $330,000 in February. However, since the conclusion of the season, several shining stars from FAMU, including SWAC Player of the Year Sterling Young and SWAC Newcomer of the Year Milton Matthews, have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, adding a layer of complexity to Crarey’s transition.
Grambling State’s Recent Performances
Grambling State’s men’s basketball team is coming off a season where they recorded a 12-22 record. However, the highlight of their season was a dramatic journey that led them to win a SWAC Tournament title, earning them a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in their history. This victory marked a significant turning point for the program, leaving both fans and students optimistic about the future.
An Exciting Future Ahead
For Crarey, stepping into this role at Grambling State presents an opportunity to elevate not just the team’s standing, but also to build a strong basketball community. There’s high hope that his extensive background, combined with the success he’s had in the past, can help spark a new era for Grambling State basketball.
Mark your calendars for April 11 at 10:00 AM CT, as Crarey is set to be officially introduced during a press conference at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. It’s sure to be a fantastic event for fans, students, and basketball enthusiasts eager to learn more about the new head coach’s vision for the program.
As Crarey embarks on this new adventure, many are waiting eagerly to see how he will shape the future of Grambling State’s basketball program. It’s a time of change, excitement, and a great opportunity for all involved!
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Basketball Coach Heads to Grambling State
- SI.com: Grambling State Set to Hire Patrick Crarey
- HBCU Gameday: HBCU Swap – FAMU Coach to Grambling State
- Google Search: Patrick Crarey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grambling State University
