HCU Extends Men’s Basketball Head Coach Craig Doty Through 2030
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A three-year contract extension secures Craig Doty’s position as the head coach of the Houston Christian university (HCU) men’s basketball program through the 2029-30 season.
HCU and Doty reached an agreement that reflects the program’s recent progress and the university’s confidence in his leadership. The announcement signals a commitment to building a competitive Division I basketball program at HCU.
“I’m deeply grateful to President Sloan and Athletic Director Steve Moniaci for the continued trust and belief thay’ve shown in me and our vision,” Doty stated. “Building a competitive Division I college basketball program is equal parts exciting and demanding, but over the past 20 months-through every win and every challenge-this administration has been unwavering in its support, positivity, and empathy. They’ve empowered our staff with the autonomy and support to do things the right way as we grow the program.”
Rising Program Performance Under Doty
Currently in his second season, Doty’s Huskies boast a 5-4 record and recently secured an 85-76 victory over New Orleans in their Southland Conference opener this past Saturday. During his inaugural year, the team achieved a 12-20 overall record, alongside a 9-11 mark in Southland Conference (SLC) play. This performance represented a doubling of the program’s win total from the previous year and marked the highest SLC win total since the 2016-17 season.
University leadership expressed strong support for Doty’s continued tenure. “We are thrilled to extend Coach Doty’s contract,” said President Sloan. “He is an outstanding leader and has already produced great results. He and his family are a wonderful fit for the university in every way.”
Athletic Director Steve Moniaci echoed this sentiment, stating, “Coach Doty has proven himself, along with his family, to be a perfect fit within the HCU community and as the leader of our men’s basketball program. The growth and improvement by our men’s basketball program in the year and nine months since his hire have made this extension an easy decision.”
Data Shows Notable Program Improvement
Doty has guided HCU to three non-conference wins against Division I opponents in his first 41 games, with the most recent occurring in 2018. More substantially, he has overseen a substantial improvement in the program’s national ranking. Upon his arrival, HCU finished the 2023-24 season ranked 358 in the NCAA’s NET rankings. Under Doty’s leadership, the program has climbed over 100 spots to a current ranking of 249.
Commitment to Community and Academics
The positive impact of Doty’s leadership extends beyond the basketball court. The HCU men’s basketball program has actively engaged in numerous youth-focused community service initiatives, including a blood cancer drive, reading programs at local elementary schools, support for foster children, and assistance to families in need.
Furthermore, the team has maintained a GPA above 3.0 while achieving a perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) since Doty’s arrival, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence.
Facility Upgrades Enhance Player experience
Since Doty joined HCU, the university has invested in upgrades to the program’s facilities.Sharp Gym now features new LED scorer’s tables, and locker room and office renovations include new flooring, seating, and a dedicated nutrition station for the men’s basketball team.
The contract extension underscores HCU’s dedication to building a successful and well-rounded men’s basketball program under the guidance of Coach Craig Doty.
