Delaware State University announced Tuesday afternoon that Keith Walker is its new men’s head basketball coach.
Walker has been with team since 2000 as an assistant coach and served as interim head coach this past season after DSU let previous head coach Greg Jackson go in January.
Walker led the Hornets to a 5-6 record after taking over following the team’s 4-15 start.
DSU Athletic Director Candy Young says that Walker’s performance as an interim head coach helped him earn the job.
“He stepped in and started performing the way we need our head coaches to perform," said Young. "Academically, athletically, every way around, he was able to re-motivate those guys and keep them together and keep them as a unit. And that is impressive because that is not easy to do.”
"The fact that Walker emerged from this tough search process as the head coach selection reflects well on his most recent interim performance as well as on his long-time dedicated service as assistant coach," echoed Williams.
Walker looks to revive a program that won three straight MEAC regular season title from 2004 to 2007 and went to its only NCAA tournament in 2005.
Walker says he believes being familiar with the team will gave him an edge in reaching that goal.
“I also know what is needed in order to get back where we were, and so I think that’s an advantage that I have," said Walker.
Walker isn't taking much time to celebrate as he is already looking forward to tackling this coming season's biggest challenges.
"One of the things that we do have to overcome is the challenge of replacing one of the top players in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in Casey Walker," said Coach Walker. "He's been consistent for us in the last four years of his career. One of the challenges is replacing his level of talent to keep the program as consistent as it has been."
Despite a year of change, Young says that players are very happy.
"Some of them have said 'thank you so much' because we know we can do it with Coach Walker," said Young.
Prior to joining the Hornet’s coaching staff, Walker served as the head coach at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina from 1993 to 2000 with a record of 91-102 and the school’s first NCAA tournament berth during the 1994-95 season.
Walker also played basketball in various professional leagues in Europe and the U.S. including a stint with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1985-86 season.
