Albertville boys basketball hires Birmingham Southern coach Chris Graves to lead program
Albertville High School hired their new boys basketball coach Tuesday.
The Aggies hired former Birmingham Southern College men's basketball head coach Chris Graves to be the programs head coach. BSC is shutting down on May 31, leading Graves to be on the hunt for a new job after 12 years leading the Panthers.
“I would like to thank Superintendent Dr. Bart Reeves, Athletic Director Matt Lambert and Principal JordanPhillips for this great opportunity,” Graves said. “I consider it an honor to be named the head basketball coachof this outstanding program.”
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He brings a stellar résumé, earning conference coach of the year honors four times and coached two All-Americans during his time there. He won three regular season conference titles and made the three NCAA tournament appearances at the Division III level. He brings experience at the high school and collegiate level as well, from his time as a grad assistant at Arkansas from 1999-2001.
"Bringing Coach Graves on board is a tremendous win for Albertville High School. His proven track record of success, coupled with his commitment to character development and academic achievement, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our basketball program. We’re excited to see the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our student athletes," Athletic Director Matt Lambert said.
Graves had been the head coach at Pell City, helping them go from four wins the season before he got there to a school-record 24 wins, while earning St. Clair County coach of the year honors. Before that he coached in Tennessee at Columbia averaging 20 wins over three seasons.
The Aggies were on the hunt for a new coach after former coach Major Deacon took a job leading fellow Class 7A program Thompson this offseason. The program had gone 23-8, but struggled with area play, ending the season as the three seed — losing in the first round of the area tournament.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Albertville boys basketball hires college coach Chris Graves
