Kurtis Townsend Set for Induction into the A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame
LAWRENCE, Kan. – In a stellar announcement on April 2, Kansas men’s basketball assistant coach Kurtis Townsend has secured his place among the elite in college basketball as one of the eight inductees for the Class of 2025 of the A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition not only highlights Townsend’s immense talent and dedication but also makes him the second assistant coach from the University of Kansas to receive this honor, following Norm Roberts, who was inducted in the Class of 2023.
A Noteworthy Induction Class
Joining Townsend in this remarkable Class of 2025 are well-respected figures in college basketball, including:
- Orlando Antigua (Illinois)
- Fred Applin (UNC Greensboro)
- Kelly Curry (Alabama)
- Shannon LeBeauf (UCLA)
- Ernie Nestor (Wake Forest, posthumously honored)
- Jerry Norman (UCLA, retired)
- Steve Roccoforte (Texas A&M)
Originally named for the 2024 class, Townsend’s prior commitments prevented him from attending the induction ceremonies that year.
Induction Details and Significance
The induction ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the 15th Annual A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Professional Development Symposium from 6-8:30 p.m. ET. This event celebrates the incredible impact assistant coaches have on the game and their invaluable contributions to their teams.
Townsend’s Remarkable Journey
Kurtis Townsend’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He joined the Kansas Jayhawks coaching staff in the summer of 2004 and holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured assistant coach in Kansas men’s basketball history. During his 20 years at the program, he has helped lead the Jayhawks to incredible heights:
- Two National Championships
- Three NCAA Tournament Title Games
- Three Final Fours
- Seven NCAA Tournament Elite Eights
- Nine NCAA Sweet 16s
Additionally, Townsend played an instrumental role in achieving an NCAA record-tying 13-consecutive Big 12 regular-season titles from 2005-2017 and contributing to a total of 16 conference titles. Not to mention, he has coached 13 NBA Draft Lottery selections, over 30 overall NBA draftees, and 70 All-Big 12 Jayhawks. His impressive resume underscores his deep commitment to excellence in college basketball.
The Roots of a Coaching Career
Before joining Kansas, Townsend made his mark in several prestigious programs. He served as an assistant coach under Perry Clark at the University of Miami and held positions at Southern California, Michigan, California, and Eastern Kentucky. His coaching career began at the high school level in his hometown of San Jose, California, where he notably led teams at Leland and Willow Glen High School to regional successes.
Early Life and Playing Career
Townsend’s basketball journey started as a player. He played point guard at Western Kentucky for two seasons (1978-1980) and later had a stint in the CBA with the Montana Golden Nuggets. His basketball career was preceded by two seasons at Menlo Junior College, where he garnered first-team all-state and All-America honorable mention honors in 1978.
About the A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame
The A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional assistant coaches whose commitment to the sport, integrity, and moral character have made significant contributions to college basketball. The selection committee comprises respected coaches from each NCAA division, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are honored.
As Kurtis Townsend steps into this well-deserved recognition, it highlights not only his individual accomplishments but also his impact on the legacy of Kansas basketball. With a rich history and a promising future, the Jayhawks continue to soar, and Townsend’s induction is a testament to that enduring success.
For more information about the A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame, visit their official site here.
In a world where coaching is often overshadowed by players, Kurtis Townsend’s induction serves as a reminder of the pivotal role that assistant coaches play in shaping the future of the sport. As we look forward to May 2025, we celebrate not only Townsend’s achievements but the ethos that drives every coach to inspire, mentor, and shape the next generation of athletes.
