LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Simmons College of Kentucky introduced the new men's basketball head coach Wednesday morning.
DeJuan Wheat, a Louisville native and former star at the University of Louisville, was named the HBCU's newest head coach.
"DeJuan Wheat is not here to win games. He's here to raise men," said Jerry Eaves, athletic director at Simmons College. "So many of our young African Americans get hung up on 'We have to be great athletes to be great people.' That's just not true."
Wheat ranks second at UofL in career points and made three-pointers. He was the first player in NCAA Division I history to record at least 2,000 points, 450 assists, 300 three-pointers and 200 steals.
Wheat was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1997 and played in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Vancouver Grizzlies. Wheat has coached at Valley High School and Indiana University Southeast.
"It's a perfect fit," Wheat said. "Just the meaning, HBCU, coming here trying to get this program started."
The announcement ceremony was attended by former Louisville basketball standouts and Susan Crum, Denny Crum's wife.
To learn more about Simmons College, click here.
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