KWC Coach Todd Lee Is Leaving

Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball coach Todd Lee is leaving the program after eight seasons. Coach Lee will be leaving the Panthers to join the basketball program of Grand Canyon University.

The move was announced during a press conference this past Tuesday. Coach Lee will be taking the position of the associate head coach of the Grand Canyon Antelopes. The Antelopes will be beginning a transition from Division II to Division I this fall in the Western Athletic Conference. The Grand Canyon University recently built a 5,000 seat basketball arena as well as a new practice facility as part of the transition.

Coach Lee will be working with former NBA player Dan Majerle and former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo. Coach Lee said he was not looking for another job, but thought it was an opportunity that may not happen very often. According to a quote on kwcpanthers.com, Lee said “The opportunity to build a program with those type of people was very exciting.”

During his eight seasons at KWC, Coach Lee has led the Panthers to five NCAA Tournament appearances, four Top 25 final rankings, and a record of 154-81.

KWC Athletic Director David Williams said he talked with Coach Lee about staying at KWC, but the school was unable to compete with Grand Canyon’s offer.

The Move comes as KWC is expected to leave the Great Lakes Valley Conference to go to a new Division II conference this fall. The school will be moving to the newly created Great Midwest Athletic Conference with Cedarville University, Notre Dame College, Central State University, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Ursuline College. Williams said he hopes to move quickly to find Coach Lee’s replacement.

The KWC All-American Club will be holding their first All-Spot Celebration this Saturday night at 6pm, where Coach Lee will be in attendance to thank fans for their support during his time at KWC.