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NCAA Basketball: Top 15 head coaches on the rise entering 2023-24 season

By Cole Amundson

Dec 14, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Furman Paladins head coach Bob Richey in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Furman Paladins head coach Bob Richey in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Montana State Bobcats head coach Danny Sprinkle. Sprinkle was hired by Utah State in April 2023. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Former Montana State Bobcats head coach Danny Sprinkle. Sprinkle was hired by Utah State in April 2023. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Richey Riley, South Alabama

It seems as if Riley’s name as an “up-and-coming coach” has been floating around for quite some time — and deservedly so. Throughout his seven-year coaching career, Riley has put together some talented squads at both Nicholls State and now South Alabama. At only 40 years of age, Richey Riley now enters his sixth year at the helm of leading the South Alabama Jaguars.

Although Riley has yet to break through and get to the NCAA Tournament, his knack for recruiting in the portal and compiling five straight .500+ seasons at South Alabama make him worthy of a bigger opportunity shortly.

12. Danny Sprinkle, Utah State

Sprinkle was recently hired to lead the Utah State Aggies after a successful four-year stint at Montana State. Although Sprinkle only has four years of head coaching experience, he was able to lead Montana State to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2022 and 2023 — a feat that has not been done in Montana State school history.

Additionally, he was a staggering 52-18 in his final two seasons at the helm in Bozeman. He now looks to replicate the success of Ryan Odom as he enters his first season in Logan.

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