Leonard Hamilton, the head coach of the Florida State Seminoles men’s basketball team, will resign at the end of the 2025 season. Bill Self, the legendary Kansas Jayhawks head coach, shared his praise for the outgoing coach and spoke on how Hamilton shaped the game of basketball.
Bill Self Speaks on Leonard Hamilton, His Impact on College Basketball
Leonard Hamilton’s contract ends at the end of the year, and Florida State will have a new coach for the first time since 2001. A representative for FSU announced that athletic director Michael Alford will “immediately begin a national search for Hamilton’s successor.”
The 76-year-old Hamilton is Florida State’s winningest coach and the fifth-winningest coach in ACC history, having led the Seminoles to their first ACC tournament victory in 2012.
Kansas head coach Bill Self has frequently emphasized Hamilton’s deep influence on his coaching career and the wider landscape of basketball.
From 1986-90, Self worked as an assistant under Hamilton at Oklahoma State University, a period he credits with crafting his coaching philosophy.
In several interviews, Self has praised Hamilton’s influence, notably his approach to defense and player growth. He echoed these sentiments in a recent appearance with a Florida State hoops podcast.
Last night, Kansas Head Coach Bill Self joined the show to reflect on the impact Coach Ham has had on the game. Coach Ham gave Self his first coaching opportunity at Oklahoma State, where they worked together from 1986-1990. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/Z9PPhYRB6H
— Florida State Men’s Basketball (@FSUHoops) February 6, 2025
Hamilton, outlined for his sophisticated defensive methods, taught Self the value of discipline and adaptability, all of which have contributed to Self’s ability to develop championship-caliber teams.
One of the most significant ways that Hamilton has influenced Self is his defensive approach. Hamilton’s teams have long been cited for their length, athleticism, and pressure defense concepts, which Self has applied to his own Kansas teams. Self has also long praised Hamilton’s ability to develop players into top defenders and all-around fitness.
Apart from his impact on Self, Hamilton has made an unforgettable mark on the sport of basketball. The head coach at Florida State, Hamilton has guided the Seminoles to many NCAA Tournament outings and produced a slew of NBA-caliber talent.
Hamilton’s dedication to player and coach development is another important aspect that has defined his career.
Self publicly recognizes him as one of his biggest instructors. He talked about how working under Hamilton gave him a deeper awareness of the game and the duties of a head coach. He praised Hamilton’s leadership, calling him a coach who develops players and cultivates character.
Leonard Hamilton’s impact on basketball stretches far beyond his coaching career. His guidance of young coaches such as Bill Self ensured that his principles and philosophies continued to influence the game.
KEEP READING: Top Five Teams On the Rise in February
As Self builds his legacy at Kansas, he brings with him the principles he learned along the way. These attributes, which Hamilton developed, establish the longtime FSU coach as one of the most influential figures in college basketball history.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
