By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Coming on the heels of a historic finish to this past season that capped off the best-ever three-year run in the history of Kennesaw State men's basketball, head coach
Antoine Pettway has signed a two-year contract extension that will now run through the 2031-32 season, Director of Athletics
Milton Overton announced Friday.
"In these first few years, Coach Pettway has shown himself to be a leader and coach deeply committed to excellence," said Kennesaw State President Kathy S. Schwaig. "His dedication to our student-athletes and his investment in his staff have elevated our men's basketball program and strengthened the culture of our entire athletic department. We are proud of what he has built and excited for what lies ahead."
In his first three years in Kennesaw, Pettway has already guided the Black and Gold to three of the top four-win totals in school history (Division I era), highlighted by this year's run. In a season that saw adversity at times, including losing a pair of starters in January, Pettway guided the Owls to an inspiring 7-2 run at the end of the regular season and the conference tournament. Going into the Conference USA tournament as the sixth seed, KSU would end the week cutting down the nets as conference champions. In the process, the Owls became the only team in the nation to knock off three top-four seeds in their conference tournament, taking down No. 3 seed Western Kentucky, No. 2 Sam Houston, and then No. 4 Louisiana Tech in the Conference USA championship game.
It marked the first-ever CUSA championship for the team in just its second year in the league, while KSU received the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for its second appearance in four years. The No. 14 seed in the West, KSU gave No. 3 seed Gonzaga a battle all game long, leading for most of the opening half before eventually falling 75–66 in the NCAA First Round in Portland.
"This past season was just more affirmation of the outstanding job that Coach Pettway has done as the leader of our men's basketball program at Kennesaw State," said Director of Athletics
Milton Overton. "He not only oversaw our move into Conference USA in his second season, Coach Pettway raised the standards of our program on the national level in every aspect. Not only in excellence on the court, but also in showing the kind of leadership he has for the group of young men in his program, and we are excited for the future of this program."
Pettway was recently recognized for the Owls' outstanding season. On April 2, he was the recipient of the 2026 Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year award, given to the top minority head coach in Division I college basketball.
"God is so good and I give all the glory to Him," said Pettway. "I'm extremely appreciative of the leadership here at Kennesaw State. I am grateful for President Schwaig and Director of Athletics
Milton Overton for their continued trust and support and fostering such a special environment. This is a great place in itself, but what truly sets it apart are the people. I've been extremely blessed to have the opportunity to coach some amazing young men, and I'm grateful for their families' trust in me and their unwavering commitment to our program.
"My family loves it here. This community has embraced us, and this truly feels like home. OWL NATION!! You are simply the BEST!! Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to making more history together!! GO OWLS!!!"
Pettway is the first coach in Kennesaw State men's basketball history (Division I era) to lead the Owls to consecutive winning seasons after the Owls finished 21-14. The 21 wins are the second-most in school history, topping last year's squad that finished 19-14. That 2024-25 squad also reached the CSUA semifinals, narrowly falling to eventual champion Liberty in the final seconds. KSU set milestones and earned national recognition in his second season by both claiming the first Quad 1 victory in school history (a road win at Liberty) along with the first-ever win over both a ranked opponent and the second-ever win over a Power Four team (No. 24 Rutgers).
Looking at the D1 era at Kennesaw State, Pettway was the fastest to 50 wins at KSU, reaching that milestone in just his 91
st career game. He holds a 55-44 record through three seasons and owns the highest career winning percentage in KSU history at .556.
Two players have earned First-Team All-CUSA honors during Pettway's three seasons, a testament to his reputation as an outstanding recruiter and developer of talent. That strength has been evident from the start, with the Owls placing at least one player on the all-conference freshman team in each of his three years. The trend was highlighted last season by Conference USA Freshman of the Year
Adrian Wooley, who became the first Freshman All-American in program history. The Owls have thrived under Pettway's ability to recruit and develop, as they were the only team in this year's NCAA Tournament to both have their entire starting lineup recruited by their current coach and to not start a single senior.
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
