Kevin Hovde, who has been an assistant on the men’s basketball staff since 2016, was elevated to men’s associated head coach on May 3, 2019.
Hovde, who came to USF in April 2016, has spent the previous three seasons serving as the offensive coordinator for the Dons, oversaw the play from the wings, and handled recruiting in the Pacific Northwest. The promotion of Hovde and the hire of Vinnie McGhee fills two vacant positions for Golden.
As the Dons’ offensive coordinator, USF has improved its offensive efficiency every year. According to Kenpom.com, the Dons were ranked 204th in the nation in offensive efficiency in 2017, last year the Dons finished 45th. It is the highest USF has ever ranked in offensive efficiency since Kenpom started tracking the stat in 2002.
In each of the past three seasons the Dons have set or tied the single season record for 3-point field goals made. Under Hovde’s watch, junior Jordan Ratinho has set the USF single season record in 3-point field goals and has moved into second on the all-time leaderboard with 203. Senior Nate Renfro, who served as a wing player under Hovde, became the only player in USF history to record at least 100 or more blocks, 600 or more rebounds and 100 or more steals, while seeing his overall game improve every season.
Prior to his time on the Hilltop, Hovde was a member of former USF head coach Kyle Smith's staff at Columbia. In 2011-12 he was brought on as the program's director of basketball operations and was promoted to assistant coach prior to the 2012-13 season. In his three seasons as an assistant coach, the Lions compiled a 59-38 (.608) overall record and posted a pair of 20-win seasons, including a school-record 25-win campaign in 2015-16 as Columbia won the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.
Much like the Dons have improved every year in offensive efficiency, Columbia saw similar offensive results under Hovde’s guide. In 2012-13, his first year running the offense, the Lions finished 200th in the nation. In his final year at Columbia the Lions finished 54th, the highest the program has ever been.
Hovde played an instrumental role in developing All-Ivy League selections Maodo Lo, Columbia's second all-time leading scorer, Grant Mullins, Alex Rosenberg and Brian Barbour.
Hovde joined Smith’s staff after playing collegiately at the University of Richmond under head coach Chris Mooney. After originally making the team was a walk-on, Hovde was granted a scholarship after his first season and played in a total of 99 games and drew 10 starts over his four-year career from 2006-11. As a freshman, he led the team with a 57.6 field goal percentage. Richmond made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and reached the Sweet 16 in 2010-11.
A native of Kennett Square, Pa., Hovde attended Unionville High School where he was a two-time All-Southern Chester County selection.
Hovde is married to the former Jackie Klatsky who lettered in both basketball and field hockey at Columbia. The two live in San Francisco.
