Kerry Hammonds II named Providence Christian boys basketball coach

Being a Murfreesboro native and/or having strong ties to MTSU have been familiar qualities for the Providence Christian Academy boys basketball program.

Such is the case with the Lions' newest hire, former Siegel and MTSU basketball standout Kerry Hammonds II, who has been named the new Lions boys coach.

"I've always wanted the chance to run my own program," said Hammonds, 27. "After speaking with (PCA athletics director Tara James), I felt this was the best fit for me. I always wanted a private school job. It just kind of happened faster than I expected it to."

Hammonds replaces Michael Couey, who spent just one year in the position.

Hammonds most recently was on the MTSU men's basketball staff as director of basketball operations, a role he held under both Kermit Davis and first-year coach Nick McDevitt last season.

He will continue his role at MTSU until July 1 before making the transition to PCA.

James said the school was looking for someone within the Murfreesboro community, and Hammonds also received high praise from his former coach and mentor.

"I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with Coach Davis, talking about Kerry," said James, who is also the PCA girls basketball coach and led the Lady Lions to the 2019 Division II-A state title. "It was incredible to get his feedback, which was all positive. In typical Coach Davis fashion, he turned it around on me, making sure we were going to take care of his guy. He cares about him and wants him in the right place.

"Kerry is adamant about building his own program. He's hungry. He's a great culture fit. And he has a ton of energy."

Hammonds has spent his entire career in Murfreesboro, dating to his playing days at Siegel (2006-10) and then MTSU (2010-14). He was a graduate assistant with the Blue Raiders for two seasons before landing the role as director of basketball operations.

He is the son of former MTSU basketball standout Kerry Hammonds (1984-89).

Hammonds will be the second PCA coach who also coached at MTSU. Former Blue Raiders coach David Farrar was the Lions coach for several seasons before retiring after the 2017-18 season.

Hammonds said the Lions would play a varsity schedule in 2019-20. They played a junior-varsity one in 2018-19.

"I know we have some young pieces and some promising guys," Hammonds said. "We're going to be working toward a rebuild and changing the culture, putting my stamp on the team. I'm looking forward to it."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.