Alabama basketball hires Austin Claunch as an assistant coach
The Alabama men's basketball team has filled one of its three vacant assistant coach positions, hiring former Nicholls State head coach Austin Claunch.
The 33-year-old led the Colonels to back-to-back Southland Regular Season titles in 2020-21 and 2021-22. He sports a 51-17 record in league play and was named the 2020-21 Southland Conference Coach of the Year.
During his seven-year tenure, Claunch complied a a 90-61 overall record along with a 58-28 mark in Southland Conference play.
“Austin is one of the hardest working guys in the business,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said. “His work as a head coach at Nicholls was unbelievable with one of the lowest budgets in the country. He has won two out of the last three regular season championships in the Southland Conference and that is a credit to his hard work and his energy. Austin has a bright young mind and will help out our program in many ways. Not only is he a tireless recruiter and will help us with game planning but he is also a great person who will develop great relationships with our players and have a positive impact in our community.”
In only his third season, Claunch coached Nicholls to an outright SLC title after going 14-2 in league play and 18-7 overall. Claunch's squad reeled off two eight-game winning streaks in the championship campaign, capped with a win in the semifinals of the Southland Conference Tournament. In addition to having three All-Southland honorees, highlighted by first-team selection and newcomer of the year Ty Gordon, Claunch received Southland Coach of the Year that season.
“I am extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to join Coach Oats’ staff,” Claunch said. “Over the past few seasons, Alabama has proven itself to be one of the premier basketball programs not only in the SEC, but also in the country. The max effort, continuous growth and selfless love established here is evident, even from afar, and I look forward to being a part of this team. I am eager to add value any way I can and learn from one of the brightest and most innovative minds in the game in Nate Oats. It’s a thrill to be joining the Tuscaloosa community, and I’m excited to see everyone soon. Roll Tide!”
