3/20/2023 basketball Edit

Steve Lutz details vision for WKU Basketball as next head coach

Steve Lutz is introduced as Western Kentucky's 16th head coach in program history.

Drew Toennies • InsideHilltopperSports

Staff Writer

Western Kentucky officially introduced Texas A&M Corpus Christi head coach Steve Lutz as the Hilltoppers' 16th head coach in program history on Monday morning at the Jack and Jackie Harbaugh Stadium Club within Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

Following a few short words from president Timothy Caboni and athletic director Todd Stewart, Lutz kicked things off in his opening statement by saying that he fully understands what it means to be the next head coach at Western Kentucky and will be striving for excellence as the program's next leader.

"I fully understand what it means to be the head coach at Western Kentucky University. And if it wasn't for the vision of these two gentlemen, I would not be here today. They have a vision of excellence in everything that they do and I share that vision."

— Steve Lutz

Lutz, who arrived in Bowling Green just a few days ago, said that he met with players on the team that have returned from spring break yesterday, and was impressed with how many good people were in the locker room.

"I met with the guys yesterday for the most part, those who had made it back from spring break. And it seems like we got really good people in that locker room and that's where you start."

— Steve Lutz

Lutz said he talked with members of the team about his vision for the Hilltoppers' program and his goals for them in terms of producing success on the court.

In addition to prioritizing winning the entire league, Lutz told his guys that the goal is to also take the crown in the C-USA Tournament, and collect victories in the NCAA Tournament.

"I'm a very up front person and I basically talked to them a little bit about how our goals have to be, number one to win the league. Our second goal is to win the league tournament and then go to the NCAA Tournament and win games."

— Steve Lutz

Lutz, who is bringing outstanding winning experience to the Hilltoppers, said that on the offensive side, he wants the team to play quick and make smart shots. Lutz added that in his mind, that's the formula for success.

As for tournament success, Lutz said that it all goes back to finding good players that can step up. He also said ensuring players can execute in the system is also significant.

"Offensively, if we can score in the first 12 seconds of the shot clock, we're gonna do it. But then after that, we're gonna take the first best shot we can get. And that equals winning basketball in my mind."

— Steve Lutz

In addition to his ability to consistently produce winning teams, Lutz is bringing significant recruiting experience. Lutz said that he has a long list of people, including former staff members, that are interested in joining the Hilltoppers' program.

Lutz also talked about how he plans to build up the Hilltoppers' roster over the offseason as the team prepares to compete against some really tough teams from within Conference USA in the 2023-24 season.

"I plan to recruit really good players that can be successful in Conference USA. And my staff and I are going to coach them as hard as we can to get them to where we want to go, but it all starts with people. It starts with good players."

— Steve Lutz

Lutz additionally said that Western Kentucky will need to play their best stretch of basketball in the months of March and April if they want to hold up a trophy. Because of this, Lutz said the Hilltoppers will be holding longer practices towards the end of the year.

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