WSU introduces David Riley as new men’s basketball coach
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PULLMAN (Information from WSU Athletics) – It’s a new era in Washington State basketball as WSU introduced David Riley as its 20th men’s basketball head coach in program history.
Riley formerly coached at Eastern Washington University and was the back-to-back Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year. He agreed to a six-year contract with the Cougs. He replaces Kyle Smith, who left WSU for the men’s basketball coaching position at Stanford.
“We are thrilled to have David Riley leading our men’s basketball program as we look to build on this season’s success,” said Interim Director of Athletics Anne McCoy. “Throughout the process, Dave’s coaching acumen was evident as was his ability to create a winning culture. In just three seasons, he has emphasized player development through a fast-paced, high powered offense that allows his student-athletes to play free and confidently.
“We’re excited to begin the David Riley-era at Washington State and welcome him and Emily to the Cougar family,” McCoy added.
In his three seasons guiding Eastern Washington, Riley has amassed a 62-38 (.600) overall record, with back-to-back Big Sky regular season titles and conference Coach of the Year honors the past two years.
“I am incredibly grateful to President Schulz, Interim Athletic Director Anne McCoy and the athletic department leadership team for allowing me the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program. WSU is a dream job and embodies everything that college athletics is about,” said Riley. “I’m excited to build on the foundation that has been laid here. We look forward to recruiting and retaining student athletes who want to be here and understand how special it is on the Palouse. I can’t wait to get to work for the best fan base in the state, Go Cougs!”
Riley began his 13-year run on the EWU men’s basketball staff prior to the 2011-12 season as a graduate assistant and steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming the Eagles’ head coach ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
Riley earned Big Sky Coach of the Year honors in 2022-23 as the Eagles set program and conference records with an 18-game winning streak and 16-0 start to conference play. They earned a bid to the 2023 National Invitation Tournament (NIT), where they secured the second postseason win in program history and narrowly missed a second-round win over Oklahoma State in Stillwater. The Eagles went 18-16 (11-9) in Riley’s first year as he was a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award for the top first-year head coach in NCAA Division I basketball.
Riley has tremendous coaching pedigree as his uncle, Mike Riley went on to a successful football coaching career in the NFL and college ranks, including Oregon State, while his grandfather, Bud Riley, was also an assistant football coach in the Canadian Football League and the collegiate ranks.
