Story Courtesy Jeremy Hartigan, Cornell Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Communications
Coaching Staff Restructuring Announcement
Longtime assistant coach Nat Graham has rejoined the Cornell basketball team as the associate head coach, alongside new director of basketball operations, Ilan Kinder. This addition was confirmed by Jon Jaques ’10, the Robert E. Gallagher ’44 Head Coach of Men’s Basketball. Jaques also promoted assistant coach Jalen Hayes and elevated Luke Colwell from director of basketball operations to an assistant coaching position.
Coaches’ Background and Experience
Graham previously served as an assistant coach at Cornell from 2005 to 2010, where he contributed to the team winning 111 games, three Ivy titles, and making NCAA Tournament appearances. Notably, during the 2009-10 season, the Big Red achieved a 29-5 record and reached the NCAA Sweet 16, setting school records in wins and points, among others.
Post-Cornell Career
After his tenure at Cornell, Graham spent four seasons at Boston College, ultimately becoming associate head coach, before returning to Penn. At Penn, he has been significant to the team’s success, helping them to five Ivy League Tournament appearances and gaining multiple All-Ivy honors among players.
Impact on Ivy League Basketball
Under Graham’s guidance, Penn secured 140 victories during his last decade, including an Ivy championship. As a player, he was part of two undefeated Ivy championship teams, bringing valuable experience to his new role at Cornell.
Introducing Ilan Kinder
Kinder, who recently graduated from UC Riverside, served as the head student manager for four years. His multifaceted experience in scouting, analytics, social media, and travel positions him well for his new role. Jaques expressed enthusiasm about Kinder’s potential impact on the program.
Promotions of Hayes and Colwell
Hayes and Colwell have been key contributors to the team’s success, with Hayes helping achieve a 40-19 overall record in his two seasons. Colwell’s inaugural season resulted in an 18-11 record, enhancing the program’s stability as they enter Year Two under Jaques’s leadership.
Looking Forward
Jaques expressed deep appreciation for Hayes’s and Colwell’s roles in the program’s achievements, noting their dedication and impact on player development. With the staff’s collective efforts, Cornell’s offense has emerged among the nation’s most efficient, setting numerous school records for the upcoming season.
