Kyle Blackbourn has returned to Rockhurst from the University of Wisconsin, now stepping into the role of head coach for the men’s basketball team. As he takes the reins for the 2024-25 season, Blackbourn is eager to use his experience to help lead the Hawks once again in the Mason-Halpin Field House.
Blackbourn was announced as the head coach for Rockhurst on April 16, 2024 after spending eight seasons with Wisconsin. During his last four years, he served as director of recruiting and scouting, while assisting head coach Greg Gard. He was previously the assistant director of basketball operations in his first four years with the program.
While Blackbourn was at Wisconsin, the Badgers won two Big Ten regular season titles and competed in five NCAA Tournaments, including a Sweet 16 run in 2017. They also reached the NIT Final Four in 2023.
Before joining the Badgers in 2016, Blackbourn served as an assistant coach at Rockhurst under head coach Drew Diener during the 2015-16 season. That year, the Hawks ranked third in the GLVC in scoring defense.
In 2014-15, Blackbourn served as the head coach at Delta College in Michigan, where he led the Pioneers to a 19-13 record. Prior to that, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Benedictine College and held the same position at Grand View University in Iowa during the 2011-12 season.
When Blackbourn heard of the opportunity to return to Rockhurst, he jumped on the chance to bring his expanded knowledge back to the program. He emphasized that the quality of people involved in the team and the athletic department were a contributing factor to his return.
“Rockhurst is a special place, and to lead the men’s basketball program is an honor,” said Blackbourn. “When the opportunity to build this program and give back to the community was available, it was something I knew I wanted to do.”
Beyond the program, Blackbourn anticipates the atmosphere of being back at a smaller NCAA Division II school and the competitive environment of the GLVC.
“Division II athletics and basketball in the GLVC is outstanding. I’m looking forward to the nightly battles in the league,” said Blackbourn. “There are no off nights in conference play. It’s what makes the games so fun to prepare for and play.”
With ten of Rockhurst’s eighteen rostered players being newcomers—five freshmen and five transfers—the team is growing and adjusting. However, Blackbourn is confident in the talent of his team and is ensuring they are well-prepared for what is ahead.
“It’s early on in our process of development but I like how hard the guys are working,” said Blackbourn. “We should have a deep and balanced team.”
According to Blackbourn, a key factor in making games enjoyable is having an energetic home crowd ready to bring the noise. He encourages the entire Rockhurst community to come out to Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse and support the team.
The Hawks are set to play their home opener against Washburn on Nov. 15. The ball is set to be tipped at 7 p.m.
