DANVILLE, Ky. - Gavin Root has been named the interim head coach of Centre Men's Basketball.

"I'm humbled and honored to step into the role of Interim Head Coach here at Centre College," said Root. "This program and these players mean so much to me, and I'm committed to carrying forward the standard of excellence that Centre Basketball has had. I want to thank our Athletic Director, Brad Fields, and the entire Centre College Administration for their continued trust and support. It means the world to me to have the confidence of such strong leadership, and I'm committed to giving this program and our student athletes everything I have."

Root will be just the second Centre men's basketball head coach of the 21st century as he replaces Mason, whose 459 career wins over the last 25 seasons are the most in program history. Mason announced his retirement as Centre head men's basketball coach last week.

"Coach Mason poured his heart into this program for 26 years, and his impact is immeasurable on and off the court," said Root. He leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the lives of so many, including my own. I wouldn't be the coach, or the person I am today without my time with him. I wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter, and I'll do everything I can to continue building on the incredible foundation that is Centre Basketball."

Root has served as the assistant coach for Centre men's basketball since the 2023-24 season. During the 2024-25 season, Root filled in as head coach during the final month of the season while head coach Greg Mason '94 was on a medical leave of absence, and guided the Colonels to the Southern Athletic Association title game for the first time since 2020.

"Gavin is a talented young coach who has done a great job with our program over the past two years," said Brad Fields '98, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Centre College. "During Coach Mason's leave of absence this past season, Gavin led the team for nine games and demonstrated a maturity and poise that was impressive.  While transition is never easy, especially when having a legend retire, I remain optimistic about the future of Centre Men's Basketball."

Centre men's basketball will tip off the 2025-26 season at Asbury on Nov. 7.