Danville, KY – Centre College Athletics has named Gavin Root the permanent head coach of Centre Men's Basketball, it was announced Monday. 

Root was elevated to interim head coach on September 11, 2025, following the retirement of former head coach, Greg Mason. Root also served as acting head coach during the final 10 games of 2024-25 season. 

"Centre Men's Basketball has a long history of success over the past 60 years, from Tom Bryant to Mike DeWitt to Greg Mason.  Most importantly, these coaches have shaped young men into future leaders in our world, and I believe Coach Root is ready to lead us into the Colonels' next chapter," said Brad Fields, Director of Athletics.  "I have been able to work closely with Gavin in a head coaching role over the past 15 months, and he has led the program with positivity and passion."   

This past year, Root guided the Colonels to a 14-12 record, highlighted by a win over 25th-ranked Rhodes, the eventual Southern Athletic Association Regular Season and Tournament Champions. The win was Centre's first over a ranked team since November 2019. The Colonels finished this season winning five of their last seven, earning the three seed and reaching the semifinals of the SAA Tournament. 

"Centre is a place where careers grow.  Many of our most successful coaches have built their careers here, moving into roles of greater responsibility." said Fields.  "While remaining focused on the best way forward for each of our programs, I'm proud of our ability to cultivate, mentor, and many times provide the opportunity for the next generation of leaders within college athletics.  I'm excited to watch the impact Coach Root will have on the young people that accept the challenge to become Centre Colonels."     

On the court, Centre was a high-scoring team in 2025-26, averaging 77.8 points per game, while finishing second in the SAA in total three-pointers made (239) and three-pointers made per game (9.2). The Colonels led the SAA and were seventh in the nation in offensive rebounds per game (15.5). That combination allowed the Colonels to score 85 or more points 12 times this season. 

"This is a dream come true," said Root. "To be at an institution with a rich history of great success both on and off the court is something I don't take for granted and am forever grateful for. The love I have for this program, our players, Centre College, and the Commonwealth is deeper than words can express. I'm thankful to be entrusted with the privilege of leading this program, and I can't wait to do this together as one." 

Root graduated from Transylvania University with a degree in Business Administration in 2021 and earned his MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2023. As a player at Transylvania, Root was a four-year letter winner and two-year team captain. 

He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Root first arrived at Centre College ahead of the 2023-24 season as an assistant coach.  

Mason closed out his illustrious coaching career at Centre with 459 wins in 26 seasons at the helm, as the Colonels won 11 regular season titles, eight conference crowns, and qualified for eight NCAA Tournaments.  

Centre Men's Basketball carries its momentum forward, with nine of the team's top 10 scorers projected to return for the 2026-27 season. 

What they are saying about Gavin Root: 

"Gavin is a relentless worker and has a brilliant basketball mind who understands the unique culture of winning in the Commonwealth. What he brings to Centre College is a competitive fire to win with a strong dedication for player development. He is one of the rising stars in this business, and we are all excited to see the impact he'll make in Danville." 

 — Mark Pope, Head Coach, University of Kentucky 

"I am truly excited for Gavin and Centre Basketball on his hiring as the head coach! Gavin is a tireless worker who pours into his players to help them become the best version of themselves. I have no doubt that he will do great things as a head coach!" 

 — Andy Kennedy, Head Coach, University of Alabama at Birmingham 

"Gavin is a young, sharp coach with a bright future. As I have gotten to know Gavin, I've been very impressed with his knowledge and insight. He also knows how to relate to people, which is of the upmost importance in the ever-changing recruiting environment. Centre College has hired a great leader." 

 — Jonathan Mattox, Head Coach, Morehead State University