Harold Tommy Amaker Jr. is a prominent figure in American college basketball, renowned for his achievements as a player and a coach. Born on June 6, 1965, in Falls Church, Virginia, he exhibited exceptional talent from an early age. Amaker's high school career at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia, under Coach Paul (Red) Jenkins, showcased his abilities as a basketball prodigy. As a McDonald's All-American and Wooden Defensive Player of the Year in 1983, he left an indelible mark with his defensive prowess and leadership.
Amaker's journey continued at Duke University, where he became a standout point guard under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. His collegiate career at Duke was marked by stellar performances, including setting records for assists and steals while earning accolades such as the NABC Defensive Player of the Year.
Transitioning to coaching, Amaker was an assistant coach at Duke before taking on head coaching roles at Seton Hall University and the University of Michigan. Despite challenges, including navigating the Michigan basketball scandal, he led teams to postseason success, notably winning the National Invitation Tournament 2004.
Since 2007, Amaker has been the head coach of the Harvard University men's basketball team, where he has achieved historic milestones, including Harvard's first NCAA tournament victory and multiple Ivy League championships. His impact extends beyond victories, shaping the lives of countless student-athletes under his mentorship. Amaker's legacy in basketball is defined by resilience, excellence, and a commitment to developing players and programs.
| Name | Harold Tommy Amaker Jr. |
| Title | Head Coach |
| Team | Harvard |
| Conference | Ivy League |
| Record | 293–179 (.621) |
| Born | June 6, 1965 (age 599) Falls Church, Virginia, U.S. |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | 1988–1997 Duke (assistant) 1997–2001 Seton Hall 2001–2007 Michigan 2007–present Harvard |
| Tournaments | 4–5 (NCAA Division I) 11–8 (NIT) 0–1 (CIT) |
Harold Tommy Amaker Jr. Coaching Career
Significant achievements and transformative impacts have marked Harold Tommy Amaker Jr.'s coaching career. Beginning as an assistant coach at Duke University under Mike Krzyzewski, he contributed to two NCAA Championships and multiple Final Four appearances. As head coach, Amaker led Seton Hall to postseason success and rejuvenated the University of Michigan program amidst challenges. Since 2007, he has been the head coach at Harvard University, orchestrating historic victories, including Harvard's first NCAA tournament win. Amaker's coaching tenure is characterized by resilience, ethical leadership, and a commitment to excellence, shaping the trajectory of collegiate basketball programs.
Harold Tommy Amaker Jr. Accomplishments and Honors
Harold Tommy Amaker Jr.'s illustrious career as both a player and coach is adorned with numerous awards and honors. He earned accolades such as the NABC Defensive Player of the Year and Third-team All-American. His coaching achievements include multiple Ivy League Coach of the Year titles, recognition from organizations like FOX and College Insider, and distinctions like the USBWA District I Coach of the Year. Amaker's records, including Harvard's all-time winningest head coach and groundbreaking victories, underscore his profound impact on collegiate basketball, cementing his legacy as a distinguished figure in the sport.
Harold Tommy Amaker Jr. Head Coaching Record
Harold Tommy Amaker Jr.'s head coaching record reflects his success and impact in college basketball. With championships, Ivy League titles, and numerous accolades, his tenure at Harvard and other institutions highlights his prowess as a transformative leader in the sport.
| Season | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Postseason |
| Seton Hall Pirates (Big East Conference) (1997–2001) | |||||
| 1997–98 | Seton Hall | 15–15 | 9–9 | 3rd (BE 7) | NIT First Round |
| 1998–99 | Seton Hall | 15–15 | 8–10 | T–8th | NIT First Round |
| 1999–00 | Seton Hall | 22–10 | 10–6 | T–4th | NCAA Division I Sweet 16 |
| 2000–01 | Seton Hall | 16–15 | 5–11 | 6th (West) | NIT First Round |
| Seton Hall: | 68–55 (.553) | 32–36 (.471) | |||
| Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten Conference) (2001–2007) | |||||
| 2001–02 | Michigan | 11–18 | 5–11 | T–8th | |
| 2002–03 | Michigan | 18–12 | 10–6 | T–3rd | |
| 2003–04 | Michigan | 23–11 | 8–8 | T–5th | NIT Champion |
| 2004–05 | Michigan | 13–18 | 4–12 | 9th | |
| 2005–06 | Michigan | 22–11 | 8–8 | T–6th | NIT Runner-Up |
| 2006–07 | Michigan | 22–13 | 8–8 | T–7th | NIT Second Round |
| Michigan: | 109–83 (.568) | 43–53 (.448) | |||
| Harvard Crimson (Ivy League) (2007–present) | |||||
| 2007–08 | Harvard | 8–22 | 3–11 | T–6th | |
| 2008–09 | Harvard | 14–14 | 6–8 | T–6th | |
| 2009–10 | Harvard | 21–7 | 10–4 | 3rd | CIT First Round |
| 2010–11 | Harvard | 23–7 | 12–2 | T–1st | NIT First Round |
| 2011–12 | Harvard | 26–5 | 12–2 | 1st | NCAA Division I Round of 64 |
| 2012–13 | Harvard | 20–10 | 11–3 | 1st | NCAA Division I Round of 32 |
| 2013–14 | Harvard | 27–5 | 13–1 | 1st | NCAA Division I Round of 32 |
| 2014–15 | Harvard | 22–8 | 11–3 | T–1st | NCAA Division I Round of 64 |
| 2015–16 | Harvard | 14–16 | 6–8 | 4th | |
| 2016–17 | Harvard | 18–10 | 10–4 | 2nd | |
| 2017–18 | Harvard | 18–14 | 12–2 | T–1st | NIT First Round |
| 2018–19 | Harvard | 19–12 | 10–4 | T–1st | NIT Second Round |
| 2019–20 | Harvard | 20–7 | 10–4 | 2nd | |
| 2020–21 | Harvard | ||||
| 2021–22 | Harvard | 13–13 | 5–9 | T–6th | |
| 2022–23 | Harvard | 14–14 | 5–9 | 7th | |
| 2023–24 | Harvard | 10–7 | 1–3 | ||
| Harvard: | 288–173 (.625) | 137–77 (.640) | |||
| Total: | 464–312 (.598) | ||||
Harold Tommy Amaker Jr. Personal life
Harold Tommy Amaker Jr. leads a rich personal life intertwined with family, academia, and a love for basketball. Married to Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, a licensed clinical psychologist. They met during his time at Duke University. Amaker's involvement extends beyond basketball; he convenes The Breakfast Club to discuss sociopolitical issues. Inducted into the Duke Athletic Hall of Fame, he also served on USA Basketball's board of directors.
FAQ's On Harvard Basketball Coach
A. Harold Tommy Amaker Jr. was born on June 6, 1965, in Falls Church, Virginia, U.S.
A. He played basketball at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia, under Coach Paul (Red) Jenkins.
A. Amaker was a McDonald's All-American and Wooden Defensive Player of the Year in 1983 while playing for Duke University.
A. Amaker has led Harvard to historic victories, including its first NCAA tournament win and multiple Ivy League championships since 2007.
A. He is married to Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, a licensed clinical psychologist, and they met during his time at Duke University. Amaker values family connections and engages in sociopolitical discussions through The Breakfast Club he convenes.
