SYLVANIA, Ohio — Dennis Hopson has resigned as head coach of Lourdes University's men's basketball team "to explore other opportunities for my career," according to a press release from the university on Friday, Aug. 16.
"This was not an easy decision," said Hopson."I enjoyed my time working with coach Janet Eaton-Smith and Dr. Mary Ann Gawelek, who are both no longer at Lourdes, but hired me, along with coach Joann Gordan and the rest of the current staff and athletes. After much consideration, however, I have decided to explore other opportunities for my career."
According to the release, since taking over the program in 2019, Hopson had led Lourdes University to highest WHAC tournament seeding in the programs history, placing in second, and had helped the team win their first WHAC Championship.
Lourdes University also indicated that Hopson's team broke the the university's record of wins in a season, with 24 wins in a single season. His teams also made three NAIA tournament appearances, and reached the university's highest ranking in the NAIA, sitting at seventh place.
In 2024, Hopson was recognized by College Insider with the national title of 'Jack Bennett Man of the Year' award for his commitment to integrity within the sport.
Dennis Hopson was born and raised in Toledo, graduating from Bowsher High School before attending the Ohio State University on a full-ride basketball scholarship.
Hopson is the reigning all-time leading scorer at OSU, with an average of 29 points per game during his 1987 season. Duue to his talent, he ranked second nationally in scoring and was named 'Big Ten Player of the Year'.
Following his collegiate career, Hopson went on to play for the the New Jersey Nets before winning an NBA Championship with the Chicago Bulls and retiring from the NBA after playing for the Sacramento Kings.
After retiring from playing professional basketball, Hopson began his coaching career, coaching for Lourdes University, as well as the Rockford Lightning and the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the CBA, Northland High School and Eastmoor Academy in Columbus, Northwood University in West Palm Beach, Florida and Bowling Green State University.
