A Strategic Coaching Refresh
Montana State University has unveiled a series of personnel moves that reshape its men’s basketball coaching staff for the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign. The additions come as the program looks to sustain momentum after a season that saw the Bobcats climb into the top 150 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball NET rankings.
Kenny Love, a familiar face in the Big Sky region, arrives from Whitworth University where he spent four years as head coach of the Pirates’ women’s basketball team. Love’s playing pedigree includes three Northwest Conference regular‑season and tournament titles, a Third‑Team All‑American nod in 2015, and the conference’s Player of the Year honor. His 13‑year association with Whitworth, spanning both playing and coaching roles, equips him with a deep well of experience that the Bobcats hope will translate into on‑court success.
Alongside Love, Zach Payne and Sam Scholl have been elevated to Associate Head Coach positions. Both assistants played pivotal roles in guiding the team to a 50‑50 overall record during their first two seasons and helped secure a No. 127 NET ranking during the 2025‑26 year. Their contributions have been credited with fostering a competitive culture and delivering consistent postseason exposure, including multiple NCAA Tournament berths.
Shamrock Campbell, previously the Director of Basketball Operations for two seasons, now steps into a full‑time assistant role. Campbell’s own playing background includes NAIA All‑American honors at Point Loma Nazarene University and stints at Carroll College. His transition from operations to the bench underscores the university’s commitment to promoting internal talent.
The reshaped staff will bring the total number of full‑time coaches to six, a configuration designed to provide depth across recruiting, player development, and game strategy. With a core group of returning players and a coaching cadre that blends fresh perspectives with proven track records, Montana State aims to translate its recent competitive strides into deeper tournament runs and higher national rankings.