Inside Xavier’s Bold Move: How Kareem Richardson’s Arrival Could Shake Up the Basketball Program

In the world of college hoops, change is the only constant — and Xavier University just flipped the script once again. After a temporary departure, Kareem Richardson is making a comeback to the Musketeers, stepping back into an assistant coaching role under Richard Pitino’s leadership. Richardson’s return isn’t just a reunion; it’s the addition of a seasoned strategist with a resume that boasts Big East battles, a Sweet 16 run, and even a national championship taste as part of Rick Pitino’s staff. Replacing Aaron Katsuma, who recently moved on to Minnesota, Richardson brings with him an extensive coaching journey — from head coaching at UMKC to notable stints at Indiana State, Clemson, and NC State, where he helped engineer an unexpected Final Four run. This hire signals more than just staff shuffling; it underscores Xavier’s intent to blend deep experience with relentless ambition as they prepare for the seasons ahead.

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Kareem Richardson, a former Xavier assistant under Chris Mack from 2011-12, is back with the Musketeers as an assistant on Richard Pitino’s staff, the school announced Tuesday afternoon.Following his head-coaching tenure at UMKC, Richardson was an assistant at Indiana State (2019-2021), Clemson (2021-2022) and NC State. In 2024, Richardson was on Kevin Keatts’ staff at NC State for a Cinderella run to the Final Four.Richardson replaces Aaron Katsuma, who left Xavier for an assistant job at the University of Minnesota.

As a collegiate player, Richardson spent two seasons at East Carolina before finishing his career at Evansville. He went to the NCAA Tournament at East Carolina as a freshman in 1993, scoring 10 points in a first-round loss to No. 1 North Carolina.

Richardson served as an assistant coach under Chris Mack during the 2012 season, helping lead Xavier to a 23-13 overall record and a trip to the Sweet 16. After Xavier, Richardson was on Rick Pitino’s staff for a national title run in 2013.

Since 1997, Richardson has been an assistant coach for 11 different programs and was the head coach at University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) from 2013-2019.

“I am excited about the hiring of Kareem Richardson to our staff,” Pitino said in a statement. “Kareem has won a national championship and been to a Final Four as a coach. He also knows what it takes to win at Xavier from working here in the past. He is a relentless recruiter and terrific basketball coach with great experience.”