But perhaps the biggest support came right near the podium, with the majority of the men’s basketball team on hand to put its stamp of approval on Plona’s rise from assistant coach last season to the man looking to build off Lutz’s one season of success at WKU.

Players were supportive of the decision, saying they were grateful to have a say in the process.

“I love Hank,” WKU freshman guard Teagan Moore said. “He believes in each and every one of us. It’s just so exciting to have him as our coach.”

For junior guard Don McHenry, who played for Plona when he was a head coach at Indian Hills (Iowa) Community College before coming to WKU, it’s a chance to remain with a coach who has been a big part of his success on and off the court.

“It’s an unexplainable level of excitement, almost an anxiousness, ready to get right to it,” McHenry said. “I know our previous season ended not too long ago, but the excitement and anxiousness I feel about getting back to work with a familiar coach that I know his style and coaching … it makes you ready to get back to work.”

Moore and McHenry both said the team got to have a say in the decision, with athletic director Todd Stewart and the rest of the administration getting input throughout the rather quick process.

“This is what we all wanted,” Moore said. “This is what everybody wished for when we heard the news that our coach could be leaving. We wanted Hank and we got it.

“ … We voiced our opinions to Todd about who we wanted as our coach and he listened.”

McHenry said that transparency was appreciated.