Kenny Dagostino Will Be Leaving Men's Basketball For 1st Head Coaching Position - UAlbany Sports 2009

Guilderland's Kenny Dagostino filled out the paperwork in human resources on Tuesday, and then it hit him. He's a college basketball head coach.

Hudson Valley Community College will introduce Dagostino as its men's coach in a news conference today at 4 p.m.

"It feels surreal, but humbling at the same time," Dagostino said. "I'm excited to get going."

Dagostino, 25, spent the past three seasons at the University at Albany, the first year as a video coordinator and the past two as director of basketball operations.

He replaces Andre Cook, who left in July to take over at St. Edward's, an NCAA Division II school in Austin, Texas. Cook led HVCC to a 119-40 record over five seasons.

Dagostino also will serve as coordinator of intramurals at HVCC, which plays at the Division III junior college level.

At UAlbany, Dagostino handled administrative duties, videotape exchange, travel and basketball camps. NCAA rules prohibited him from being on the court during practice, though he was on the bench during games.

"I definitely think I have enough experience, growing up in a basketball family," he said. "I still have a lot to learn, but I'm definitely prepared. I'm looking to hone my skills and get better every day."

He's the son of Mohonasen coach Ken Dagostino and brother of Steve Dagostino, a former College of Saint Rose All-America guard who now plays in Italy.

Kenny Dagostino played at Iona under former NBA star Jeff Ruland and then learned the profession under UAlbany coach Will Brown.

"I'm very thankful and fortunate to have been a part of Coach Brown's coaching staff and part of the Great Dane family," he said.

He was hired by HVCC athletic director Kristan Pelletier, who spent the 2003-04 season in basketball operations for the UAlbany women.

"That title of director of basketball operations can be deceiving to people who don't know basketball and what it entails," Pelletier said. "He couldn't call out plays, but he basically learned from and was part of a winning program."

By MARK SINGELAIS