Tom Crean
ALMA — Tom Crean, a veteran college basketball coach and national broadcaster who began his coaching career at Alma College, will deliver the keynote address at Alma College’s 139th commencement ceremony.
More than 250 students are expected to participate in the ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the campus’s Hogan Center, Art Smith Arena.
“We are honored to welcome Tom Crean back to Alma College to address the class of 2026,” said Alma College President Joe Odenwald. “Tom’s remarkable journey — from his early days as an assistant coach here in the late 1980s to the highest levels of college basketball and national media — reflects the power of hard work, resilience and leadership. His connection to Alma makes this especially meaningful, and I am confident our graduates will be inspired by both his story and his message as they prepare to take their next steps.”
Crean served as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Alma College from 1987-89, launching a coaching career that would span more than three decades and reach the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
He went on to spend 22 seasons as a head coach at Marquette University, Indiana University and the University of Georgia, compiling a 403-306 overall record. Crean led Marquette to the 2003 NCAA Final Four and guided his teams to 13 postseason appearances, including nine NCAA Tournament bids. His success earned him multiple coach of the year honors, including National Coach of the Year recognition.
At Indiana, Crean rebuilt a storied program and led the Hoosiers to Big Ten championships in 2013 and 2016, along with multiple top national rankings. Across his coaching career, he mentored numerous players who advanced to the NBA, including All-Americans and future professional standouts.
Crean is currently a college basketball analyst for ESPN, Westwood One radio, Fox Sports and NBC Sports. He also serves as an NBA analyst for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks and contributes to NBA Draft coverage on Sirius XM Radio.
A native of nearby Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Crean earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1989.
In addition to delivering the keynote address at commencement, Crean will receive an honorary degree from Alma College.
