Ex-Louisville assistant coach Mark Lieberman hired to lead Holy Cross boys basketball
Former Louisville men's basketball assistant coach Mark Lieberman loves the city, and he loves building championship programs.
That combination led him to Holy Cross boys basketball, which will be Lieberman's next stop on his journey. The Cougars hired him to lead their program Tuesday.
Welcome to the Cougar Family Mark Lieberman! We are so excited to have you. https://t.co/dktadjPQ26
— HCHS Cougars (@HCHSCougars) May 7, 2024
"It's not done overnight," Lieberman said about building Holy Cross into a championship contender. "(Holy Cross) has some great things in place. You have a great administration, a great school. You surround yourself with great people, and that's something I've done wherever I've gone."
The Cougars went 20-12 last season, including 12-5 in Sixth Region games, with coach Matt Thomas. Holy Cross was eliminated in the Sixth Region Tournament by Evangel Christian, which advanced to the Sweet 16 semifinals at Rupp Arena.
After two seasons at Holy Cross, I have decided to step down as the @HCHSbasketball coach.
I’d like to thank the school for the opportunity to lead their program, and the faculty and community for your support. Couldn’t have don’t it without my players and coaches!
Thank you!— Matt Thomas (@CoachMatt502) April 11, 2024
"This is what I do, I love to build. I love to get in there every day, whether it's film study, individual workouts. All the things it takes to win, we're going to do," said Lieberman, who envisions building a championship brand with the Cougars.
Lieberman's daughter lives in Indiana, and he said "home is where she's at." She's the reason Lieberman decided to move back to Louisville in June 2022 and take the head-coaching job at Collegiate for the 2022-23 boys basketball season. She's the reason he wants to stick around and make The Basketball Tournament a staple of the city's summer sports scene. Lieberman coached Louisville's The Ville team in TBT in 2023.
As a high school coach at Monsignor Pace for 13 seasons in Miami, Lieberman won four state championships and went 335-95. He also coached at the 2009 McDonald's All-American Game, where he led future Cardinals great Peyton Siva.
Lieberman also worked on Rick Pitino's U of L staff from 2010-2012, including the 2012 Final Four team that featured Siva.
Reach sports reporter Brooks Warren at bwarren@gannett.com and follow him on X at @Broookksss.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mark Lieberman, former Louisville assistant, hired to lead Holy Cross
