Former Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball Star Dennis Hopson Makes a Bold Move to Return to His Former Team as Athletic Director…
Dennis Hopson, a former Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball star and NBA champion, has made a significant career move by stepping down as head coach of Lourdes University to become the athletic director at Bowsher High School in Toledo, Ohio. This decision marks a return to his roots, as Hopson is a 1983 graduate of Bowsher High School. His appointment reflects a commitment to fostering athletic excellence and community engagement in his hometown.
A Storied Basketball Career
Hopson’s basketball journey began at Bowsher High School, where he showcased his talent and earned a scholarship to Ohio State University. At Ohio State, he became a standout player, earning All-American honors and setting the school’s all-time leading scorer record with 2,096 points. His exceptional performance led to him being selected as the third overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. Over his five-season NBA career, Hopson played for the Nets, Chicago Bulls—where he won an NBA Championship—and the Sacramento Kings. After his NBA tenure, he continued his professional career in Europe for several years.
Transition to Coaching
Following his retirement from professional basketball, Hopson transitioned into coaching. He began his collegiate coaching career at Northwood University, followed by assistant coaching positions at Bowling Green State University. In 2019, he became the head men’s basketball coach at Lourdes University. During his five-year tenure, he led the team to significant achievements, including a school-record 24-win season and the program’s first Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) tournament title. Under his guidance, Lourdes made multiple appearances in the NAIA National Championships.
Return to Bowsher High School
In August 2024, Hopson resigned from his position at Lourdes University to explore other career opportunities. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as the athletic director at Bowsher High School, a role that allows him to give back to the community that supported his early development. As athletic director, Hopson is expected to leverage his extensive experience in athletics to enhance the school’s sports programs, promote student-athlete development, and strengthen community involvement.
Looking Ahead
Dennis Hopson’s return to Bowsher High School as athletic director signifies a full-circle moment in his illustrious career. His wealth of experience as a player and coach positions him to make a meaningful impact on the school’s athletic programs. With a focus on integrity, excellence, and community engagement, Hopson is poised to inspire the next generation of athletes in Toledo