Vernon Wesley Hamilton (born December 28, 1984) is an American college basketball coach and former player, currently an assistant coach at Louisiana State University (LSU). He played for the Clemson Tigers, setting program records in steals.
High school career Hamilton was ranked the number 83 high school prospect in the country his senior season. Hamilton averaged 24 points as a senior, along with averages of 7.7 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 3 steals per game and lead Benedictine High School to its first ever Virginia private school state title. Hamilton was also all-state and all-conference as a defensive back and wide receiver, and received several offers to play college football.
College career After graduating from high school Vernon Hamilton signed with the Clemson Tigers. Hamilton was a 4-year starter during his tenure with Clemson. Hamilton was an honorable mention selection for the AP All-ACC Freshman team in 2004. Hamilton was on the All-ACC Defensive team in 2006 and 2007. Hamilton was the first Clemson player since 1998 to be invited to play in the 2007 NABC All Star Game. Hamilton finished his career at Clemson as the record holder for most steals in a season (83), highest average steals per game in a season (2.68), and the Clemson career steals record (271). He obtained his undergraduate and master's degrees at Clemson.
College statistics + Season Averages Season Team G PTS REB AST STL BLK FG% 3P% FT% MIN TO 2003–04 Clemson Tigers 28 7.3 3.7 3.25 1.79 0 .385 .333 .524 26.9 3.1 2004–05 Clemson Tigers 32 6.8 2.6 2.88 2.13 .03 .425 .244 .602 25.5 2.62 2005–06 Clemson Tigers 31 12.0 3.2 3.03 2.68 .13 .447 .355 .551 30.2 2.68 2006–07 Clemson Tigers 36 12.3 3.1 3.39 1.95 .08 .468 .306 .490 31.5 2.64Totals: 127 9.7 3.1 3.14 2.13 .06 .440 .315 .541 28.6 2.74
Professional career NBA and NBA D-League On September 29, 2008, Hamilton signed a contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and played in several pre-season games earning high praise from coach Mike Brown. Brown was quoted as saying "I thought Vern Hamilton had a terrific game for us."
On September 28, 2010, Hamilton signed a contract with the Detroit Pistons. He went on to play in 5 preseason games for the Pistons.
Hamilton also had workouts with both the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards.
International In 2013 Hamilton played 17 games for ENAD of the Cyprus Basketball Division 1 and averaged 8.5 points, 5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
In 2010–2011 Hamilton went to play for the Tianjin Ronggang Golden Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association where he averaged 26.8 points 8.5 rebounds 4.9 assists, and 5.0 steals per game.
Coaching career After the conclusion of his playing career, Hamilton became a Graduate Assistant coach under Brad Brownell at Clemson.
After serving under Will Wade as an assistant coach at LSU and McNeese State, Hamilton eventually followed Wade to North Carolina State in 2025.
Personal life Hamilton is an active member of 100 Black Men of America in Atlanta, Georgia.
See also Clemson Tigers men's basketball statistical leaders
References
External links
DraftExpress.com Profile NC State bio LSU bio