Nicholls State University Director of Athletics Rob Bernardi announced Tuesday that J.P. Piper will not return as head men’s basketball coach.

“We appreciate all of the hard work and effort that J.P. has put forth over the last 12 seasons. He has been a valued member of our community and we wish him all the best,” Bernardi said.

The Colonels finished the season with an 11-23 overall record and tied for ninth in conference with a 6-12 mark. The team closed out the regular season by winning three straight games to clinch a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament. In the postseason, the Colonels earned a thrilling double-overtime victory against rival McNeese State in the first round before Sam Houston State ended Nicholls’ season on a last-second basket in the quarterfinals.

Piper took over the program in 2004, compiling a career mark of 132-224 despite continually scheduling a strenuous non-conference schedule. During his tenure he led the Colonels to double-digit victories in all but two seasons, highlighted by a 21-11 campaign in 2008-09. In Southland Conference competition, Piper had an 82-118 record and led Nicholls to the postseason eight straight times.

A national search for Piper’s replacement will begin immediately.

http://www.geauxcolonels.com/news/2016/3/29/mens-basketball-nicholls-parts-ways-with-j-p-piper.aspx

Photo Courtesy Nichols State Athletics