Franklin C. Cappon-Edward C. Green ’40 Head Coach Mitch Henderson has announced Luke Gore as an assistant coach of the Princeton University men’s basketball team.
“I feel very fortunate to welcome Luke to Princeton,” said Henderson. “He brings so much experience to our program and I know he will make an immediate impact for us on and off the court. His strong track record of player development and proven ability to recruit talent from all over the world is going to make us better. We’re all really excited to have Luke and can’t wait to get to work with him.”
Gore joins the Tigers from Wichita State, where he served as the Director of Basketball Operations since April 2023. Prior to that, he was on staff at Valparaiso for 21 years, rising to Associate Head Coach in 2016. Gore served as an assistant coach from 2003 – 2016 and an administrative assistant from 2002 – 2003.
“It is an honor to join Princeton University athletics,” said Gore. “I look forward to working alongside Coach Henderson and his amazing staff each and every day to build on the dominant tradition of Princeton basketball. My goal is to add as much value as possible to Princeton Tiger basketball and Princeton athletics overall, while enhancing the experience for each one of our student-athletes. My family and I are excited to be part of the Princeton basketball family and such an amazing community. Make Shots!”
A Valpo alum, Gore was a 2022 recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award. The award recognizes alumni who have made notable contributions to society and the University. These alumni exemplify Valpo’s core values in professional and service roles.
During his time with the Beacons, Gore helped guide the program to 387 victories including a school record 30 wins in 2016. He led them to three NCAA Tournament appearances and four NIT appearances along with seven conference championships and three conference tournament titles.
Starting as Defensive Coordinator in 2011, the Beacons had the top defensive efficiency in the conference four times and All-Conference defensive selections on three occasions. He coached the NCAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and in the 2013-14 season Valpo was the only team in the country with two players with 50 blocks.
As a recruiter, Gore recruited players named to the conference All-Freshman team four times and has recruited six top-100 players along with two top-25 players. His 2003 recruiting class was ranked No. 27 in the nation, his 2005 recruiting class No. 69 and his 2009 recruiting class No. 92. Gore recruited three All-Newcomer players along with one Newcomer of the Year and has a vast international recruiting network having recruited players from 15 different countries.
Gore has helped develop two NBA players along with 10 NBA G-League players. He has coached all-conference players in 10 seasons, the Horizon League Player of the League in 2012 and players named to the conference Most Improved Team five times. 70% of the players coached by Gore went on to play professionally.
Other responsibilities with the Beacons included future game scheduling, supervising NCAA rules, serving as Summer Camp Director, organizing community service events and coordinating team travel from 2003 – 2009.
In the summers of 2017, 2008 and 2003 Gore coached Athletes in Action, a select group of NCAA Division I players, in six different countries.
A 2001 graduate of Bethel College, Gore was an Academic All-American his senior year and a starter on a team that won the KIAC Season Title in 1999. In 2006 Gore graduated from Valpo with a Master of Science in Sports Administration.
