Anoka-Ramsey Community College has announced the hiring of Khalid El-Amin as the next head men’s basketball coach of the Golden Rams.

“I’m excited to have Khalid join us at Anoka-Ramsey,” said Director of Athletics Jessica Pelzel. “His extensive playing career, his knowledge of the game as both a player and coach, and his background growing up in the Twin Cities will be a benefit to our student-athletes.  We’re fortunate to have Khalid as part of the Golden Ram family.”

El-Amin served as head boys basketball coach at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights for the past two seasons, where he led the Cadets to a 23-6 record and a Section 3AAA runner-up finish this past season.

Prior to STA, El-Amin was an assistant coach at Burnsville High School, and Minneapolis North High School.

El-Amin is one of the most decorated players in Minnesota basketball history.  He is a graduate of Minneapolis North High School where he famously led the Polars to three consecutive state championships, and was named Minnesota Mr. Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American in 1997.

After high school, El-Amin enrolled at the University of Connecticut where he played for Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun.  He was the Big East Rookie of the Year as a freshman before leading the Huskies to the 1999 NCAA Championship as a sophomore.

El-Amin was drafted by the NBA’s Chicago Bulls in 2000 and played one year in Chicago before embarking on a decorated professional career overseas.  El-Amin’s nephew Malik played for the Golden Rams during the 2017-2018 season.

Anoka-Ramsey finished 13-11 overall last season.