KT Deam was the starting point guard for Kingston from 2011-13, and now he’s returned to be its new coach.
From the 2013-14 season until now, Kingston’s record sits at 58-120. Before that, Deam led Kingston on a historic run, going 60-22 with two third-place finishes at state.
Shortly after graduating, Deam became assistant coach on the girls team under his dad, Charles. The Deam duo went 41-39 in four seasons. But when Henry Guterson stepped down that left a vacancy on the boys side.
“I had a few of the kids reach out to me and gauge my interest in applying,” Deam said. “Some of the parents emailed me about applying. The timing just seemed perfect.”
Although he remains at his alma mater, he has noticed differences as coach of the boys team.
“The pace of the game is much quicker,” Deam said. “It’s a lot different because when I was helping with my dad, he did a lot of the game planning and extra stuff that I didn’t have to do. Now, since I am doing it by myself, it’s a whole different responsibility than the girls.”
Even though his job comes with a lot of responsibilities, the community supports him. But he still feels the pressure to create a winning program. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to do the right things and make sure the kids get a great experience,” Deam said.
Kingston’s squad is 3-12 this season as of Jan. 26 with victories over North Mason twice and Bremerton. Although expectations are not high, Deam has set goals for his first season. “I’m really trying to establish a winning culture this year and have the kids playing hard,” Deam said.
In order for the team to develop, the seniors need to step up and play a big role. Out of 13 players on the varsity lineup, there are nine seniors, including standouts like Dakota Standley and Cash Hubbard.
In addition, Deam said Rhys Hernandez will play a big role in flipping around the culture because, “He’s a sophomore who didn’t start but he kept working and grinded his way to the starting lineup. In my opinion, he is one of our better players.”
If his first core of players can flip the tide, his future goals of rebuilding Kingston can become a reality. “Whether it’s realistic or not, the goal is to end every season playing at a dome,” Deam said. “Other than that, I want these guys to leave the program better basketball players and young men than the first day they walked in.”
Deam’s winning desire comes from his golden days on the court. He’s been talking with his old high school coach, Blake Conley.
“I’m trying to implement a bunch of things he did with us and some of the things he is doing at Union now,” Deam said. “A lot of it is playing at a fast tempo and being hard-nosed every day. They got to be willing to love the grind and get back to what they put into the game.”
Even though the Buccaneers may take a few years to bounce back to glory, Deam said he will take in the great atmosphere provided by the Kingston community.
“It’s crazy because it reminds me of the days I played there,” Deam said. “Our crowds have been coming out, and the student section and administration have been great. I think we can make some noise in the new year.”
