Alvin Brooks III faced a difficult decision when he opted to leave his position as associate head coach at Baylor, where he had spent eight successful seasons under Scott Drew, including winning a national championship in 2021 and recruiting one of Baylor’s top classes for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Despite the strong ties and achievements at Baylor, Brooks chose to accept a similar role at Kentucky, marking a significant career move.
Reflecting on his decision in an interview with Matt Mosley of Fox Sports’ Obstructed View podcast, Brooks shared the emotional impact of leaving Baylor, particularly parting ways with Coach Drew and the deep friendships they had forged both on and off the court. The decision was especially tough for Brooks and his family, with his children having grown up in Waco and developed strong bonds within the Baylor community.
“It was very hard, it wasn’t easy at all. You think about the staff, Coach Drew — I was with Coach Drew for eight years,” Brooks explained. “We had a lot of success on the court, and off the court, we built a lifetime friendship. That was the hardest part, just talking to Coach Drew and letting him know that I was going to Kentucky.”
The move was particularly challenging for Brooks’ children, who had spent their formative years at Baylor and had become accustomed to the community there. Brooks acknowledged that his youngest child took the news particularly hard.
Despite the emotional difficulty of leaving, Brooks and his wife ultimately believed that relocating to Kentucky was the best decision for their family, especially considering the resources available to support their children’s needs. Both of Brooks’ sons have autism, with their oldest facing severe autism, and Brooks emphasized that Kentucky offered more extensive resources and support systems than they had in Waco.
“It was the best decision for my family and myself. They have resources here to help my kids,” Brooks said, reflecting on the family’s needs and the support available in their new environment.
In making this move, Brooks looks forward to continuing his coaching career at Kentucky while also ensuring his family’s well-being and receiving the necessary support for their children’s development.
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