NKU 7-foot center Vogt announces intention to transfer; Horn adds assistants to coaching staff

By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter

Northern Kentucky University is losing 7-foot center Chris Vogt, who announced Friday that he will transfer after spending the past two seasons as a member of the Norse men’s basketball team.

Vogt, a native of Mayfield and a graduate of Graves County High School, announced his decision on Twitter with a letter to NKU fans. He averaged 4.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this past season. Vogt also shot 57.7 percent from the field.

“It’s with a heavy heart, but clear mind, that I’ve come to this decision,” Vogt said in his letter. “I will be entering the transfer portal and not returning next year to NKU.”

Vogt said he expects the NKU program to continue progressing under new head coach Darrin Horn, who was hired after John Brannen accepted the coaching job at the University of Cincinnati.

“I truly believe Coach Horn will continue to build on the tradition and success at NKU,” Vogt noted. “But, it’s not the staff I committed to and it no longer feels like the right fit for me. I wish everyone here the best.”

NKU posted a 26-9 record this past season and captured the Horizon League championship. The Norse advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years and lost to eventual national runner-up Texas Tech in the first round.

NKU ADDS ASSISTANTS: Horn has announced the additions of David Harris and Simon McCormack as assistant coaches, and Joey Kizel as video coordinator.

Harris, a native of Cincinnati who played high school basketball for Wyoming, joins the Norse staff following a one-year stint as an assistant coach at the Naval Academy. Prior to his time with the Midshipmen, he spent three years on the staff at Texas, serving as special assistant/video coordinator. 
 
McCormack comes to NKU after serving as the director of program development at Texas last season. In total, he spent three years in Austin, filling the role of graduate assistant from the 2015-16 campaign through 2016-17.

Kizel served as the graduate assistant at Texas for the last two years. As part of the Longhorns staff, Kizel assisted in various aspects of player development, game preparation, scouting, logistical operations and film breakdown.

(Information compiled from NKU Athletics Communications and staff reports)