Aaron Thompson, Butler basketball's all-time assist leader, is returning to the program as the director of player development under new head coach Ronald Nored. Thompson previously served at George Washington, where he was promoted from director of player development to assistant coach.
Butler basketball's all-time assist leader joining Ronald Nored's first staff
Butler basketball's all-time assist leader Aaron Thompson is returning to the program as director of player development on first-year coach Ronald Nored's staff.
Thomspon returns to Butler after three seasons at George Washington. Thompson joined GW as the director of player development in 2023. He was elevated to assistant coach the following season.
āWatching AT play, you knew he had a bright future in coaching,ā Nored said in a release. āHe will build strong relationships with our players and push them to maximize their potential. In addition to his experience in skill development, AT also has the intangibles that we hope will permeate throughout our program: how to lead a team on the court, a tenacious defensive approach, and a selfless attitude focused on winning. Itās great to have AT back at Hinkle where he belongs.ā
Thompson embraced his role as a lockdown on-ball defender under former Butler coach LaVall Jordan, typifying "The Butler Way" with the unselfish way he played the game. For his career, Thomspon averaged of 6.8 points, 4.1 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
Nolan Hamilton, a Butler University student and president of the Dog Pound, poses Friday, March 27, 2026, in his Robot Ron outfit in honor or newly named Butler head coach Ronald Nored.
Ronald Nored (middle left) is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored poses for a photo alongside his wife, Danielle, and their four children, Avery, Kai, Jude, and Campbell on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as Butlerās next menās head basketball coach.
Butler University head basketball coach Ronald Nored is hugged Friday, March 27, 2026, by Indiana Pacersā T.J. McConnell after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as the next menās head basketball coach.
Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shakes hands Friday, March 27, 2026, with Pacers lead assistant coach Lloyd Pierce ahead of a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach.
Indiana Pacersā Tyrese Haliburton laughs with Ronald Nored on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as Butlerās next menās head basketball coach.
Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Fans watch as Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
Indiana Pacersā Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell talk Friday, March 27, 2026, with Emerson Kampen ahead of a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach.
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Nolan Hamilton, a Butler University student and president of the Dog Pound, poses Friday, March 27, 2026, in his Robot Ron outfit in honor or newly named Butler head coach Ronald Nored.
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Nolan Hamilton, a Butler University student and president of the Dog Pound, poses Friday, March 27, 2026, in his Robot Ron outfit in honor or newly named Butler head coach Ronald Nored.
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Ronald Nored (middle left) is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored poses for a photo alongside his wife, Danielle, and their four children, Avery, Kai, Jude, and Campbell on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as Butlerās next menās head basketball coach.
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Butler University head basketball coach Ronald Nored is hugged Friday, March 27, 2026, by Indiana Pacersā T.J. McConnell after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as the next menās head basketball coach.
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Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shakes hands Friday, March 27, 2026, with Pacers lead assistant coach Lloyd Pierce ahead of a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach.
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Indiana Pacersā Tyrese Haliburton laughs with Ronald Nored on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as Butlerās next menās head basketball coach.
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Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Fans watch as Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University menās basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.
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Indiana Pacersā Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell talk Friday, March 27, 2026, with Emerson Kampen ahead of a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next menās head basketball coach.
Thompson played one season of professional basketball with Phoenix Hagen of the ProA League in Germany after going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. Thompson played 14 games with Phoenix Hagen before embarking on his coaching career.
The Glenn Dale, Maryland, native ranks first all-time with 566 assists and he finished his Butler career ranked ninth all-time with 155 steals. Thomspon was also one of 10 semifinalists for the 2020 Naismith menās defensive player of the year award.
Thompson joins a coaching staff with assistant coaches Jon Diebler, Jalen Courtney-Williams and Emerson Kampen. Tony Bollier returns as general manager while also adding assistant coaching duties to his role. Matt Frederick will serve as Nored's chief of staff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Butler basketball coaches: Aaron Thompson is director of player development
Aaron Thompson is Butler basketball's all-time assist leader and has been appointed as the director of player development on Ronald Nored's coaching staff.
Before returning to Butler, Aaron Thompson spent three seasons at George Washington, where he started as the director of player development and was later promoted to assistant coach.
Ronald Nored is the new head coach of Butler basketball, and he has brought Aaron Thompson onto his staff as part of his first coaching team.
Ronald Nored believes Aaron Thompson will build strong relationships with players, enhance their skill development, and instill a tenacious defensive approach and a selfless attitude focused on winning.
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