Grant Leonard: Made for March
In college basketball, the transition from Division II to Division I is traditionally a grueling, multi-year slogfest characterized by growing pains, harsh learning curves, and inevitable losing seasons.
But don’t tell that to Grant Leonard.
Since taking the reins at Queens University of Charlotte in 2022 – the program’s very first year at the Division I level – Coach Leonard has defied expectations. Boasting an impressive 73-63 record as head coach, Leonard has led the Royals to a CBI quarterfinals appearance in 2025, an ASUN championship, and a berth to the Big Dance last season.
Behind the viral sweaters and humble demeanor lies one of college basketball’s most calculated tacticians and most intriguing hidden gems.
Sweater Weather with a Cultural Message
If you’ve tuned into a Queens game over the past few seasons or seen various tweets from CBS Sports in March, you’ve likely noticed Coach Leonard sporting sharp, colorful festive sweaters on the sidelines, each one getting progressively more unique. While it started as lighthearted marital advice, it has grown into his signature trademark.
“My wife told me that I needed to have more holiday spirit, so I started wearing the sweaters and then I kind of started wearing them for games and it’s just kind of been a fun joke. And now it’s just kind of becoming a thing,” Leonard says.
Behind the comfortable attire sits a deep student of the game. When asked about potential comparisons – which (in my opinion) range from modern offensive minds like Nate Oats (Alabama) or Jay Wright (Villanova) to defensive strategists like TJ Otzelberger (Iowa State) and Matt Painter (Purdue) – Leonard leans toward self-deprecation and continuous learning.
“I don’t know if I'm experienced enough to say that – I’m still evolving,” Leonard explains. “Culturally, my mentor Bart Lundy taught me how you run a championship culture. But for X’s and O’s and demeanor, I gravitate towards Brad Stevens. He studies, he’s exceptionally calculated, and he’s always done a little bit more. I try to emulate his demeanor and how he evolves with his players.”
Modern Offense: Two on the Ball and Speed Reads
The hallmark of Leonard’s system is a fluid, modern offensive framework driven by rapid decision-making rather than rigid, isolated play-calling.
His non-negotiable offensive rule? Force a defensive breakdown by getting tow defenders on the ball to create an instant 2-on-1 advantage.
Queens utilizes dynamic trigger series to penetrate downhill attack lanes. The goal is simple: test the opposing defense’s ability to handle switching, drop, or hedging coverages, and punish them immediately with re-triggers, closeout attacks, high-volume three-point shooting, and relentless paint touches.
How Queens Develops High-IQ Decision Makers
Creating elite decision-makers doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a systematic process refined through continuous feedback loops:
Individual Skill Development: Teaching the fundamental reads and physical skill sets during summer workouts.
Controlled Chaos vs. Scout Teams: Putting players against coaches or scout team players in custom tag defenses based on upcoming opponents.
Live 5-on-5 Competition & Film Review: Letting players compete at full speed, then breaking down video tape to refine their mental processing.
“We put our entire offense in during the summer and then we don’t put much else in– we just get better at it,” says Leonard. “Nass Mann and Yoav Berman were in their second years in our system last year, and both went up in assist rates by 400%. That’s normal for us. You’ll see a player or two take jumps like that every year in their decision-making.”
Tactical Chameleon: Defense, Physicality, and Dominating the Paint
Defensively, Queens operates on a disciplined “gapping” man-to-man base that shrinks driving lanes, contests closeouts dynamically, and forces tough jumpers. However, Leonard is known as a tactical chameleon who switches up ball-screen coverages, switching schemes, and full-court zone presses to erase an opponent’s core strengths.
Transition defense and verticality at the rim are absolute non-negotiables.
“The best transition defense you can put on is offensive rebounding pressure,” Leonard emphasizes. “If you’re putting pressure on the rim, they can’t leak out. Conversely, we want to score in the first six seconds if possible to catch the defense unready, but when we’re on defense, we want to force them deep into the shot clock.”
The 2026 Identity: Controlling the Glass
When asked about the identity of his latest squad, Leonard points directly inside:
“Our identity this year is that we want to dominate the paint on both sides. Physicality isn’t just having big post players who put ball pressure on; it’s when a guy cuts, making sure they know you’re there, and fighting on box outs. This team is by far the most physical team we’ve ever had, and our ultimate success will come down to whether we control the glass.”
“Ten Toes In”: Life Lessons and Building an “Everyday Program”
Leonard’s coaching career spans over two decades, beginning as an assistant at Shorewood High School (2004-05) before making stops at Washington College, Flagler, Paine, and eventually Queens in 2013. That long journey taught him a perspective that he actively passes on to his roster, as well as lessons he learned from his dad.
“As a young assistant, you think you’re gonna grab the clipboard and draw up a play or win a game and be the hero,” Leonard reflects. “That’s not how it works. You have to start with ordering food and doing the little things. Philosophies don’t matter until you’re ten toes in with the guy you’re working with.”
That mindset came directly from his father – a dedicated company man who worked for the same employer for over 30 years.
“I never saw him call in sick. He was an everyday guy. And we want our players to learn to be like that too. Everyday guys. And to really just be there for their company, for their team, for their family every day. And so everyone in our organization, that’s the direction our boat rows, is getting 1% better daily. But to get 1% better daily, you gotta be available. You gotta be there. The best ability is availability. And so our program is gonna be there. We’re gonna be present and we’re gonna work on getting better as a group and as individuals every day.
The Road Ahead: Navigating Success and Avoiding Complacency
Coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance, the biggest obstacle for any championship program isn’t talent – it’s complacency.
As Queens prepares for one of the toughest non-conference road stretches, Leonard relies on player-led leadership – anchored by Avantae Parker and Jordan Watford – to maintain standards when the process gets grueling.
“Complacency is always the biggest thing when you’ve won a championship,” Leonard concludes. “When it gets really hard on a tough road stretch, will they keep fighting? It’s a 32-game deal. You can’t get caught up in early results – you have to stay focused on daily growth.”
With a physical frontcourt, a fast-paced offensive engine, and a locker room aligned around daily improvement and budding team chemistry, Coach Grant Leonard and Queens University aren’t just content with their historic March run – they are building a culture built to return year after year.
Queens will square-off against cross-border rival Winthrop on Monday, November 2nd at 9 AM as part of the Field of 68’s Kickoff Marathon in Rock Hill. The game will stream live on The Field of 68’s Youtube Channel.
-Josh Frye
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