WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Dillon Hargrove has been hired as the sixth head coach of the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball program.
Hargrove comes from McCook Community College, where he has served as head coach of the men’s basketball program since June 2024.
University officials announced the hiring today. It is subject to approval by the Missouri State University Board of Governors.
Championship experience
Hargrove began his collegiate head coaching career at National Park College in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 2020-21. Competing at the NJCAA Division II level, he led the Nighthawks to winning seasons each year, culminating in a national championship in 2023-24. National Park defeated South Suburban College 84-79 in the title game and finished with a program-best 31-1 record.
He was named the 2023-24 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Two-Year Coach of the Year, NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year, NJCAA Division II Championship Coach of the Tournament and NABC NJCAA All-Star Coach.
Following the national championship season, Hargrove was hired as head coach at McCook Community College in McCook, Nebraska, where he has spent the past two seasons.
At McCook, he led the program to its best record in more than a decade this past season. The team also recorded its most conference wins since 2020 and its most wins over NJCAA Division I opponents in more than 20 seasons.
In his time as a head coach, Hargrove has compiled a 67% winning percentage and has coached three NJCAA All-Americans, four region players of the year and 11 all-region honorees.
Other stops in his coaching career include two seasons as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Little Priest Tribal College in Winnebago, Nebraska; one season as head baseball coach at Flippin High School in Flippin, Arkansas; and one season as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas.
He also served as head baseball coach and assistant men’s and women’s basketball coach at National Park College for two seasons before being named head coach.
Culture builder
Hargrove takes pride in his ability to transform a program’s culture by instilling values built on integrity, discipline and a commitment to student-athlete development.
“Basketball isn’t just seasonal for me,” Hargrove said. “It is a year-round commitment that includes player development, academic accountability and community engagement. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Grizzly basketball program, and I don’t take that for granted. This is a place with a strong tradition, and I’m excited to build on that while creating a culture the West Plains community can be proud of.”
Hargrove’s influence extends beyond the court. He has been a featured speaker at the NABC Final Four and Las Vegas Coaches Clinics, where he shared insights on offensive innovation and program-building strategies with coaches across the country.
More about Hargrove
“I am excited to welcome Coach Hargrove to the Grizzly Family. I know his commitment to developing student-athletes on the court and in the classroom, as well as his commitment to the community, will be evident”, said Rachel Peterson, director of athletics.
Hargrove earned a Bachelor of Science in communication from Arkansas Tech University in 2016 and a Master of Science in sports administration from Arkansas State University in 2025.
Hargrove and his wife, Brooke, a native of Calico Rock, Arkansas, are expecting their first child, a boy, in May 2026. Both Dillon and Brooke have strong ties to the region, as Dillon is a graduate of Flippin High School and his father, Dion, has spent years coaching basketball across Arkansas and Missouri, including time in West Plains. The Hargroves are excited to return closer to home and become part of the Grizzly community.
