For Coach Erasto Hatchett, like many other coaches, the coaching journey has brought its fair share of ups and downs. He has transitioned from the high school landscape to the college ranks, then to semi-pro basketball, and ultimately back to the high school level. Yet through every stop, one thing has remained constant: Coach Hatchett is a perfect gentleman on and off the court. He is also an impeccable dresser—easily one of the best-dressed coaches in the state.
For the past two seasons, Coach Hatchett has served as an assistant coach under the tutelage of Josh Coley, who recently accepted a front-office position with the Brooklyn Nets. During that time, Christ School captured back-to-back state championships, and Coach Hatchett was elevated to associate head coach.
Coach Hatchett’s experience is as deep as it is diverse. He worked the famed Five-Star Camp in Pittsburgh, the Eastern Invitational/Hoop Group in New Jersey, and numerous elite camps at schools such as Kentucky, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and NC State. He was eventually selected as the Head Coach for the 2010 Derby Festival Basketball All-Star Classic. To say he paid his dues would be a vast understatement. In 2006, he was an assistant coach and helped Cannon School to an NCISAA 2A state championship.
Throughout his coaching journey, Coach Hatchett has stayed true to his humble beginnings. He is widely regarded as one of the nicest individuals in the high school coaching profession. In an age when coaching can so easily become “win at all costs,” Coach Hatchett has kept his moral compass firmly in place, including his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Amid today’s ego-driven sidelines, it is refreshing to watch a coach maintain professionalism and a mild-mannered approach. During the course of a game, you won’t find him arguing every call or losing his composure. What you see on the court is precisely who he is off of it—consistent, steady, and respectful. His treatment of officials and opponents was on full display this past weekend when Christ School traveled to play Davidson Day at the Phenom Tip-Off Classic.
As with any coaching transition, when Coach Coley left for the NBA, many wondered whether Coach Hatchett could maintain Christ School’s championship standard. That question was answered emphatically with an impressive road win over a tough and talented Davidson Day team. His game plan was excellent, his team executed with poise, and they displayed outstanding sportsmanship throughout. Even without nationally ranked 6’8″ junior Trevor Manhertz, Christ School came prepared, well-coached, and mature—an unmistakable reflection of Coach Hatchett’s leadership. His team truly became an extension of him.
With Coach Hatchett, it is clear that nice guys can finish first. And if you’re looking for a genuine gentleman of the game, look no further.
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