Boys’ basketball: Greg Hilliard to step down as coach at Harvard-Westlake

Greg Hilliard has decided to step down as boys’ basketball coach at Harvard-Westlake at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season, which will be his 30th season as coach.

In a news release sent out by the school, Hilliard said, “With a tinge of sadness and lots of gratitude, I would like to announce that the 2014-15 basketball season will be my last. It will be my 40th year as a varsity head coach and my 30th at Harvard- Westlake.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure to represent this community in a small way for so many years. The players, parents, coaches, support staff, opponents, and administrators have gone out of their way to bless my coaching experience. I couldn’t have done any of it without them and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

“I must also give a special thanks to my wife, Kait, and my daughters, Megan and Emily for understanding my job and my commitment to the team. They allowed me to rise to all the challenges. And yes, Megan and Emily, it is ‘just a game,’ but a game that I am passionate about and truly love.”

“The real impetus to get after it every day, though, is the players. I love them all, I learn from them, and they inspire me. It will be an honor to share the 2014-15 season with this current group of players. They represent the kind of character and dedication that has always drawn me to this coaching position. So, let’s agree to play hard, play smart, play together, and have FUN! And as we run out on the court another time, let’s remember Ubuntu- ‘I am because we are.’”

Harvard-Westlake is expected to have a new coach in place at the end of next season.

There’s already speculation about possible replacements, and one likely candidate is former Loyola assistant Ryan Bailey, the head coach at Brentwood. Bailey, however, said he’s happy at Brentwood.

Former Harvard-Westlake assistant Mike Hamilton of Buckley and former El Camino Real Coach David Rebibo, now at an assistant at San Francisco, are other possible candidates.

In 29 years as coach at Harvard-Westlake, Hilliard has a 603-230 record, 13 league titles, nine Southern Section championships and state championships in 1996 and 1997.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com