A 6'2" (1.88 m) and 180 lb (82 kg) guard, Kuester played collegiately with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels from 1973 to 1977.

Leading his team to three consecutive state Catholic League titles, the Cadets were 31–3 his senior year.

After his playing days, Kuester began a basketball coaching career, volunteering as an assistant at the University of Richmond from 1980 to 1981.

[3] From 1981 to 1983, he was an assistant to Rick Pitino at Boston University before succeeding him in 1983 as the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I.

[6] In August 2007, Kuester was named to Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown's staff, replacing the departing Kenny Natt.

[7] In July 2009, Kuester was hired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons, replacing Michael Curry.