The University at Albany men’s basketball team welcomes two new members to its staff – Director of Basketball Operations Luis Guzman and Graduate Assistant Conner McBride. In addition, Dan Madhavapallil has been promoted from Director of Basketball Operations to Assistant Coach.
I am so thrilled with the additions to our staff. Not only do we have one of the most diverse staffs in the country, we have been able to develop and create continuity within our program. I can’t wait to see this group impact our program, cam.pus, and community
Madhavapallil served as the team’s Director of Basketball Operations during the 2021-22 season. He followed Coach Killings from Marquette, where he also served as Director of Basketball operations for two seasons. Madhavapallil graduated from Marquette in 2016 after serving all four years as a student manager. The 2022-23 season will mark the first time the Illinois native serves as an Assistant Coach.
I am immensely grateful to Coach Killings for the opportunity to step into this new role. Helping people through the game of basketball is my passion. I can’t wait to pour everything I have into this community, this coaching staff, and most importantly our student-athletes.
On Madhavapallil, Killings added “Dan brings a loyalty, positivity, and a relentless work ethic to everything that he does, and I am thrilled to see him grow into his Assistant Coaching position.”
Guzman joins the Great Danes after spending the previous three seasons as the Director of Basketball Operations at Stetson University. There, he was responsible for all team travel, transportation, coordination of schedules, assisting with on floor coaching, and spearheading all community activities. Guzman has also spent time at Monroe College (2018-19) as an Associate Head Coach, with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) (2017-Present) as a Director of Scouting and Assistant Coach, with the NBA (2017-18) as a League Operations Manager, and with Rider University (2017-18) as a Director of Player Development.
I am super excited to join the UAlbany community. There isn’t a better time to be a part of this program and I am thrilled to learn from Coach Killings. He is a tremendous mentor, coach, and leader. I’m grateful for this opportunity and for what’s to come in the future.
Guzman graduated from Temple University in 2010 as the team’s starting point guard, aiding the Owls in reaching four NCAA Tournament appearances and serving as team captain in his final year. While at Temple, he met Coach Killings – who served as the team’s Assistant Director of Basketball Operations at the time.
“Having coached Luis at Temple, I witnessed his winning MENTALITY that helped lead us to three NCAA Tournaments,” said Killings. “As a professional, his experience in the AAU ranks, with the Dominican National Team, and time at both Stetson and Rider, our program will benefit from his wealth of experiences.”
McBride graduated from TCU in 2020, having served all four years as a manger on the men’s basketball team. After graduation, he served as a Coaching Intern and Assistant Coach at Bethany College for the 2020-21 season before joining the Hoop Group in the summer of 2021. Most recently, McBride served as an Assistant Boy’s Basketball Coach for Northfield Mount Hermon High School where he helped compile scouting reports and led individual training sessions to further progress player development.
I’m extremely excited to begin working for Albany Men’s Basketball. Coach Killings is building a special program and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
On McBride, Killings added “Conner arrives after most recently coaching with John Carroll at Northfield Mount Hermon. His passion for the game and mentorship will be welcomed in his graduate manager position.”
