UC Santa Cruz announced Matt Malone as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team. Malone was chosen after a national search. He becomes the Banana Slugs’ tenth head coach in the NCAA era.

Malone arrives at UC Santa Cruz after 15 years in various roles at his alma mater Tufts University, including interim head coach last spring. While on staff with the Jumbos, Malone contributed to four 22-win seasons resulting in NCAA Division III Tournament Sweet Sixteen appearances. During the curtailed 2019-20 season, Tufts won both the NESCAC regular season and tournament titles.

“Matt was with me for 15 years, starting when he was a junior and was our head of basketball operations,” said former Tufts head coach Bob Sheldon. “I’ve seen him grow into a confident, exciting young coach and he’s more than ready to run his own program. Over the last four years as my associate head coach, he’s done everything- defense, offense, recruiting, and he’s great with alumni. I think this is a great opportunity for him, and it’s going to be a good fit for the Banana Slugs.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the University of California Santa Cruz as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics & Recreation Susan Harriman. “Matt brings a wealth of Division III experience from a successful Tufts University basketball program, as well as being a seasoned administrator. Coach Malone will not only develop all aspects of Banana Slug student athletes’ lives on the court, he’ll be preparing them for life and the responsibilities long after their playing days. Under Matt’s leadership, I am confident our men’s basketball program will continue to build upon its academic excellence, develop strong relationships with our alumni, campus colleagues, the Santa Cruz community, and provide the Banana Slug student-athletes with a unique and transformational experience.”

https://goslugs.com/news/2021/10/2/malone-named-mens-basketball-coach.aspx