Sam Cheung will step down as head men’s basketball coach at the University of Connecticut Avery Point, as announced today by Athletic Director Michael Kobylanski. Cheung and assistant coach Jim Miller will remain in their roles until a successor is appointed and assist with the transition over the weeks ahead.
Cheung has served as the Pointers’ head coach for the last four seasons and spent a year as an assistant coach with the program before being elevated to the lead role.
“I want to personally thank Sam for his five years of service to UConn Avery Point, first as an assistant coach for one year with James Childs, and for the last four years, as our head coach,” Kobylanski said. “During the course of his time as our head coach, Sam and his staff have helped to elevate the program academically, athletically and within the community. I wish Sam, Jen, Jada and Jace all of the best going forward. They will always be a part of our Avery Point family.”
“I want to thank Dr. Annemarie Seifert, Mr. Michael Kobylanski, and the entire Avery Point team for their continued hard work and dedication, especially the last two years,” Cheung said. “It’s been a blessing being part of this prestigious University. I am forever thankful and will never forget all the players, coaches, and the many fond memories we shared. I can’t wait to see their lives unfold. For the future of Avery Point basketball, with six solid players returning, coupled with the experience they gained, their future is as bright as ever! I hope the next coach will enjoy this experience as much as I did. Thank you for spending your college years with me!
In all seven completed semesters with Cheung as head coach, the men’s basketball program has achieved a team GPA in excess of 3.0. The 2018-19 squad registered the fourth-highest grade point average among all NJCAA men’s basketball programs. Cheung’s squads were recognized with NJCAA National Academic Team laurels in 2019 and 2021.
On the court, the team registered 16 victories in 2019-20, good for its first winning season in over a decade. The team also reached the Region XXI Tournament semifinals, where it lost to the eventual champion, CCRI. Both his 2018-19 and 2021-22 squads were also in the hunt for a postseason berth going into the final days of the regular season.
Off the court, the program has been active with clinics held for local youngsters at the Avery Point gymnasium, and have also assisted at outside events including the American Heart Association’s Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk.
A national search for the next head men’s basketball coach at UConn Avery Point will begin immediately.
