New Murray State men’s basketball head coach Matt McMahon announced Monday his first hire is assistant coach James Kane. McMahon became head coach six days ago when he replaced Steve Prohm who left to be head coach at Iowa State.

Kane, who Racer fans know well, worked with McMahon as assistants the last four seasons under Prohm. McMahon and Kane had a part in Murray State’s tremendous success which included 104 wins and a pair of Ohio Valley Conference championships.

“One of my top priorities since returning to Murray State was to find a way to retain James Kane as my first coaching hire,” McMahon said. “Coach Kane has been a major part of our success over the last four seasons. You win with great people and James does an outstanding job building relationships with our players and he has proven to be an excellent recruiter and evaluator of talent. He has tremendous knowledge of our basketball system and player development program.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work for Coach Matt McMahon,” Kane said. “Over the past four years, we have established a relationship on and off the court and Matt is first class in every way. It’s a privilege to be part of such an amazing university, program and fan base.”

“James’ familiarity with the Murray State campus and the Murray, Kentucky community are also very important to me,” McMahon added. “He is one of college basketball’s top up and coming coaches. My family and I are thrilled to have him and we know the Racer Nation will be excited as well.”

Kane was brought to Murray State in 2011 by Coach Steve Prohm.

“I want to thank Coach Prohm for giving me the opportunity to come to Murray and serving as a mentor to me,” Kane said. “I’m looking forward to helping lead our players both on and off the court.”

http://www.goracers.com/news/2015/6/15/MBB_0615154316.aspx