Malta – Kishwaukee College has hired Matt Long as the next head coach of its men's basketball team. Long will become the 11th generation to take over the role in the spring of 2024.th Head coach in program history.
Previously, Long served as an assistant coach for the Illinois Central College (ICC) men's basketball program for six years. In his role as an assistant under Tony Weisinger, Long focused on running the team's offense, practices and weight program, among other additional duties. Additionally, he coached at the Midwest Prospect Academy, Nike/USA, Marquette University, and Sean He assisted with basketball camps at the Pride of Peoria Camp in Livingston. Through the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Long learned from notable college coaches like Roy Williams and Porter Moser. Before becoming a coach, Long played three seasons at ICC and then at Southern where he earned his bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire.
One of Long's initial goals as head coach is to establish a strong culture in the program and community.
“I'm ready to win games and bring a winning culture to Kish. I want people to come to our games and have fun and fill the gymnasium,” Long said. “Here, we can create something for the community through fun, joy and hard work. I hope you do.”
Kish's boys basketball program is coming off a winning season with a 17-14 record and multiple players earning all-conference and all-region honors. Long, who has extensive experience in the recruiting field, will look to build on last season's success.
“We want to continue the great season we had last year. Our goal is to win games and we still have room to grow and achieve our goals,” Long said. “We set the bar very high. But if we think positively, we believe that any goal can be achieved with effort.”
Long focused on education and stressed the importance of academics for the program's student-athletes.
“Understanding the importance of the classroom is critical to our success,” Long said. “I expect my student-athletes to always hold themselves to high standards and to be the best people they can be.”