I know he's the head coach at Murray St, but prior to his appointment there I thought I remember reading that he had accepted an assist coach position at La Tech. I wonder if Steve Prohm elected not to take Matt with him to Iowa St, or if Matt did not want to go.

My guess is he stayed behind to be a head coach.

I'm in complete agreement with you, Hap. Matt believes he's had the self-confidence and skills to lead his own program for a number of years. He's also well-aware that Murray State is a de facto "cradle of coaches." If he continues MSU's winning tradition, head coaching offers from "majors" will come his way.

after researching, it looks like he was named associate head coach at La Tech before he took the head job at Murray St. That title probably had something to do with it...he's probably also learned that following a head coach to another school doesn't always work out in his best interest as well, after he followed Buzz to Tennessee for less than a year, and then later to UNCW.

Correct, he had already left Murray State, but taking the HC job there over remaining an assistant was a no brainer.

McMahon is in a great spot at Murray St. If he can't consistently win there, he's not cut out for Div 1 coaching.

I assume he wanted the job here the last couple of go-rounds, but unfortunately for us and fortunately for him it has worked out well.

I remember one poster stating that the job was down to Matt and Fox and that it was Matt's to turn down. So maybe he didn't accept for various reasons. I do like Fox better than the candidates that were rumored, several of which were head coaches at the time. I still believe that the future holds promise as long as we are patient and supportive of what Fox is trying to build.

Cobb burned his bridge with Matt when he hired Capel over him in 2011. That'll go down as probably the biggest mistake in the history of App State Basketball.

T-Dog wrote:Cobb burned his bridge with Matt when he hired Capel over him in 2011. That'll go down as probably the biggest mistake in the history of App State Basketball.

That took some effort.

Meanwhile, so-so first year for McMahon at Murray State. 17-14, which is their worst season in nine years, though they did tie for first in their division. I think they may have lost a lot of talent after last season too.

I wish the best for Matt. He did a good job at App and hopefully the "coach whom shall not be named" didn't rub off on him too much. His current HC job at MSU is a great opportunity to rise or fall.

I too think Fox will turn App around but patience is required.

EastHallApp wrote:Meanwhile, so-so first year for McMahon at Murray State. 17-14, which is their worst season in nine years, though they did tie for first in their division. I think they may have lost a lot of talent after last season too.

Remember the name of Kedrick Flomo, the unstoppable PG out of North Forsyth. He's the kid that Capel went after as soon as it was clear that "dat kid dtae" (Devonte Graham--the kid who signed an early LOI with App and then got "messed with" by a bunch of BIGS and AAU coaches that thought he should shoot for a higher league)... Well, after Fox was hired, he tried his best to hang on to Flomo, but Matt McMahon stepped in and spirited him away to MSU. Well, Mr. Flomo wasn't so unstoppable at Murray as a freshmen last season. He was the eighth or ninth guy off the bench and got in only 300 or so minutes. The MSU regulars had 700-800 minutes.

So this was unexpected production from the super-charged Flomo. He apparently busted his butt all summer to "get his old game back," but when he reported for October pre-season practice, things were no better. In fact, things were worse and going downhill. Fearing a physical problem, McMahon sent Flomo for a thorough physical exam including treadmill. Bam! Leaking Mitral Valve in his heart. Open heart surgery at Vanderbilt Med. Center. Months of cardiac rehab.

Now he's returned to the team, but played zero minutes in 2015-16. May never be able to play competitive BB again. I hate we lost the young man to Murray, but I wish him Godspeed. From all indications he's a solid young guy dealing with real life as best he can! [I've had that surgery and it knocks you off your feet and leaves your mind messed-up; wondering what else lies ahead and when the next shoe will drop.

http://www.paducahsun.com/PrintPage/110415_PS_FlomoOut

http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/3103511 ... ll-program

Wow, had not heard about that! Best wishes to the young man for a full recovery.

As for Graham, I intentionally haven't mentioned his progress because I figure no point twisting the knife. But suffice to say, losing him still hurts.

And of course, the other lost target, Spike Albrecht, who went to Michigan, has been forced to end his career because of a bad hip.

Capel seemed to be able to spot talent, but could not judge character.

Pretty easy to watch film, it takes time and effort to evaluate people. Capel was lazy.

He did recruit one of the most high character guys to come thru the program in Michael Obacha.

EastHallApp wrote:Wow, had not heard about that! Best wishes to the young man for a full recovery.

As for Graham, I intentionally haven't mentioned his progress because I figure no point twisting the knife. But suffice to say, losing him still hurts.

I would have thought less of him had he thought it was a good idea to stay and play for Capel. Good decision by the young man in my opinion.