Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team hires John-Michael Hughes as assistant coach | News, Sports, Jobs

John Michael Hughes

MARQUETTE – While current men’s basketball assistant coach Keil Ganz was promoted to associate men’s coach by Matt Majkrzak this week, Northern Michigan University’s head coach added another assistant coach to his staff at almost the same time.

The soon-to-be sixth head coach appointed John-Michael Hughes of NCAA Division I University of Southern California to his staff earlier this week.

Hughes served as an assistant coach under now-departed head coach Andy Enfield for the Trojans. The Trojans’ team included two players selected in the NBA draft last year – Boogie Ellis and Bronny James, the son of future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James.

“The fact that we have been able to attract someone with John-Michael’s background will be crucial for our program,” Majkrzak said in NMU Sports Information’ press release announcing the new coach: “He has interacted with some of the best coaches in college basketball and it was immediately apparent that he has not only learned an incredible amount, but has also developed his own strong beliefs about what it takes to be successful.”

“When you combine his strong work ethic and passion for the game, we know he will have an incredible coaching career and we are thrilled to have it begin at Northern Michigan.”

“I am incredibly grateful to Coach Majkrzak for giving me the opportunity to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a college basketball coach,” Hughes said in the NMU SI press release, “The opportunity to learn from Coach Majkrzak in a program that has been so successful over the past few years is everything I could ask for.

“I look forward to working with all the players and getting to know all the fans in the community. I promise to give my all for the Wildcat family on and off the field.”

During his time at USC, Hughes worked on many aspects of the program, particularly player development.

He also made a significant contribution to scouting and recruiting and played a key role in the transition of new head coach Eric Musselman to USC, which began in April.

Prior to joining the Trojans, Hughes played college basketball, first for legendary coach Tubby Smith at High Point University from 2018-2022. He was named a Millis Scholar-Athlete and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes there.

Hughes then played a year at The Citadel under coach Ed Conroy while earning a master’s degree in sports management. In addition to his on-field accomplishments, he also laid the groundwork for Conroy’s return as head coach in his first year.

Hughes is also a graduate of the prestigious IMG Academy, where he served as captain of a team that included several future NBA players.

Several of his coaches were enthusiastic about Hughes’ future.

“John-Michael was invaluable to our move to USC,” Musselman said of Hughes in the NMU SI publication. “His work ethic and intelligence will make him an incredibly successful coach and he will have an immediate impact on the Northern Michigan program.”

“I am very happy for Northern Michigan and John-Michael Hughes,” Conroy said in the press release. “Coach Hughes is a great coach and an even better person. The players and program at Northern Michigan will benefit from his passion for the game and his genuine concern for the development of players in all areas of life.”

“John-Michael is a real professional,” said Chris Capko, assistant head coach at SMU and also on Enfield’s staff at USC. “Incredible work ethic, sharp and determined. His spirit, determination and experience will make Northern Michigan a better program.”

“The players and staff will benefit from his commitment to do everything he can to be the best.”

Information compiled by Steve Brownlee, the Journal’s sports editor. His email address is [email protected].