UC Santa Cruz announced Matt Malone as the new head coach of the men's basketball team on October 5th 2021, becoming the tenth head coach of UC Santa Cruz's NCAA era.
Malone arrives at UC Santa Cruz after 15 years in various roles at his alma mater Tufts University, including interim head coach spring of 2021. While on staff with the Jumbos, Malone contributed to four 22-win seasons resulting in NCAA Division III Tournament Sweet Sixteen appearances. During the 2019-20 season, Tufts won both the NESCAC regular season and tournament titles.
"Matt was with me for 15 years, starting when he was a junior and was our head of basketball operations," said former Tufts head coach Bob Sheldon. "Over the last four years as my associate head coach, he's done everything- defense, offense, recruiting, and he's great with alumni. I think this is a great opportunity for him, and it's going to be a good fit for the Banana Slugs."
Malone being introduced to Slug faithful at KP Arena
Malone's first season in Santa Cruz produced a home win over Whitman College, the first in program history over the West Coast power. His second year of 2022-23 led to the best start in school history. The season culminated in a Coast-To-Coast Conference Tournament semifinal appearance, where the Banana Slugs fell to eventual national champions Christopher Newport.
"We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the University of California Santa Cruz as the new head coach of the men's basketball program," said Director of Athletics & Recreation Susan Harriman. "Matt brings a wealth of Division III experience from a successful Tufts University basketball program, as well as being a seasoned administrator. Under Matt's leadership, I am confident our men's basketball program will continue to build upon its academic excellence, develop strong relationships with our alumni, campus colleagues, the Santa Cruz community, and provide the Banana Slug student-athletes with a unique and transformational experience."
