Rich Kelly, a former college basketball player and UConn graduate assistant, has announced his move to the Boston Celtics organization, where he will serve as an assistant coach for the Maine Celtics, the team’s G‑League affiliate in Portland, Maine.
A Championship‑Driven Transition
Kelly’s journey to the NBA began with a national championship ring earned with UConn in 2024, a milestone that capped three years of service as a graduate assistant. During that period he worked closely with Celtics president Brad Stevens, whose recruitment of Kelly was influenced by the assistant’s performance in practice sessions.
Before entering coaching, Kelly enjoyed a collegiate playing career that spanned Fairfield Prep, Cheshire Academy, Montverde Academy, Boston College and UMass. He averaged 11 points per game at Boston College in the 2020‑21 season and finished his college tenure with a 12.5‑point average at UMass, earning MAAC All‑Rookie honors in 2018 and second‑team All‑MAAC selections in 2019 and 2020.
Kelly’s new responsibilities will blend player development with on‑court coaching. He will commute between Shelton, Connecticut, and Boston, where he will continue to work at the Auerbach Center before the G‑League season kicks off, focusing on preparing prospects for the next level.
Maine Celtics: The Development Hub
The Maine Celtics, owned by the Boston Celtics, provide a unique platform for emerging talent. Under the leadership of Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla, the affiliate aims to bridge the gap between college basketball and the NBA, offering players like Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. a professional environment to hone their skills.
Kelly’s decision to join the Celtics was shaped by the organization’s vision and its leadership team. He cited the chance to work under Stevens and Mazzulla, as well as the opportunity to contribute to a program that emphasizes player growth, as key factors in his move.