Mike Pegues, a former college basketball star and professional player, has been named the new assistant coach for the UConn men's basketball team, a move that underscores the program’s intent to bolster its frontcourt development.
A Proven Developer of Big Men
Pegues first made his mark at Delaware, where he earned America East Player of the Year honors before embarking on a professional career that included stints in Connecticut with the Connecticut Pride. His coaching journey began in earnest when he joined Louisville, reuniting with Luke Murray, and later moved to Xavier, where he spent six seasons working side by side with Murray.
During his tenure at Louisville, Pegues served as interim head coach for the 2021‑22 season, guiding the Cardinals to a 5‑1 record while continuing to hone the skills of frontcourt talent. He played a pivotal role in the development of Jordan Nwora, who emerged as a standout player under his guidance.
A New Chapter at UConn
Pegues will now join head coach Dan Hurley along with assistants Kimani Young and Mike Nardi on the UConn bench. He is expected to work closely with the team’s promising frontcourt, including Najai Hines and Oskar Giltay, bringing his expertise to a program that has been on an upward trajectory in recent years.
Hurley’s Praise and Expectations
Dan Hurley praised Pegues’ coaching abilities and recruiting acumen, emphasizing that his track record of developing big men aligns perfectly with the team’s ambitions. Hurley highlighted Pegues’ blend of playing experience, professional exposure, and coaching success as a valuable addition to the staff.
The appointment reflects a broader strategy to infuse the program with seasoned talent that can translate into immediate on‑court impact. As Pegues steps into his new role, the expectation is that his experience will help UConn maintain its competitive edge in the highly contested collegiate basketball landscape.