A Fresh Start in Madison
Matthew Mors, once known for his sharpshooting on the Wisconsin Badgers roster, has traded the spotlight of the NCAA tournament for the sidelines of an advanced camp in Madison. The former guard, who once dreamed of playing professionally, now watches drills with a coach’s eye, eager to pass on the lessons he learned on the court.
His journey took an unexpected turn when homesickness prompted him to transfer to South Dakota State, where he spent a season averaging 8.4 points and shooting 51.2 percent. There, he forged a lasting bond with teammate Chucky Hepburn, recalling the thrill of a victory over Purdue that still resonates in their memories.
After graduating in May and saying “I do” to his partner, Mors decided to launch his coaching career at UW-Parkside. The decision was driven by a desire to stay close to family and to immerse himself in a program that values hands‑on involvement in recruiting and scouting.
Under the guidance of head coach Kyle Blackbourn, Mors now serves as a graduate assistant, a role that lets him blend analytical work with player development. He speaks of the excitement of shaping game plans and of the responsibility that comes with evaluating talent.
Mors also carries the weight of his past achievements, including the memorable win over Purdue that he shared with Hepburn. That moment, he says, encapsulates the camaraderie and intensity that defined his college years and now informs his approach to mentorship.
Looking ahead, Mors hopes to climb the coaching ladder, eventually returning to Wisconsin in a capacity that could influence the next wave of Badgers. For now, he is focused on the present, building relationships and laying the groundwork for a career that began with a simple love of the game.