For the first time since 1978-79, the Saint Mary's program will participate in a West Coast Conference without Gonzaga. For the first time since 2001-02, the Saint Mary's program will have a change at head coach.
Meet Mickey McConnell. The soon-to-be 37-year-old (birthday in a couple of weeks) is as sharp as a whistle thanks to his vast experience playing and coaching in the Randy Bennett system and gaining important experience playing in several countries, such as Italy, Germany, Spain, and France. Experience led to connections overseas and starting a family.
McConnell's background only gets more fascinating from there. The one-time MLB Draft choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, was raised by Rick McConnell, a hall-of-fame basketball coach at Mesa's (AZ) Dobson High School, and Pima Sports Hall-of-Fame Baseball player. His father was a member and shortstop for the 1976 NCAA Baseball National Champion, Arizona Wildcats.
The rich sports background and experience shaped Mickey and allowed him to work his way up the bench on the Saint Mary's sidelines under Randy Bennett beginning in 2019.
Today, he is your new head coach of the Gaels. He is tasked with a massive change at the only college program he's ever been a part of, Saint Mary's College.
He was kind enough to tell us much more in this exclusive interview for Basket Under Review.
You can also listen to the interview wherever you enjoy your podcasts:
