Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team adds John-Michael Hughes as assistant coach

John-Michael Hughes

MARQUETTE — While current assistant men’s basketball coach Keil Ganz was elevated to associate men’s coach this week by Matt Majkrzak, at nearly the same time the Northern Michigan University head coach brought another assistant coach onto his staff.

The soon-to-be sixth-year head coach named John-Michael Hughes earlier this week to his staff from NCAA Division I University of Southern California.

Hughes served as a graduate assistant coach under now-departed head coach Andy Enfield for the Trojans, who had a pair of future NBA Draft selections on last year’s team — Boogie Ellis and Bronny James, the son of future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James.

“Being able to bring in someone with John-Michael’s background will be vitally important to our program,” Majkrzak said in the NMU Sports Information news release announcing the new coach. “He’s been around some of the best coaches in college basketball and it was immediately clear that he not only learned an incredible amount, but has formed his own strong convictions for what it takes to be successful.

“When you combine his strong work ethic and passion for the game, we know he’s going to have an incredible coaching career, and we are thrilled it’s starting at Northern Michigan.”

“I am incredibly thankful to Coach Majkrzak for giving me the opportunity to start my lifelong dream of becoming a college basketball coach,” Hughes said in the NMU SI release. “The opportunity to learn from Coach Majkrzak, at a program that has had so much success in recent years, is everything I could wish for.

“I am excited to work with all the players and get to know all the fans in the community. I promise to give my all for the Wildcat family on and off the court.”

While on the USC staff, Hughes worked across many aspects of the program, specifically in player development.

He also was a major contributor in scouting and recruiting while playing an integral role in the transition that began in April for new head coach Eric Musselman to USC.

Prior to his time with the Trojans, Hughes played basketball in college, first for legendary coach Tubby Smith at High Point University from 2018-22. He was named a Millis Scholar-Athlete and served as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes there.

After that, Hughes spent a year playing at The Citadel under coach Ed Conroy while earning a master’s degree in sports management. Beyond his contributions on the court, he helped lay the foundation for Conroy’s first-year return as head coach.

Hughes is also a graduate of the renowned IMG Academy, where he served as a team captain on a roster that featured multiple future NBA players.

Several of his coaches were enthusiastic about Hughes’ future.

“John-Michael was invaluable in our transition to USC,” Musselman said about Hughes in the NMU SI release. “His capacity for work and intelligence will make him an incredibly successful coach, and he will have an immediate impact on the Northern Michigan program.”

“I’m super excited for Northern Michigan and John-Michael Hughes,” Conroy said in the release. “Coach Hughes is a terrific coach and an even better person. The players and program at Northern Michigan will benefit from his passion for the game and his genuine care for developing players in all facets of life.”

“John-Michael is a true pro,” said Chris Capko, who is associate head coach at SMU and was also on Enfield’s staff at USC. “Incredible work ethic, sharp and determined. His spirit, determination and experience will make Northern Michigan a better program.

“The players and staff will benefit from his commitment to doing whatever it takes to be the best.”

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.