The tradition-rich Kentucky Wildcats have added a key piece to their coaching staff

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The tradition-rich Kentucky Wildcats have added a key piece to their coaching staff, with the hiring of Mikhail McLean as an assistant coach. UK Head Coach Mark Pope recently announced the addition, heralding it as a significant step forward for the program.

Mikhail played and coached under Kelvin Sampson, who is one of the best, toughest, and smartest coaches in the game,” Pope said. “Mikhail’s work with the Bahamian national team, along with his college coaching experience, has allowed him to become one of the hardest-working, detail-oriented, and top skill development coaches in the country. I’m so excited to have him and his family join our staff and for him to get to work with our team because he is going to make a massive impact on this program.”

McLean’s coaching pedigree is impressive. He has spent the last three seasons with Lamar University, where his efforts helped the Cardinals achieve a record-breaking 19-14 season in 2023-24. His role as the offensive coordinator and his focus on player development were pivotal in Lamar’s success, culminating in the most wins for the program in over a decade.

I am honored to be joining Coach Pope and the Kentucky men’s basketball staff,” McLean said. “There is not a better fan base to work for and chase championships than this one. I would like to thank Coach Pope and Mitch Barnhart for affording me this opportunity. I would be remiss if I did not also thank Alvin Brooks for his selfless leadership and mentorship the last 14 years at both Lamar University and the University of Houston, along with Kelvin Sampson for their unbelievable support and guidance.My family and I are thrilled to be joining the Lexington community, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

McLean’s impact at Lamar was profound. The Cardinals amassed 19 wins, their most in NCAA Division I since the 2011-12 season, and 12 Southland Conference victories, a high in over five years. Under McLean’s guidance, the Cardinals led the conference in scoring, with standout performances from players like Chris Pryor, a National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District guard selection.

In addition to his collegiate coaching career, McLean brings international experience as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bahamian national team. Since joining the program in 2021, he has helped lead The Bahamas to remarkable achievements, including historic victories over Argentina during the Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in 2023. These wins have positioned The Bahamas for a chance to compete in the 2024 Olympics, a first for the nation.