Kentucky men’s basketball assistant coach Mikhail McLean has been named the head coach for the Bahamas senior national team. McLean will begin coaching in July with qualifying the 2027 World Cup.
“It is a great honor to be named the head coach for The Bahamas Senior Men’s National Team,” McLean said in a news release. “It is something I’ve dreamed of since becoming a coach. Representing my country is something that I take immense pride in and will never take it for granted. This is particularly special for me, as I know my parents would be extremely proud.”
McLean joined the Wildcats coaching staff in 2024 following the hiring of Mark Pope. He has been a member of the Bahamas coaching staff since 2021. Prior to joining Kentucky‘s staff, McLean was an assistant at Lamar for three seasons. He played collegiate basketball for Houston, where he appeared in 101 games.
“Mikhail McLean is one of the bright young coaching stars in basketball right now,” Pope said. “He is the perfect person to lead this star-studded Bahamas National Team.”
McLean’s role will not change at Kentucky, as he will only be missing a few weeks of practice during the summer.
The Bahamas is 1-3 in the first round of the World Cup Americas Qualifiers and needs two victories on home soil to clinch a spot in the second round. McLean’s first game as head coach is set for July 3 against Jamaica; his team will then take on Puerto Rico on July 6. Both games will be played at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium in Nassau, The Bahamas.
Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at amorris@gannett.com and follow her on X at @alainammorris.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball’s Mikhail McLean to coach Bahamas national team
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