Getting to Know Morehead State’s Jonathan Mattox

Leading the Next Generation of Eagles

(St. Louis, MO) – Morehead State’s Jonathan Mattox has been called a ‘transformational leader’ and he has been a valuable member of successful basketball coaching staffs. He was part of Preston Spradlin’s Morehead State staff that turned a corner, becoming a top flight Ohio Valley Conference team. Mattox has developed a number of top flight big men and is ready to be a head coach.

After nine seasons at Morehead, he spent the past two years at Murray State. Mattox believed it would be good to gather new kinds of experiences under a different head coach and a different league. During his time at Murray, he was able to tackle different responsibilities in a different environment and grow a deeper understanding of college coaching.

Mattox is quick to point out the leadership and support that former Morehead State head coach Preston Spradlin and Murray State coach Steve Prohm gave to him. He grew during his two years at Murray and is grateful for the nine seasons at Morehead.

Becoming a head coach at Morehead State is a ‘dream come true’.

 

 

Athletic Director Kelly Wells calls Mattox a ‘transformational leader’. Morehead State’s Jonathan Mattox says that entails developing caring and deep relationships with his players.

 

 

Mentors of Morehead State’s Jonathan Mattox

Mattox brags on both Spradlin and Prohm for what he learned from them and the opportunities they provided. While serving those two men, he learned teamwork, strategies and was given the chance to handle media obligations and work on game plans. Renowned for his work with big men, he was able to develop post stragies that will serve him well with the Eagles.

Recently he has connected with Amir Abdur-Rahim (South Florida) and Shaka Smart (Marquette). Those two have been an encouragement to Mattox concerning his career path and how to prepare for the future. They had ‘basketball’ conversations, but some of the best advice was about a mind set for success.

 

 

Basketball Strategy

Mattox carries an ‘inside-out’ offensive philosophy. Knowing the three-ball is king, he believes the path to great three-point shooting travels through the paint. Post touches and dribble penetration are the secret to getting open outside looks. Obviously, Mattox has coached good post players during his eleven year assistant coaching career.

 

 

Mattox wants a diverse defensive attack. While working with Spradlin, Mattox and the Eagles played almost exclusively man-to-man defense. During his time at Murray he picked up an appreciation for some zone defense variations that he may employ. His defensive game plan has grown wider.

 

 

Morehead State’s Jonathan Mattox has paid his dues, knows Morehead State and the Ohio Valley Conference. The hard work of building out a staff and finding the right players is at hand. Building the right kind of staff is his highest priority.

Head to Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts to hear our entire conversation. 

Mattox has been an outstanding recruiter. He has a proven track record of working with big men like Johni Broome and others. His experiences and training mean it is likely that Morehead will be able to stay at or near the top of the OVC.

Do Good

 

Editor: Cover photo courtesy of msueagles.com