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News Brief

April 13, 2024MARYVILLE, Mo.

Keeley takes the reins of Northwest men's basketball

Matt Keeley was named 21st head coach in Northwest men's basketball history.

Matt Keeley was named 21st head coach in Northwest men's basketball history. (Photo courtesy Ottawa Univ.-AZ)

Northwest Missouri State athletic director Andy Peterson announced the hiring of Matt Keeley as the new head men's basketball coach on Saturday afternoon.

Keeley takes charge of the Bearcats after seven seasons leading the Ottawa University Arizona squad. The Great Bend, KS native was the first head coach for the new Spirit men's basketball program and guided them to a 113-89 record, three straight national tournament appearances, an appearance in the 2023 Fab Four, and a national runner-up finish in 2021. Keeley was the 2023 NCCAA National Coach of the Year, and led Ottawa to Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament titles in 2022 and 2023.

"I am so excited and equally honored to join the Northwest Missouri State program as the next men's basketball coach," Keeley said in a statement. "Being on campus you quickly realize that Northwest is a truly special place whose biggest asset is its amazing people. My family and I can't wait to work alongside all the Bearcat family in the local community and beyond to continue the program's success. Thank you to President Lance Tatum and Athletic Director Andy Peterson for allowing me the opportunity to carry on the tradition that is Northwest Missouri State basketball."

Keeley was a two-time All-American during his playing career at MidAmerica Nazarene, then served as a graduate assistant for the Pioneers for one year. He was an assistant coach under Bob Chipman at Washburn from 2007-09, then worked for his college coach, Rocky Lamar, at MidAmerica Nazarene as an assistant from 2009-2017.

Keeley takes over at Northwest after former head coach Ben McCollum accepted a head coaching position at Drake University.