Kevin McClain brings more than three decades of coaching, recruiting, player development, scouting, and program leadership experience to his role as head coach. His career has spanned junior college and NCAA Division I basketball, elite grassroots programs, and professional NBA scouting, giving him a unique perspective on developing players and building successful teams.
Coach McClain began his coaching career at Casper College in Wyoming, where he helped the program capture the NJCAA Region IX Championship. He later joined Manhattan College, serving as an assistant coach from 2003 to 2006. During his tenure, the Jaspers earned NCAA Tournament victories over Florida in 2004 and at Maryland in 2006.
From 2006 to 2015, Coach McClain was part of a transformative era at Morgan State University. During a three-year stretch from 2007-10, the Bears won three consecutive MEAC regular-season championships, captured conference tournament titles, and earned NCAA Tournament berths in 2009 and 2010. Morgan State went 72-33 overall, 42-6 in MEAC regular-season play, and 31-3 at home during that span.
Coach McClain played a key role in recruiting and developing the talent that fueled Morgan State’s success. Players he helped recruit earned three MEAC Defensive Player-of-the-Year awards, two Player-of-the-Year honors, and two Rookie-of-the-Year selections.
Beyond his college coaching accomplishments, Coach McClain has played an important role in the development of Baltimore basketball talent for more than three decades. He played a key role in the shaping and development of basketball legend Carmelo Anthony and has proven that you can win with recruiting within our great city. With homegrown names like Reggie Holmes, Kenny Miner, Kevin Thompson, Donte Pretlow, and Jermaine “Itchy” Boldin. His impact on these players and countless others has helped make him a respected figure in Baltimore basketball.
Since 2016, Coach McClain has continued that work with Team Melo, the nationally recognized 17-and-under AAU program sponsored by Carmelo Anthony. He has helped lead the program to AAU championships while coaching and developing some of the country’s top young players.
Coach McClain also brings nearly four years of professional experience with the Detroit Pistons, where he served as a regional scout and evaluated talent across several major college conferences. His work contributed to the Pistons’ 2022 NBA Draft class, which was recognized by ESPN HoopsHype and NBA Draft Net as the league’s top draft class.
Now taking the reins as head coach, Coach McClain brings a wealth of experience, relationships, and basketball knowledge to an established program. His philosophy centers on developing student-athletes, building strong relationships, establishing accountability, and creating a culture that demands excellence while preparing players for success on and off the court.
With a proven history of winning at the collegiate level, developing elite talent in Baltimore and nationally, and evaluating players at the highest levels of basketball, McClain is prepared to lead the program into its next chapter and build upon its tradition of success.
