Sports

Mikhail McLean: From Small Island Nation to Big Blue Nation

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – University of Kentucky men’s basketball assistant coach Mikhail McLean reflects on his path to coaching, coming off a historic season with the Wildcats.

Published

8 months ago

May 24, 2025

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KENTUCKY, UNITED STATES – University of Kentucky men’s basketball assistant coach Mikhail McLean reflects on his path to coaching, coming off a historic season with the Wildcats, where they went 24-14 and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. His performance as a coach and recruiter earned him a contract extension through 2027. Before making his mark in college basketball, McLean was involved in several sports in The Bahamas.

Mikhail McLean, Assistant Coach, University of Kentucky

“Coach Maligi, he’s a great guy, and he was the one who believed in me. When I first started coaching, it was difficult, but I realized that coaching basketball was my future.”

McLean transitioned to basketball after a growth spurt and eventually played high school basketball in Houston, Texas. He then played for the University of Houston, where he discovered his passion for coaching.

Mikhail McLean, Assistant Coach, University of Kentucky

“I was playing basketball in Houston, and at first, I was terrible. But, eventually, I figured it out and became a better player.”

McLean’s journey culminated in his current role at the University of Kentucky, where he has thrived as part of the coaching staff.

Mikhail McLean, Assistant Coach, University of Kentucky

“I came in as an assistant coach, and the transition was tough, but it was worth it. Now, I look forward to continuing the journey of coaching at this level.”

Perry Newton Elected to COTECC Board

Perry Newton has made history as the first Bahamian to be elected to the Board of Directors for the Central American and Caribbean Tennis Association (COTECC). He was also named to COTECC’s General Assembly. Newton, who previously served as president of Subregion 3 from 2021 to 2023 and was on the Regional Junior Development Committee, will serve a term on the COTECC Board until 2027.

COTECC, based in the Dominican Republic and affiliated with the International Tennis Federation, works to grow tennis through organizing competitions, workshops, and training in the Caribbean and Latin America.