Mike Young has made a name for himself in the world of college basketball, particularly during his tenure as the head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball team. With a career spanning over three decades, Young has established himself as a respected and accomplished coach in the NCAA.
Early Life and Coaching Career
Mike Young was born on March 8, 1963, in Radford, Virginia. Growing up in the Appalachian region of Virginia, Young developed a passion for basketball at an early age. He played high school basketball at Radford High School before moving on to college at Emory & Henry College, where he earned a degree in physical education.
Young began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Emory & Henry College in 1989. He then moved on to Wofford College, where he served as an assistant coach for six years. In 1999, Young became the head coach at Wofford, a position he held for 17 years. During his time at Wofford, Young led the Terriers to two NCAA Tournament appearances and five Southern Conference regular-season championships.
Virginia Tech Hokies
In 2019, Mike Young was hired as the head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball team, replacing Buzz Williams. Young's hiring was seen as a great fit for the program, given his experience and success in the region.
Under Young's leadership, the Hokies have shown significant improvement. In his first season, Virginia Tech finished with a 16-16 overall record and a 7-13 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Although the team struggled with injuries and inexperience, Young's coaching and guidance helped the Hokies stay competitive in a tough conference.
In his second season, Young led the Hokies to a 15-8 overall record and a 9-4 mark in the ACC. The team's success was marked by several impressive wins, including victories over top-ranked teams like Villanova and Duke.
Coaching Philosophy
Mike Young's coaching philosophy is centered around building strong relationships with his players and creating a positive team culture. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, discipline, and accountability, both on and off the court.
Young is known for his ability to develop players and help them reach their full potential. He has a reputation for being a player's coach, someone who genuinely cares about his players' well-being and success.
Young's coaching style is also marked by his emphasis on defensive intensity and rebounding. He believes that a strong defense and a commitment to rebounding are essential components of a successful basketball team.
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his coaching career, Mike Young has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2015, he was named the Southern Conference Coach of the Year after leading Wofford to a 28-7 overall record and a 16-2 mark in conference play.
In 2020, Young was named the ACC Coach of the Year after leading Virginia Tech to a 23-12 overall record and a 10-10 mark in conference play.
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Personal Life
Mike Young is married to his wife, Margaret, and they have two children together. In his free time, Young enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
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Conclusion
Mike Young is a highly respected and accomplished college basketball coach. With his experience, coaching philosophy, and commitment to his players, Young has established himself as a top coach in the NCAA. As the head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies, Young is poised to lead the team to even greater success in the future.
FAQ Section:
Where did Mike Young play college basketball?
+Mike Young played college basketball at Emory & Henry College.
How many years did Mike Young coach at Wofford College?
+Mike Young coached at Wofford College for 17 years.
What is Mike Young's coaching philosophy?
+Mike Young's coaching philosophy is centered around building strong relationships with his players and creating a positive team culture.
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