NEWS: Mike Hurley named Interim head coach of Niagara Knights Men’s basketball program

NEWS: Mike Hurley named Interim head coach of Niagara Knights Men’s basketball program

Mike Hurley has been named Interim head coach of the Niagara College men's basketball program. Hurley assumes the role after the departure of Keith Vassell who was named head coach of the London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada.

The 42-year old native of Fonthill is no stranger to basketball in the Niagara Region. He brings the Knights men's basketball program over 30 years of basketball related experience including his current roles as an Executive and Coach with Pelham Panthers basketball system (one of the premier youth basketball programs in the province), and a Trainer with No Limit Performance (an elite basketball skill development training program).

Hurley also brings significant experience at the post-secondary level having spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach with the Knights from 2003-13. He roamed the sidelines alongside Knights Hall of Fame member Ralph Nero, Randy Conlon, Phil Mosley, and Steve Atkin, winning an OCAA Bronze medal in 2009.

"I'm truly excited for this opportunity" said Hurley. "The men's basketball program at Niagara College has a fantastic history and a real winning culture dating back to the days of and Randy Conlon and Ralph (Nero), and continuing through Steve Atkin, and most recently Keith (Vassell). I want to continue running this program at a high level. We have a tremendous group of young men on our roster, and this season should be particularly exciting as we have the privilege to host the OCAA Championship in March."

The Knights are coming off a season that saw the team finish the regular season with a record of 13-3, and were ranked has high as #4 in the weekly CCAA national rankings. The bulk of the Knights' roster is set to return for the 2017-18 season.

"Mike Hurley was the natural choice to serve as the interim head coach of our men's basketball program" said Niagara College director of athletics and recreation Matthew Davies. "He is a fantastic coach, and we have the upmost confidence in his ability to continue building our men's basketball program and adding to the special student-athlete experience we create at Niagara College."

Hurley's playing experience include three seasons at Niagara College where he was named a league all-star in all three years, and two seasons as a Brock Badger, including his final year when he was selected as team captain. He was a member of the Ontario provincial basketball team for three years during his youth playing days, and helped lead his E.L. Crossley high school side to three SOSSA titles. Hurley was elected into the Niagara College Knights Hall of Fame in the class of 2003.

He currently resides in Fonthill with his wife Andrea, and his two children Sarah and T.J.