UMass Amherst Alumni Association
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Alumni Profile - Derek Kellogg '95
"I remember my first day on the UMass Amherst campus," said Derek Kellogg ’95 at a recent press conference introducing him as the new head coach of UMass basketball. "I was walking, enjoying being around other students and the vibrancy of the place, and I said to myself, if it doesn't work out in the NBA, I could see coming back someday to be the head coach here. This is my dream job." Shortly after making this statement, Coach Kellogg hit the court with his team and has been hard at work ever since.
Kellogg is the 21st head coach in UMass men's basketball history. He returns to his alma mater after serving as an assistant coach of the University of Memphis Tigers, a team that played in the NCAA Championship game this past season. He is nationally recognized as a top recruiter and credited with helping to lead the Tigers to eight straight 20-win seasons and eight consecutive postseason appearances.
Kellogg played for UMass from 1992–1995 under then head coach, John Calipari. During these golden years, the Minutemen were 111-24, including 51-11 in the Atlantic 10, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament each year, including the Elite Eight in 1995. UMass Athletics reports that Kellogg was named the team's captain as both a junior and senior. He was named a 1995 Atlantic 10 All-Conference selection and was a three-time All-Atlantic 10 Academic honoree. On UMass' career lists, he is fifth in assists (453), seventh in all-time three-pointers (138), as well as seventh in three-point percentage (38.1). Director of Athletics, John McCutcheon said, "He's been a part of UMass basketball history and now he's going to be part of UMass’ basketball future."
Adding to the celebration of his return to campus is the birth of the Kelloggs’ first child. Kellogg married UMass Amherst alumna Nicole P. Flory ’97 and the happy couple welcomed Maximus A. Kellogg on April 28, 2008.
"We are going to be the hardest working, most fun, most passionate, most energetic team in the country," said Kellogg. "We're going to play a style that the fans are going to want to come watch and enjoy. People are going to feel the energy and passion in the air."
Meet Derek Kellogg and hear more about his plans for UMass men’s basketball. The Alumni Association and UMass Athletics are pleased to present the Coach’s Caravan, a series of alumni gatherings with our new coach! Don’t wait—register today!
May 21, 2008
Clarke’s in Faneuil Hall
Boston, MA
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
May 22, 2008
Champions Sports Bar
Springfield, MA
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Coach’s Caravan will be traveling to many different towns and locations in the upcoming months as Coach Kellogg’s schedule permits. Check our Event Calendar often for the latest update.
By Elena Lamontagne
5/6/08
