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Getting started can be the hardest part.
Success is earned, one step at a time. One of the most invaluable skills a person can have is being able to clearly express what it is they want.
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Clayman Takes the Wheel: The Huss Bus May Be Gone, But We’re Still Rolling
Well, it’s official. The search is over, and as predicted High Point didn’t have to look very far or take very long. The Panthers have officially named Flynn Clayman as the 15th head coach in program history—and if you’ve been paying attention, this hire just makes sense.
I can say with certainty that this wasn’t a hire made out of desperation or driven by a ticking clock. At least five well-respected coaches from across the college basketball landscape engaged with the search committee—but none made a strong enough case to pull the decision-makers away from their top internal option. Sources close to the program have said HPU anticipated a possible change for some time, and Clayman was always seen as a serious contender. He fully participated in the interview process and impressed with a clear vision, deep passion, and a plan that aligned perfectly with the university’s values. It didn’t take long for the braintrust to realize they could end the search—they had their guy.
Clayman has been the architect behind High Point’s explosive offense over the last two seasons. As Associate Head Coach and offensive coordinator, he helped transform the Panthers into one of the most efficient scoring machines in the country—ranking 3rd nationally in KenPom offensive efficiency, ahead of blue bloods like Kansas and even this year’s national champion, Florida. His fingerprints were all over an offense that led the Big South in back-to-back seasons and helped rack up a 56–15 record, two regular-season titles, and HPU’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
This wasn’t just a good offense by High Point standards. It was nationally elite.
But beyond the X’s and O’s, Clayman has been a force on the recruiting trail. His ties span both domestic and international pipelines—Australia, the WAC, the AAU scene—you name it. Before arriving in High Point, he was already turning heads at Southern Utah, where he helped guide the Thunderbirds to 24+ wins, a CBI run, and the program’s best NET/KenPom rankings ever. He even took over as interim head coach and went 2-1 in the postseason.
At High Point, his recruiting and development track record has only grown stronger. He’s been key in bringing in high-level talent, mentoring First Team all-conference players, and building the kind of culture that doesn’t just win games—it sustains success.
Here’s what President Qubein had to say about the hire:
“Flynn Clayman has played a pivotal role in HPU’s recruiting and offensive success during the past two seasons. Players appreciate his leadership, and his values align with the values of our university.”
Athletic Director Dan Hauser echoed that:
“Flynn has been instrumental in creating one of the top five nationally ranked offenses in the country. His connections within the domestic and international recruiting space are outstanding. The championship success of High Point University basketball is here to stay under head coach Flynn Clayman.”
Clayman himself added:
“I am unbelievably honored to have the opportunity to continue to lead this program in the right direction”
From a program perspective, this is the perfect blend of continuity and ambition. Clayman isn’t here to hit reset—he’s here to keep pushing forward. The Panthers posted back-to-back 20+ win seasons, held a 31–3 record at the Qubein Center, and just finished 29–6 overall, tying the Big South record for most wins in a single season. They cracked the Mid-Major Top 25 and stayed there for 34 straight weeks, peaking at No. 5 and even receiving AP Top 25 votes.
They’ve also gotten off to a strong start in building next year’s roster—and the future looks just as bright. Key contributors from last season’s record-breaking squad are returning, along with exciting young talents like Josh Ibukunoluwa and Brendan Hausen. Clayman played a major role in landing four new transfer additions, all expected to bolster the Panthers’ title defense, as well as high school standouts Abu Yarmah and Caden Miller. Several of these players have already taken to social media to publicly voice their support for Coach Clayman, signaling a locker room that’s fully bought in.
There’s no need to rebuild what’s already working. Clayman gets it, he’s helped build and he’s already proven it. Now he’s just officially the guy steering the ship.
So buckle up, Panther fans. The Huss Bus may be in the rearview—but with Coach Clayman at the wheel, this ride is far from over.
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Huss Leaves but the Momentum Continues
It’s been a while since our last post—but it’s time to get back in the game.
In October 2023, this site called High Point a sleeping giant among mid-majors. Since then, there’s no doubt: the giant has awoken.
Alan Huss came to HPU with a vision of taking the program to new heights, and there’s no question he delivered. During his tenure, the Panthers went 56–15, captured two Big South regular season titles, reached the finals of the CBI, and—most importantly—won the Big South Tournament in Johnson City, TN, punching the program’s first-ever ticket to the Big Dance. Once there, High Point gave Purdue everything they could handle, putting the school and its fanbase on display for a national audience.
I didn’t write during that incredible run—I was too busy enjoying the ride on the Huss Bus. But with yesterday’s announcement, it’s time to put fingers back to keyboard.
First off, I want to express my appreciation for Coach Huss’s time at HPU. He brought our men’s basketball team to the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever and had the best start to a coaching career in Big South history. He showed what’s possible at High Point when the right pieces are in place.
But—and this is key—the program isn’t just Alan Huss.
Men’s basketball was the last frontier for HPU Athletics. Nearly every other team at High Point has already reached major milestones and holds a firm grip on Big South dominance. What Huss accomplished proved what’s possible, but I believe it was just the beginning. The floor—not the ceiling.
His return to Creighton was always a real possibility. And while the timing and nature of his departure could’ve been smoother, the writing has been on the wall for about a month. That’s why I’ve been dialed in—tracking the coaching rumor mill and getting a sense of how this job is perceived nationally.
I can say with confidence: this is a top-tier opportunity for a LOT of coaches. It’s a highly desirable role. Athletic Director Dan Hauser, President Dr. Qubein, and the rest of HPU’s leadership team will have no shortage of strong candidates. Here are a few names that have surfaced most often:
Flynn Clayman
Had to list this name first (the rest will be alphabetical), because I believe he’s the benchmark by which all other candidates will be measured. Clayman has spent the last two seasons on staff at HPU and is widely credited for the Panthers’ offensive schemes and recruiting success. Before coming to High Point, he spent six years at Southern Utah University, working his way up from Special Assistant to Associate Head Coach. He even served as Interim Head Coach during the 2022–23 season, leading SUU to a 2–1 record in the CBI. Under his guidance, SUU posted four straight winning seasons—their first such run in D-I history. His familiarity with the current roster, committed recruits, and the fact that his wife coaches on the women’s team make him a very strong internal candidate to take the reins.
Matt Brady
Another internal possibility, Brady joined the program last season and brings over 35 years of coaching experience—including 12 as a head coach. He led Marist to its first postseason win in program history and later guided James Madison to a CAA title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2013, earning the Dukes their first tourney win in over 30 years. Known for player development and recruiting, Brady has already become a respected voice on staff and a favorite among players in the locker room.
Tom Crean
The former head coach at Marquette, Indiana, and Georgia, Crean offers big-name recognition and a Final Four appearance on his résumé. He’s a proven program builder and elite recruiter, though his recent tenures have had mixed results. If High Point wants to make a national splash and continue rising fast, Crean would bring instant credibility and a high-major mentality to the role. Retreads can be risky, especially in the mid-major ranks, but Crean is likely hungry after being out of coaching for last couple of years.
Justin Gainey
Currently the Associate Head Coach at Tennessee under Rick Barnes, Gainey is a strong recruiter with deep ties to North Carolina—he grew up in the Triad and starred at NC State. He’s helped build one of the SEC’s most consistent programs and is respected throughout the industry for his development skills and steady presence. His local roots and winning pedigree make him a natural fit if HPU wants someone who understands the region and the potential.
Gregg Marshall
Best known for building Wichita State into a national force—highlighted by a Final Four run in 2013—Marshall also dominated the Big South while at Winthrop. His career record is among the best of any available coach, though his controversial exit from Wichita raises obvious concerns. If HPU is willing to take the risk, his ability to build a tough, winning team is unmatched and could fast-track the program’s rise.
Korey McCray
Fresh off a national championship, McCray has logged stints at Florida, UCLA, and Mississippi State, and has a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the country—particularly in the Southeast and AAU circuits. He’s known for connecting with players and building talent pipelines. If HPU wants to lean into high-upside athletes and aggressive recruiting, McCray checks every box.
Wes Miller
The current head coach at Cincinnati, Miller built UNC Greensboro into a perennial Southern Conference power before making the jump to the Big 12. A North Carolina native and former coach at HPU with deep roots in the region, Miller is known for his culture-building, discipline, and consistent success. While he may be a stretch given his current post, HPU could be an appealing landing spot if Miller believes his time with the Bearcats is running out. I have heard HPU is at least looking at poaching a current P5 head coach and Miller fits the bill.
Luke Murray
Currently an assistant at UConn, Murray has played a critical role in the Huskies’ back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024. Known for his offensive acumen and recruiting prowess, he’s worked under Dan Hurley at UConn and held previous roles at Louisville, Xavier, Rhode Island, and Wagner. Named one of the top recruiters in the country by 247Sports and ESPN, Murray is a cerebral and energetic option who could bring a championship mindset to High Point. Important to note that Murray was a top option the last time the Panthers were in the coaching search cycle and Murray turned them down. Would he sing a different tune with HPU’s recent run of success?
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High Point University: A Sleeping Giant Stirs
Since 2005, when Dr. Nido Qubein took the helm as President of High Point University, the institution has experienced a remarkable transformation. The university has grown fourfold, both in terms of enrollment and campus size, and has made substantial investments in state-of-the-art facilities, as well as an expanded array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Concurrently, High Point’s athletic programs have also witnessed a resurgence.
Despite being a smaller private school competing in a region with collegiate behemoths, High Point University has managed to build an exceptional athletics department, consistently out punching its weight. The university’s men’s and women’s teams in Track & Field, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Soccer have often led the way in the Big South conference. This success has extended to the national stage, with victories against nationally ranked opponents, top tier recruiting classes, the development of All-American athletes, and impressive wins in NCAA tournaments.
High Point has also found success in lacrosse, despite the relative newness of its programs. In 2017, the women’s lacrosse team secured the school’s first-ever victory in an NCAA tournament. The men’s team has also secured program-defining wins, such as in 2019 when they defeated both #2 Duke and #9 UVA on the road. Both teams have claimed multiple conference championships and received bids to the NCAA tournament. Several men’s players have even been drafted into the Premier Lacrosse League, making significant contributions. Tim Troutner won Rookie of the Year in 2019 and was named the All-Star Game’s MVP in 2021, while Asher Nolting was a finalist for MVP in the most recent season.
However, the outlier among these successes has been the men’s basketball program. Despite a four-year run of regular-season conference championships led by program legend John Brown (2012-2016), the university has yet to secure a spot in the March Madness tournament. In fact, over the last 15 years, High Point has experienced only one winning season without John Brown playing.
For many fans and supporters, basketball is the premier sport at High Point, especially with the absence of a football program. College basketball is akin to a religion in North Carolina, and despite the school’s significant growth and its location in a talent-rich region, the men’s basketball program hasn’t achieved sustained or ultimate success. Expectations were high with the return of National Championship-winning head coach Tubby Smith, a High Point alumnus, and the construction of the new Qubein Arena. However, this anticipated success never fully materialized under either Tubby, or his son, GG.
HPU’s lack of basketball success has largely been attributed to the challenge of recruiting top-tier talent. While various factors have been cited over the years, one major issue was the outdated Millis Center. This is no longer a concern with the new state-of-the-art arena, which is one of the finest venues in all of college basketball.
What the program now desperately needed was a top-tier recruiter and an exciting brand of basketball to promote.
Enter Coach Alan Huss.
Coach Huss, formerly a top-ranked recruiter at Creighton, played a pivotal role in securing a top-10 recruiting class in 2021, which culminated in an Elite Eight run this past season. He succeeded in attracting multiple 4-star players to a small private school in Iowa and has started just as impressively at High Point.
During the off-season, Huss and his staff completely revamped the roster, adding 11 new players to the squad. Some of the standout additions include 4-star recruits Pavlo Dziuba and Kimani Hamilton, as well as 3-star talents like Liam McChesney, Cade Potter, and Juslin Bodo Bodo, rankings courtesy of 247 Sports. This marks a significant improvement, as the program struggled to secure any players with official 247 rankings in the past. Additionally, other players like Kezza Giffa, Duke Miles, and Trae Benham are expected to make meaningful contributions to the team after playing well for their former schools.
One noteworthy aspect of these recruits is their diverse geographic backgrounds. Huss’s staff’s international connections have been fruitful in recruiting international players, but he has also successfully attracted talented domestic players. Recently, Braden Hausen, a sharp-shooting forward from Texas, committed to High Point, earning a 3-star rating from 247 for the 2024 class. As of now, Hausen is the highest-rated recruit to commit to the Panthers out of high school since John Brown.
While this off-season has seen a significant influx of talent, the program’s restructured roster and new coaching staff may encounter growing pains and initial challenges in the upcoming season. However, it is evident that Huss possesses the skills to recruit top-end talent to the Panthers, and with his exciting style of play, coupled with High Point’s attractive campus, facilities, and amenities, it’s safe to say that this sleeping giant in North Carolina’s triad is on the verge of a remarkable awakening.
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A Look at Alan Huss’s Offensive Scheme
Alan Huss was officially named as High Point’s new head coach at a press conference on Monday at the Qubein Center. While most of the ceremony was simply an introduction and welcome from AD Dan Hauser and President Nido Qubein, Huss did give a sneak peek into how he envisions his Panthers playing, especially on offense.
Coach Huss mentioned how High Point would closely mirror the offense ran at Creighton. He stressed his new team would play “incredibly fast, incredibly free, and analytically driven.” With that in mind, let’s dive into how the Blue Jays have played offense under long-time coach, Greg McDermott.
McDermott’s offense at Creighton is known for its fast-paced, high-scoring style that emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and outside shooting. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features of his offense:
- Transition Offense
McDermott’s offense starts with a quick transition from defense to offense. The Bluejays look to push the ball up the court quickly and attack the basket before the defense can get set. This fast-paced approach is designed to catch the defense off-guard and create easy scoring opportunities. A staple of Creighton’s recent transition offense has been feeding the big man sealing inside, or if that is unavailable finding the trailer and let him shoot or further dissect the scrambling defense.
Huss discussed yesterday how he wants his offense push and score within the first 6 seconds of possession. High Point did look to push the pace more last year but it seems they’ll be kicking it into overdrive moving forward.
- Ball and Player Movement
Once the Bluejays are in their half-court offense, they look to move the ball quickly and efficiently. The offense is predicated on constant movement, both with and without the ball. The players are encouraged to pass the ball quickly and find the open man. This style of play creates a lot of open looks from the perimeter and opportunities to attack the basket.
- Spacing the Floor
In order to create open looks and driving lanes, McDermott emphasizes spacing on the court. Players are encouraged to spread out and then maintain proper spacing. This floor spacing makes it increasingly difficult for the defense to double-team or collapse on a particular player, and it creates more room for the offense to operate. This also allows for drives to the rim and the ability to kick out to the open shooter if closed down on.
- Outside Shooting
A consistent hallmark of Creighton’s offense has been its emphasis on outside shooting. The Bluejays are known for their sharpshooting from beyond the arc, and they have consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in three-point shooting percentage. In over half of the 13 seasons under McDermott, Creighton has attempted more than 42% of their total shots for the year from beyond the arc.
- Use of Screens
Another key feature of McDermott’s offense is the use of the pick-and-roll. This is a staple for many offenses, but recent Blue Jays teams have executed it particularly well. Using the pick-and-roll allows them to create even more space and attack the basket.
The Creighton offense has even been described at times as basketball’s “Veer”. Their offense relies not only on on-ball screens but then immediately an off-ball screen as well. This action is used to either free up a shooter or create a defensive mismatch.
6. Analytically Driven
Coach Huss used this exact term to discuss what he envisions his offense being. The Blue Jays offense comes almost entirely from at the rim or from beyond the arc. Only 26.7% of shot attempts this past year came from mid-range. The mid-range statistically is the least valuable shot on the floor so this jives with Huss’s desire to be analytical in their offense.
It will take some time for Huss to get players in that fits this scheme but once he does expect one of the most efficient and exciting offenses in the Big South. Until then, there are some players on the roster who could definitely benefit from this style of play. Zack Austin could especially thrive as the primary player utilizing his size, athleticism, and shooting prowess . While Austin remains in the portal perhaps he could be willing to stay under Coach Huss.
Stay tuned for more High Point news and possible fits under Coach Alan Huss.
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Alan Huss to be named men’s basketball Head Coach
It appears Dan Hauser has dialed up the Creighton to High Point pipeline once again. According to college basketball insider, Jeff Goodman, HPU is set to hire the Blue Jay’s assistant coach, Alan Huss, as their new head of the men’s program.
Huss will be the program’s 6th head coach since moving up to Division 1 and the Panthers hope the first to deliver a berth into March Madness. Coach Huss comes to High Point with a bevy of accolades and coaching experience. Alan Huss played for four years at Creighton under Dana Altman alongside long-time NBA vet, Kyle Korver. He then grinded his way through prep and high school ranks in Indiana before transitioning to the college game at University of New Mexico. After three years working with the Lobos, Huss found his way back to his alma mater. He has spent the past six years with the Blue Jays helping the team to four NCAA tourney appearances and a conference championship.
Alan Huss has been lauded for his work in developing several key players for Creighton, especially along the front court. This includes coaching up big man Ryan Kalkbrenner. Under Huss’s tutelage Kalkbrenner has blossomed into a two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year and an All Conference performer.
Coach Huss is also an extremely accomplished recruiter. He helped the Blue Jays obtain a top-10 recruiting class for 2021 and has been a lead recruiter for some of Creighton’s top recruits all time. Huss was the primary recruiter for at least four 4-star recruits including standouts Kalkbrenner and Ryan Nembhard.
High Point hopes Alan Huss can continue that prowess on the recruiting trail and bring some top-end talent to the Triad. Coach Huss should certainly benefit from the incredible facilities at HPU including one of the nicest arenas in all of college basketball.
Stay tuned for more info regarding Huss’s coaching style and schematics.
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Sometimes the hardest part of finding success is gathering the courage to get started. The most successful people don’t look back to see who’s watching. Look for opportunities to lift others up along the way.
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