Kelley named as Warriors’ new DOBO
Former Memphis graduate assistant Cody Kelley has joined the University of Hawai’i men’s basketball coaching staff as Director of Basketball Operations.
Kelley was most recently an assistant coach with the Chiba Jets of Japan’s professional “B-League,” helping the team achieve a 24-game win streak en route to a league record 53-victory regular season. The Jets also won the Emperor’s Cup (All-Japan Tournament) and advanced to the B-League championship finals.
During Kelley’s two seasons as GA at Memphis, the Tigers won the 2021 NIT title and then earned their first NCAA Tournament bid in eight years, landing a No. 9 seed.
“He’s been a part of excellent teams, learned from some terrific coaches and also has international experience,” UH coach EranGanot said. “He’ll be a terrific mentor to our student-athletes and we’re excited to have him join our ‘ohana.”
Kelley grew up in Gillette, Wyo., and earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Wyoming, where he started at point guard in 24 games over two seasons. He also earned two master’s degrees from South Dakota, where he was named to the Summit league All-Newcomer Team in 2019 and then became team captain and starting point guard for a 20-win team in 2019-20.
Despite already earning three college degrees, Kelley is still not done studying. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education.
“Cody is a rising star,” Ganot said. “Throughout his young career, he’s achieved in every way on and off the court. It’s an approach that has led him to great success as a student-athlete and it’s transferred into his coaching.”
Kelley takes over for Dom Drury, who is now Big West Conference Director of Championships and Basketball Operations.
