Hancock Assistant Okada Accepts Position at Division II-Level Cal Poly Pomona

After one year with the Allan Hancock College men's basketball team, Matt Okada has accepted an assistant coach position with the men's basketball program at Cal Poly Pomona. 

"I am excited to return to the four-year level of coaching and join one of the elite Division II programs in the nation," said Okada, who grew up in the city of Gardena. "The job will also get me closer to my hometown."

Okada's primary duties at Hancock under head coach Tyson Aye included recruiting, scouting and skill development. Okada, known to players and staff as "Coach O", also spent one season as Aye's assistant at Imperial Valley College prior to their arrival at Hancock in 2013.

"We are proud to see Coach O moving onward and upward to the four-year level. It was his goal when he first joined my staff two years ago" said Aye. "His positive attitude, hard work and loyalty have paid off. His passion for the game was infectious throughout our program and we would not have had a successful first year at Hancock without him."

Hancock finished the 2013-14 season with a 16-14 record and qualified for the State Tournament for the fourth straight year.

Okada recalled the Bulldogs' come-from-behind 77-71 win at College of the Canyons on the final day of the regular season as his fondest memory as a member of the Hancock staff. "Overcoming a 19-point second half deficit on the road and clinch a playoff spot in our first season was special. It was a proud moment for all of us," said Okada.

He was instrumental in the success of the recently-launched Hancock Youth Basketball Club that started in the spring. More than 80 children from the Central Coast enrolled in the club to learn the fundamentals of basketball. Okada coached the HYBC's traveling team that played in a few tournaments.

(Pictured left to right: Tevesi Auau, Elijah Brinez, Okada, Allan Guillen.)

Okada joins a successful Broncos program that is led by head coach Greg Kamansky. During his 15-year tenure, Kamansky has guided the Broncos to eight 20-win seasons and eight NCAA Tournament berths, including the school's first NCAA Division II National Championship in 2010.  Cal Poly Pomona has made four Elite 8 appearances under Kamansky, as well as won four California Collegiate Athletic Association titles.

Okada earned a sports management degree from the University of Pacific. He served as a student-manager and video coordinator for the UOP men's basketball team. He also spent time as an executive offices intern for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Okada expects to handle recruiting and academic advising duties in his new position at Cal Poly Pomona. The search for his replacement at Hancock is under way.