When young athletes realize their dreams of making it to the pros aren’t a reality, they are often devastated. When that day came for Michael Furlong, he wasn’t discouraged; after all, coaching basketball was in his blood.
“It started with my dad,” Furlong said. “He coached high school basketball as I was growing up and being around him at his practices or games made me fall in love with basketball when I was younger. When I realized I probably wouldn’t go pro, I thought coaching was the next best way to stay in the game. I wanted to make it my job.”
Furlong played for the Hillsdale College men’s basketball team for four years and was named “Teammate of the Year” and captain his senior season. After graduating last May, he took a position as a graduate assistant coach at Kansas State University. Furlong’s coaching career officially began on Aug. 1.
In his position, Furlong works with coaches and athletes to prepare for practices and games. He helps run plays, examine film, and gather information that helps to run a successful program. Furlong says it is a full day’s work, but enjoys getting to know more about the game.
“My day starts at about 7:30 a.m,” Furlong said. “I try to get in before most of the coaches do. I look over film and get paired with an assistant coach who has me doing tasks for him. I’ll be in the office for most of the day, and then stay an additional two hours once practice is over. I’m back home after 9 p.m. It is a lot of the dirty work, but I’ve learned so much about the game.”
In addition to working with the basketball team, Furlong also takes online classes for a master’s degree in academic advising.
“It is one of the easiest majors they offer here. I wanted to study something that wouldn’t be too time consuming,” Furlong said. “That way I could spend as much time with the basketball program as possible.”
Furlong said he owes his new job to Hillsdale College men’s basketball head coach John Tharp, who took him to the Final Four last year to meet dozens of college basketball coaches, including Bruce Weber, the head coach at Kansas State.
“During the weekend of the Final Four, I arranged for Michael to sit down to talk with Coach Weber,” Tharp said. “Michael did a marvelous job presenting himself in a first- class manner, he just needed a chance and we all knew once people met him they would quickly realize they would want him a part of their program.”
Tharp explained that he and Weber are long-time friends, and that Kansas State seemed like a great fit for Furlong.
“I have known Coach Weber, the head coach at K-State, for years,” Tharp said. “We have spoken many times on the road during recruiting. He grew up in Wisconsin and knew my high school coach well. Coach Weber is one of the best coaches — and men — in college basketball today. I knew Michael would be a good fit for his program.”
Furlong said the hardest part about leaving Hillsdale was leaving Tharp and his teammates.
“Coach Tharp had a big influence on me,” Furlong said. “He’s the reason I’m here. I am always grateful that I was able to play for him. I miss the guys all the time. Hillsdale basketball is truly a family. The relationships that we have will last us forever.”
Tharp said he keeps in touch with Furlong regularly, and he has no doubt that he will be a great coach someday.
“Michael has a great mind and passion for the game of basketball,” Tharp said. “He is a hardworking young man that relates very well with all types of people. He has a great future as a coach and leader.”
However, Tharp and Furlong’s past teammates aren’t the only ones on campus who miss him. Furlong’s sister Pilar, a sophomore at Hillsdale, said she and her whole family are excited for his accomplishments, but miss seeing him around.
“He is so deserving of this opportunity to chase his dream job,” she said. “I miss seeing him around campus, but knowing he is loving what he’s doing makes me all the more happy. We’re excited for what the future has in store for him.”
