Charlotte, NC - Matt Lee, head coach of the Herkimer (NY) Generals, has been named the 2019 Spalding® NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Coach of the Year.
In his 16th season at the helm of Herkimer's men's basketball program, Matt Lee led the Generals to capture their first NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship title since 1991. With a 31-1 record, the Generals spent eight consecutive weeks ranked at No. 2 in the NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Rankings. Herkimer was voted into the top-five in all 11 regular season rankings, as well as the pre-season poll. The team's single loss came in their fourth game of the season, with the Generals finishing the season on a 28-game win streak.
Lee's coaching success throughout the 2018-19 campaign led to sophomore guard Derrick Felder's appointment as the 2019 Spalding NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Player of the Year and first team All-America honors.
A former student-athlete at Herkimer, Lee returned to his alma matter in 2003 to serve as head coach. Since taking over, Lee has coached the team to a 405-123 record.
2018-19 Accomplishments
- NJCAA Region III Champion
- NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship Gary Cole Coach of the Tournament
- NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball National Champion
- Coached NJCAA DIII Player of the Year and All-American Derrick Felder
Lee's reaction
"I am very grateful to be named the Spalding NJCAA Division III Coach of the Year. This is a reflection on how dedicated my assistant coaches are, as without them this wouldn't be possible. I also would like to mention the appreciation I have for my wife and kids, as without their support we couldn't do any of this. Our student-athletes were fantastic on and off the court this season. Their hard work and dedication to set a goal and put the time and effort into reach their goal is a lifetime memory I am honored to be a part of."