Matt Mihalich: Avon Old Farms Coach on Playing Time, Reclassifying, and College Placement

Unlock the Secrets of Prep School Basketball with Avon Old Farms Head Coach Matt Mihalich

Join Cory Heitz and Matt Mihalich, Head Coach at Avon Old Farms, as they dive deep into the world of prep school basketball, player development, and the path to college success. Matt, a veteran coach with D1 experience and a basketball legacy (his father was a D1 head coach), shares honest, no-nonsense advice on what it takes to thrive in prep school, the importance of multi-sport athleticism, and how families can navigate the complex recruitment process.

Matt also reflects on his journey—from growing up in a basketball family to coaching in the WCAC (the toughest homegrown league in the country) and now leading one of the most respected prep programs in NEPSAC Class A.

💡 Key Topics:

📌 Prep school basketball development and the Avon Old Farms difference
📌 Playing time in prep school: Setting expectations for players and families
📌 Reclassifying vs. post-grad years: Academic and athletic considerations
📌 Multi-sport athleticism: Why Avon Old Farms encourages it
📌 College recruitment strategies in the transfer portal era
📌 D1 guard requirements: Skills, basketball IQ, and intangibles
📌 The future of prep school basketball: Rivalries, traditions, and player development

🏀 About Matt Mihalich:

Matt Mihalich is the Head Coach at Avon Old Farms, a prestigious all-boys prep school in Connecticut known for its elite basketball program and commitment to academic and athletic excellence. With a background that includes coaching at Bishop O’Connell (WCAC), George Mason University, and the University of Hartford, Matt brings a wealth of experience to player development. As the son of a D1 head coach, he grew up immersed in the game and now leads one of the most respected programs in NEPSAC Class A. Matt’s philosophy centers on teaching, culture, and preparing players for success beyond basketball.

🔗 Connect with Matt Mihalich:

Twitter | https://x.com/CoachM_AOFhoops
Twitter | https://x.com/AOF_Basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aof_basketball/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mihalich-78294336a/
Website | https://www.avonoldfarms.com/

🔗 Connect with Cory:
 
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic