University of Arkansas at Little Rock head basketball coach Darrell Walker has announced the addition of Matt Wise to the Trojan basketball staff. Wise will serve as an assistant coach for Little Rock with an emphasis on player development. 

“Matt is a great addition to our staff,” Walker said. “He’s young, he’s hungry, and he has proven himself when it comes to player development. He’s been a part of some great programs at Wyoming and Florida, coaching under Billy Donovan, so he’s accustomed to winning and postseason experience.”

Wise comes to Little Rock after spending the past five seasons as the assistant director of player development at the University of Wyoming. During his time in Laramie, Wise was part of a staff that helped lead the Cowboys to three postseason appearances, including a Mountain West Conference tournament title and NCAA tournament berth in 2014-15.

Wise joined the Cowboy staff after serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida the previous two years. Wise helped head coach Billy Donovan and the Gators advance to the NCAA tournament’s Elite Eight both seasons, earning his master’s degree in sport management in the process. His responsibilities with the Gators included conducting advanced statistical research, assisting with on-court workouts, helping with video editing, promoting and marketing summer camps, and assisting UF’s director of operations with daily tasks for the program.

Prior to Florida, Wise played four seasons as a forward for Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where he helped the Pioneers win a conference title and advance to the NCAA DIII tournament as a sophomore. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2011.

Matt is the son of Mark Wise, a college basketball broadcaster, and Mary Wise, Florida’s head volleyball coach. He comes to Little Rock with his wife, Katie and their daughter, Addison.

Wise becomes the second member of Walker’s staff to join him in Little Rock, adding to the hiring of Alfred Jordan last month. Walker continues to build his program, announcing his first four signees on May 1, as the Trojans turn their sights to the 2018-19 season, getting underway in November.