Huger Accepts Head Coaching Job at Alma Mater
Bowling Green State University has tabbed one of its own to take over the reins of the men’s basketball program as 1994 BGSU graduate Michael Huger has been named the 17th head men’s basketball coach, announced by BGSU Director of Athletics D. Christopher Kingston. Huger was introduced at a press conference at 12 p.m. today.
“It is a privilege and honor to be welcomed back home, building on the legacy at Bowling Green which began for me as a student-athlete and now as the head coach,” Huger commented. “Bowling Green has always been a very special place for me and my family, as this is where I met my wife, Tonya. We are going to play a fun and exciting style of basketball. Our entire program will be out in the community. We will bring in high-character student-athletes who will represent Bowling Green the right way. I want to create a home court advantage in the Stroh Center every single game like we had at Anderson Arena. We are BG!”
Huger, who returns to his alma mater where he was a standout player for the Falcons from 1989-93, most recently wrapped up his fourth season at the University of Miami and his eighth season as an assistant coach for head coach Jim Larranaga, whom he played for at BGSU.
“I believe Michael Huger is one of the brightest young coaches in the game today,” said Larrañaga. “He has done a fantastic job during his eight-year coaching career with me both at George Mason and at Miami. He’s an outstanding X-and-O man, a terrific recruiter and a real family man. He will bring Bowling Green to new heights.”
Overall, Huger brings 10 seasons of collegiate coaching experience and nearly a dozen years of professional basketball experience with him back to Bowling Green. Having joined the Miami staff in April 2011, Huger helped the Canes to a total of 91 wins over the last four seasons, including posting a program record 29 wins in the 2012-13 season, 25 wins this past season and 20 wins in 2011-12. Overall, the Canes posted four straight winning seasons during his time on the sidelines at The U.
A native of New York City, Huger is a 1994 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He played for Larranaga from 1989-93, helping the Falcons to a pair of NIT appearances. Tabbed the BGSU Team MVP in 1993, he earned Mid-American Conference honors in his final two seasons, and was a Naismith Award nominee and the runner-up for MAC Player of the Year as a senior. As a prep player, he helped lead Stevenson High School (Bronx) to back-to-back PSAL City Championships in 1988 and 1989. He played AAU ball for the famous Riverside Church Hawks.
Huger and his wife, Tonya, have one son, Michael Anthony II, born in November 2011.
