One of the most energetic and exciting young coaches in the country, Assistant Coach Matt Daniel joined the Mizzou women's basketball program in 2005 and served on the coaching staff until 2008.
Daniel worked with the Tiger post players during practice, oversaw recruiting, helped with game preparation and scouting, and focused on player development.
Daniel helped the coaching staff and basketball program formulate another impressive recruiting class, which ranked 25th nationally. This followed a 2006 recruiting class that ranked 26th in the country.
Daniel worked for one season at the University of Colorado under legendary former head coach Ceal Barry, who retired at the end of the 2004-05 season to take an administrative position at the school. In Boulder, Daniel worked with the Buffs’ guards and was a top recruiter.
“Matt Daniel is the ultimate recruiter and coach. He brings high energy and passion to the game of basketball and is an outstanding recruiter,” said Stein. “His knowledge of what it takes to be successful on and off the court was a definite factor in us bringing him to Mizzou. He is a great addition.”
Prior to his stint in Boulder, Daniel was head boys’ basketball coach at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he led his squad to a 34-1 record and a berth in the state semifinals. Pulaski was ranked No. 14 in the nation by HoopsUSA.com and No. 22 in the USA Today prep polls. For his efforts, he was named the 6-AAA Coach of the Year.
Daniel also served as an assistant men’s coach at the University of Texas at Arlington from 1999 to 2003 and as a graduate assistant at Arizona State during the 1998-99 season. While at UTA, he coached his younger brother, Josh.
The 31-year-old Daniel graduated from Harding University in 1998, where he wrapped up his collegiate basketball playing career, which began at Colorado. He helped the Buffs earn an NIT bid as a freshman in 1994-95, becoming the first freshman in CU school history to start in the postseason. He was also an Academic All-Big Eight selection in 1995.
A native of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Daniel was named 1994 Mr. Basketball and Arkansas Player of the Year. He was also named MVP of the AAAA State Tournament and led his team to the state title that same year.