Remembering Kevin Mackey: Cleveland State’s Sweet Sixteen Architect

Cleveland mourns the passing of Kevin Mackey, the charismatic former Cleveland State basketball coach who led the Vikings to their unforgettable Sweet Sixteen run in 1986. Terry Pluto shares personal anecdotes and insights into Mackey’s impactful, if at times controversial, career and his remarkable journey of redemption. Mackey died Tuesday at 79 from a heart attack.

A Colorful Character and the Tallest Recruit

Terry Pluto vividly recalls his last encounter with Kevin Mackey scouting for the Indiana Pacers, where their conversation quickly turned to the “old days” at Cleveland State. Mackey, hired in 1983 from Boston College, brought a unique blend of Boston bluster and big plans to the city. One of the most captivating stories from his tenure involved Manute Bol, a 7-foot-7 Dinka tribesman from Sudan. Mackey, with his extensive contacts, managed to bring Bol to Cleveland, hoping he’d qualify for CSU after English classes at Case Western.

The situation was rife with humor, as Mackey once admitted, “I never even knew how old he was. We sort of made up an age and put it on the documents.” Bol, though ineligible, became a regular in pickup games at Woodling Gym, even offering unsolicited coaching advice. Despite never playing for CSU, Bol’s presence led to the program being placed on probation, a situation Mackey famously quipped about using Jerry Tarkanian’s line: “The NCAA got so mad at Kentucky for cheating, they hammered Cleveland State!” Bol went on to play 10 years in the NBA, earning $5.8 million, a testament to Mackey’s eye for talent.

The “Run & Stun” Era and Sweet Sixteen Glory

Mackey’s coaching philosophy was distinct. Having honed his skills recruiting in East Coast urban areas, he specialized in finding overlooked or undersized talents. Players like Eric Mudd, a Benedictine senior with no Division I offers, thrived under Mackey’s guidance, going on to play professionally in Europe. Mackey famously quipped, “Some teams have McDonalds All-Americans. I have a team of guys who eat at McDonalds.”

He introduced an aggressive, full-court press he called “Run & Stun,” predating the 3-point shot in college basketball. This strategy involved a deep rotation of at least 10 players, constantly bringing fresh legs to wear down opponents. Mackey believed this approach not only led to upsets by forcing a faster pace but also helped recruiting by offering more playing time. His patience paid off; after a 14-16 first season, the Vikings went 21-8 the next year. The 1985-86 season, featuring Cleveland native Clinton Smith and New York legend Ken “The Mouse” McFadden, culminated in the program’s historic NCAA Sweet Sixteen run, forever cementing Mackey’s legend in Cleveland.

A Journey of Downfall and Redemption

Despite his early success, Mackey faced personal struggles. In 1990, at the height of his career, he was arrested outside a crack house. He publicly admitted his drinking and drug problems, leading to his firing from CSU, despite having just signed a $300,000 contract extension.

Mackey embarked on a path to recovery, entering a drug rehabilitation program under former NBA guard John Lucas. He rebuilt his career coaching in minor league basketball before receiving “a call out of nowhere” in 2003 from Larry Bird, then president of the Indiana Pacers. Bird, familiar with Mackey from his Boston College days, offered him a scouting position, which Mackey held for 18 years until his retirement in 2021. While many speculate about “what could have been” for his college coaching career, Mackey’s story of sobriety and a changed life stands as a profound testament to resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was Kevin Mackey?
  Kevin Mackey was the head men’s basketball coach for Cleveland State University from 1983-1990, most famously leading the team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 1986.
• What was the “Run & Stun” style?
  It was Kevin Mackey’s signature coaching philosophy, an aggressive, full-court press strategy designed to wear down opponents and force a faster tempo using a deep rotation of players.
• What was Manute Bol’s connection to Cleveland State?
  Kevin Mackey brought Manute Bol to Cleveland hoping he would qualify to play for CSU. While Bol never played for the Vikings, his presence led to NCAA probation for the program, and he went on to have a 10-year NBA career.
• How did Mackey’s career end at CSU?
  Mackey was fired from Cleveland State in 1990 after being arrested and admitting to struggles with alcohol and drugs.
• What did Mackey do after CSU?
  After recovering from addiction, Mackey coached in minor league basketball before becoming a scout for the Indiana Pacers for 18 years, retiring in 2021.

Kevin Mackey’s legacy in Cleveland is a complex tapestry of triumph, controversy, and ultimately, a powerful story of personal transformation that extended far beyond the basketball court.

Cleveland Mourns Sweet Sixteen Architect Kevin Mackey