Dan Madhavapallil enters his third year with the UAlbany Basketball Program. He joined the Great Danes in 2021 as the team’s Director of Basketball Operations, following head coach Dwayne Killings from Marquette University where he had occupied the same role since 2019. He has since been promoted to Assistant Coach.
Dan’s coaching journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his profound impact on both individual player development and team success. From his early days as a high school basketball captain to his current role as Assistant Coach at UAlbany Dan's passion for the game has propelled him to remarkable heights in the world of collegiate basketball.
Throughout his career, Dan has left an indelible mark on the sport, earning recognition for his coaching acumen and leadership. In 2020, he was honored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) as one of the top young coaches in the country, being named to the prestigious 30 Under 30 list.
Dan's coaching journey includes stints at Marquette University, where he played a pivotal role in the team's success in a variety of roles. Under the guidance of esteemed coaches Buzz Williams and Steve Wojciechowski, Dan contributed to notable achievements such as winning the Big East Regular Season Championship in 2013 and securing an Elite Eight finish in the NCAA Tournament. His tenure at Marquette also included multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Madhavapallil started as a Student Manager for four seasons before climbing the ladder to Program Assistant, Assistant Video Coordinator, and Director of Basketball Operations.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Dan has also played a significant role in the development of NBA and professional basketball players. His dedication to player development has helped mold numerous athletes for success at the next level, including NBA players Juan Anderson, Sam Hauser, Markus Howard, Jamal Cain, DJ Carton and numerous other professional basketball players.
At UAlbany, Dan has continued to make significant contributions, both on and off the court. His dedication to player development has helped mold numerous All-League players, including Matt Cerruti, Jamel Horton, Jonathan Beagle, Justin Neely, Sebastian Thomas, and Amar'e Marshall. Under his guidance, these players have excelled on the court and have embodied the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
Dan also serves as the program’s community liaison where he coordinates all of the team’s community engagement functions.
Dan's coaching philosophy emphasizes holistic player development, focusing not only on athletic performance but also on academic achievement and personal growth. His mentorship extends beyond basketball, instilling in his players the skills and values they need to succeed both on and off the court.
As Assistant Coach at UAlbany, Dan continues to make a lasting impact, leveraging his experience and expertise to propel the team to new heights of success. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his proven track record of player development, positions him as a driving force behind the program's pursuit of greatness.
Dan Madhavapallil's coaching journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and players alike. His dedication to the game, coupled with his ability to develop both individual talent and winning teams, solidifies his legacy as a respected leader and mentor in the world of basketball.
