Matt Whinrey enters his second year on the IUPUI sidelines after he returned to the Jaguars’ bench in September 2010 an assistant coach on Ron Hunter’s staff. Known as an invaluable resource in video work and advance scouting, Whinrey is in his first season under Coach Howard.
In his first year in a full-time capacity, the Jaguars won 19 games led by first team all Summit League honorees Alex Young and Leroy Nobles. Nobles, known for his long-range marksmanship, went on to begin a professional career overseas following the season. Whinrey also assisted in the recruiting process of four Kentucky preps in year one, headlined by Kentucky All-Star Lyonell Gaines.
Previously, he was a three-year Student-Assistant at IUPUI from 2006-09 before spending the 2009-10 season as an assistant coach at Pike High School.
While with the Jaguars from 2006-09, Whinrey coordinated film exchange, had managerial oversight and assisted in team travel, meals and equipment. Additionally, he was in charge of breaking down game film and providing statistical data to the IUPUI coaching staff. He earned his degree from the IUPUI campus in mathematics in May 2009.
Two years ago, Whinrey was on staff at Pike, which boasted one of the nation’s top point guards in current Kentucky freshman Marquis Teague and talented wing Khristian Smith, who committed to play at Indiana State. The Red Devils finished the season with a 15-7 mark and fell in the Arsenal Tech Sectional championship to Ben Davis.
Whinrey has also enjoyed success while coaching at the AAU level, beginning with his Indiana Select team he mentored in the summer of 2006. His roster that year boasted current Purdue guard John Hart, who later starred at Beech Grove High School. He later took the reins of the SYF Players 15-and-under team starting in 2009, finishing 13th at nationals held at APSU in Clarksville, Tenn. that summer. Two years ago, his SYF squad won the bronze bracket of the adidas May Classic in Bloomington, Ind..
The Avon, Ind.-native has worked on independent research projects for the Houston Rockets, specifically tied to preparation for the NBA Draft. He did extensive film breakdown and statistical analysis of a large number of draft prospects leading up to draft night.
Whinrey began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Avon High School in 2005.
At IUPUI, Whinrey is involved in all facets of the program including film exchange, individual instruction, practice preparation, recruiting and academic oversight.
