UH men’s basketball coach, Montgomery, departs for Long Beach State

Hawaii men’s basketball associate head coach John Montgomery is set to join Chris Acker’s new staff at Long Beach State, according to sources confirmed by Spectrum News. Montgomery, who has been with the University of Hawaii since Eran Ganot’s first season in 2015-16, was responsible for overseeing the team’s defense and post players. When reached for comment, Acker declined to provide a statement.

In a message to Spectrum News, Ganot expressed his gratitude for Montgomery’s contributions to the program, stating, “John has been with us from Day 1 and obviously we have been through a lot together. We all wish him and his great family the best of luck moving forward and appreciate all he has done for us.” The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman also provided additional information on Acker’s staff, which includes Montgomery as well as other coaching staff members.

Montgomery and Acker previously worked together as assistants under Ganot for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. Despite changes in coaching staff over the years, Montgomery remained a constant presence at UH, eventually being promoted to associate head coach in 2021. Acker’s appointment as LBSU’s new head coach was announced on April 2, with Montgomery joining his staff shortly after.

As a member of LBSU, Montgomery will now face off against his former team from Hawaii at least twice a season as they compete in the Big West conference. Montgomery, the son of respected West Coast college basketball coach Mike Montgomery, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Long Beach State program. Brian McInnis is a sports reporter covering Hawaii’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii, and can be contacted at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.