McMurry University Men's Basketball

Pickelman was introduced as the 16th mens basketball head coach in McM school history on April 9, 2015. In his first season at the War Hawks' helm in 2015-16, the team went 3-22 on a roster with just three seniors.   Pickelman came to McM after serving on the mens basketball coaching staff at nearby Hardin-Simmons University since 2007. Pickelman was a graduate assistant for the Cowboys from 2007-09 and the programs assistant coach from 2009-2015 under Craig Carse.   Pickelman also played collegiately at HSU (2003-2007), where he was a four-time all-American Southwest Conference West selection. As a senior in 2007, he was the ASC Player of the Year and earned honorable mention All-American status from Division III News. He was also a three-time ASC Academic All-Conference honoree.   Pickelman has the distinction of being involved in all eight ASC post-season tournament appearances in Hardin-Simmons school history, as either a player or a coach. In 2014-15, HSU was the ASC regular season co-champion.   In 2011, Pickelman was an assistant coach for the All-Star team. The group played a series of games in London and Paris.   Pickelman earned his bachelors degree in business Administration from HSU in 2007 and his masters in sports management in 2009.      

Biography Matt Bolton was named the Head Men's Basketball Coach at McMurry University in May of 2025. Before arriving at McMurry, Bolton established a culture of tenacious defense and aggressive rebounding as the Head Coach at the University of the Ozarks from 2022 to 2025. His head coaching tenure was highlighted by a signature upset victory at home over No. 18-ranked University of St. Thomas. During the 2024-25 season, Bolton's team asserted itself as a national force on the boards and at the foul line. The squad finished 6th among NCAA Division III schools in offensive rebounds per game and 19th in overall rebounds per game. It also ranked 54th in rebounding margin. Bolton's system forced the issue offensively; his team placed 14th nationally in free throw attempts and 18th in free throws made per game. Defensively, the 2024-25 squad landed in the NCAA III top-100 for defensive field goal percentage, defensive three-point percentage, and steals per game. It also ranked 47th nationally in turnovers forced per game. Bolton made an immediate impact in his first head coaching campaign in 2023-24, launching his career with four straight wins. He built one of the top defensive units in the American Southwest Conference (ASC). The squad ranked second in defensive field goal percentage, holding opponents below 43 percent. The team finished fourth in the ASC for fewest points allowed per game and for both offensive and defensive rebounding. Under his leadership, the program produced an All-Conference player, an All-Freshman pick, and an All-Defensive team member. Bolton emphasized individual growth as he coached an ASC top-10 scorer and several players who ranked among the league's top-20 scorers and rebounders. One standout also finished second conference-wide in both three-point field goals made and percentage. Coaching Experience Bolton brings a diverse collegiate coaching background to McMurry. Prior to his three-year stretch as head coach at the University of the Ozarks, he served as an Assistant Coach for the program during the 2021-2022 season. He also spent time as an Assistant Coach at Cazenovia College (2020-2021) and began his collegiate coaching career as a Graduate Assistant at Ohio University from 2019 to 2020. Playing Career A multi-sport collegiate athlete, Bolton began his college career playing baseball at Onondaga Community College. He then transitioned to Keuka College, where he competed in both basketball and golf. He demonstrated leadership and academic commitment at Keuka. Bolton served as a Team Captain and earned honors on the NEAC All-Academic Team during his time at the school. Education Master's in Coaching Education - Ohio University Bachelor's in Business Management and Sports Management (Minors in Finance and Investments) - Keuka College Personal Bolton is a native of Cato, New York.

Biography Jack Johnson joined McMurry University as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach in May 2025. Bringing a wealth of experience from both the collegiate and high school levels, Johnson is dedicated to player development and helping guide the War Hawks to success on and off the court. Coaching and Leadership Experience Prior to arriving at McMurry, Johnson served a year as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. His collegiate coaching resume also includes a two-year tenure as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, as well as two years in the same role at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Johnson began his coaching career at the high school level, spending two years as a teacher and boys' basketball coach at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School in Garner, Iowa. Education & Certifications Master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration - Concordia University Irvine Bachelor in Business Administration - Buena Vista University Personal A native of Waukee, Iowa, Johnson's hobbies and interests outside of basketball include fantasy football, reading, cooking, walking, and woodworking.