DETROIT – Detroit head coach Ray McCallum has announced an addition to his staff as Joel Machota was named a graduate assistant coach.

“Joel is an enthusiastic young man with a great work ethic,” said Coach McCallum. “He is very dedicated and will be a great fit for our staff as we continue to build a championship program.”

Most recently, Machota served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Mid Michigan Community College since the program returned to action in 2010. With the Lakers, he was in charge of skill development, oversaw the team's strength and conditioning program, managed film break down and exchange, scouted opponents and monitored student-athlete academic progress. During his two years on the staff, MMCC was 29-16, including a winning record of 11-8 in 2011 - the school's first basketball season in 40 years – and an impressive 18-8 mark last year.

Machota attended Central Michigan for his undergrad, where he served as a men's basketball manager from 2008-2010. With CMU, he assisted with daily practices, film, and post player development, while aiding in game day preparation and summer camp schedules. As a member of the staff, he was part of the Chippewas' Mid-American Conference West Division Championship team in 2009.

While in Mount Pleasant, he was also the head boys basketball coach for the Central Michigan All Stars-AAU, coaching the 15 and 16U teams, while assisting with the 17U age group. During his two seasons (2010-11), he helped six players receive collegiate basketball scholarships. 

He also gained coaching experience working basketball camps at Central Michigan, Oakland and Notre Dame.

Machota attended Warren Woods Tower High School in Warren and lettered in basketball. He then graduated from CMU with a degree in physical education in 2011, and is currently pursuing his masters in school counseling from the University of Detroit Mercy.