Men
WOMen
August 14, 2025
Matthew Otten named as new men's Head Coach
Manchester Basketball is thrilled to announce the appointment of American-Dutch coach Matthew Otten as the new Head Coach of our Men’s team.
Otten brings a wealth of experience from top-level basketball, with a distinguished career as both a player and coach, across the United States and Europe.
He joins Manchester from Austrian club Oberwart Gunners, where he led the team to a standout 32–7 record and a regular season championship last year. Under his leadership, the Gunners made history with a perfect 9–0 playoff run, becoming the first team in Austrian Superliga history to go undefeated through the post-season. He also guided Oberwart to their first-ever Austrian Supercup title to open the season.
Prior to his time in Austria, Otten was Head Coach of Donar Groningen in the Netherlands, where he led the team to a Dutch Cup championship, a BNXT League Finals appearance, and two seasons of FIBA Europe Cup competition.
On the international stage, Otten has served as Head Coach of the Netherlands U18 Men’s National Team and as an Assistant Coach for the Netherlands Senior Men’s Team, where he helped the squad qualify for FIBA EuroBasket 2022.
As a player, Otten competed collegiately in the United States before launching a professional career that spanned Cyprus, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Great Britain — including stints with the Cheshire Jets (2007–08) and the Mersey Tigers (2011–12) in the British Basketball League.
Franchise owner Ben Pierson shared his excitement about the appointment:
“Thank you to our fans for their patience on this announcement. We know the recent player signings have created a buzz, and this coaching appointment is one we know you’ve been eagerly awaiting."
"We took our time with the search to ensure we got it right - and we’re delighted to welcome a coach of Matt’s calibre to Manchester."
"Matt has a proven ability to elevate both players and teams. His experience across Europe will be invaluable as we prepare for our first campaign in pre-season European competition and the ENBL. Most importantly, Matt has a demonstrated history of winning trophies — a perfect match for our ambitions.”
Coach Otten added:
"I’m honoured to join Manchester Basketball as Head Coach. I look forward to building a competitive, hard-working team that the city can be proud of. Together, we’ll create a culture of excellence — on and off the court."
Matt Pitkin, fresh off his stint as Head Coach of the Great Britain U18s, will remain on our coaching staff after playing a key role in leading the team to a fourth-place finish last season. Stay tuned for additional coaching announcements as we finalise our bench ahead of a historic season for Manchester basketball.
Join us in welcoming Coach Otten to Manchester!
Manchester Basketball is thrilled to announce the appointment of American-Dutch coach Matthew Otten as the new Head Coach of our Men’s team.
Otten brings a wealth of experience from top-level basketball, with a distinguished career as both a player and coach, across the United States and Europe.
He joins Manchester from Austrian club Oberwart Gunners, where he led the team to a standout 32–7 record and a regular season championship last year. Under his leadership, the Gunners made history with a perfect 9–0 playoff run, becoming the first team in Austrian Superliga history to go undefeated through the post-season. He also guided Oberwart to their first-ever Austrian Supercup title to open the season.
Prior to his time in Austria, Otten was Head Coach of Donar Groningen in the Netherlands, where he led the team to a Dutch Cup championship, a BNXT League Finals appearance, and two seasons of FIBA Europe Cup competition.
On the international stage, Otten has served as Head Coach of the Netherlands U18 Men’s National Team and as an Assistant Coach for the Netherlands Senior Men’s Team, where he helped the squad qualify for FIBA EuroBasket 2022.
As a player, Otten competed collegiately in the United States before launching a professional career that spanned Cyprus, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Great Britain — including stints with the Cheshire Jets (2007–08) and the Mersey Tigers (2011–12) in the British Basketball League.
Franchise owner Ben Pierson shared his excitement about the appointment:
“Thank you to our fans for their patience on this announcement. We know the recent player signings have created a buzz, and this coaching appointment is one we know you’ve been eagerly awaiting."
"We took our time with the search to ensure we got it right - and we’re delighted to welcome a coach of Matt’s calibre to Manchester."
"Matt has a proven ability to elevate both players and teams. His experience across Europe will be invaluable as we prepare for our first campaign in pre-season European competition and the ENBL. Most importantly, Matt has a demonstrated history of winning trophies — a perfect match for our ambitions.”
Coach Otten added:
"I’m honoured to join Manchester Basketball as Head Coach. I look forward to building a competitive, hard-working team that the city can be proud of. Together, we’ll create a culture of excellence — on and off the court."
Matt Pitkin, fresh off his stint as Head Coach of the Great Britain U18s, will remain on our coaching staff after playing a key role in leading the team to a fourth-place finish last season. Stay tuned for additional coaching announcements as we finalise our bench ahead of a historic season for Manchester basketball.
Join us in welcoming Coach Otten to Manchester!
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