Over his storied coaching career, McKnight helped guide the Golden State
powerhouse to 11 state championships, 16 Southern California Regional
titles, 24 section titles and 40 league championships in 42 years.
McKnight has coached 90 NCAA Division I basketball players and nine NBA
players. His career record is 1,275-141 (90 percent) since taking the
helm in 1983.
McKnight now has his sights set on the all-time wins record held by Robert Hughes of
Dunbar (Fort Worth, Texas) who passed Wootten for the all-time lead in February 2023. Hughes retired in 2005 with 1,333 career wins.
Head Coach Gary McKnight has compiled a record of 1,275-141 with 11 state championship during his tenure at Mater Dei. On Tuesday, he moved into second place in the all-time wins list passing legendary DeMatha coach Morgan Wootten. (Photo: Louis Lopez)
Other active coaches who could have an opportunity to surpass Wootten's mark in the coming years include Richard Duease of
Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison, Miss.) with 1,245 wins, Freddy Johnson of
Greensboro Day (Greensboro, N.C.) with 1,198 wins and Charles Smith of
Peabody (Alexandria, La.) with 1,184 wins. There are nine active head coaches who have more than 1,000 wins.
Mater Dei finished last season 29-6 after advancing to the Southern California Regional championship game. At his current rate, McKnight could have an opportunity to break the all-time record sometime during the 2026-27 campaign.
The Golden State powerhouse returns to the court on Saturday for a matchup against defending Class 3A state champion
DePaul College Prep (Chicago, Ill.) at the Chicago Elite Classic.
