Who is the High Point coach? Meet Flynn Clayman, the fiery leader for the Panthers basketball program making a name for himself

Who is the High Point coach? Meet Flynn Clayman, the fiery leader for the Panthers basketball program making a name for himself originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Flynn Clayman’s rise at High Point hasn’t been a quiet one; it’s been a high-octane takeover. Promoted to head coach in April 2025, the 37-year-old Los Angeles native quickly transformed the Panthers into a top-five national scoring offense. His system, built on his years playing professionally in Israel and Brazil, has turned HPU into a mid-major juggernaut that thrives on transition and relentless perimeter pressure.

Clayman’s national profile exploded during the 2026 NCAA Tournament following a viral sideline interview after upsetting Wisconsin. Instead of the usual platitudes, a visibly fired-up Clayman used his platform to call out the "class war" in college basketball, fiercely defending the talent of mid-major programs. That raw, unfiltered advocacy instantly cemented his reputation as a "player’s coach" who isn't afraid to pick a fight with the sport's blue bloods.

Off the court, Clayman’s life is a true High Point family affair. He and his wife, Katie — an assistant for the HPU women’s basketball team — have become the faces of the university’s athletic identity. Here's more on the High Point coach.