Diné hoops player John Mattingly getting acclimated to playing college ball at UNR
Navajo Times | Quentin Jodie
John Mattingly, who graduated at Phoenix Central High School this past May, was the recipient of the Ernie Stevens Jr., Legacy Scholarship award. Mattingly is taking his basketball talent to the University of Nevada Reno as he will play under head coach Steve Alford.
PHOENIX
John Mattingly understands what he’s getting into when he heads to the University of Nevada Reno in the fall.
The Diné athlete, who has roots in the Winslow area, is ready to take that next step as a freshman on the UNR men’s basketball team that is coached by Steve Alford.
“Steve Alford is an amazing coach, and it’s such an honor to play for him,” Mattingly said on Saturday afternoon during the championship games for the 23rd Annual Native American Basketball Invitational at Phoenix College.
“I’ve been over there for about a month and the transition has been really good,” he said. “My body is getting used to the college level and I’m still working, making sure that I’m ready when it’s game time.”
Last year, Mattingly helped the Young Gunz to the NABI boys championship as a junior and this year he did not get to play as his waiver was not approved by the Nevada coach.
To read the full article, please see the July 23, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow