Men's Basketball Southern Conference

McKillop Names Ton New Assistant

Davidson, N.C. - Davidson head men's basketball coach Bob McKillop recently announced the addition of Ali Ton '99 as an assistant coach on the Wildcat staff as well as the promotion of Matt Matheny to Associate Head Coach.

Ton, a native of Kars-Turkiye, Turkey, returns to Davidson after a four-year professional career in Turkey. He was a top point guard for the 'Cats from 1995-99 and still holds the school's all-time assist record with 646 in his career. Ton was the starting point guard in three of his four seasons, ranking among the top 10 in the nation in assists during two of those years. As a senior, Ton averaged 7.6 assists per game, third-best in the country. He also finished his career ranked second all-time in steals with 222. Ton led the Wildcats to an NIT berth in 1996 as well as a Southern Conference Tournament crown and NCAA Tournament appearance in 1998.

"Ali Ton was very much a coach on the court during his playing years and was a superb leader for us," said McKillop. "His characteristics have been further enhanced by a four-year professional career. The basketball program is very fortunate to have someone so loyal to Davidson and to our staff."

Upon graduation, Ton started his professional career with Mydonose Kolej in Ankara, one of the teams in the first division of Turkish professional basketball. After being among the top 10 in assists and steals in the league during his first year, Ton remained in Ankara but with Turk Telekom. The team had finished ninth the season before his arrival but in Ton's first year, Turk Telekom advanced to the Turkish Cup championship game and the semifinals of the first division. In his second year, Turk Telekom finished fourth in the league and reached the semifinals of the Turkish Cup. Ton also had the opportunity to participate in European tournaments, such as the Kovac and Saporta Cups. He played against teams from numerous countries, challenging many former NBA players including David Rivers, Keith "Mr." Jennings and J.R. Reid.

"Davidson has always felt like a home to me," Ton commented. "I feel like I had several more years of professional basketball in me but when I got the call from Coach McKillop, I couldn't pass up the chance to work with him on a coaching level."

Matheny is entering into his 11th year as a member of the McKillop staff this season. During those years, the Wildcats have averaged more than 17 wins a season. And since Matheny joined the staff, the Wildcats have won 182 contests, making him the winningest assistant at Davidson.

"The performance of our basketball program during Matt Matheny's years reflects the significant contributions he has made," McKillop stated. "Our success is clearly tied to his presence. His loyalty and hard work have earned him the opportunity to take on new experiences and responsibilities."

Matheny, a 1993 Davidson graduate, was a basketball walk-on in the 1988-89, 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons, serving as captain during his final season. He also captained the football team as a junior and senior. Matheny now resides in Cornelius with his wife Jennifer.