Coach Hughes shares his journey from growing up in Ligonier, Pennsylvania to becoming an Assistant Coach at Northern Michigan (DII).

John Michael attended the prestigious IMG Academy prior to being a PWO (Preferred Walk On) at High Point University. He played under the legendary Coach Tubby Smith and then played as a Graduate Transfer at The Citadel.

Coach Hughes was then hired as a Graduate Transfer at USC under Coach Andy Enfield and had players such as Bronny James, DJ Rodman, Boogie Ellis, Isaiah Collier, and Kobe Johnson.

After Coach Enfield accepted the job at SMU, Coach Eric Musselman wanted to retain John Michael, but ultimately accepted an Assistant Coach position at Northern Michigan.