It’s a fresh start for De La Salle Collegiate’s basketball program with new varsity head coach Mike Malkiewicz who stressed that the team’s focus will be academics and a good attitude. 

Malkiewicz returns to DLS after taking a year off as director of basketball operations at Oakland Community College where he worked with former DLS head coach Gjon Djokaj. Malkiewicz began coaching at DLS in 2021 as an assistant coach for the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity teams.

“I love what DLS is all about, giving back to the community, and preparing kids to be successful after high school not just in basketball, but in life,” he said.

“My heart has always been purple and gold … and to have an opportunity to be the basketball head coach was something I've wanted since seeing my brothers play here.”

Dan Rohn, chief operating officer at DLS, said, “We are extremely excited to have Coach Malkiewicz leading our basketball program. 

“He understands the importance of providing our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at an elite level; however, what matters most at De La Salle is developing well-rounded young men — students who will be leaders in our hallways, make our alumni proud, and experience a meaningful, high-quality, faith-filled high school journey. We believe he can do that.”

Athletic Director Casey Wila agreed. “I could not be more excited to welcome Mike Malkiewicz as the next leader of our basketball program,” he said. “Mike’s vision for the program and its promotion of the school’s mission will be critical in developing our young men. 

“He has tremendous passion for De La Salle, and I know our program will be successful under his watch for many years to come.”

Malkiewicz realizes there is work to be done but believes he is ready for the task: “We are very young, but the kids want to get better and they want to get better together,” he said. 

He understands the young team will play a big factor in the upcoming season: “Obviously, being so young, there will be some ups and downs, but I think we will improve every day to be the best version of ourselves,” he added. “I want to build a culture that loves to be around each other. I want us to play for the name on the front of the jersey and understand it's not about 'I' … it's about 'us.’ 

DLS basketball will be known for more than what’s behind its name: “I want us to be known for playing hard, playing together, and being happy for whoever is that star in that moment,” Malkiewicz stressed. 

He encouraged any Pilot who may be interested to try out, too. “I'm excited to get to know all the kids interested in playing basketball, and anyone who’s interested in playing will have a fair chance at being evaluated to make a team this year.” 

His years of coaching experience have already helped him on what his focus will be: “Obviously, academics are the first priority, and having a great attitude. I want them to play together, be committed to one another, hardworking, and great teammates with one another. 

“A lot of my core values play a role in developing these young kids into young men,” Malkiewicz added. “For example, I'm big on discipline, commitment, hard work, and sacrifice for one another. Always having the mindset of giving your very best everyday, because when you become an adult, you're not always in the mood to go to work, or any other responsibilities that need to get done.” 

Djokaj, former DLS head basketball coach, remains a great influence on Malkiewicz as it was he who encouraged him to push harder in his coaching career, first as his director of basketball operations at OCC, and in his current role at DLS: “Gjon was a huge part of helping me become the coach I am,” Malkiewicz said.

“He taught me how it's always about the kids and making sure you're teaching them the right things even if they don't want to hear it at that moment... making sure the program will have the best experience it can have even outside of basketball. It’s about culture, building relationships with every kid outside of the basketball program, and always doing it the right way matters. 

“Gjon has helped me be as prepared as I can be for the amazing opportunity of being varsity basketball coach at DLS,” he noted. 

Sal Hermiz, who coached the freshman team last year, will remain on staff. “He did a great job not only teaching basketball, but building relationships and giving the kids a great experience.” 

Look for additional changes to be made soon: Malkiewicz will meet with candidates in the next few weeks and hopes to announce the basketball staff by the end of July.