Hall of Fame
Kevin Matthews was a four-year starter and three-year captain of the Western Connecticut State University men’s basketball team, leading WestConn to two Little East Conference (LEC) titles, two trips to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, and two berths in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Championship from 1998-2002.
Matthews was a three-time All-LEC selection, garnering First Team honors his sophomore and senior seasons and earning a Second Team spot as a junior. To this day, Matthews remains in the top-10 in program history after amassing 1,538 points (seventh), 326 assists (eighth) and 185 steals (third).
WestConn found instant success with Matthews leading the backcourt, winning the LEC tournament title for the second time in program history his freshman season in 1998-99. After advancing to the LEC semifinals the following two seasons, WestConn was once again crowned LEC tournament champion in 2002 with Matthews being named the LEC Championship Tournament Most Outstanding Player. WestConn advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Division III Championship tournament following both of its LEC tournament wins.
Matthews led WestConn to an overall record of 75-37 in his four seasons, including a 36-20 record in LEC regular season games. He led twice led the team in scoring, netting 443 points and 15.8 points per game as a sophomore, and 466 points and 19.4 points per game as a senior.
Matthews earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Connecticut in 2002. He was inducted into WestConn’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.