From University of Chicago Athletics

Head Coach Mike McGrath announced on Tuesday that John Cheng will join the University of Chicago's men's basketball coaching staff in the upcoming 2018-19 season.

"We are thrilled that John has decided to join our basketball program," McGrath said. "He is clearly intelligent and passionate about basketball. John's decision to transition from the finance world and pursue a career in coaching at UChicago is terrific for our players and program."

As a collegian, Cheng was a four-year member of the Denison University men's basketball team. The Big Red improved upon their season win total during each year of his career. As a captain in his senior season, he helped Denison capture its first North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament Championship, earning an automatic bid to the 2016 NCAA Division III Championship. He was also the recipient of the Ely Washauer Teammate of the Year Award.

The Elmhurst, Ill. native previously graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic Preparatory. As a senior, he led IC Catholic Prep's basketball team to its first conference title in 45 years and was named Suburban Christian Conference Player of the Year.

Cheng has also served as a coach for Breakaway Basketball, a skill development company and AAU program based in Westmont, Ill.

Cheng graduated from Denison in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in economics. Upon graduation, he worked at Morgan Stanley in Chicago for two years before arriving at UChicago.