TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State men's basketball head coach Matthew Graves will be taking a leave of absence, effective immediately, due to a medical procedure ahead of the start of the 2025-26 season.
 
Associate Head Coach Mark Slessinger will serve as the Sycamores' acting head coach in Graves' absence.
 
Graves recently visited Union Hospital for an evaluation after experiencing tightness in his chest. Following a thorough examination, doctors determined that Matthew would need to undergo triple bypass surgery this Monday morning.
 
"I'm truly grateful for the incredible doctors at Union Health for helping my family and me through this process," Graves said. "I look forward to rejoining the program in the near future. With Coach Slessinger's experience as a former head coach, I have complete confidence in his leadership during my absence. Can't wait to see everyone back in the Hulman Center, Go Sycamores!"
 
Indiana State will provide updates as they become available.