EDINBURG, TX -- UTPA announces Ryan Marks has been named as the Broncs' new head basketball coach.

It’s an honor to have the opportunity to coach at a place like the University of Texas-Pan American that has a storied athletic history and a great reputation as a national institution,” said Marks.

Marks comes to UTPA after serving as the head coach for the Hilltoppers of St. Edwards for the past five seasons. While at St. Edwards, Marks compiled a 91-54 record, which includes three trips to the NCAA Division II basketball tournament. Prior to his arrival, the school had never been to the NCAA basketball tournament. This past season marked their fourth consecutive winning season, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since 1959-1962.

Before joining St. Edward’s, Marks spent three seasons as the men’s basketball head coach at Southern Vermont College in Bennington, VT. Under his direction, the Mountaineers posted a 57–29 overall record and a 37–12 Great Northeast Athletic Conference record. In his first season at the college, the team experienced a 12-game turnaround, making them the second most improved Division III team in the NCAA.

Marks then guided the team to its first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance in the 2002–2003 season, and first 20-win season (24–6) in the school’s history. The Mountaineers captured their first-ever regular season and conference tournament championships and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament — an achievement resulting in most improved Division III Team honors by the Northeast Basketball Coaches Association.

In 2003 to 2004, Marks continued his winning ways, posting the school’s third straight 15+ win season (18-11) and leading the Mountaineers to their first appearance in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship Tournament.

Before coaching the Mountaineers, Marks helped lead the Northern Illinois University Huskies to the 1996 NCAA Division I Tournament as an assistant coach. Prior to that, he spent two years as an assistant at Central Missouri State University, where the Mules advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament both seasons, including a run to the NCAA Elite Eight in 1995.

In 1993, Marks received his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Southern California. While a student, he spent three years as the player personnel assistant for the Los Angeles Clippers and two years as an assistant coach at Muir High School in Pasadena, Calif.

One player joining Marks in Edinburg will be George Washington transfer Matt Allbritton, who confirmed to ACTION 4 SPORTS that he has transferred to UTPA for the fall.

Allbritton, who had not yet heard of Marks' hiring, said his new school's location was a factor in his decision to transfer.

"I missed my family and friends in Texas and wanted to play where I was really wanted and needed on the basketball floor," he said.

Allbritton scored over 2000 points in his high school career, which culminated in his senior season at Garland Christian Academy in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Allbritton, who has a reputation for excelling from three-point range, appeared in nine games for the Colonials last season, averaging 0.8 points, 0.1 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 3.6 minutes per game.