Armstrong Atlantic State University has named Evans Davis the head men’s basketball coach for the Pirates, lifting the interim tag that he has served under since taking over the program in August of 2013. Davis becomes the 11th head men’s basketball coach in Armstrong history.

Davis was hired after a national coaching search that began after the conclusion of the 2013-­14 men’s basketball season. He served as the assistant coach at Armstrong for four seasons, from 2009-­13, before serving as the interim head coach in 2013­-14 after Jeremy Luther resigned in August of 2013.

"After an extensive search process, it was clear that Evans was the best man for the job," Armstrong athletic director Lisa Sweany said. "His loyalty to Armstrong, commitment to developing young men and tireless work ethic set him apart during the interview process. I look forward to working with Evans as we move forward with creating a culture of winning, not only in the classroom, but on the court as well with Pirate basketball."

"I am honored and humbled, while also being appreciative of the opportunity that Armstrong, University President Dr. Bleicken and Athletic Director Lisa Sweany have given me to lead this program into the future," Davis said. "I will work diligently and with passion to take this program to new heights and I look forward to this challenge."

Davis began his collegiate coaching career at Mercer as a graduate assistant for the women’s program, then went to Truett McConnell as both an assistant and as the head men’s basketball coach before moving to North Florida in 2006, where he was an assistant coach for three years before joining the Pirates.

"Ideally, I want our team next year to consist of young men who not only value the opportunity of playing collegiate basketball, but also have a sense of urgency in every aspect of winning," Davis said. "And when I say ‘winning,’ I mean on and off the court, in the community and most importantly in the classroom."

A former standout at Mercer University, Davis played collegiately at Truett McConnell in Cleveland, Ga., for two seasons before finishing up his playing career for the Bears, averaging 10.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in his Mercer career.

"My coaching philosophy is what some would consider ‘old school’ – centered around defense," Davis said. "I want this team to be stingy, gritty and hard to score on. I want to press, create more possessions for our offense and give the fans a more exciting style of play. The Peach Belt is considered one of the toughest, if not the toughest, league in Division II and to be competitive and successful, you must bring in the right players who are willing to work tirelessly and complete the task at hand."

Davis will officially be introduced to the Armstrong community at a Meet and Greet on Monday, May 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the Armstrong Student Union Ballroom. The Meet and Greet is free and open to the public.

Stay with HoopDirt for the latest college basketball coaching news and rumors.