UAB men’s basketball head coach Andy Kennedy announced the promotion of Ryan Cross to Associate Head Coach on Monday. Cross is entering his fourth year on Kennedy’s staff in 2023-24 after serving as an assistant coach over the last three seasons.
“Coach Cross has played a pivotal role in our success over the last three seasons.” Andy Kennedy added, “His ability to recruit and develop players has been instrumental in us winning the fifth most games in college basketball from 2020-23.”
Over the last three seasons, Cross has helped the Blazers to a Conference USA Tournament title, NCAA Tournament appearance and an NIT Championship Game appearance. UAB recorded consecutive program-record win totals in 2021-22 and 2022-23 with 27 victories and 29 wins, respectively. The program’s 78 wins over the three-year span mark the best three-year stretch in program history.
Cross has played an integral role in the Blazers’ recruiting and player development efforts, helping UAB land high-quality transfers in Jordan Walker, Trey Jemison, Quan Jackson, Mike Ertel, KJ Buffen, and Eric Gaines. This offseason, the Blazers added three of the top 10 JUCO players in the country in Chris Coleman, Alejandro Vasquez and Yaxel Lendeborg while also reloading in the portal with North Alabama transfer Daniel Ortiz, Ole Miss transfer James White, Arkansas Transfer Barry Dunning and North Carolina transfer Will Shaver.
During his tenure, the Blazers have had six different players earn All-Conference USA honors, including 2021-22 Player of the Year Jordan Walker, Quan Jackson, Tavin Lovan, Trey Jemison, KJ Buffen and Eric Gaines. Additionally, both Quan Jackson and Trey Jemison earned C-USA All-Defensive team selections.
“I want to thank Coach Kennedy and our administration for this honor.” Cross said, “My family and I have truly enjoyed making Birmingham our home. I look forward to working with our staff as we continue to take Blazer Basketball to national prominence.”
