The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Tuesday that Andy Hipsher, the son of head coach Dan Hipsher, who had been on the staff at the University of South Florida (USF) for the last four seasons, is the new Broncs men’s basketball associate head coach.

Andy Hipsher spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach for the Bulls and served as the Director of Operations for two years before that.

As a first year assistant with the Bulls a year ago under head coach Stan Heath, Hipsher was vital in helping USF advance to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 20 years. Additionally, he played a large role in securing a top 15 recruiting class for the 2012-13 season.

“It’s an extremely unique opportunity to get to work with family in the profession that you love. It’s an opportunity that not too many people are fortunate enough to have,” Hipsher said. “To go along with that, I think I’m working for one of the best coaches in the business. It’s a great situation, especially with UTPA joining the WAC and having the ability to make the NCAA Tournament. I’m extremely excited to come to UTPA to help the basketball program in any way that I possibly can.”

Hipsher has considerable experience as an assistant coach, having worked on staffs with Hall of Famer Bob Knight and former UTPA and current Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger, who is also a member of the Bronc Athletic Fund.

Hipsher joined USF after two seasons as an assistant coach at Western Michigan from 2007-09, where he helped the Broncos regain elite status in the Mid-American Conference by assisting in back-to-back MAC West titles, 19 conference wins, and coordinating a nationally recognized 2009 recruiting class. In 2007-08, the Broncos posted a 20-12 overall record while going 12-4 in league play. They reached 20 wins for the first time since 2004-05 and only the seventh time in school history. In the 2008-09 season, the Broncos defended the title of MAC West champions. Hipsher also spent that season as the recruiting coordinator, spearheading efforts to bring in a Top 25 Mid-Major recruiting class, according to Rivals.com.

He spent the 2006-07 season as an assistant coach at Utah Valley under head coach Dick Hunsaker. The Wolverines won the United Basketball League Championship with an overall record of 22-7, the best record by a Division I independent school since Notre Dame went 23-6 during the 1985-86 season. Hunsaker and Utah Valley will be joining the Broncs in the Western Athletic Conference in 2013-14.

Prior to joining the staff at UVU, Hipsher spent three months as the video coordinator at UNLV for Kruger. Even though he was there for just a short time, Hipsher gained valuable knowledge and experience with a staff that led the Runnin’ Rebels to the 2007 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.

Hipsher began his coaching career at Texas Tech under Knight, the second winningest coach in Division I history. Hipsher was a graduate assistant coach for two years (2004-06) helping the team to the 2005 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 with wins over UCLA and Gonzaga before finishing the year 22-11.

He also worked as a broadcast analyst for Texas Tech on the Texas Tech Sports Network, an ESPN affiliate for both television and radio.

In nine seasons on coaching staffs, Hipsher’s teams have gone 153-137 (.528).

Hipsher spent five seasons at Akron (1999-2004) playing for his father and became one of the best players in Zips history, despite a playing career that was hampered by three back surgeries.

He finished his career with 1,136 points, which ranks 27th in UA history. Hipsher also ranks fifth in career assists (344) and ninth in blocks (48). Hipsher finished his career shooting .502 (365-727) from the field, .337 (65-193) from behind the arc and .746 (341-457) at the free throw line.

A team co-captain each of his last two seasons, Hipsher was a two-time Academic All-MAC honoree (2003, 2004) and was named to the 2000 MAC All-Freshman Team. He was also a 2003-04 Preseason All-MAC First Team selection.

“It’s always special to be able to work with family, but more importantly, Andy’s not just family, he has been fortunate to work for great mentors like Bob Knight, Lon Kruger and Stan Heath and has grown greatly from his experiences,” Dan Hipsher said. “He also has a deep understanding of our style of play along with a great background in skill instruction and national contacts as a recruiter. Andy is an excellent addition to our staff.”

Prepping at Archbishop Hoban High School, Hipsher was hailed as the Akron Beacon Journal Player of the Year, a prestigious award that, over the years, has recognized players such as LeBron James.

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