I mentioned this one in the DAILY DIRT on Sunday Night – it’s now been made official. Thomas College has named Marquis Pollard as their new head men’s basketball coach. Here’s the press release from the college:

On Wednesday Director of Athletics Christopher Parsons named Marquis Pollard the new Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Thomas.

“I am very excited to welcome Marquis back to Thomas College,” said Parsons.  “We are incredibly lucky for this opportunity to bring back one of our former student-athletes. Marquis has a passion for Thomas College, the athletic department, and the men’s basketball program. Our student-athletes are very fortunate to have a leader that will continue to elevate and educate the men’s basketball program through his character and mentorship.”

Pollard graduated from Thomas College in 2014 with his bachelor’s degree in sport management. He was a member of the men’s basketball team for four years and a captain in his senior year. During his four year- career at Thomas, the team had four consecutive winning seasons and set records for most conference wins twice.

“I am extremely excited and fortunate to take the reins of my alma mater, Thomas College, where I played for four years and began my coaching career as well,” said Pollard. “I would like to thank Chris Parsons and the entire Thomas athletic department for this opportunity. I am eager to get started with the guys and restore back the family culture built around commitment, discipline, toughness and team unity.”

After graduation Pollard was an assistant coach at Thomas from 2014-2016 and then served as an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator at NVU-Lyndon. He then was the head coach at Washington Academy Prep in Greenville, NC and most recently was the head women’s basketball coach at John Paul III Catholic High School.

Pollard will begin his duties on April 1st.