Georgia Tech Announces Scott Cross as New Men’s Basketball Coach

Georgia Tech announced Friday the hiring of Scott Cross as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team. The former coach of Troy takes over the role after the dismissal of Damon Stoudamire, who failed to qualify the team for the NCAA tournament in any of his three seasons leading the program. The decision represents a bet on a coach with a consistent record of winning and building competitive programs at lower levels of the college division.

Cross arrives at Georgia Tech after seven seasons at Troy, where he accumulated a record of 125 wins and 99 losses. Ele has led the team to two consecutive NCAA tournaments, including a recent appearance in the 2026 edition, and has won back-to-back regular season and Sun Belt Conference tournament titles. The board highlighted his success in elevating programs, with seven conference championships over 19 years as head coach.

The contract has a duration of five years, according to information from sources close to the process. The hire marks one of the first major moves by new athletic director Ryan Alpert, who took over the role in July from Tennessee. Alpert promised during the selection process to invest competitive resources for the program within ACC.

Consolidated experience in team building

Cross has 350 victories in the Divisão I throughout his career. Ele commanded UT Arlington from 2006 to 2018, a period in which he recorded 225 victories and 161 defeats. After three consecutive seasons with at least 20 wins, his dismissal in 2018 is considered an administrative mistake by most observers.

In Troy, starting in 2019, Cross transformed the team into an Sun Belt powerhouse. X__NM3____

• Led Troy to five consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins.
• They achieved impressive non-conference victories against teams like San Diego State and Furman in the most recent season.
• He kept the team competitive even after important players left.

Challenges faced by Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech program is going through a difficult period at ACC. The team finished last season in last place in the conference, with a record of 2-16 in league games and 11-20 overall. A run of 12 consecutive defeats marked the end of the campaign.

Since 2010, Yellow Jackets has only participated in the NCAA Tournament once, under the leadership of Josh Pastner. Technicians Brian Gregory and Damon Stoudamire were unable to repeat the feat during their tenures.

The prolonged absence of presence in the March Madness reflects difficulties in recruiting and maintaining competitiveness in the strongest conference in college basketball.

Context of the transition in technical command

Stoudamire’s resignation occurred on March 8, after three years without qualifying for the national tournament. The previous coach left a record of 42 wins and 55 losses in the period.

Cross replaces a coach who was unable to advance the program. His arrival brings expectations of reconstruction based on his proven experience in elevating mid-sized teams.

Bet on competitive resources at ACC

During interviews with candidates, the Georgia Tech board of directors emphasized a commitment to funding men’s basketball competitively within the conference. Esse support includes resources for recruiting and structure.

Cross takes over a program with tradition, but which needs to regain the status lost in recent decades. Sua trajectory suggests ability to develop players and implement winning systems.

The coach will be officially presented at a press conference on Monday, March 23, at 11am (Atlanta local time).

The hiring seeks to end the cycle of instability and reposition Georgia Tech among ACC’s competitive programs.