Drake names Phelps men's hoops coach

Apr 21, 2008 - 5:40 PM DES MOINES, Iowa (Ticker) -- Drake named Mark Phelps as its new men's basketball coach Monday.

Phelps was an assistant for Herb Sendek at Arizona State the past two seasons after working under Sendek at North Carolina State from 1996-2006.

"I consider it an honor and privilege to be named the head coach at Drake University," Phelps said. "President (David) Maxwell has fostered a true family environment where the 'Drake experience' is a special one for students, faculty, staff and the entire Drake community. I could not be more excited about this opportunity."

Phelps, 42, replaces Keno Davis, who was hired by Providence last Tuesday.

"(Phelps') extensive experience as an assistant in the Pac-10 and the ACC, coupled with his commitment to the holistic development of young men, make him the ideal candidate to continue the established success of the Drake Bulldogs," Bulldogs athletic director Sandy Hatfield Clubb said.

This past season, Davis was named the Missouri Valley Coach of the Year after guiding Drake to a 28-5 record and the school's first NCAA Tournament berth since 1971.