FIU tabs Evans as head coach

Apr 16, 2013 - 11:13 PM Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Florida International named Anthony Evans its new head men's basketball coach on Tuesday.

Evans spent the last six seasons coaching at Norfolk State, compiling a 99-94 record. Last season, he led the Spartans to a 21-12 overall record and a 16-0 mark in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season games, but the team lost to Bethune-Cookman in the MEAC Tournament semifinals and instead received an NIT berth.

In 2011-2012, Evans led the Spartans to a 26-10 record and the school's first- ever MEAC Championship. They entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 15 seed and upset second-seeded Missouri in the second round before losing to Florida in the Round of 32.

"I'm extremely pleased to welcome Anthony Evans as our new men's basketball coach," said executive director of sports and entertainment Pete Garcia. "The success he has had at Norfolk State, taking the team to back-to-back post- season appearances, is something that our team can benefit from as this program continues to grow. Anthony is a coach that will get the best out of his players both in the classroom and on the court. We are very fortunate to have Coach Evans here at FIU."

Evans replaces Richard Pitino. The son of current Louisville head coach Rick Pitino left after one season to become head coach at Minnesota.

"I'm extremely excited to become the head coach of the FIU men's basketball team," Evans said. "This is a great opportunity. FIU is a sleeping giant and to have the chance to build this program and continue what Coach Pitino began is unbelievable."