Brendan Gross, a 20-year-old former student assistant coach at Lake Superior State, has taken on a new role as assistant coach and video coordinator for the University of Tennessee at Martin men's basketball program for the 2026-27 season. His appointment makes him the youngest assistant coach in NCAA Division I history, a milestone that reflects the rapid pace of his career.
A Rapid Rise
During his two seasons with the Lakers, Gross helped the team to a 72-28 record, including a school-record 30-win campaign in 2024-25 and consecutive Elite Eight appearances. The squad earned top-25 national rankings in assist-to-turnover ratio and three-point shooting, positioning the program among the nation's most efficient offenses.
Building a Winning Culture
Under head coach Steve Hettinga, Gross contributed to a culture that produced six players who earned eight All-GLIAC honors, including two Defensive Players of the Year. The impact of his work was highlighted when Tyson Edmondson was named Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player at the NCAA Tournament and Karter Richards captured GLIAC Freshman of the Year honors.
Beyond the win column, Gross's analytical approach helped the Lakers rank among the nation's leaders in three-point attempts per game and overall offensive efficiency, metrics that caught the attention of recruiting circles and professional scouts alike.
A native of Brimley, Michigan, Gross graduated from Lake Superior State in just 18 months with a degree in business administration, underscoring a commitment to both academic and athletic excellence that he now brings to Martin, Tennessee.