A New Chapter for UT Martin Basketball
Brendan Gross, a 20‑year‑old former student assistant coach at Lake Superior State, is set to join the University of Tennessee at Martin as an assistant coach and video coordinator for the 2026‑27 season. His appointment makes him the youngest assistant men’s basketball coach in NCAA Division I history.
Gross comes to Martin after a rapid rise at Lake Superior State, where under head coach Steve Hettinga the program posted a combined 72‑28 record over his first two seasons. The Lakers captured two Elite Eight appearances, posted a school‑record 30 wins in 2024‑25, and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen the year before. The team consistently ranked among the nation’s top 25 in assist‑to‑turnover ratio and three‑point shooting.
During his tenure, Gross helped develop six players who earned eight All‑GLIAC honors, including two Defensive Players of the Year. He also coached Karter Richards, who captured the 2025‑26 GLIAC Freshman of the Year award, and contributed to Tyson Edmondson’s recognition as the Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player. The program’s statistical depth placed it in the top 25 nationally across ten categories.
Off the court, Gross graduated from Lake Superior State in just 18 months with a degree in business administration in December 2025, underscoring his ability to balance academic rigor with a demanding coaching schedule. His rapid educational progression reflects a disciplined work ethic that Shulman says will translate into immediate impact for the Skyhawks.
Jeremy Shulman, head coach at Tennessee‑Martin, described Gross as an ‘incredible bright young mind’ and a ‘future star in the business,’ emphasizing that his analytical approach to video coordination will enhance scouting and player development. Shulman noted that Gross’s familiarity with high‑level competition and his proven recruiting connections in Michigan and the Upper Midwest should bolster the program’s recruiting pipeline.
A native of Brimley, Michigan, Gross brings deep regional ties and a personal connection to the sport, having previously coached Hunter Soper, who earned a NCAA Midwest Regional All‑Tournament selection, and Tyson Edmondson, a regional Most Outstanding Player. His background blends academic achievement, on‑court success, and a commitment to leveraging data‑driven insights, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the Skyhawks’ upcoming campaign.