On March 25, 2026, ULM athletics named Ryan Cross as the seventh head coach in men’s basketball history. Cross has been coaching since 1996 and will be entering his 11th year as a head coach.
During his time at UAB, the team never went below .600 and made it to the NCAA tournament twice. Cross served as the primary recruiter for UAB during his tenure and was credited for recruiting key athletes such as Jordan Walker, Eric Gaines and Yaxel Lendeborg. In his associate head coach role, Cross was the second-in-command to head coach Andy Kennedy and provided oversight of daily program operations.
The Canton, Ohio native coached at ULM as an assistant coach from 2012-2018, and as an associate head coach from 2018-2020. During those years with the Warhawks, the team went a total of 111-144.
Prior to his coaching days, Cross played college basketball at both Santa Fe CC and Buffalo. During his time at Buffalo, he averaged 1.2 points and 0.7 rebounds over 56 games.
During his introductory press conference on Thursday, March 26, Cross stated, “I’ve got sweat equity in this program. So, I’m honored to be the head coach here. I’ve got a lot of respect for the tradition in this program.”
In the press release from the ULM athletic department, a quote from Steve Forbes, Wake Forest head men’s basketball coach, stated “I have known Ryan for 30+ years. I hired him straight out of college to be my assistant coach in 1995. I know of no one more capable and ready to lead the ULM basketball program. He is a veteran college basketball coach who understands ULM and Monroe.”
Forbes went on to comment on Cross’ character, emphasizing his winning persona.
“Ryan is a keen evaluator of talent and a relentless recruiter who fully understands how to build a winning Sun Belt roster.” Forbes said. “His genuine and authentic reputation gives Ryan and the ULM basketball program instant credibility. Anyone who truly understands college basketball, would agree that the hiring of Ryan Cross at ULM is one of the smartest hires this year. Credit SJ Touhy for making a home run hire.”
As for plans with the men’s basketball team, Cross stated “We’re gonna play extremely fast off of missed shots and turnovers. We’re going to win the points in the paint. We’re going to constantly put pressure on that paint and we’re going to attack the basket and then we’re going to win the free throw line. When you do all those things collectively, you win.”
With the 2026-27 season fast approaching, and key players such as Krystian Lewis entering the transfer portal, ULM fans are eager to see how this hire pans out.
