Chris Ferguson Appointed To ECU Men's Basketball Staff
March 22, 2005 | Men's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Chris Ferguson has been named assistant men's basketball coach at East Carolina University according to an announcement from head basketball coach Ricky Stokes Tuesday.
Ferguson, who will also serve a role as ECU's recruiting coordinator, is the second official hire for the newly-appointed Stokes, joining associate head coach Mack McCarthy on the Pirates' staff.
Ferguson's acceptance of his East Carolina position officially ends an eight-year tenure on the Tennessee staff dating back to the 1997-98 season which began under former head coach Jerry Green. He was retained by then-new coach Buzz Peterson in 2001 and was quickly promoted to associate head coach two years later prior to the 2003-04 campaign.
"Chris will bring a wealth of experience to all aspects of our program," Stokes said. "He's recruited this region heavily in the past while at Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Appalachian State and has utilized his North Carolina background to build many positive relationships across the state.
"In addition to being an excellent recruiter, I'm also looking forward to his on-the-floor contributions and direct involvement with all other facets of our operation," Stokes added. "Needless to say, he'll bring plenty of excitement and a winning personality to ECU."
In his eight seasons in Knoxville, Ferguson helped the Vols to an impressive run of four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001) and a pair of National Invitational Tournament showings in 2002 and 2003. UT advanced to second round play in 1999 before earning a Sweet Sixteen berth a year later.
In all, Tennessee captured two Southeastern Conference Eastern Division titles and one overall SEC championship during his stay. While with the Vols, Ferguson was also credited with the development of UT's talented backcourt players, including All-SEC performers Brandon Wharton and Tony Harris.
Prior to arriving at Tennessee, Ferguson spent six years on Bill Foster's staff at Virginia Tech from 1991 to 1997. While in Blacksburg, he played a key role in helping guide the Hokies to 63 victories in his last three seasons, including a 23-6 mark in 1995-96 which earned Virginia Tech an NCAA Tournament appearance. A year earlier, the Hokies produced a school-record 25 wins and an NIT title.
"I'm excited and happy to be at East Carolina," said Ferguson. "In addition to being a close friend, Ricky Stokes is one of the most respected guys in the business. I believe in him, and along with Coach Mack (McCarthy), we'll get the job done.
"It is also an honor and privilege to have the chance to work with Coach Terry Holland," Ferguson continued. "He is well-respected around the basketball community and I'm excited for the opportunity he and Coach Stokes have given me."
Ferguson earned his first collegiate position in 1986 at UNC Asheville, serving a one-year stint on Green's Bulldog staff before moving north to Appalachian State. From 1987 to 1991, he worked under Tom Apke to help the Mountaineers to upper division finishes in the Southern Conference the last three seasons before his appointment at Virginia Tech.
Ferguson initiated his coaching career in 1982, working four years at Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., beginning as an assistant under head coach Terry Rogers.
Ferguson was a four-year basketball letterman, earning a pair of letters each at Central Wesleyan (S.C.) College and Cumberland (Ky.) College while helping both squads to NAIA National Tournament appearances. As a prep standout at Henderson (N.C.) High School, Ferguson was selected to the all-state unit and was named Western North Carolina Player-of-the-Year in 1975. He was also an all-conference performer in football and baseball from 1972 to 1975.
Ferguson earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and health from Cumberland in 1981. He and wife Mary are the parents of a son (Brian) and a daughter (Crystal).
