DePaul University Athletics
Gene Cross Named Assistant Coach
5/2/2002 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO -- Gene Cross has been named an assistant coach for the DePaul men's basketball program it was announced today by head coach Dave Leitao.
A Chicago native, Cross comes to the Blue Demons after spending the previous six seasons at Illinois-Chicago. While with the Flames, Gene was instrumental in helping guide the program to the only two NCAA Tournament appearances in its history.
"I am extremely excited to have Gene as the first member of our new family at DePaul," Leitao said. "I've know Gene for some time and I believe that he will be someone who will represent DePaul University and the basketball program in a first class manner. Gene has a tremendous knowledge of the game, his Chicago roots will enhance our program locally while his talent will benefit our national recruiting efforts as well. Gene brings the experience of success as well, helping Coach (Jimmy) Collins at UIC to their first two NCAA Tournament appearances in school history."
Last season, UIC won 20 games and claimed the inaugural Horizon League Tournament title. With the tournament victory, the Flames advanced to the NCAA Tournament where they fell to eventual Final Four participant, Oklahoma in the opening round. In 1998, UIC tied the school record with 22 wins and captured the Midwestern Collegiate Conference regular-season title. The Flames' success that season included wins over conference champions Michigan State (Big 10), Illinois State (Missouri Valley) and Valparaiso (Mid-Continent), helped them earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Gene has strong ties in and around the Chicagoland area and the state of Illinois. Cross played a significant role in landing UIC's most heralded recruiting class in 2000, which included the signing of Chicago Public League stars Aaron Carr, Will Lewis, Armond Williams, Martell Bailey and Cedrick Banks, the 2001 Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year. This spring, Cross helped UIC sign Windy City stars Elliot Poole and Mike Smith.
Cross was a member of the basketball team at Illinois from 1990-94. During his time in Champaign, he helped the Illini to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. Off the court, Cross served two years as chairperson for the Buddy Program Core Committee and was also a speaker for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics' Hometown Heroes program. Cross played his prep basketball at Rich Central High School. Cross earned a bachelor's degree in history from Illinois in 1994, and completed his master's degree in Sport Management at Ohio State in 1996. Gene and his wife, Nichole, currently reside in Oak Park, Ill.
