From Purdue to MSU: Paul Lusk

Missouri State University has named Paul Lusk, associate head coach at Purdue University, the school's 17th men's basketball head coach. Lusk succeeds Cuonzo Martin, who announced his resignation March 27 after three seasons with the Bears.

"Paul is a quality person, an excellent coach and will be a tremendous addition to Missouri State and the Springfield community," Kyle Moats, MSU director of athletics, said in a news release. "He is a proven winner and has had success at every level."

Both MSU and Lusk have agreed in principle to a five-year contract. The terms of the agreement, however, are still being finalized and will be approved by the MSU Board of Governors in May.

Lusk, 40, has been a Purdue assistant coach for the last seven seasons. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2008, and in summer 2010, was named by FoxSports.com as one of the nation's top 25 high-major assistant coaches, according to the release.

Lusk helped West Lafayette, Ind.-based Purdue head basketball coach Matt Painter lead the team to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances during the last five years, with a 129-45 record during that span, the release said.

Martin resigned to take the head coach position at the University of Tennessee. During his three seasons as MSU head coach, the Bears had a 61-41 record.[[In-content Ad]]