The Baker University athletic department announced Thursday afternoon that head basketball coach Brett Ballard will be leaving the university to become the assistant basketball coach to Danny Manning at the University of Tulsa.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time coaching the Baker University men’s basketball team,” Ballard said in the press release. “I was fortunate to work with a group of dedicated players, committed to the classroom and basketball court … Baker University is an amazing place and I am very humble to have been their head coach.”

Ballard, who just finished his second year as head coach at Baker, led the Wildcats to their first national tournament appearance since 1996. His career at BU includes an overall record of 33-30. Baker finished as the runner-up in the 2012 HAAC postseason tournament and held a 21-12 2011-2012 season record under Ballard’s coaching.

In the press release, Baker University Athletic Director Theresa Yetmar wishes Ballard and his family the best of luck and said the athletic department will immediately begin its search for a new head coach.

“I believe our program has a bright future ahead of it with our current team and recruits,” Yetmar said. “We will carry the positive momentum from our recent success forward.”