Clarksville, Ark.-Former American Southwest Conference (ASC) basketball star Thomas Orr was named the new assistant men's basketball coach at University of the Ozarks, it was announced Thursday (August 1) by Athletics Director Jimmy Clark.
     
Orr, a native of Hutto, Texas, starred at ASC member institution University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for two years (2011-13) leading the Crusaders to the NCAA III National Championship game his senior season. Following his standout playing career, Orr served as a student assistant coach at UMHB and then went to Texas Lutheran University as an assistant where he helped the program win back-to-back conference championships. Most recently, he was the assistant boy's basketball coach at Longview ISD (Texas). Previous to that, he was the head boy's basketball coach at Buffalo High School (Texas).

"I am extremely excited to be able to work with a man of his integrity and background," said head coach Travis Carruthers. "I feel like his presence will be felt immediately. Thomas brings a level of passion, knowledge and championship experience that this basketball program, athletic department and University is fortunate to have. He has learned from coaches that I highly respect. It was clear from our conversations that he has an extraordinary ability to relate to the players."

At UMHB, Orr was the team's leading scorer his senior season averaging 15.1 points per game while knocking down 64 three-pointers en route to earning All-Conference. He posted a double-double (24 points, 11 rebounds) in the televised national championship game. 

As an assistant coach at the collegiate level, Orr held a combined record of 56-26 in three seasons and was part of two Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Coaching Staff of the Year awards. In addition to playing in the NCAA III National Tournament, Orr was part of the staff at Texas Lutheran that made the National Tournament.

He earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from UMHB in 2014 and his master's degree in sports management from Franklin-Pierce University in 2016.