INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI Athletics Department and Head Basketball Coach Jason Gardner have announced the addition of Matt Bringman to the Jaguars' coaching staff. Bringman replaces Scott Gillespie, who left for another opportunity in May.

Bringman comes to IUPUI from South Plains (Texas) College, where he spent the past two seasons on Steve Green's coaching staff. In his two years at South Plains, the Texans went a combined 53-11 overall and 28-4 in conference play. The Texans finished third in the 2017 NJCAA National Championships in Hutchinson, Kan., paced by All-American guard Jordan Brangers.

"We're excited about adding Coach Bringman to our staff. He has an unbelievable history of recruiting and developing players and we know that he'll continue that same success at IUPUI. Coach Bringman came highly recommended to us and is a hungry, up-and-coming coach," Gardner said. "He's going to really get after it on the recruiting trail and in workouts to continue to build on his past success and contribute to our program's success.

"I know, more than anything, he's excited to get to Indianapolis and get to work."

South Plains went 32-2 a year ago and a perfect 16-0 in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC). Bringman was credited with helping recruit Brangers, along with other Division I signees Raquan Mitchell (Colorado State), Shawntrez Davis (Nevada) and Josh Webster (Texas Tech).

Prior to his stint at South Plains, Bringman coached at Polk State (2014-15), Pikeville (Ky.) University (2012-14) and Webber International University (2011-12). At Polk State, he coached an All-State Florida Junior College performer and seven all-conference players. He coached seven All-Americans at Pikeville and NAIA National Player of the Year Kenny Manigault.
"I've been in some really good small college programs. Because of that, I've been able to recruit all over the country and my connections have kind of expanded out from there," Bringman said.

The Florida-native already has some familiarity with the IUPUI program, through Gillespie and having watched Kentucky-natives Evan Hall and Camron Justice during their high school careers.

"I know it's a great opportunity and a great situation," Bringman said. "Everyone I talked to had nothing but great things to say about Coach Gardner. I know the program has continued to get better and improve each year that he's been on board, so that's definitely exciting.

"I was excited when he called and offered me the job. Now I'm looking forward to getting in the gym and getting to work."

Bringman played at Palm Beach Atlantic University from 2002-06. He was part of a record setting 2005 squad that set a school record for wins in a season. He graduated in 2008 from Palm Beach Atlantic with bachelor's degree in physical education and earned his master's degree in sports management from Pikeville in 2014.

The Jaguars are coming off a 14-18 season and return five of the team's top eight scorers from last season. Seniors Ron Patterson (9.3 ppg) and Aaron Brennan (8.4 ppg) lead the group, followed by Hall (7.6 ppg), T.J. Henderson (5.9 ppg) and D.J. McCall (4.8 ppg). After a nearly 20-year run in The Summit League, IUPUI will begin play in the Horizon League this winter with a full slate of games to be announced at a later date.