Hall of Fame
Men’s Basketball Coach (2013-2018)
Andy Newman took over The University of Texas Permian Basin men’s basketball program in 2013 and quickly transformed it into one of the top teams in the South Central Region. A former NCAA Division I interim head coach at Cal State Fullerton, Newman brought with him a dynamic, fast-paced offensive style that redefined Falcon basketball.
In just five seasons, Newman compiled a 101–50 overall record and led UTPB to five consecutive winning seasons, back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, and the deepest postseason run in program history. His 2016–17 squad captured the university’s first Lone Star Conference regular-season and tournament titles and made the Falcons’ NCAA Tournament debut.
Newman followed that historic campaign up with a 26-win season in 2017–18, highlighted by the program’s first NCAA Tournament win and a thrilling quadruple-overtime victory to reach the Sweet 16. In addition, UTPB reached the national rankings for the first time under Newman, climbing as high as No. 6 in the NABC poll.
Newman’s teams at UTPB were known for elite scoring, rebounding and defensive toughness, routinely ranking among the best in NCAA Division II. Newman developed the program’s first All-American in Daeshon Francis, who set multiple scoring records, while Sammy Allen became the school’s career leader in rebounds and assists and James McPherson became the career leader in made 3-pointers.
Newman stepped down as head coach of the Falcons in 2018 to become the new head coach at Cal State San Bernardino, where he continued his success by winning a Division II West Region title and reaching the Final Four in 2023. He was named head coach at Cal State Northridge in 2023, leading the Matadors to their first winning season in 15 years during his debut campaign.
Accomplishments at UTPB
- 101-50 Overall Record
- Program-best 26 wins in back-to-back seasons (2016-17, 2017-18)
- First-ever Lone Star Conference Regular-Season and Tournament Championships (2016-17)
- Reached as high as No. 6 in national rankings (2017-18)
- Back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances (2017, 2018)
- First NCAA Tournament victory and Sweet 16 appearance in program history (2018)
- 2017 Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year
- Developed UTPB’s first All-American (Daeshon Francis)
- His players set program records in career scoring, rebounding, assists and made 3-pointers under his tenure
