Amherst, MA (Best E Casino) - The University of Massachusetts named Derek Kellogg its new head basketball coach on Wednesday.

Kellogg, a former Minuteman player (1992-95), returns to his alma mater for his first head coaching job after 12 years of being an assistant coach. He spent the past eight years at Memphis coaching under former UMass general John Calipari.

"We couldn't be more excited to have Derek Kellogg return to UMass as our head basketball coach," Director of Athletics John McCutcheon said. "His proven track record as one of the country's top recruiters, the coaching experience he has gained and his deep passion and love of UMass make him a perfect fit for this position."

The 34-year-old played at UMass for Calipari and was an All-Atlantic 10 player. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1996-97 for the Minutemen, and moved on to stints at George Mason and Youngstown State.

The Springfield, Mass. native helped Memphis reach the finals of the NCAA Tournament in 2007-08, when the Tigers recorded an NCAA single-season record 38 victories.

Kellogg will replace Travis Ford, who left Massachusetts for Oklahoma State.