A former Hoosier is returning to Indiana, this time as a head coach.

On Friday, Ball State announced the hiring of Michael Lewis as the new head basketball coach of the Cardinals. Lewis played for Bob Knight at Indiana in the late 90’s before getting his start in coaching.

“Basketball in our state is personified in Michael Lewis,” said Ball State AD Beth Goetz via press relase. “His outlook on the game, relationship building, recruiting network, pedigree and proactive approach to engagement with our stakeholders resides at a high level. Additionally, his program values and standards on the court, in the classroom and the community will create a road map for the Cardinals to move onward, compete for Mid-American Conference titles and position our institution for a return to the NCAA Tournament. We are thrilled to welcome him, his wife Nichole along with their daughters Avery and Emma to Ball State.”

Lewis – who is a current assistant for UCLA – will assume his duties after the end of the Bruins season. He previously spent time on Tim Miles’ Nebraska staff from 2016-19.

“Along with my family, I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Ball State University,” Lewis said. “Thank you to University President Geoff Mearns and Beth Goetz with whom I shared a vision for our program that will be aligned with their leadership and the values of Ball State. That united vision is paramount for success. We are very excited to return to the state of Indiana where basketball means so much to lead a program with tremendous history and great potential.”

Lewis played for Bob Knight and the Hoosiers from 1996-2000. He appeared in 127 games (66 starts) during his IU career and averaged 7 points and 4.3 assists for the Hoosiers.