Former Eastern Kentucky coach Travis Ford was introduced Friday afternoon on the U-Mass campus, where he has been named head coach of the men's basketball team. Ford has taken over the position from Steve Lappas.

Ford is a former guard at the University of Kentucky. He guided
the Colonels to a 22-9 record this season, the most wins in a
single season in that school's history.

Ford said it had always been a dream of his to become part of a team tradition like U-Mass has. He spoke to hundreds of fans at the Curry Hicks Cage, and Ford promised to bring excitement to the basketball program and said that the team will be competitive.

Ford's five-year deal includes a $200,000 annual base salary with additional incentives and bonuses. Lappas was fired last week after compiling a 50-65 record during his four seasons with the Minutemen.

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