Saul Phillips has been named the new men's basketball coach at Ohio University. Phillips will succeed Jim Christian who left for Boston College after leading the Bobcats for two years.

"BREAKING: Ohio Men's Basketball names former North Dakota State head coach Saul Phillips as the 18th head coach in program history #OhioMBB," a tweet on the official Twitter page of Ohio Bobcats, read.

Phillips, a native of Reedsburg, Wis., joins Ohio basketball program after serving seven seasons at North Dakota State. He posted a 134-84 record during his tenure with the Bison. During the 2013-14 academic year, Phillips led the team to a 26-7 record, a Summit League Championship and an 80-75 overtime victory over Oklahoma in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

Under his leadership, Bison made a NCAA Division I tournament appearance in 2009. Phillips worked as an assistant coach for three seasons before being assigned the head position.

"I am extremely excited about the future of Ohio basketball and I am elated to have a chance to add to its rich tradition," Phillips said in a statement. . I share the vision of the administration as to what the enormous potential is of this storied program. I simply cannot wait to start working with our players. I will pour maximum energy and enthusiasm into Bobcat basketball and ...help them reach their potential."

Director of Athletics Jim Schaus is confident that Saul will lead the Bobcats to new heights of excellence.

"I am just ecstatic to be able to welcome a coach with his experience and success to Bobcat Nation. Saul is passionate, energetic, a great communicator and is inspiring. He has a reputation as an excellent recruiter and players coach," Director of Athletics Jim Schaus said.

Prior to North Dakota, Phillips was the director of basketball operations for three years at Wisconsin, where he was responsible for daily schedules, travel, budgeting process and on-campus recruitments. He spent two years as an assistant coach at Milwaukee (1999-01) and two years as an assistant at Lake Superior State (1997-99). Phillips also served as a graduate assistant at Wayne (Neb.) State for one season.

During collegiate years, Phillips played for four seasons at Wisconsin-Platteville.