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MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Minnesota State University Moorhead graduate Dave Joerger has been named the head coach of the National Basketball Association's Memphis Grizzlies, it was officially announced on Thursday.

Joerger is the second individual with ties to MSUM to be named the head coach of a professional sports team within the last four months. In February, former Dragon quarterback Marc Trestman was named the head coach of the National Football League's Chicago Bears.

"There were certain things about Dave Joerger that stood out and made it a powerful decision for us," said Grizzlies CEO and Managing Partner Jason Levian "Certainly the force of Dave's intellect, his embrace of innovation, his vision and his values, and his authenticity was very important for us.  All of this stood out and as we begin the Dave Joerger era as our head basketball coach we see the potential for greatness, greatness for this team, greatness for this city and greatness for this organization."

Joerger, a 1997 MSUM graduate with a degree in mass communications, played point guard for the Dragon men's basketball team for two seasons (1995-96 and 1996-97) under Coach Dave Schellhase.

"Due to Dave's tremendous knowledge of the game and his ability to communicate effectively, it is no surprise for me to see him rise up the ranks as quickly as he has," said  Brett Beeson, who was Joerger's teammate for the Dragons in the 1990s. "His basketball IQ is as high as anyone I have ever come across and he is very adept at explaining things in a way that everybody can understand.  Most importantly, he knows how to put players in a position to benefit the team the most while accentuating their individual talents."

Beeson went on to add, "Dave's passion for the game and desire to be excellent were evident when we were at MSU and the same can be said about him today.  The bottom line is that Dave is a winner.  I could not be happier for him and his trajectory."

The Staples, Minn., native -- where current MSUM head men's basketball coach Chad Walthall as well as Dragons junior starter Jordan Riewer are originally from -- will find himself in familiar territory, having served as an assistant coach for the Grizzlies since 2007.  He was promoted to lead assistant coach prior to the 2011-12 season.

"Dave is a colleague, but he's also a good friend and we both grew up in the same environment that valued athletics," said Walthall.  "I couldn't be more proud to have him represent the Dragons as an NBA head coach."

Walthall also flew out to Memphis to be there for his friend when the Grizzlies formally announced the signing of Joerger as their new head coach.

Joerger's first words once he took the microphone at the press conference were didicated to his family.  "I want to thank my wife, if anybody knows about my passion for coaching, it's Kara and the kids. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love, you're the best."

"I am ready for this opportunity," said Joerger.  "I have won in the past.  I know how to win.  We're going to win.  I'm just really fired up and excited going forward."

Prior to working his way to the NBA ranks, Joerger had a successful run as a minor league basketball coach. He coaches the NBA D-League's Dakota Wizards to the championship in 2006-07, marking his fifth title of his career. He won three Continental Basketball Association titles and one International Basketball Association title. During his time as a head coach in the NBA D-League, CBA and IBA, he compiled a record of 232-117 (.665).

Joerger was a solid point guard during his time at MSU, compiling an impressive 227 assists in 54 games during his two seasons as a Dragon. In 1995-96, Joerger played in 27 games, starting 12. He averaged 5.8 points and a team-best 4.1 assists per game as a junior. He also shot 47.8 percent from the three-point line, best on the team, and led the team with a 95.5 free-throw percentage (42-of-44).

In 1996-97, as a senior, Joerger averaged 6.0 points and a team-best 4.7 assists per game.  He also led the team in free-throw percentage at 86.6 percent (58-of-67) and steals (53).  He set the MSUM single-game assist record in 1996 with 15 against Winona State.

"Simply put, Dave did what good point guards do," Beeson said. "He was constantly aware of time, score, and fouls.  He also knew when to get a particular guy the ball in certain positions on the court and nearly always delivered the ball on point.  Dave and I understood each other remarkably well.  He often times knew what play I wanted him to call without me having to tell him.  All we had to do was give each other a look.  He just had a sensational feel for the game which he obviously still does."

Joerger and his wife, Kara, have two daughters, Alli and Kiana.