PITTSBURG — Pittsburg State University head men’s basketball coach Kim Anderson announced the recent hiring of Chris Popp as an assistant coach for the Gorillas.
Popp replaces former assistant Jake Hamburger who left Pitt State for another professional opportunity outside of basketball.
Popp comes to Pitt State after serving as head coach at Missouri State University-West Plains the past four seasons (2017-2020). During his four-year tenure he led the Grizzlies to a pair of nationally ranked top 20 seasons including a NJCAA Region XVI Championship in 2018. He was named the Region XVI Coach of the Year that season.
Prior to his tenure at MSU-West Plains, Popp served as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith for five years (2012-16). He helped the Lions claim back-to-back Heartland Conference titles and make two appearances in the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
Popp also served as an assistant coach at Newman University for six seasons (2006-2011) and at his alma mater, Tabor College, for one year (2005). He helped NU to a nationally ranked season and Tabor to a KCAC Championship and a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
“We are excited to add a coach of Chris’ quality to our program,” Anderson said. “He brings successful head coaching experience and will be an outstanding mentor for our student-athletes. His basketball knowledge and recruiting network will enhance our ability to attract high character and skilled players.”
A Wichita native, Popp was a three-year starter at Tabor College, helping the Bluejays reach the Sweet 16 of the NAIA National Tournament. He earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in physical education from Tabor in 2001.
