JACKSON, Miss. -- Following last week's departure of Jimmy Smith, Sam Kohnke has been named the Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach. 

Khonke has worked as an assistant coach for the past two seasons, and prior to that was a standout player for two seasons.

"We are fortunate to have someone of Sam's caliber able to step in to the role vacated by Coach Smith," said Director of Athletics Aaron Pelch." Sam is well respected by the players and his peers in the department, and I look forward to working with him during this time of transition."

Kohnke transferred to Millsaps from Loyola University in New Orleans. During his 2017-18 senior season, he was named the Majors' team captain and played in all 26 games, averaging 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest. He was also the recipient of the Archie Lamb award, which is awarded to the student-athlete who shows exemplary leadership ability

During his 2016-17 junior campaign, he averaged 11.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game en route to being All-SAA honorable mention and named to the All-SAA tournament team. He led the Majors in rebounds, assists and steals, grabbing team MVP honors. He finished the season second in the SAA in steals and eighth in assists.

He graduated in 2018 with a degree in philosophy and a minor in business administration. He was also a two-year member of the Millsaps Student Athletic Advisory Committee.