Wallace Community College Selma has hired Duane Evans to be the school’s new men’s basketball coach, according to Patriots’ athletic director Marcus Hannah.

Hannah said the decision was made Wednesday. Evans comes over from Selma High School, where he has served as the boys B-team coach and an assistant coach to the Saints’ varsity team since 2008, according to Selma boys’ basketball coach Woodie Jackson.

“His knowledge of the game and his willingness to continue to learn — such as going to [camps at] Duke University and Michigan State — and overall knowledge with the game [gave him the edge],” Hannah said.

Evans is a graduate from Hampton University is also Mayor George Evans’ son. Hannah said his knowledge of the game made up for the fact that Duane had no previous varsity high school or college coaching experience.

“It wasn’t a major concern but the way he alleviated that concern was his knowledge of the college game,” Hannah said of Evans’ lack of head coaching experience. “Also, the camps and everything he brought proof of attending.”

The interviewing process took place Tuesday. Hannah said there were nine applicants for the position vacated by former coach Foster Davis, who coached the Patriots for three seasons.

President James Mitchell gave his approval for Evans’ hiring Wednesday evening.