FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Men's Basketball Head Coach Jay Young has announced that alumnus Jesus Cruz will return to the Stags as the program's Director of Operations. Cruz is the all-time leader in games played in Fairfield and MAAC history and ranks 11th all-time in scoring for the Stags.
 
"Jesus developed into a true 'coach on the court' for us over the last few years, and he will be a tremendous addition to our staff this season," said Young. "He has been a part of every game that I've coached at Fairfield, and I look forward to continuing that trend with him as our Director of Operations."
 
Cruz wrapped up his five-year career in 2021-22 with a record 156 games played. He poured in 1,476 points in his career for an average of 9.5 points per game and also totaled 611 rebounds, 217 assists and 158 steals. Cruz was a member of both the 2017-18 and 2020-21 teams that advanced to the MAAC Championship Game.
 
Cruz began his professional career this past summer in Baloncesto Superior Nacional – the first-tier pro league in Puerto Rico – playing 37 games and averaging 7.8 points per contest for his hometown Gigantes de Carolina squad.
 
Fairfield University Men's Basketball opens the 2022-23 regular season on Monday, Nov. 7 at Wake Forest. The Stags will play their first of 14 games at the new Leo D. Mahoney Arena on Saturday, Dec. 3 against reigning MAAC champion Saint Peter's.
 
Season tickets are on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.