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Having a person on your staff that knows you, your style, and your expectations is a key to having a successful program and second-year director of basketball operations Chris Shumate has that in-depth knowledge as a former player for Mick Cronin at Murray State University. With the Bearcats, Shumate plays a vital role organizing practice, coordinating academics, and opponent evaluation.

A native of Louisville, Ky., Shumate joined the Bearcats' staff last season after spending two years playing professional basketball in New Mexico and Arkansas in the NBA Developmental League.

As a four-year letterman at Murray State, Shumate completed his career as the Racers' 24th all-time leading scorer with 1,207 points. His senior season, under then-new head coach Mick Cronin, Shumate, the team's captain, helped lead Murray State to a 28-6 mark overall and an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship, while earning second-team all-Ohio Valley Conference honors.

While attending Louisville Male High School, Shumate was a McDonald's All-America nominee and finished his career as the No. 6 all-time leading scorer in school history.

For the Bearcats, Shumate coordinates many facets of the program's day-to-day operations, including academics, opponent scouting reports, and game day preparation.

Shumate, who graduated from Murray State in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in business, is married to Meredith (Gates) and lives in Wilder, Ky. The couple gave birth to their first child, Addison, at the end of the 2007-08 season.