Brian de la Porte, a 1999 graduate of Ceres High School was named head coach of the Hawks' varsity boys’ basketball program on Monday.

"I'm excited to be at Delhi," said de la Porte, 34. "They're giving me an opportunity to teach and coach there. I'm very thankful. I want to do a good job for them."

Brian stepped down as head coach of Patterson's program following the 2014-15 season. The Tigers amassed a 31-25 record and secured back-to-back playoff berths during de la Porte's two-year stint.

Patterson had a 17-12 overall mark, finished second in the Western Athletic Conference standings (9-3) and won one of two games in the 2014-15 Division-III postseason tournament.

de la Porte coached boys hoops at his alma mater for 13 seasons (2000-13). During his five year’s tenure as the varsity coach Ceres High posted a 61-72 record, advanced to the postseason twice and won one WAC title.

"You don't know where life is going to take you," de la Porte said. "I thought I'd be teaching and coaching at Mae Hensley Jr. High or Ceres High. Delhi's giving me an opportunity to work for them. I'm very thankful. I've enjoyed going there every single day to work. The administration supports me. I'll give them everything I have."

Delhi finished 13-14 on the year, participated in the Division-IV playoffs and placed second in the Southern Athletic League (8-4) last season.

"Before you worry about the X's and O's, you have to build relationships with the kids," de la Porte said. "That's what's most important right now. My biggest goal is to have full teams at every level."

Delhi Athletic Director Matt Cabral was a part of the team that interviewed de la Porte before he was hired to teach at the school.

"I think he'll take our boys’ basketball program to the next level," Cabral said. "He has a lot of basketball experience. He brings a lot of knowledge to the table. He's definitely had some success. He's a good fit for us. The kids want to play and work hard for him."