Now in his second year as Director of Basketball Operations for both the men's and women's basketball programs, Vinay Patel accepted the position after spending the previous two years serving as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball program.

Patel's responsibilities include assisting both programs in recruiting and on-court coaching as well as breaking down film and scouting. He also assists with travel coordination.

The Shamrock, Texas, native earned his bachelor's degree from Texas Tech in 2005 then went on to earn his master's degree from WTAMU in May, 2007. Both degrees are in sports and exercise science.