One of the most decorated basketball players in Swampscott High School’s history will be returning to his alma mater next season to lead the charge as the head coach of Big Blue boys basketball.

During his high school career in the mid-1980’s, Paul Moran scored over 2,000 points, forever etching his name in the history books. Moran will look to write a new chapter as the head coach of his former team. He was announced as the next head coach on Friday after Jason Knowles stepped down from the position in March.

Moran has coached varsity boys and girls basketball for 25 years. Most recently, he led the girls varsity team at Marblehead High School.

“Paul has an obvious passion for the game, the ability to motivate student-athletes and can build positive connections within the community,” said Athletic Director Kelly Wolff. “Coach Moran was selected from a talented pool of candidates. The screening committee was impressed with Coach Moran’s knowledge of the game of basketball, and commitment to the students in Swampscott and the town as a whole.”

Moran told the Swampscott Tides that he is looking forward to coming home and is really excited for next season. Moran’s son Matt will be joining the coaching staff and leading the boys freshman team.

“It will be fun,” said Moran. “They lost a lot of their players through graduation and transfers. We’re just hoping to go out there and work hard and play hard.”

Moran said he will be on the lookout for player leadership in his first days at the helm of the team. He looks to help build the character of the roster.

“We want to strengthen the spirit of the school and the community,” said Moran. “People will be proud of the Big Blue basketball team, as they have been.”