Mon Apr 7 16:24:23 2008

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Braun tabbed to take over at Rice

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Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Rice University has named Ben Braun its new men's basketball coach.

Braun was fired at California on March 26 after spending 12 seasons guiding the Golden Bears. He will take over at Rice for Willis Wilson, who was fired on March 14 after the Owls finished 3-27 this past season.

"Ben Braun is an established coach who shares our vision in the potential that exists in the opportunity to coach at Rice," said athletic director Chris Del Conte. "He has demonstrated again and again the ability to not only produce quality teams on the court, but also quality student athletes who can excel in the classroom as well."

Braun, the 1997 Pac-10 Coach of the Year, was 219-154 at Cal and led the Golden Bears to five NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bears were just 17-16 this past season, losing in the second round of the NIT. Cal won the 1999 NIT title under Braun's leadership.

"I welcome the opportunity and challenge to lead the Rice basketball program," Braun stated. "I am committed to bringing all the passion and energy needed to help make this program successful. I am honored to represent Rice University and all it stands for."

Braun, at age 54, has 31 years of experience as a head coach, including 11 highly successful years at Eastern Michigan, where he guided the Eagles to four postseason berths, including three NCAA appearances. During his tenure there, Braun accumulated a record of 185-132 and was named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year three times.

In addition, Braun coached at Siena Heights College for eight years, taking the NAIA school to a 148-103 record and five postseason tournaments.

Wilson is the winningest coach in Rice history, compiling a mark of 219-246 in his 16 seasons. He led the Owls to three NIT appearances.

The Owls have not reached the NCAA Tournament since 1970.