UAlbany Director of Athletics Mark Benson has announced that head men’s basketball coach Will Brown has agreed to terms for a new five-year contact that extends through the 2020-21 season.
“I would like to thank former President Robert Jones, current interim President James Stellar and Director of Athletics Mark Benson for their commitment to me, my family, our staff and the student-athletes in our program,” said Brown. “I would also like to thank Deputy Director of Athletics Jerry Koloskie, who oversees men’s basketball. The University at Albany is a special place where our student-athletes can flourish in the classroom, on the court and in the community. I am looking forward to the continued growth and development of our program. President Stellar, Mark Benson and Jerry Koloskie continue to provide us with the necessary resources to compete for championships on and off the court!”
“We are very fortunate to benefit from the foundation of success built by Richard ‘Doc’ Sauers, which Coach Brown has continued over the past 15 seasons in establishing UAlbany as an America East power,” said Benson. “Along with winning championships, Will has brought first class student-athletes who represent this university so well and succeed both in the classroom and the court.”
Since taking over as UAlbany men’s basketball head coach, Brown has led the Great Danes to five America East Tournament titles, five NCAA Tournaments and seven overall postseason tournament appearances. UAlbany has earned postseason berths the past five seasons, including three America East Tournament titles and three berths into the NCAA Tournament. The team earned its first-ever victory in the NCAA Division I Tournament in 2014 with a 71-64 victory over Mount St. Mary’s.
“I look forward to working with Will as we continue to look for ways to strengthen the program and provide our student-athletes the best possible experience with the support of our tremendous fan base,” said Benson.
Brown currently has tied Basketball Hall of Fame member Jim Calhoun with a league-best five America East titles. He has 17 victories in the league tournament, second most all-time in the conference and most with one school in the America East.
His student-athletes are also strong in the classroom with a league-record 19 America East All-Academic selections during his tenure. In addition, UAlbany has had at least three members of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court this past three years.
The five-year deal for Coach Brown is the maximum length contract per State University of New York regulations.
“I am excited about the vision that Mark Benson has in place for our program and the entire athletic department as we move forward,” said Brown. “I would also like to thank my family, current and past players, current and past members of my staff and our great fans! I am proud to represent the university and look forward to the upcoming season!”
