BROWNELL STEPS DOWN AS UNCW BASKETBALL COACH
WILMINGTON, N.C. Brad Brownell, who has directed UNC Wilmington to two Colonial Athletic Association men's basketball championships in four seasons, has resigned to fill the same post at Wright State.
Brownell, 37, guided the Seahawks to a 25-8 record during a 2005-06 season that featured three championships. UNCW opened the season by winning the Black Coaches Association Invitational in Laramie, Wyo., and then shared the regular season crown in the CAA with George Mason at 15-3.
The Seahawks capped off the year by capturing the CAA Championship on March 6 at the Richmond Coliseum, landing the school's fourth NCAA berth in seven seasons. UNCW then lost to 14th-ranked George Washington, 88-85, in overtime in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in Greensboro.
Wright State closed out its 2005-06 campaign with a 13-15 overall record and an 8-8 mark in the Horizon League. The Raiders, who graduate just one senior, lost to Illinois-Chicago, 77-64, in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament in Chicago.
UNCW and WSU played one common opponent last season Butler. The Seahawks topped the Bulldogs, 75-59, in the opening game of the BCA Invitational, while the Raiders split a pair of games with their Horizon rivals. Butler won the initial meeting, 70-62, on Jan. 28 in Indianapolis, but WSU returned the favor, 86-83, in a double overtime thriller in Dayton.
Statement From Brad Brownell, UNCW Men's Basketball Coach"Paula and I can't begin to express our gratitude to all the people in Wilmington who have touched our lives these past 12 years.
"Four years ago, I was given the opportunity to realize a dream of mine to become a Division I head coach. When I took over the program from Coach (Jerry) Wainwright, it was in great standing and I take great pride in knowing that I am leaving it the same way. My staff and I have worked very hard to achieve this level of success and I want them to know how appreciative I am of their efforts.
"I am extremely proud of my teams and their accomplishments, both on and off the court. They are first class young men and I want to thank them for their hard work and commitment to excellence. Without question, it has been my sincere privilege to coach them and, to me, they will always be the best of the best.
"I would also like to thank the UNCW administration, student body, Seahawk Club members, community supporters, athletic staff and coaches, families of our players and the media. The positive support you have given our program has made a significant contribution to the success of UNCW basketball.
"My family and I have developed many friendships over the years and feel truly blessed to have lived here.
"This has been a very difficult decision for me to make, however, I feel it is in the best interest of my family, my career, and myself to pursue a new opportunity.
"We will cherish our fond memories at UNCW and wish all the best to our friends, fans and the university."
Statement From Mike Capaccio, UNC Wilmington Director of Athletics"Late this evening, I was notified by men's basketball coach Brad Brownell that he was resigning his position here at UNC Wilmington.
"We realize this was a difficult decision for Brad and his family and wish nothing but the best for his wife, Paula, and their family.
"I want to assure those who follow our program that we will begin work immediately to find a replacement. Timing is obviously critical, but we will take the necessary steps to find the best possible person to serve in this very important role within our department.
"Those who follow the Seahawks know we have been through this scenario before. Our previous two coaches accepted positions elsewhere and we moved ahead. It's tough to deal with sometimes, but it's simply the world of college basketball. We must deal with it and do what's best for our program."
Statement From Dr. Rosemary DePaolo, UNCW Chancellor"I have the utmost respect for Brad and his wife, Paula. On behalf of the entire university family, I wish them the best."
