Albany, N.Y. -- Univeristy at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, March 29 the school agreed to terms on a contract enhancement for head men's basketball coach Will Brown. The agreement, when finalized, will extend the coach's contract through the 2011-12 season.
Brown recently completed his sixth season as UAlbany's coach. He guided the Great Danes to their second straight America East Conference championship after defeating top-seed Vermont in the tournament final. UAlbany posted a 23-10 record and earned an NCAA Tournament berth for the second consecutive season. Brown's squad also registered back-to-back 20-win campaigns, a first for the program in 17 years.
"Will Brown and his staff have done an exemplary job of building a successful Division I basketball program," McElroy said. "The team again created history with its many accomplishments and has become a source of great pride for the students, alumni and fans. We have agreed to a contract enhancement and one-year extension. The University will have the structure and specifics worked out in the near future."
Brown was appointed as UAlbany's head coach on March 13, 2002. At age 35, he ranks 15th among the youngest Division I head coaches in the nation. In 2005-06, the Great Danes made unprecedented strides by winning its first-ever America East title and participating in a memorable NCAA battle with second-ranked Connecticut. UAlbany continued that trend this season by setting the program's Division I record for single-season victories (23) and posting its highest win total since the 1993-94 campaign. UAlbany's many accomplishments in most America East wins (13), most Division I home victories (11) and most Division I road wins (11).
"The University at Albany continues to show a commitment to the school's basketball program and the entire athletics department," said Brown, whose team has won 44 games over the last two seasons. "Our student-athletes and coaching staff have worked hard to make this program something that everyone can be proud of. I continue to be appreciative of the support shown by the community and students."
In 2007-08, UAlbany returns three starters, including all-conference forward Brent Wilson and the league's defensive player of the year Brian Lillis. Jon Iati and Brian Connelly, the top players off the bench, are among those back next season.