Reflections Magazine Issue #68 - Fall 2008 | Page 9

Athletics Feature

BRAI NS AND BRAUN
One of College Basketball’s
Winningest Coaches
Remembers His Roots
By Doug Goodnough

I

t’s been nearly 25 years since he left for college
basketball’s biggest stage, but Ben Braun ’81/MA
said he still thinks about Siena Heights University
quite often.
Of course, it is Siena Heights College he remembers. It’s the place where he cut his college basketball coaching teeth. He spent eight years establishing Siena Heights’ fledgling men’s basketball
program, learning a little about small-town life
and the value of community along the way.
Eventually, he received the call many in his profession wait for – a Division I coaching opportunity.
After leaving Siena Heights, Braun quickly built
Eastern Michigan University’s program into a
Mid-American Conference power, then spent 12
years helping the University of California-Berkeley become one of the most successful programs
in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
This spring, he accepted a new challenge. He
will try to rebuild a struggling Rice University
program that won just three games a season ago.
Now known as one of college basketball’s best
teachers, Braun is still learning lessons despite his
more than 30 years and 900 games in collegiate
coaching. The competitive fires still burn bright
for arguably Siena’s most well-known alum,
and he is grateful his collegiate coaching spark
started at Siena Heights.

Photo courtesy of the University of California-Berkley Athletic Department.

Reflections Fall ’08

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