After 12 Seasons, Braun Relieved As Coach Of Cal

Berkeley, CA (AHN) - The University of California, which struggled through a 17-16 record this year, on Wednesday parted ways with long-time basketball coach Ben Braun after 12 seasons.

"This was an extremely difficult decision that was undertaken with great care and diligence," director of athletics Sandy Barbour said. "However, in the final analysis, I have determined that it is time for Cal to seek new leadership in our men's basketball program."

"Competing for conference championships and a place in the NCAA Tournament are goals and expectations that are embraced at Cal," Barbour added. "Unfortunately, we have not been able to consistently meet those expectations in our men's basketball program."

Braun steered the Bears to five NCAA tournaments with him at the helm, making the Sweet 16 in 1997, although Cal never reached past the second round since. The 54-year-old mentor wound up with a 219-154 record after a 12-year stint with the school, which won the NIT crown in 1999.

"I'd like to thank the Cal community for 12 great years of support," Braun said in a statement. "I've had the privilege to coach at one of the top universities in the country, and I'm proud of the program we've built. Going to eight postseason tournaments has been very special. I'm obviously disappointed that my staff and I won't be able to coach this team next year, and I feel they will be very successful."

The Bears have not had great success in the Pac-10 in recent years, finishing eighth or ninth in three of the past four seasons. And on Monday, the Bears succumbed to a 73-56 loss at the hands of Ohio State as they exit in the second round of the NIT.