April 12, 2008

"We talk about having brains at Rice University and now we have Braun. The first day I heard his name I said, `Holy Cow, can you imagine if I had the opportunity to work with him.' I know a winner when I seem him. His track record as a winner is second to none." - Chis Del Conte, Director of Athletics, Rice University

"We are pleased to welcome Ben to Rice and to Conference USA. He is a proven leader that knows how to win and graduate student-athletes. We have a great group of coaches and are excited about this new addition." - Britton Banowsky, Commissioner, Conference USA

"Ben Braun is an outstanding person with great integrity. He will do a tremendous job for Rice. His focus on the development of the whole student-athlete is consistent with the mission of a great institution like Rice. While doing that, he will develop a winner!" - Gene Smith, Director of Athletics, The Ohio State University

"Ben is a coach that I admire and respect. His teams are always well prepared and he's done a remarkable job of building strong programs wherever he's been. You don't win more than 500 games by accident. Ben is a credit to the coaching profession." - Lute Olson, Men's Basketball Coach, University of Arizona

"Ben Braun is a great coach who will be a great fit at Rice University. My time working with him was a pleasure and I know the staff at Rice will have an equally rewarding experience." - Tim Weiser, Deputy Commissioner, Big 12 Conference

"I respected the fact that he was straight forward about his intentions. He made it clear he came here to win. And as long as that's the case, everyone is on the same page." - Chris Hagan, Rice sophomore guard, after the team's initial meeting with Coach Braun

"I'm not too familiar with (Rice's) situation at all, but the fact that they got Coach Braun is definitely good. All the players will respect him and will want to play for him." - Theo Robertson, California Bear student-athlete