July 12, 2010

HOUSTON - Rice University basketball coach Ben Braun has announced Marco Morcos, who has served as the program's Director of Basketball Operations the past two years, has been elevated to assistant coach. Braun also announced Gaelyn Rose has been named the Owls' Director of Basketball Operations.

In his former position, Morcos worked in an administrative role for the Owls. With his new appointment, the former high school coach returns to the familiar setting of working with student-athletes on the court. Additionally, he will have an extended role in recruiting.

Morcos joined the Rice staff after serving as the Director of Basketball Operations at UAB during the 2007-08 season. He was part of a Blazer team which posted a 23-11 record and advanced to the second round of the National Invitational Tournament.

Prior to making the move to collegiate basketball, Morcos was a successful high school coach.

Morcos was the head coach at LEAP Academy University Charter School in Camden, N.J., for three years (2004-07). LEAP compiled a 102-20 record during his three seasons. In his second year at LEAP Academy, Morcos' team posted a 27-6 record, won the Central Jersey championship and were the runners-up at the New Jersey state championship.

Additionally, Morcos was the head coach at Rise Academy where he led the team to a 31-8 record in his lone season.

Gaelyn Rose has been named Rice Basketball's Director of Operations.

In her role as head manager, she was responsible for assisting with practice and game set up as well as serving as a liaison with facilities and marketing. Her responsibilities increased over her tenure to include overseeing the student-manager program as well as responsibilities with team travel.