Brown names alum Martin as head coach

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Brown University named an alum and former star to be their new head basketball coach.

Athletic Director Jack Hayes chose Mike Martin as the new head man for the program. The 2004 Brown graduate becomes the fourth youngest head coach in Division I men's basketball.

"Mike Martin will bring tremendous energy, enthusiasm and leadership to the Brown Basketball program," said Hayes. "His experience in the Ivy League as both a successful student-athlete and coach has prepared him for this opportunity.  We are excited that he is returning to his alma mater and look forward to the program returning to the top of the Ivy League."

Martin was part of the winningest class in the Bears' basketball history, posting a 63-45 four-year record from 2000-2004. He also helped the Class of 2004 to a school-record 39-17 Ivy League mark during that period -- the best by an Ivy League team other than Penn and Princeton since 1970.

"I'm honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head coach at Brown, a school at which I have so many fond memories," said Martin.  "I'd like to thank Vice President Margaret Klawunn, Athletic Director Jack Hayes, retiring Athletic Director Mike Goldberger, and the entire search committee for their belief in me.  I am anxious to start working to improve our program.  I believe strongly in all we have to offer at Brown and am eager to connect with all the current players, Brown alumni, fans, and supporters."

Since leaving Brown as a player, Martin played professionally in Ireland for a season and then returned to Brown as an assistant coach in 2005.  He then became an assitant at Penn where the Quakers finished with a 20-13 record last season.