UTEP Basketball: Bobby Braswell named Director of Basketball Operations

UTEP has announced today, the hiring on Bobby Braswell as the new Director of Basketball operations. As mentioned, Braswell was the head coach at Cal State Northridge, spending 17 solid years there.

He led the Matadors to two NCAA tournament appearances, in 2001 and 2009. He also coached 12 of his 17 teams to be ranked in the top-25 nationally in steals. Braswell also recruited 12 players who earned first team all-conference during his tenure, including the programs leading scorer Brian Heinle.

Before returning to his alma mater, Braswell was the top assistant at Oregon from 1992-96, and helped lead the Ducks to their first NCAA tourney appearance in 34 years during the 1994-95 season.

Braswell also has a great high school coaching resume as well. He was chosen twice to be named Coach of the Year, and his squads were consistently ranked among the top in the nation.

This hire shows Tim Floyd may be trying to take over the State of California. Braswell is another defensive minded coach, and his west coast connections should help recruiting along with the hiring of west coast recruiting ace Bob Cantu.

Stay tuned for more on UTEP men's basketball as well all things UTEP athletics from MinerRush.