LAKEWOOD, NJ (4/27/15): GCU Director of Athletics and Recreation Laura B. Liesman announced today that Brian Reese has been tabbed as the new head coach of Georgian Court Men's Basketball.

"I am thrilled to introduce Brian Reese as the head coach of our men's basketball program," said Liesman. "Of course, Coach Reese's résumé  speaks for itself, but his commitment to the total educational experience of the student-athlete spoke even louder.  I am very confident Brian will lead our program to success not only on the court but he will also prepare our young men to develop their full potential after their time at our university."

 Reese comes to GCU after serving as an assistant coach at Monmouth University since 2011 under head coach King Rice, his former teammate at North Carolina under legendary head coach Dean Smith. 

"I'm excited and honored to be named head coach of Georgian Court University," stated Reese.  "I will work hard for the University in helping grow the men's basketball program and GCU as a whole. Similar to how we did things at UNC and Monmouth University, I look forward to building a lifetime family for these young men."

Reese, who won a national championship with the Tar Heels in 1993, played in 134 games during his four years, averaging 8.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, while shooting over 50 percent for his career. He was the 40th player in UNC history to score at least 1,000 points in his career, finishing with 1,113. Reese's best season was UNC's national championship year of 1992-93, when he averaged 11.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game to help lead the Tar Heels to their third NCAA title.

"I'm so happy to be the newest UNC alum to join the head coaching ranks … Coach Smith would be so proud," added Reese. "I would also like to thank my good friend, Coach Rice, and Ms. Liesman for having tremendous faith in me as I get ready to begin this next chapter of my basketball life."

 Reese, a McDonald's High School All-American out of St. Nicholas of Tolentine H.S. in Bronx, New York, was also named to the 1993 All-ACC Tournament Team, and was awarded the 1993 Jimmie Dempsey Award as the team's most improved player, and the 1994 Foy Roberson Award, as the team's most inspirational player.

After graduating from UNC in 1994, Reese spent the summer and preseason with the Milwaukee Bucks. Reese also played professionally in Austria, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, England, Finland, Iceland, France, Korea, Taiwan and Puerto Rico, and was frequently honored as Most Valuable Player and led the team in scoring.

Prior to one season (2010-11) at High Point, Reese was an assistant coach at Wingate University, where he helped the Bulldogs improve to 14-14. Prior to his time at Wingate, Reese spent one season as the head varsity coach at South Iredell High School in Statesville, S.C., and two seasons at JV head coach and varsity assistant coach at Porter Ridge High School in Indian Trail, N.C.

Originally from Bronx, N.Y., Reese spent 14 years as a coach and counselor for the Carolina Basketball Camps, and was also a volunteer coach for four months with the 2XSALT ministry founded by Bobby Jones, David Thompson and Bart Kofoed. Reese was also named as one of New York City's top-25 players in the last 25 years, by the New York Post.

Brian and his wife, Monica Reese, are the parents of three children: Brian, Jr. (19), Taylor (9) and Brooklyn (5).