Brown completes Hurley’s Husky staff

Taliek Brown, who helped lead the UConn men’s basketball team to the 2004 NCAA national championship, has been hired as the men’s basketball director of player development for coach Dan Hurley.

Brown, a former captain for the Huskies who still holds the program record for assists, will work with student-athletes to build strong personal relationships, while initiating and participating in off-court activities that teach and develop life skills. He will also supervise the graduate assistants for the men’s program.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Taliek Brown back to UConn,” Hurley said in a release from the University. “Obviously, his history with the program speaks for itself, but when you add that to his professional basketball career and life experiences since he left college, plus his upbeat, outgoing personality, and strong work ethic, it makes him ideal for this position. I’m really looking forward to him working with our student-athletes.”

Brown, 36, said he was very excited to take the next step of his career at UConn, where he earned a degree in political science.

“Coach Hurley and his staff have a great vision for the program and I am happy to become a part of it,” said Brown, who played

scholastically at St. John’s Prep in Astoria, New York. “I want to make sure the student-athletes have as good an experience at UConn as I had.”

He will also assist the

team academic counselor with scheduling and monitoring study halls and tutoring sessions, organize and direct community service actions for the team, and manage alumni events and reunions.

Brown’s hire completes Hurley’s immediate staff. UConn previously hired assistant coaches Kenya Hunter, Tom Moore and Kimani Young, director of basketball operations Eric Youncofski, director of scouting-video Tripp Doherty, director of human performance Sal Alosi, and athletic trainer James Doran.

Brown started four seasons at point guard for the Huskies, when UConn compiled a record of 103-35, including 11-2 in the NCAA tournament. He is the only player in program history to score at least 1,000 points (1,039) and have at least 700 assists (722).

Brown play 10 seasons professionally.