Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Signs Men's Basketball Coach Dave Paulsen to Contract Extension
4/29/2011 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
April 29, 2011
LEWISBURG, Pa. - After leading the Bucknell men's basketball team to a 25-win season, a Patriot League title and the fifth NCAA Tournament berth in program history, director of athletics and recreation John Hardt announced today that head coach Dave Paulsen has agreed to a multi-year extension to coach the Bison program. Terms of the extension will not be disclosed.
In his third season at the helm, Paulsen's Bucknell squad put together a 21-2 stretch starting in December, won 13 of 14 Patriot League contests, and then swept Army, Lehigh and Lafayette to win the league tournament. The Bison drew a No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to eventual national champion Connecticut in Washington, D.C. The loss left Bucknell with a 25-9 final record, the second-most wins in program history.
Paulsen was named the Patriot League Coach of the Year, and he was one of 16 finalists for the Hugh Durham Award, presented to the national Mid-Major Coach of the Year. Paulsen reached the 300-win mark for his career in his 17th season as a head coach.
"Bison Men's Basketball has benefitted tremendously from the leadership of Dave Paulsen over the last three years, and I am very excited to support him as he and his staff continue to develop and lead the program into the future," said Hardt. "Bison fans should be proud of the energy and passion Dave has devoted since his arrival at Bucknell, and his outstanding efforts in recruiting and player development were justly rewarded this year with a league championship and a return to the NCAA Tournament. Just as important, he has helped produce a winning program without sacrificing the scholar-athlete ideal in which everyone at Bucknell takes so much pride."
"I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to continue my coaching career at such a special institution," said Paulsen. "I believe that Bucknell is unique among Division I institutions in its commitment to excellence both academically and athletically. I have never had more fun coaching a group of young men than I did this season because of their relentless work ethic, tremendous focus and inspiring unselfishness. We are proud of the accomplishments of this year's team, but also hungry to constantly improve and carry on the tradition of great basketball teams that have characterized Bucknell basketball history.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank John Hardt for giving me this opportunity three years ago, to President Bravman for his support this year and his confidence in the direction of the program, and to the larger University and Lewisburg community, which has provided the best home court atmosphere in the Patriot League. I also want to thank my entire coaching staff for their tireless efforts in coaching, scouting, recruiting and mentoring our student-athletes. Most importantly, I want to thank the players on our teams at Bucknell who have represented all that is good in intercollegiate athletics."
Paulsen's initial Bucknell recruiting class resulted in a record three Patriot League All-Rookie honorees in Bryson Johnson, Mike Muscala and Joe Willman. As sophomores, Muscala developed into the Patriot League Player of the Year, while Johnson was a Second Team All-Patriot League selection and Willman a regular starter and key contributor. Paulsen recruited another All-Rookie student-athlete this year in Cameron Ayers, who was also named to the Patriot League All-Tournament Team after helping the Bison to the title.
Bucknell returns four starters and 10 lettermen next season as it looks to defend its league title.
