April 14, 2008

Florida Atlantic University will open a national search to replace outgoing Head Men's Basketball Coach Rex Walters, announced Craig Angelos, FAU's athletics director, on Monday afternoon.

"Rex notified me of his decision late Sunday night," said Angelos. "While we are disappointed in how Coach Walters handled this situation, specifically as it relates to its affect on the team, program and university, we look forward to the opportunity to find a coach that will continue with our four cornerstones of institutional control, academic excellence, fiscal integrity and winning championships. I have met with the team and have assured them, as I assure the community, that we will seek a coach who is committed to Florida Atlantic and to winning the Sun Belt Conference."

The new coach will assume the helm of a program that has compiled a 46-46 record over the last three seasons, 31-33 under Walters. During that same time, FAU joined the Sun Belt Conference, which featured two teams in the NCAA tournament, of which, one advanced to the Sweet 16. The Owls also enjoyed $10 million dollars in renovations to their arena, completed just prior to the season opener. In addition, FAU is scheduled to begin construction on skyboxes, restrooms and additional chair-back seating this summer.

The Owls are also scheduled to return the team's top three scorers, Carlos Monroe, Paul Graham III and Carderro Nwoji, as well as 80% of the team's offense from 2007-2008 and 69% of the team's rebounding efforts. FAU returns seven scholarship players and signed three players during the November signing period.