May 14, 2002

BOCA RATON - Raheim Brown, a first team All-Atlantic Sun selection and a senior who guided Florida Atlantic University to its first NCAA Basketball Tournament, has elected to drop a possible appeal for one more collegiate season in lieu of a professional basketball career.

"Raheim, a graduating senior, has decided to direct his efforts towards professional basketball. He carried us this year," said FAU head coach Sidney Green. "I'm very happy to see that Raheim has an opportunity to pursue his dream of playing pro ball. I'm very confident he will become a true professional."

Brown ended his FAU collegiate career as a first team All-Conference selection. The 6-10, 210 pound Orlando, FL native averaged 16.4 points per game and led the team in scoring 17 of the team's 31 contests. Defensively, Brown led the team with an 8.5 average.

The Owls finished the season 19-12, captured their first A-Sun Title and made the program's first appearance in NCAA post-season play. All was accomplished through the leadership of Brown and fellow seniors Daryl Dingle (8.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg), John Smart (1.6 ppg, 37 assists) and Anthony Slater (3.2 ppg,106 assists). Dingle graduated in May. Smart and Slater will return in 2002-2003, barring signing a professional contract, to complete their degrees.