May 25, 2006

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University head men's basketball coach Rex Walters has announced the hiring of his first new assistant coach.

"I am very happy to welcome Jeff Guin to the Florida Atlantic staff," stated Walters. "Jeff is a great addition. His experiences with Florida, Illinois and Western Illinois give him a lot to draw upon in helping this program take steps to becoming the perennial power that we want at FAU."

Guin joins Mike Balado, who stayed on as an assistant when Walters was promoted in April. Walters is expected to fill out his staff with one more assistant and a director of basketball operations.

Guin spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach at Western Illinois, where the 2004-05 team improved by eight wins over his rookie season. His primary duties at WIU were recruiting, individual instruction, scouting, team travel and academic advisor.

Guin served in an administrative role with the University of Illinois from 1997 to 2003, where he concentrated his efforts on scouting, tape exchange and directing the Illini summer basketball camps.

He helped Illinois to five NCAA Tournament appearances, three Big Ten titles (1998, 2001, 2002) and a Big Ten Tournament title in 2003. The Illini's five NCAA Tournament appearances included both Elite Eight and Sweet 16 berths.

Prior to beginning his coaching career at Illinois, Guin served as a student manager at the University of Florida for both Lon Kruger (1993-96) and Billy Donovan (1996-97). Guin also gained valuable experience working for two summers on the support staff for USA Basketball in 1995 and 1996.

"I have known Jeff for four years, thus I know what he is capable of!" interjected Walters. "He does a great job of recruiting players - and he can do a whole lot more. He has a lot to offer in making the staff and the players better. He will have a tremendous impact on recruiting in both Florida and the Midwest. With the help of Jeff and Mike (Balado), I look forward to building Florida Atlantic into the Sun Belt's premier program."

Guin is originally from Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and played for two seasons at Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville. He completed his bachelor's in Education at Florida in 1995 and also has earned two master's degrees.