Ben Braun was born on November 25, 1953, in Illinois. He grew up in a household surrounded by the entertainment industry, as his father was the Oscar-nominated film producer Zev Braun. Despite his family's ties to Hollywood, Ben found his passion in basketball.
He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he not only excelled academically but also began to hone his skills on the basketball court. After graduating, he knew that coaching was his calling.
Ben Braun started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Washington Park High School. It was here that he learned the ropes of leadership and mentorship, guiding young players and developing his coaching style. His dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and soon, he was ready to take on a bigger challenge.
Ben's big break came when he joined the coaching staff at Rice University. His impact was immediate, as he led the team to new heights and earned himself a reputation as a rising star in the coaching world. His success at Rice caught the attention of the University of California, where he would go on to spend several successful years.
During his time with the Golden Bears, Ben Braun solidified his status as one of the top college basketball coaches in the country. He won the MAC Coach of the Year Award three times, in 1988, 1991, and 1996, a testament to his coaching prowess and dedication to his players' success.
Ben Braun's coaching career reached new heights when he took the helm at Eastern Michigan University. He left a lasting impact on the program, leading the team to 185 wins, the most in school history for a single coach. His tenure at Eastern Michigan solidified his legacy as a coaching legend.
Off the court, Ben Braun is a devoted family man. His upbringing in a creative household has instilled in him a love for the arts, and he continues to find inspiration in his father's work as a film producer. His family's support has been instrumental in his success as a coach.
Ben Braun's passion for basketball and commitment to excellence have made him a respected figure in the world of college basketball. His influence on the players he has coached and the teams he has led is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes to come.