JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One of Jacksonville University's all-time greats is coming home. Senior Vice President and Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert announced on Thursday that Jacksonville Hall of Famer and 1990 Alumnus, Dee Brown, will return to the University as the Executive Director of University and Athletics Relations, drawing upon his decades of success in the NCAA, NBA, WNBA and beyond to prepare coaches and student-athletes for leadership and success, between the lines and in life.

Brown, a Jacksonville native, Bolles graduate and the former 19th overall pick of the Boston Celtics in the 1990 National Basketball Association Draft, will monitor, track, and help address the needs and concerns of student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Brown has a deep background identifying the tools an individual needs to be successful and he's been a mentor to some of the most talented individuals playing in the NBA and G-League to this day. As part of his new role, Brown will create player development programming for all sports to enhance the coach and student-athlete experience and delivers on the department's mission to foster a relationship-driven, student-athlete-centered, culture of development.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dee back to Jacksonville University," Ricker-Gilbert said. "I have had the great fortune of getting to know Dee over the last several years and we are getting an absolute superstar in the industry. His arrival furthers our mission of putting our students at the forefront of everything we do. Dee will work with all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to assist with their growth and development. He's the exact fit that we needed for a role like this. He will be a leader on campus and beyond as we enhance our profile as a preeminent institution in the southeast. Welcome home, Dee!"

Beginning July 1, 2021, Brown will serve as a Jacksonville University ambassador in the community, attending events, engaging with passionate supporters of JU programs in an effort to expand financial support, as well as assisting in the recruitment and retention of students at Jacksonville University.

"I am very honored to be coming back home to Jacksonville University," Brown said. "It is such a privilege, and I would like to thank President Tim Cost and Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert for giving me this opportunity to be part of my alma mater. I look forward to working with the great faculty and staff already in place at JU, to be part of growing the athletic department and the University, and to continue the hard work that has already begun."

Brown previously served as Vice President, Integrated Development & G League Operations for the LA Clippers and the General Manager of the Clippers G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (2017-2021). His star began to rise following a stellar collegiate career at Jacksonville University, where he was selected by Boston in the 1990 NBA Draft, earning All-Rookie First Team honors and helping the Celtics win the Atlantic Division. Without question, his status as a basketball and cultural icon was solidified when he won the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk contest, shocking the world with his now-legendary no-look dunk.

"Dee has more than 15 years of experience in the NBA," Ricker-Gilbert continued. "First as an outstanding player, then as a coach both in the NBA and WNBA, and later working in player development for several NBA franchises. He knows how to relate to student-athletes as they reach for the next level, and he knows what it takes to get there. He'll not only serve as a supportive mentor, but as an experienced counselor who will be honest with them about the hard work and commitment required to reach their goals."

To this day, Brown remains one of just six Dolphin basketball greats to have his number retired. His #4 hangs in the Swisher Gymnasium rafters alongside the likes of Rex Morgan (24), Otis Smith (32), James Ray (43), Roger Strickland (52) and Artis Gilmore (53). He scored 1,503 points in his career and remains in the program's top 10 list in eight categories and is top five in three. The two-time All-America Honorable Mention still holds the JU single season steals record with 88 in 1989-90.

"My time as a student-athlete at JU was full of great memories, growth and development," Brown continued. "I had the opportunity to experience wonderful coaches, professors and administrators. It is my hope that being part of the JU Leadership team will allow me the opportunity to help lead our great University for years to come. I will bring my 30 years of experience in the NBA as a player, coach and executive and fully apply those experiences and continue to grow, build a culture of excellence and focus on the outstanding student-athletes at JU."

"Dee is one of a growing list of talented graduates committed to returning to help their alma matter," Jacksonville University President Tim Cost said. "We're grateful for his passion and dedication. He's a world class executive, leader and motivator. We are excited to have him back making our entire University stronger and better."

Brown's impact on Jacksonville University has already been felt in recent weeks. He's been engaged on campus, meeting with teams, attended games and was a key contributor to the men's basketball head coaching search that resulted in the hiring of Jordan Mincy. "This program is your program," Mincy said during his introductory press conference while addressing alumni. "We want you all to be here and to help us build this program from the ground up."

"Dee Brown is a sterling example of the level of success that the Jacksonville men's basketball program and Jacksonville Athletics in general can achieve and to have a representative like him as a part of the department, as a part of the journey will not only pay dividends to a rising men's basketball program but all programs," Ricker-Gilbert concluded.

He and his wife, Tammy, have a son, Anakin, and three daughters, Alexis, Alyssa and Alanni. Alexis (Lexie) was the 9th overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft after a decorated collegiate career at Maryland and Duke and currently plays for the Minnesota Lynx.