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Brian Fogel, who replaces his boss of three years, Bob Williams, is ecstatic to be named UC Davis' head basketball coach. He signed a one-year deal. Bee/Chris Crewell

UCD names Fogel its coach

Candidates came calling from all over the state, but it turns out UC Davis had its man on campus all along.

Brian Fogel, an assistant coach who helped guide the Aggies to the NCAA Division II national championship this past season, was named the school's new men's basketball coach Friday.

"Maintaining continuity and having someone familiar with the program was important," UC Davis athletic director Greg Warzecka said. "Brian understands our needs, and that's why we thought he was the right person for the job."

Fogel, 33, replaces his boss of three years, Bob Williams, who left last month to become the coach at UC Santa Barbara.

Fogel signed a one-year contract worth approximately $60,000.

"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity," Fogel said at a press conference inside the UC Davis Rec Hall. "I think my coaching experience, especially here, has prepared me for the job ahead. This is a great school at which to recruit, teach and coach, and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Fogel was a logical choice. He had a hand in recruiting the majority of players who helped the Aggies post a school-best 31-2 record last season and a 14-0 mark in the Northern California Athletic Conference.

Moreover, he has 10 years of experience, working as an assistant at San Francisco State, Cal and Sonoma State and as head coach at Skyline College.

Fogel beat out San Jose State assistant Stan Stewart, University of the Pacific assistant Tony Marcopulos and Canada College coach Mike Legarza.

Stewart, Marcopulos and Legarza had strong qualifications, but Warzecka was impressed with Fogel's ability to teach and recruit.

"He has a great deal of talent as a coach an educator. His personality and work ethic will serve recruits, alumni and fans well."

Warzecka made the final decision, but the UC Davis players had a say in the selection.

Sophomore forward Jason Cox said two players were on the search committee, and each candidate was interviewed by the team.

"We're very happy with the choice," junior guard Dante Ross said. "He (Fogel) was our guy all along. We're happy that the university valued our opinion."

Fogel said he will maintain Williams' disciplined style of play, which helped the Aggies to a 75-17 record in three seasons, including a 39-3 mark in the NCAC.

Fogel didn't predict a repeat of the Aggies' national title, but he did outline goals for the program.

"We want to maintain a high level of success and continue to graduate student-athletes. Those are my expectations," Fogel said.

Fogel gained his first coaching experience at his alma mater, Sonoma State, helping the Cossacks to an NCAC championship and an NCAA West Regional berth in 1989.

After assisting with the Cal program in 1990-1991, he moved to San Francisco State, where the Gators improved their season win total from seven to 21 during the three years he was there. The Gators' rise culminated with a conference championship and regional playoff appearance in 1994.

As a player, he led Sonoma State to the NCAC title in 1987 and was named the Harry Griffith Sportsmanship Award winner. He was named to the NCAC all-conference team and is a member of the Sonoma State Athletic Hall of Fame.

Fogel file