Ben Braun

To John Kasser, being an athletic director was always more than a 9-to-5 job. It was his passion and source of connection to his community.

Along with Duke, Georgetown and Texas, Cal will participate in the 2019 2K Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden next season from Nov. 21 to 22. The team that Cal will play in the opening round has yet to be released.

Wherever Braun has taken his clipboard and whistle, from the Michigan to the heart of the Bay Area, he has curated excellence. Building something from nothing, Braun has birthed gems from rubble.