LAS CRUCES, N.M. - An NBA Draft pick. A three-time NBA champion. A member of one of the best dynasties in all of sports.
Yes, former NM State men's basketball star Randy Brown has been all of those things throughout his professional career, but now he can add the title of NM State graduate to that list.
Wednesday afternoon, NM State athletics announced that Brown, who suited up for the Aggie men's basketball team from 1989-91, earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from the university.
"Some of the best memories the sport of basketball has afforded me came in Las Cruces, New Mexico," Brown commented. "NM State instilled many high-quality values I carried with me to my NBA career and I am filled with pride to finally obtain my degree from the university that set the stage for my life."
For two memorable seasons (1989-91), Brown was a fixture for the Aggies who challenged nationally-ranked juggernaut UNLV for Big West supremacy. With the eventual three-time NBA champion on their side, the Aggies racked up a 49-11 record which included a 31-5 mark in Big West action.
A two-time All-Big West Conference First Team honoree, Brown averaged 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 60 appearances for the Aggies. During Brown's career in Las Cruces, NM State clinched a share of the Big West regular season title in the 1989-90 season and made a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances.
Following the conclusion of the Aggies' 1990-91 campaign, Brown began his quest to play in the NBA. The backcourt star was selected by the Sacramento Kings as the 31st overall pick of the 1991 NBA Draft and went on to spend four seasons with the Kings. It was with the Chicago Bulls, however, that Brown's winningest days in the NBA occurred. From 1995-2000, Brown suited up for his hometown club alongside the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin and Dennis Rodman. Through his five-year run with the Bulls, Brown won a trio of NBA titles and through his 12-year NBA career the Chicago, Ill., native amassed 3,148 points, 1,420 assists and 722 steals.
Brown continued his affiliation with the Chicago Bulls when he was hired by the club as its director of player development in July of 2009. He was elevated to the level of assistant general manager in 2013 and also served as an assistant coach for the Bulls from 2015-18.
"For many years I have met with kids on the importance of getting an education," continued Brown. "Now I can honestly deliver this message to children everywhere by completing a goal of mine: graduating from such a fine university."
For complete coverage of NM State men's basketball as the Aggies prepare for the 2021-22 campaign, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Men's Basketball), Twitter (@NMStateMBB) and Instagram (@NMStateMBB).
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