Bradley University Athletics

Rick Karius begins his first season at Bradley as the Director of Operations on Brian Wardle's first Braves men's basketball staff.

Karius followed Wardle from Green Bay, where he worked in a similar role the previous two seasons while helping the Phoenix to consecutive 24-win seasons, the 2014 Horizon League regular-season title and a pair of trips to the National Invitation Tournament.  He joined the Phoenix as video coordinator during the 2013-14 season and served as Director of Basketball Operations in 2014-15.

Karius brings six years of collegiate basketball professional experience to Bradley. Prior to his efforts at Green Bay, Karius spent two seasons (2011-13) as an assistant coach at his alma mater UW-La Crosse. He also spent the 2010-11 season as an assistant coach at UW-Superior and the 2009-10 season at Southwest Minnesota State.

A native of Chilton, Wis., Karius was a four-year letterwinner at UW-La Crosse and served as a team captain. He was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll and All-Sportsmanship Team before his 2009 graduation.