May 17, 2006

St. Louis - Saint Louis head men's basketball coach Brad Soderberg today announced that Chris Sloan has resigned as director of basketball operations to enter graduate school. Former Billiken student manager Brian Bertucci will assume those same duties beginning June 1.

"We cannot thank Chris enough for his contributions to our program both on and off the court, but working toward his graduate degree is another step toward his goal of a career in collegiate athletics," Soderberg said. "Brian earned our respect during his time as the head manager for our program. He is passionate about college basketball in general and Billiken basketball in particular. Brian's exemplary work ethic stood out as a manager, and he will be a quality addition to our staff."

Sloan served two years in the role of director of basketball operations. He moved into the newly created position when Lance Randall left the staff in October 2004. Sloan was a standout forward for the Billikens from 2001 to 2004. He shared the Bills' 2003-04 Defensive Player of the Year award with fellow senior Josh Fisher and was a three-time recipient of the Most Inspirational Award.

"I am grateful to have been a part of the Saint Louis University basketball program as a player and a staff member for the past six years, and I will always be a Billiken," Sloan said. "An opportunity to further my education has presented itself, and it is in my best interest to pursue it at this time. This will allow me to build upon my experience as a student-athlete and administrator. I plan on staying close to the program and wish all the best to the coaches and players."

Bertucci earned his bachelor of science degree in accounting/management information systems from SLU in 2005. During his three-year career on the Billikens' managerial staff, he was head manager during both his junior and senior years. Bertucci worked for the Ernst & Young accounting firm following his graduation from the University.