The Sage College of Albany chose Brian Barnes to be the first coach of its men's basketball program that will begin varsity play in 2009-10. Sage is the co-educational counterpart of Russell Sage, a women's college that competes in the Skyline Conference.

Barnes had been an assistant coach under Mike Griffin at RPI since 2005. He played four years at Division I Albany and was the Danes' captain as a senior in 2003. He earned a master's in educational administration while serving as Albany's director of basketball operations for two seasons.

“What made Brian the perfect fit for Sage was his dedication to Division III athletics as part of the educational experience as well as his local knowledge,” said Sage athletic director Dani Drews. “Brian impressed us with his organizational skills, his eloquence and his passion for the game.”

The men's basketball team will join the rest of the Gator programs in the Skyline Conference. The addition of the program is a part of The Sage Colleges athletics expansion plan that includes the start of six new men's teams by 2010-11.