FORT COLLINS – Colorado State University Director of Athletics Paul Kowalczyk Thursday named Tim Miles the school's new men's basketball coach.

"Tim was an individual from the outset of the search that we identified as our top candidate. He exemplifies the qualities we sought in our head coach," said Kowalczyk.

"We are extremely excited. We firmly believe that we have an individual who is going to provide leadership for our student-athletes and a program that fans and alumni will be proud to support."

Kowalczyk had listed several attributes he was seeking when the search began Mar. 12 for the school's 19th men's basketball coach.

"We wanted a person of integrity with character and principles who is focused on graduating student-athletes. It was important to attract a coach who is a tireless worker who fits at Colorado State and is comfortable in the role of being a teacher, and someone who strikes a cord with our fans and the community," he said.

"I believe Tim Miles fits every one of those qualifications. We have as a goal for our program to be in the NCAA Tournament consistently."

Miles comes to Colorado State with 12 years of experience as a head coach at three institutions. He has a career record of 212-132, and an 84-48 record in conference games that includes three conference championships and three national tournament appearances.

"I am honored with the opportunity to be the head coach at Colorado State," said Miles. "I am excited to get started."

Miles said the foundation for success in his program lies in several key areas.

"It is essential that our players realize the value of their education at CSU," he said. "Academics is our top priority. We also want to represent this program, this university, and this community in a first-class manner at all times."

"On the court, we will emphasize teamwork, an offense that values every possession and efficient shot selection, and defensive pressure."

Miles has been the head coach at North Dakota State from 2001 to now, overseeing the Bison's re-classification move to NCAA Division I status.

His 2006-07 team finished 20-8, one of only two NCAA Division I independent programs to win at least 20 games. Included among the team's victories was a win at then-No. 8 Marquette, a team that participated in the NCAA Tournament.

In 2005-06, the Bison earned similar national attention by defeating nationally-ranked Wisconsin on the road. He also previously served as the head coach at Southwest Minnesota State University from 1997-2001, and Mayville State University, 1995-97.

He began his coaching career in 1989 as an assistant at Northern State, where he served from 1989-95.

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