U. graduate Rubincam named acting Big 5 head

Former Penn Athletic Director Paul Rubincam was picked as acting executive director of the Big 5, replacing Dan Baker, who lauded the selection Former Penn Athletic Director Paul Rubincam has been appointed acting executive director of the Big 5 basketball league, replacing Dan Baker, who served as Big 5 executive secretary from Sept. 1981 to June 1996. Rubincam, who will assume his post immediately, served as the University's athletic director from 1986 to 1993 and then as director of special gifts development until the Big 5 announcement yesterday. "I think Paul's an excellent choice," Senior Associate Athletic Director Carolyn Schlie Femovich said, adding that his experience dealing with the member institutions and his marketing and public relations savvy should benefit all parties. Baker, in a prepared statement, praised Rubincam's enthusiasm. "Paul brings a unique perspective to the position," Baker said. "He is energetic and relates very well with people." The Big 5, which was officially formed in 1954, includes Penn, La Salle, St. Joseph's, Temple and Villanova. Drexel could possibly be added in the near future. Rubincam might examine what some say is a declining interest in the Big 5, partially because of Villanova's 1991 request that members only play two league games each season instead of four -- the standard since 1954. Also, critics have said that the Big 5 has outlasted its own good. With all schools playing in prominent national conferences, some say the Big 5 is no longer needed to shed light on what were obscure basketball programs. Drexel could arguably benefit from the increased attention, since it plays in the North Atlantic Conference -- wihch isn't known for it hoops prowess. The Palestra hosted nearly all Big 5 games until 1986, when Temple and Villanova chose to play games at its home facilities. Big 5 games found a home in 1991 at the CoreStates Spectrum -- a home that lasted just five seasons, as the schools have elected to hold contests at the site the home team chooses. Rubincam, a 1959 Penn alumnus and former Penn basketball player, has worked for the the University since 1962. He said last night he would not comment on the situation until today. On Dec. 20, 1995 the five Big 5 presidents signed a four-year contract that extends the half round-robin tournament practice as well as permitting each school to play its home games at a site of its choosing. Baker, Athletic Director Steve Bilsky and Quakers coach Fran Dunphy were also unavailable for comment as of late last night.

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