UMBC coach Randy Monroe guided the Retrievers to their first NCAA Division I Tournament in the Catonsville school?s 40-year history with an 82-65 win over Hartford in America East Tournament final. Monroe, 45, is in his fourth year as head coach after spending the previous 10 seasons as an assistant coach at the school.
What makes this win for you so special in the history of the UMBCmen’s basketball program?
For me, the greatest moment as a coach is watching the guys sit back and enjoy cutting down that net and embracing one another, embracing family and friend and watching former players come down here from when I was here as an assistant coach. That’s what’s coaching is all about. Just building those special relationships of former players coming back and wanting to be a part of this, that makes this much more special.
How has the adversity your team faced this season, including an injury to then-leading scorer guard Brian Hodges, which depleted your already thin bench help you reach this point of the season?
It’s a credit to the team. Because they are a mature group, they knew how to handle the situation with Brian. It said a lot about different guards stepping up. [Sophomore guard] Matt Spadafora stepped up big and made some nice shots against Hartford. He had a nice run as a sophomore. The injuries also helped [sophomore forward] Justin Fry get some more minutes. If anything, it helped those guys prepare not only for this year, but for next year.”
How do you now prepare for an opponent that you will only have a few days to get ready to play?
After the NCAA Selection Show [on Sunday night], we’ll start getting ready for that opponent, whoever it is. One thing we can do right now is enjoy this precious moment today.
