When he took over the men’s basketball program in May 2004, Towson University coach Pat Kennedy said the three-year mark would be crucial in determining the program’s direction.
After a 15-17 season and a one-and-done showing in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament, onlookers might not be impressed. But those results don’t tell how far the Tigers have come.
“I think the program has made great strides in the first three years,” Towson director of athletics Mike Hermann said. “I think this year, on a game-in-game-out basis, we’ve been competitive in every game.”
Hermann wasn’t at Towson when Kennedy was hired, but the program has improved even in the past year. Hermann would like to see more improvement, but he is happy with the progress so far.
The scoring prowess of transfer guard Gary Neal brought some national attention to Towson, and with that attention came heightened expectations.
“If you’re building a program, you want expectations,” Kennedy said. “I think Gary helped create it somewhat, as well, because he’s a very special player.”
While Neal’s graduation leaves a void, it could also create more exposure, as the 6-foot-4 guard is expected to draw professional attention. The CAA is getting national attention, too. And with the strides made this season, Kennedy has hope for the future, particularly because of the strength of the CAA.
“Your tournament is such an essential part of your conference,” Kennedy said. “And I think we’re going to get two teams in [the NCAA tournament] consistently.”
Towson gave second-seeded Old Dominion problems last weekend before coming up short when a last-second three-point attempt by freshman Rodney Spruill hit the front of the rim.
“I guess for this year, it was kind of fitting because we had so many of them,” Kennedy said of close finishes. “The great thing for next year’s team is that’s an immediate goal there. Next year’s team will want to finish games much better.”
Kennedy said this week that he regretted putting the Tigers through a tough non-conference schedule early in the year, but he was happy with the team’s season in total.
“Collectively, all the steps are extremely important because it shows people the direction you’re going,” Kennedy said.
TIGER NOTES
» With 22 points in the season finale, Towson guard Gary Neal set a single-season scoring record of 810 points, surpassing Kurk Lee’s 805 from 1989-90.
» Towson played a school-record 32 games in 2006-07.
