Basketball, Sports

Chambers introduced as new coach

The Boston University men’s basketball Class of 2010 entered the program with arguably the most promise of any class in the team’s 100-year history. Corey Lowe, Tyler Morris, Carlos Strong and Scott Brittain made an immediate impact and (injuries excluded) have been monumentally critical players during the past three seasons. Conference honors were received, 1,000-point careers highlighted, individual school records shattered. But the class that lugged with it so much promise into the milky white walls of Case Gymnasium has yet to secure BU’s first bid to the NCAA Tournament since 2002.

That seven-year absence from the tournament is part of the reason the administration decided to fire 15-year head coach Dennis Wolff roughly a month ago. With the way members of the class that’s defined an era in Terrier hoops were bubbling Wednesday when the university introduced Wolff’s successor and the 24th coach in program history, Patrick Chambers, one would think they’ve already accomplished such a feat.

Though Chambers, 38, a former associate head coach under Jay Wright at Villanova University, has only held individual workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday (team workouts are expected to begin next week), redshirt junior guard Tyler Morris is already sold.

‘I feel like Coach Chambers is going to be the perfect leader and he’s going to lead us in the right direction,’ Morris, who is in the process of recovering from ACL surgery, said. ‘He’s not going to lead us astray, but we have to buy in. It’s going to be hard for guys that were used to Coach Wolff’s style and had a good relationship with him.’

One of the most talked about issues among players was Chambers’ mentality regarding individual skill sets.

‘They’re going to define their roles for me,’ Chambers said. ‘We’re going to feel them out, see what they can and cannot do and work with their strengths. If somebody likes the ball on the right wing, we’re going to get them the ball on the right wing. If somebody likes to shoot 3s, we’re going to make sure he’s shooting 3s. If somebody has a great handle, we’re going to make sure he’s bringing the ball up.’

That mentality was evident when Chambers worked with Matt Killen, a 6-foot-10 lanky center, on guard drills Tuesday, and even had him dribbling the ball behind his back.

‘He’s about players being the best players they can be,’ Morris said. ‘He’s not funneling guys into positions like, ‘You’re a rebounder. You’re a screener.’ He just wants guys to be players and have the ability to make plays.’

‘Within the first five minutes we spent with him, I was excited and I wish I had more years of eligibility,’ junior guard Corey Lowe, who is 10th on BU’s all-time scoring list, said. ‘He was so energetic and upbeat. It was a change of pace for us, and we were all kind of stunned.’

Chambers announced a vision for the program that includes playing every home game at Agganis Arena, building connections locally and nationally through alumni and charity events/clinics and becoming comparable to a Gonzaga University or Xavier University for the Northeast region.

‘I think this program is in a good position to do that. Maybe not right away, but it’s certainly what we’re building toward,’ Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike Lynch said.

Wright, toward whom Chambers was exceptionally grateful during the news conference, said the move is bittersweet given what Chambers meant to Villanova’s program – especially this season during its Final Four run.

‘In game situations, he’s a guy that I listen to, that I’m always talking to about strategy,’ Wright, who coached Hofstra University in the America East Conference from 1994-2001 and is a friend of Wolff’s, said of Chambers.

‘I would put him in any situation, and I think that’s what prepares him [for his first head coaching job]. That’s what BU saw, is someone who can represent them with alumni, with students, with players and recruits.’

Aside from differences cited during individual workouts, Chambers has already worked to improve team camaraderie by purchasing an Xbox 360 for the locker room.

‘I feel like guys are positive,’ Morris said. ‘I saw guys coming out of the workout yesterday smiling from ear to ear. That’s the first time I’ve seen that in three years.’

Chambers welcomed associate head coach Orlando Vandross (a 12-year veteran of the program) back in the same capacity and said the search for the remainder of his staff is underway. Chambers also said he’s working to keep Wolff’s recruits – B.J. Bailey and Daniel Munoz – with the program.

The administration declined to disclose details regarding the length or value of Chambers’ contract.

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