The foundation for winning is already in place. The quality of play in the America East Conference is high, we have great on-campus facilities, and there is a strong direction within the athletics department.

There aren't many cases with the mythic quality of the Dahlia. London has Jack the Ripper. America has the Black Dahlia.

I am extremely impressed with the leadership and mission of the University of Hartford under President (Walt) Harrison. I'm joining the university at a time of tremendous growth and see it as an opportunity to build a successful basketball team with a winning tradition of which our students, alumni and community can be proud.

I don't know how I could ever thank Coach Chaney enough. I know him as well as anyone in the world. I couldn't have had a better mentor. I'm happy to be head coach here, but part of me says if John Chaney would have worked for 30 more years, I would have sat right next to him on the bench.

No we're not going to practice at 5:30 a.m.. We're going to be disciplined but I've had enough of that. I've got to get some sleep.

I'm joining the university at a time of tremendous growth and see it as an opportunity to build a successful basketball team with a winning tradition of which our students, alumni and community can be proud.