Nov. 15 URI web chat to feature men’s hoop skipper
KINGSTON, R.I. — November 8, 2005 — Want to get the inside story on the big URI-PC men’s hoop game at the Ryan Center this year? Or how about getting the lowdown on the new Rhody team members and how they are working with the veterans?
Then you should join men’s basketball coach Jim Baron for a web chat Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.
Anticipation is high for the Rhody men’s basketball team this season, especially after newcomers and veterans looked strong in the 90-69 exhibition win over Concordia earlier this month. Fans are looking forward to a great home slate for 2005-2006 with games against Providence, Boston College, which is coached by former Rams’ head coach Al Skinner, Manhattan, Ohio University and a blockbuster lineup of Atlantic 10 foes, including newcomers St. Louis and Richmond.
While participants may submit questions now, questions will not appear until the web chat. Baron will respond to as many as possible in 30 minutes. A full transcript will be posted at advance.uri.edu/chats at the conclusion of the chat.
Those with questions may contact the URI Publications Office at 401-874-2075, or by email at eservices@advance.uri.edu. The Division of University Advancement presents the web chat series.
Those who join the chat will be able to ask Baron what it takes to build a successful program.
While winning is a key factor for any college team, Baron prides himself and his program on developing players both on and off the floor.
“It takes time to truly build a program,” Baron said. “It’s a continual process that we are carefully working on. We want our players to do it in the classroom, not just on the court. Developing these young men in all phases of life is very important to us.”
His track record for overall success has made Baron a highly sought after coach, a fact that Rhode Island officials have acknowledged. Baron is under contract to the school through the 2012-13 season.
Four years ago Baron inherited a team coming off a dismal stretch that saw the Rams go 12-48. After struggling to an 8-20 mark in his first season, Rhode Island went 20-11 in 2002-03, advancing to the second round of the NIT. The big turnaround earned Baron Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honors. It marked the second time his fellow coaches bestowed the honor upon him.