University of Houston Athletics
What They're Saying About Tom Penders
3/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 23, 2004
Lance Blanks, former UT player and current Director of Scouting/Broadcast TV Color Analyst for the San Antonio Spurs --- "I am ecstatic for him and the University of Houston. This is well-deserved for Coach Penders, and a great marriage between the two parties. Coach Penders gets to return to coaching where he belongs, and he can give a nice jumpstart to the Houston basketball program. I am excited for both."
Rick Majerus, former Head Coach at Utah --- "It is great to have Tom Penders back in coaching. He is an excellent coach and outstanding tactician and a great mentor of young men. He really cares about his student-athletes, and he has a concern for their well-being. He is a fine teach of the game and is committed to excellence. He will do an outstanding job with the Houston program. The players will enjoy playing for him, and the fans will flock to the games to watch his team play."
Lynden Rose (1980-82), former UH player and current UH System Board of Regent --- "While I did not make a recommendation for the men's basketball position at UH, I've know Tom Penders for a while and he is an outstanding coach. I fully support this decision."
Tom Izzo, Head Coach at Michigan State University --- "This is great news for Tom Penders and the University of Houston, but even better for college basketball. To have someone who has had as much success as Tom back in the coaching ranks is great for the game. I am excited for Tom and expect him to be very successful with the Cougar basketball program."
Don Haskins, former Head Coach at UTEP and member of the National Basketball Hall of Fame --- "I like Tom Penders. I think he's a great guy. He really got things going at Texas. I thought he did a tremendous job. I like his style, and the people there are going to like it. It's going to be wide open. I think it's an excellent hire for the University of Houston."
John Moores, UH benefactor and owner of the San Diego Padres --- "I have been a long-time admirer of Tom Penders', both as a person and his coaching style. Tom is a great hire for the University of Houston and will breathe life back in our basketball program."
Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach at Duke --- "Tom and I have been friends for a long time. He has a track record of success everywhere he's been. That should not change at Houston. Tom is one of the colorful personalities in our profession and I am pleased for him that he'll be returning to coaching. Houston is very fortunate to be hiring a coach of his caliber."
Jay Gogue, President of the University of Houston --- "The selection of Tom Penders to lead the turnaround of our men's basketball program provides the University of Houston an opportunity to aggressively compete for student-athletes in the months and years ahead. Following a thorough review of the candidates available to Athletics Director Dave Maggard, we felt Tom could best handle all the demands of this assignment. We look forward to watching as Tom works to restore the lustre to Cougar basketball."
Guy V. Lewis, former UH Head Coach --- "I saw his teams play at Texas, and they were good. I will be attending all the games and hope he can be just as successful here."
Jack Kvancz, Director of Athletics at George Washington University --- "I am very happy for Tom and I wish him the best of luck."
