5 day forecast
Ferry formally introduced as new Duquesne basketball coach
Share with others:
Jim Ferry was introduced as the next men's basketball coach at Duquesne Thursday and said he hopes to bring the program "back to where it belongs."
Ferry spoke to a small crowd gathered at the Palumbo Center that included players, cheerleaders, and supporters of the program.
"I think we have some great people here. I think we have a University that is committed. You have a conference that is one of the tops in the country, and it's my job, and I take pride in that, in building Duquesne basketball back to where it belongs," said Ferry. "I think Duquesne University, the city of Pittsburgh deserves a great, tough, aggressive basketball program.
Ferry was hired Tuesday after a two and a half week coaching search by athletic director Greg Amodio who fired Ron Everhart on March 23.
PG VIDEOPresident Charles Dougherty opened by sharing some lofty expectations on what Ferry's hire will mean for the future of the program.
He welcomed those in attendance to a "new era in Duquesne basketball."
He described that era as: "An era of renewal, an era of success.
Success on the basketball court is important to the University for a number of reasons. It will restore the luster of the glory days of Duquesne basketball and strengthen the loyalty of our alums to the University. It will help us recruit a new generation of students to the University to be part of the excitement of a successful basketball program.
"It will be a source of revenue for the University, funding basketball itself, but also helping with the University's general budget. It will further enhance Duquesne University's growing nationalreputation."
Ferry spent 10 seasons at Long Island University Brooklyn and said it had to take a special job to leave.
He called the Duquesne position the right fit.
"I said this a while back that it would have to take something special for me to leave LIU. When I met these guys, it was automatic," said Ferry.
"It just came together."
First Published April 12, 2012 5:17 pm
