Rob Lanier was introduced as the 26th head men’s basketball coach at Rice University during a press conference March 26.
Lanier, who has more than 30 years of experience as a collegiate coach including nine seasons as a head coach at Siena College, Georgia State University and Southern Methodist University, was joined by family, friends and his staff while he was welcomed to campus. He said he looks forward to creating a family environment within the program and developing a high standard of competition that results in wins and championships at Rice in the coming years.
“I think great institutions have an identity and an umbrella that the athletic departments and other departments on the campus represent,” Lanier said. “You want (your players) to aspire to something beyond athletics. Well, when you commit to Rice, you’ve already done that.
“Our players are going to have to work harder than they’ve ever worked before. We’re going to put in more time than you’ve ever put in before. You’re going to get better, and we’re going to compete for championships.”
Tommy McClelland, vice president and director of athletics, said Lanier met all of the traits and characteristics that Rice was looking for in its new men’s basketball coach.
“I spent an entire afternoon with Coach Lanier on Sunday, not only discussing this opportunity, learning more about what excites him about Rice and why he would be the right coach for us, but I also had the great fortune to spend time with his wonderful family,” McClelland said. “And one thing became very clear to me during these conversations — that Rob Lanier was the right fit, the right person, the right coach and the right visionary leader that we had been looking for from the very beginning.”
“Tommy McClelland is developing a compelling and bold vision and strategy to take Rice Athletics to the next level of excellence,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said during his opening remarks. “Rob, I know that your decades of experience, competitive spirit, integrity, winning track record and your commitment to excellence are going to help us get there and take the basketball program to new heights. Welcome to Rice University.”
Lanier said fans can expect a hard-nosed team next year and beyond that plays tough defense and fast on offense.
“We’re going to win,” he said. “It’s not a hope. It’s not a dream. It’s a reality. We’re going to fill the building, and people are going to be excited by how hard we play and how committed we are.
“We’re going to be one of the best defensive teams in the country, and everybody we play against is going to know that they’re going to have to play their best that night. And we’re going to represent this institution in a way that everybody can be proud of. We want to do it the Rice way, and we’re going to do it with pride.”
Attending the press conference with Lanier was his son Emory Lanier, who will be joining the Owls basketball team after playing under his dad for the past two years at SMU. Emory, who took an official visit to Rice while he was in high school, said he’s happy his journey has come full circle and ended up with him playing for the Owls five years later.
“It’s very exciting,” Emory said. “That’s just how college basketball works now. Last week, I just got finished playing in a game, and now I’m here … I’m very excited and optimistic about the opportunity.”
Former NBA star T.J. Ford, who played under and was recruited by Lanier at the University of Texas and is a Houston native, also attended the event. The two have maintained a close relationship throughout and after Ford’s professional career.
“When you look at the alumni at Rice University, it’s an elite class,” Ford said. “And I think (Lanier) is known for finding those right types of athletes that can fit the program and fit the needs and what the university likes. If you give him the time, he’s going to turn things around.
“I just think having a stand-up guy with good character — a program builder — everybody's going to love him here.”
To read more about Lanier and the Owls, visit riceowls.com.
