What did we learn about the immediate and long-term future of the Virginia men's basketball program under Ryan Odom from his introductory press conference?
Ryan Odom was formally introduced as the head coach of the Virginia men's basketball program on Monday afternoon at John Paul Jones Arena. Odom and UVA director of athletics Carla Williams took turns at the podium addressing the media, current Virginia players, other UVA coaches, staff, and administrative personnel, and a gathering of fans who attended the public event. Williams and Odom also spoke with the media briefly after the press conference to answer a few more questions.
For Carla Williams and UVA's search committee, which included deputy athletics director Wally Walker, associate director of athletics for development Barry Parkhill, and chief operating officer Steve Pritzker, Odom became the top choice due to a combination of factors. His previous ties to and love for the University of Virginia was helpful, but Odom's coaching acumen and pedigree separated himself from the other candidates.
So, Virginia wanted Odom and Odom wanted Virginia. But what about plans for the immediate future of the program? Who from the current roster will stay at UVA and what will Odom's staff look like? There weren't many specifics, but we did get some bread crumbs of information. Odom was asked about his recruiting philosophy and his answer indicated a preference for recruiting and developing high school players and using the transfer portal to fill gaps, but he also suggested that sometimes more transfer activity is required especially when starting new at a program as he is preparing to do for a third time in the last five years.
Odom did not go into much detail about his coaching staff, but confirmed that his staff at VCU will be joining him at Virginia.
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