News Mason Basketball Meet & Greet Set For Tuesday, Sept. 29th at EagleBank Arena

[JBiggs]

It hasn't been done yet, but it's on Brad Edwards' wish list. I think he said they are researching options.

Thanks.

 

[Five Two]

I've only been to the RAC a few times so I am not familiar with all it has to offer. Aren't there multiple courts there in addition to the volleyball/wrestling "arena"? Couldn't we take one of those courts and dedicate it to the hoops team? It may need some upgrades, but those costs would be minimal in comparison to constructing a new building.

 

[PoorManProfit]

IMO, with such a wealthy alumni base and corporate sponsors as Mason has, there is no reason why a state-of-the-art basketball practice facility can't be fully funded through private donations and built next to EagleBank Arena.

Come on. This didn't get done when the program was semi on the map and had a lot of mojo. To think about it happening now is just silly.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

Come on. This didn't get done when the program was semi on the map and had a lot of mojo. To think about it happening now is just silly.

Another take on this - when we were hot and sweaty and on top - one could argue we were successful without a practice facility. Now that we are in rebuilding mode - the argument and need for this might be a bit stronger.

 

[gmujim92]

Come on. This didn't get done when the program was semi on the map and had a lot of mojo. To think about it happening now is just silly.

Not silly at all.

The president who constrained the growth of our athletic department is gone. So is the dumbass AD who carried out his plans.

While I have questions about whether Cabrera will ever sign off on a dedicated practice facility, that doesn't mean it's a ludicrous idea that we could build one.

The money is there if Edwards is allowed to go out and get it.

 

[Dawgs99]

I didn't ask about a practice facility, but Brad Edwards told me that the sound system in EagleBank Arena has been replaced, and that they are also doing some less publicly-visible stuff like remodeling the locker rooms.

So are you saying that god awful old speaker thing is no longer hanging from the rafters? I really hope so....

 

[liem.le.3388]

So are you saying that god awful old speaker thing is no longer hanging from the rafters? I really hope so....

I still saw it up there yesterday, one of the speakers looked like out was about to fall off also.

 

[gmubball09]

I honestly think the Field House would be a better Student Athlete only facility than the Rac...Lets be honest, only student athletes really go there anyway (if I'm not mistaken they moved all intramural activities to the RAC).

 

[GMU92]

I've only been to the RAC a few times so I am not familiar with all it has to offer. Aren't there multiple courts there in addition to the volleyball/wrestling "arena"? Couldn't we take one of those courts and dedicate it to the hoops team? It may need some upgrades, but those costs would be minimal in comparison to constructing a new building.

Did we get state money for the expansion and renovation and operation of the RAC? The problem is that this may dictate it as a multi-purpose facility, precluding a NCAA hoops only space.

 

[Vurbel]

I'd be more interested in how schools on our level got funding for theirs, like Cleveland St and Delaware

With all due respect, we are not on the level of Cleveland State or Delaware. We are on the level of A10 teams. But then again, in recent years we could only hope to be on the level of Cleveland State and Delaware!

 

[Pablo]

I've only been to the RAC a few times so I am not familiar with all it has to offer. Aren't there multiple courts there in addition to the volleyball/wrestling "arena"? Couldn't we take one of those courts and dedicate it to the hoops team? It may need some upgrades, but those costs would be minimal in comparison to constructing a new building.

Five Two,

It's my understanding that there are 3 gyms in the RAC., and the preferred gym for men's basketball practice is the RAC Gym (which is also used as the volleyball & wrestling venue). When it isn't available, then the team practices in the Linn Gym. The Cage gym is used for physical education classes, intramurals, & club sports.

Like you, I thought that the RAC would suffice as a basketball practice facility until I learned that the hours are restricted and the building is locked to everyone including the team at closing. Interestingly, Hewitt believed it sufficed as a practice facility.

 

[MasonFanatic]

I wonder what it would take to give student athletes after-hours access to the RAC. That seems like an administrative problem that could be solved.

 

[GMUgemini]

I wonder what it would take to give student athletes after-hours access to the RAC. That seems like an administrative problem that could be solved.

Pay a couple of employees to sit there and make sure no one else comes in?

 

[gmujim92]

I wonder what it would take to give student athletes after-hours access to the RAC. That seems like an administrative problem that could be solved.

Give them all a key to the building?

 

[gmujim92]

Interestingly, Hewitt believed it sufficed as a practice facility.

That fact alone should've been the reddest of red flags to everyone that we really do need one.

 

[GMUSig03]

I had 24 hour access to the aquatic center when I was in college, shouldn't be that hard to figure out.

 

[GSII]

I think some are being to harsh on Caberrea. He did say that he is always open to considering football. That in and of itself says waaaaay more than our former President.

If I'm Caberrea, I'm trying to make sure MIT isn't coming down here to set up shop in my backyard. Thus the importance of the Capital Campaign. Mason needs to be a legit Research University and move up to the 2nd tier, heck even 1st tier. Why not? The location of Va Tech is better? Don't look at vcu who will go broke investing in bball instead of academics. Look forward so we start churning out Alumni that can stroke one check and create a practice gym like its nothing. And another for a new bball arena. I'm not too concerned with getting into an arms race with practice facilities. Yes we need one, but how many teams find a place to practice AND be successful? vcu practiced in the freaking turd bowl of richmond and they did pretty well growing their program. All in all, Brad and Caberra are looking b/c I know for a fact they went to the UR and vcu games last year to scope those places out. Surely, wasn't to watch us get worked.

 

[liem.le.3388]

I have nothing but respect for Caberra. He corrected the wrong and stated basketball is the Front door for the university. I believe he will back that up.

 

[gmujim92]

I have nothing but respect for Caberra. He corrected the wrong and stated basketball is the Front door for the university. I believe he will back that up.

Where did you see him say this? I must have missed it.

 

[GMUgemini]

Where did you see him say this? I must have missed it.

I think either he or Edwards said it when Edwards was being introduced as the new AD.