February 28, 2006
Citing a comprehensive and continuing commitment to Texas A&M University's basketball future, 12th Man Foundation officials recently announced that fundraising efforts have begun to develop a world-class basketball facility.
At the direction of Bill Byrne, Director of Athletics, designs are in process for Texas A&M to make another major step forward in its basketball programs with a building that would connect to Reed Arena and give the Aggies' men's and women's basketball teams a premier facility.
The 40,000-square-foot proposed facility will provide both the men's and women's basketball programs with state-of-the-art locker rooms, practice gyms, training rooms, player lounges, meeting rooms and reception areas.
"This is a very exciting announcement, and it means a great deal to us because it is another example of the continuing commitment our administration and donors are making toward having a nationally competitive basketball program," A&M head men's coach Billy Gillispie said. "We have to start off regionally, but in the long-term, we want to be nationally competitive on an annual basis. A facility of this size and scope is a huge step in the right direction."
The proposed basketball facility, which would be located on the southeast side of Reed Arena, will be presented for TAMUS Board of Regents and University approval as funding goals are reached. But according to the 12th Man Foundation, which handles fundraising for athletic scholarships and facilities, funding for this project is well underway and significant leadership gifts are in place.
"It's an exciting time for Texas A&M basketball in so many ways," said Bill Byrne. "The amazing progress our men's team has made under the direction of Billy Gillispie and our women's team has made under the guidance of Gary Blair has given Aggie fans a taste of what we can accomplish in basketball. But this proposed facility will help expedite our mission to become a national power in both men's and women's basketball. And considering the momentum that both Coach Gillispie and Coach Blair have already generated, the timing of this plan seems perfect."
Last season, Gillispie guided the men's team to its first postseason appearance (NIT) since 1994, while Blair led the A&M women's team to its first postseason trip (WNIT) since 1996.
As the 2005-06 regular season winds to a close this week, both teams are in the hunt for postseason tournament bids. While much of the foundation for a bright future has already been set in place, much more still needs to be done. This proposed facility could give A&M a tremendous recruiting advantage for decades to come.
"You want to be able to seize the moment and the momentum that has already been created, particularly in recruiting, by having all of the facilities in place that are going to attract the top players in the country," Blair said. "We have to make Texas A&M a destination for the top basketball players in the country, and we want people to come here to play. Whoever thought of Oklahoma and Connecticut being basketball powers years ago? All of a sudden those places upgraded their facilities, and you see what their basketball programs have become as a result. This facility can be that extra piece of the puzzle here at A&M that transforms us from a good program into a nationally elite one."
The proposed facility would also include equipment, treatment, rehabilitation, cardiovascular and weight rooms that will be shared by both men's and women's teams, as well as an impressive donor hospitality center and "great hall" that would add to the basketball ambience of Reed Arena.
"One of the things that are important to players these days is the kinds of facilities you have," Gillispie said. "We have a lot of great facilities here already, but we need to upgrade others. Basketball is all about the players. If you don't have great players, you're not going to win. With these upgrades, you aren't going to be able to go anywhere that is better than here. I think it's going to help us tremendously to sell the program as coaches."
Kay '02 and Jerry '72 Cox, of Houston, have agreed to chair Phase II of the Championship Vision campaign for athletic facilities with a goal of funding, along with the proposed basketball facility, three other athletic facility projects. These include a previously announced multi-purpose indoor facility adjacent to Kyle Field; the renovation and construction of a completely-redesigned Anderson Track & Field Complex; and a six-court indoor tennis facility to be used both for practice and NCAA competition events.
From a basketball perspective, Jerry Cox said the fundraising efforts for the new proposed facility at Reed Arena represent a landmark commitment.
"It's historic because we clearly have never made a serious commitment toward basketball," Cox said. "We recognize now that we need to be serious about basketball and that basketball is a critical part of the athletic excellence that we aspire to achieve.
"When we assessed the basketball facilities at competing programs, we realized that the gap was enormous," Cox continued. "This commitment is a makeup for all the decades we've been behind. This will put us--not equal to--but surpassing the best in the country as far as facilities are concerned. I'm also convinced we have the two best coaches in the country in Gary and Billy, so when we put this piece in place, we will have leaped an enormous chasm that exists between where we are and where we need to be."
Miles Marks, CEO of the 12th Man Foundation, emphasized that, while the leadership is now in place and that design is underway, the participation of the Aggie family is critical for final approval by the University and the Board of Regents to make these proposed facilities a reality.
To be part of the successful completion of these plans, please contact Stu Starner, Director of the Major Gifts group of the 12th Man Foundation at 979-260-7935.