University of Richmond names basketball court for former coach

Dick Tarrant is the school’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

July 28, 2015; 9:45 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Beginning with the 2015-16 season, when Spider basketball teams are victorious in the Robins Center, the triumphs will be accomplished and celebrated on a floor named for the school’s all-time winningest coach.

“We are proud to honor our legendary Hall of Fame coach Dick Tarrant, and those who played for him and coached with him, in naming the Robins Center floor Dick Tarrant Court,” announced Director of Athletics Keith Gill. “Coach Tarrant not only led the program through one of its most successful eras, but he embodies Richmond Basketball. This is the perfect tribute to recognize the impact that Coach Tarrant had on the Spider community.”

Richmond is the first of the 14 NCAA Division I schools in Virginia to name its basketball court for a head coach. A ceremony honoring Coach Tarrant and christening the Dick Tarrant Court logo on the floor will be held at the season-opening men’s basketball game, Friday Nov. 13 when the Spiders host long-time rival James Madison.

Tarrant’s Spider teams posted a record of 239-126 (.655) during 12 seasons from 1981-1993, including an impressive 127-36 (.779) mark on the Robins Center court. Tarrant led the Spiders to eight 20-win seasons, four Colonial Athletic Association championships, five NCAA Tournament appearances and four trips to the National Invitational Tournament.

”I can’t fully comprehend why so many wonderful things are happening to me—20 years after my retirement,” said Tarrant. “Coaches and athletes are normally soon forgotten at the conclusion of their careers. This tremendous tribute is often times reserved for Hall of Fame coaches such as Coach K, Lou Carnesecca and others. So, I am thankful to all those who were instrumental in this honor. I am flattered beyond words.”