Men’s hoops to hold Rocket Roundball Social in Savage Arena Oct. 16

October 9, 2017 | Athletics, Events

By Steve Easton

ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy will serve as the keynote speaker for Toledo’s annual Rocket Roundball Social Monday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the main floor in Savage Arena.

UT President Sharon L. Gaber is hosting the event, and all proceeds will go directly to the Toledo Men’s Basketball Progress Fund.

Van Gundy

The Rocket Roundball Social, which is an event that has grown into a UT basketball tradition, offers individuals the opportunity to meet Dr. Gaber, Head Coach Tod Kowalczyk, his staff and players while sampling food from some of Toledo’s finest restaurants.

Van Gundy joined ESPN in 2007 and serves as analyst for the NBA finals on ABC, the NBA conference finals, NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, and several regular-season and NBA playoff games.

Prior to joining ESPN, Van Gundy was the head coach of the Houston Rockets, where he had a 182-146 record. He also served as head coach of the New York Knicks from 1995 to 2002 and compiled a 248-172 mark. Van Gundy graduated from Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y., where he helped the Golden Flyers to the NCAA Division III Eastern Regional title in 1984 and was honored with induction into the Nazareth College Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

“We’re extremely excited to have Jeff Van Gundy serve as the guest speaker at our Rocket Roundball Social,” Kowalczyk said. “Along with his father, Bill, and brother, Stan, Jeff is a member of what I truly believe is the greatest coaching family in the history of basketball. He’s an unbelievable communicator, highly intelligent, and he’s always been a strong advocate for the coaching profession. I know that Jeff will do a tremendous job entertaining our supporters.”

A silent and live auction will be held during the evening. Some of the items available for purchase are a seat on a charter flight for the Rockets’ game at Kansas Nov. 28, a road trip with the Rockets, all-access program pass for a game, Toledo basketball apparel and assorted memorabilia.

Advance ticket options include an individual ticket for $100 and a reserved table of 10 for $1,000.

Payments can be made via cash, credit card or check. Checks should be made payable to the UT Foundation.

Reserve tickets by Wednesday, Oct. 11, by contacting Toledo basketball via email at toledombb@gmail.com or call Associate Head Coach Jason Kalsow at 419.530.7739.