Aki Thomas, who served as UMBC's acting men's basketball coach this season, was given the full-time job on Monday.
Thomas took over as the acting head coach of the men's team on Oct. 10, 2012, just before the official start of practice, according to a news release.
He had been an assistant coach under previous head coach Randy Monroe for five seasons.
“I have been impressed with Coach Thomas’ basketball acumen, as well
as his positive approach with our student-athletes,” said athletic director Dr. Charles Brown in a statement. “He has all the tools to be an outstanding head coach.”
UMBC finished the regular season with a 7-22 record in the regular season and a 5-11 mark in the America East. That's most victories overall and in conference in four years despite some key injuries.
The Retrievers got the No. 6 seed in this weekend's upcoming America East tournament and will play Hartford.
“I want to thank UMBC for allowing me the privilege to continue
leading its basketball program,” Thomas said in the statement. “President Hrabowski, Dr. Brown, Dr. Nancy Young, vice president for student affairs, and all my colleagues have given me – and more importantly the team – tremendous support this year.
I have a tremendous staff in John Zito, Jay Greene, and Brian
Johnson, and any coach would be proud to work with them. Our team will
continue to improve every day and to represent the UMBC community
well.”
