Update from head coach Billy Taylor
4/25/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The following is an excerpt from a newsletter Murray H. Goodman Head Coach Billy Taylor recently sent out to alumni regarding the Lehigh basketball team’s off-season and other happenings in the news.
The conclusion of the basketball season has brought about an interesting spring time which is the result of our great success over the past four seasons.
- The most wins in a four year period with 69
- 2003-04 Patriot League Regular Season Champions (First ever)
- 2003-04 Patriot League Tournament Champions (First ever)
- Third NCAA Tournament appearance in school history (2004)
- The best record at Stabler Arena in school history (43-11)
- Two-time Patriot League Coach of the Year (2002-03, 2003-04)
- 20 wins in 2003-04, second most in school history
- 19 wins in 2005-06, third most in school history
- 11 Patriot League victories in 2005-06, most in school history
- 16-game home winning streak from 11/25/03 to 12/6/04
- Individual student-athletes recognition: Austen Rowland Patriot League Player of the Year
- Patriot League Scoring Champions - Jose Olivero and Austen Rowland
- Patriot League Tournament MVP- Austen Rowland
- All-American- Austen Rowland
- All Patriot League Rookie Selections- Mitch Gilfillan and Jose Olivero
- Patriot League All-Tournament Team Selections- Joe Knight, Austen Rowland, Jason Mgebroff
- First team All-Patriot League selections- Jose Olivero, Austen Rowland, Zlatko Savovic
- Second team All-Patriot League selections- Joe Knight and Matt Logie
With all of the success of our program athletically and academically, other prestigious institutions athletic departments have taken a keen interest in the developments on
Lehigh has been wonderful to myself and my family so I did not want to be a formal candidate to every university that contacted our athletic department. But, I also wanted to show proper respect to the success or competitive levels of universities that operate under the same principles and hold the same core values as Lehigh. In my conversations with Lehigh Dean of Athletics Joe Sterrett, I have shared a desire to continue to learn and network so to be a well rounded coach. I have approached any outside conversation with Joe’s full support in that tremendous value can be gained from selectively engaging in a healthy dialogue about a vacant opportunity.
In my commitment to learn and grow, I do not want to disrupt the high level of achievement of our program or disrespect any current team members, interested alums, or potential prospects. The one thing that has been consistently reaffirmed for me through this learning process is the respect, passion, and love that I have for Lehigh. We have built a strong foundation at Lehigh, and our program continues to advance in a positive direction. Myself, our coaching staff and our administration is firmly committed to academic achievement and the continued pursuit of Patriot League Championships!
We are anxiously working towards the 2006-07 season as our student-athletes head into final exams and finish spring workouts, and our coaches get ready for summer recruiting and camps. I look forward to seeing you next year and have a great summer!
