Oregon State’s fight to remain a relevant college basketball program -- they won 20 games for the first time since Gary Payton was on campus this past season -- will continue on June 21st as the school will break ground on a new basketball practice facility.
The 34,500-square foot facility will have two full courts on the first and third floors, while the second and fourth floors will be made up of offices with panoramic views on the court. In college basketball’s facilities arm’s race, having a state of the art building is so important, particularly when your in-state rival has Phil Knight’s money to throw around.
“I’m extremely excited about the groundbreaking for the practice facility,” head coach Craig Robinson said. “This is so very important to our program and future. It puts us on similar footing with our competition from a marketing and recruiting standpoint. In addition, this will go a long way to alleviating logistical issues that negatively affect our student-athletes. I’d like to thank all of our donors, fans and athletic department staff who made this groundbreaking possible.”
“We are so grateful for the support and generosity of so many to make this dream become a reality,” women’s head coach Scott Rueck said. “This is a great day for Beaver basketball and most importantly our current and future student-athletes as we take this vital step forward. The practice facility will create an incredible teaching environment and will greatly enhance our ability to serve our student-athletes as they strive to reach their potential individually and as a team. What a blessing it is to be a part of a community with so many generous advocates who have made this groundbreaking possible.”
The building could be finished as early as the spring of 2013.
Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin’ is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @robdauster.