I would like to thank the loyal players and fans who joined the 2008-2009 Round Ball Club in our inaugural year. I had hoped we would have more participation, but it has been difficult to get in touch with many of you because we didn’t have a current address on file. I am hoping that word will spread and we will hear from every player, both men and women, who had the honor of playing at Virginia Union and helped to build our very proud legacy.
Coach Coker and his team had an outstanding year with a 21-7 record. Virginia Union won the CIAA Eastern Division and was runner up to J.C. Smith in the CIAA Tournament. Coach Coker was voted CIAA Coach of the Year and took his team back to the NCAA Regional Tournament in his first year.
On February 13th and 14th, 2009 we had our first annual basketball reunion. On Friday we had a reception for the honorees and all Round Ball Club members. At Saturday’s game, during halftime, we honored the 1980 National Championship Team as well as six of the greatest players who ever played at Virginia Union University. They are Jackie Jackson ’61, Mike Davis ’69, Charles Oakley ’85, Terry Davis ’89, A.J. English ’90, and Ben Wallace’96. Their jerseys are now hanging from the rafters of Barco-Stevens Hall. It was great to see so many former players take part in the celebration, and share stories from the past. Next year we plan to honor the Ladies’1983 National Championship Team as well as other former great players.
We need the support of all former basketball players and fans during the past seven decades, so please get in touch with Coach Robbins by calling him at 804-272-3727, or emailing him at coachdaverobbins@gmail.com. We have listed the names and level of giving of the fifty-one Round Ball Club members who participated this year. It is not too late to add your name to this list and share in the satisfaction of giving back to your university.
Please click on the link below to see the members whom already joined:
http://vuusports.vuu.edu/sb_output.aspx?form=5
With Deepest Regards,
Coach Dave Robbins