Ron Sanchez, who arrives at UNC Charlotte after spending the last nine years on the coaching staff at nationally ranked Virginia, was introduced to Niner Nation at a press conference, Tuesday, March 27. Sanchez is the 11th head men’s basketball coach in school history.
Charlotte 49ers Director of Athletics Mike Hill talked about the five qualities he was looking for in a coach. He said that he found all five in Ron Sanchez.
“The number one quality was integrity,” Hill said. “Integrity and high character were unequivocal in that being the number one priorities in hiring a coach. I wanted someone who is an authentic communicator and a teacher. Someone who can relate to people, because if they can do that it means that they are going to not only be successful teaching on the court, in relating to our fan base and staff, but also are able to recruit. I was looking for someone who is a cultural fit, both for this institution and for me. Somebody that I knew I could work with and that we could work together as a team and as an institution. We were looking for someone who is an excellent recruiter. Finally, I was looking for someone who has had proven success in building a program. Ron is humble; he's smart; he connects with people, and he’s a winner.”
Sanchez told conference attendees, “I'm excited to serve the University. I'm excited to serve the student-athletes, and I'm excited to serve the city. This opportunity is a dream come true. It’s truly a blessing
An integral part of two-time National Coach of the Year Tony Bennett’s staff, Sanchez has spent the last 12 years at Washington State and Virginia, where both have become national powers.
For the last nine years, he has been a member of Bennett’s staff at Virginia, including the past three seasons as associate head coach. During his time, the Cavaliers have won 212 games, three ACC regular-season titles and two ACC Tournament titles while making six appearances in the NCAA Tournament and one NIT appearance. ,
Previously, Sanchez was an assistant coach at Washington State, where the Cougars played in the NCAA Tournament twice and the NIT once. In 2006-07 and 2007-08, the Cougars tied the school-record with 26 wins. In 2008, the Cougars reached the Sweet 16 played in Charlotte’s Spectrum Center. He played a major role in the recruitment of NBA All-Star and former Washington State standout Klay Thompson.
Prior to becoming an assistant coach at Washington State, he spent three seasons as the program’s director of basketball operations from 2002-05. Before that, he spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Indiana.
Sanchez is a 1997 graduate of the State University of New York College at Oneonta where he starred on the basketball team. He earned State University of New York Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship Most Valuable Player honors in 1996.