Lorenzo Romar facts for kids
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Romar celebrates Washington's 2011 Pac-10 tournament championship.
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| Loyola Marymount Lions | |
|---|---|
| Assistant coach | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | November 13, 1958 South Gate, California, U.S. |
| High school | Saint Pius X (Downey, California) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Listed weight | 171 lb (78 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College |
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| NBA Draft | 1980 / Round: 7 / Pick: 141st overall |
| Selected by the Golden State Warriors | |
| Pro career | 1980–1985 |
| Coaching career | 1992–present |
| League | West Coast Conference |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1980–1983 | Golden State Warriors |
| 1983–1984 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1984 | Detroit Pistons |
| 1984 | Tampa Bay Thrillers |
| 1984–1985 | Evansville Thunder |
| As coach: | |
| 1992–1996 | UCLA (assistant) |
| 1996–1999 | Pepperdine |
| 1999–2002 | Saint Louis |
| 2002–2017 | Washington |
| 2017–2018 | Arizona (associate HC) |
| 2018–2024 | Pepperdine |
| 2024–present | Loyola Marymount (assistant) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
As player:
As coach:
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Lorenzo Romar (born November 13, 1958) is an American basketball coach and former player. He is currently an assistant coach for the Loyola Marymount Lions. He started this role in 2024. Before this, he was the head coach at Pepperdine University twice. He coached there from 1996 to 1999, and again from 2018 to 2024. Romar also led the men's basketball teams at Saint Louis University (1999–2002) and the University of Washington (2002–2017).
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Playing Career
Romar played college basketball at Cerritos College from 1976 to 1978. Then, he played for the University of Washington from 1978 to 1980. After college, the Golden State Warriors picked him in the NBA draft. He played five years in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After his NBA time, Romar played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). He played for the Tampa Bay Thrillers and Evansville Thunder in the 1984–85 season. He was even named a CBA All-Star that year.
Coaching Career
Early Coaching Years
After playing in the NBA, Romar coached for a group called Athletes in Action. Then, he became an assistant coach at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He worked there from 1992 to 1996 under head coach Jim Harrick. He helped recruit many players for the 1995 national championship team. After UCLA, Romar became a head coach. He coached at Pepperdine University and then at Saint Louis University. In 2002, he took the head coaching job at the University of Washington.
Time at Washington
Romar is known for making the University of Washington basketball program much better. He brought new excitement to the team. In 2004, Washington made it to the NCAA tournament for the first time in five years. The next year, in 2005, Washington won the Pac-10 tournament. They earned a top seed in the NCAA tournament. The Huskies reached the Sweet Sixteen, which was their best result since 1998. However, they lost to Louisville. In 2006, Washington went to the NCAA tournament for the third year in a row. They made it to the Sweet Sixteen again.
After a couple of years without reaching the NCAA Tournament, Romar was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year. This was because he led the Huskies to win their conference title in 2009. They got a high seed in the NCAA tournament, but lost in the second round. The Huskies returned to the Sweet Sixteen the next year, but lost again. In 2011, the Huskies made their third straight trip to the NCAA tournament. This was their last tournament appearance under Romar.
On November 14, 2014, Romar passed Marv Harshman to become the second-winningest coach in UW history. This happened after a win against South Carolina State. After several seasons where the team didn't make the NCAA Tournament, Romar was fired on March 15, 2017. This was after 15 years as head coach at Washington. His record at Washington was 298 wins and 195 losses. He led the team to six NCAA Tournaments.
Assistant Coach at Arizona
On April 16, 2017, Romar became an associate head coach at Arizona. He joined Sean Miller's coaching staff. On February 24, 2018, Romar was the interim head coach for one game. This happened when head coach Sean Miller was temporarily away from the team.
Second Time at Pepperdine
Romar was announced as the new head men's basketball coach at Pepperdine on March 12, 2018. This was his second time coaching the team. On March 24, 2021, Romar's Waves won the 2021 College Basketball Invitational. They beat Coastal Carolina 84–61. This was the program's first-ever postseason championship. Romar was fired from Pepperdine on March 4, 2024.
Loyola Marymount
On March 19, 2024, it was announced that Romar joined Stan Johnson's staff. He became an assistant coach for the Loyola Marymount team.
Coaching Style
Other coaches often say that Romar is one of the best at finding new players for his teams. He is also known as a very kind and positive person. In a poll of Pac-10 coaches, he was once voted "the opposing coach players would most like to play for." In March 2006, Romar received the special Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" award. This award is given for excellent character.
Personal Life
Romar is married to Leona Romar. They have three daughters named Terra, Tavia, and Taylor. In 2006, he and his wife started the Lorenzo Romar Foundation. This foundation helps prevent domestic violence. It also provides educational help for young people who are in need. The foundation supports other good causes too.
Awards and Honors
- NCAA champion (1995, as assistant coach)
- John Wooden "Keys to Life" Award (2006)
- Pac-10/12 John R. Wooden Coach of the Year (2005, 2009, 2012)
See also
In Spanish: Lorenzo Romar para niños
