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 men's basketball coach at Pepperdine University from 1996 to 1999. He returned to Pepperdine from 2018 to 2024. Romar also coached at Saint Louis University (1999–2002) and the University of Washington (2002–2017).
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Playing Basketball
Lorenzo Romar played college basketball at Cerritos College from 1976 to 1978. He then 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 was even named a CBA All-Star in 1985.
Coaching Basketball Teams
Starting as a Coach
After his NBA career, Romar played and coached for a team called Athletes in Action. Then, from 1992 to 1996, he became an assistant coach at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He helped recruit many players for the UCLA team that won the national championship in 1995.
After UCLA, Romar became the head coach at Pepperdine University. Later, he coached 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. In 2004, Washington played in the NCAA tournament for the first time in five years. This was a big step for the team.
In 2005, his Washington team won the Pac-10 tournament. They also earned a top seed in the NCAA tournament. The Huskies reached the Sweet Sixteen, which is a big achievement. They made it to the Sweet Sixteen again in 2006.
After a couple of years without reaching the NCAA Tournament, Romar was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year in 2009. This was because he led the Huskies to win their conference title. They returned to the Sweet Sixteen in 2010. In 2011, the Huskies made their third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.
On November 14, 2014, Romar became the second-winningest coach in Washington's history. He coached at Washington for 15 years. He led the team to six NCAA Tournaments. Romar left Washington in 2017. His record there was 298 wins and 195 losses.
Assistant Coach at Arizona
In April 2017, Romar joined Sean Miller's coaching staff at Arizona. He was the associate head coach. For one game in February 2018, Romar was the interim head coach.
Return to Pepperdine
On March 12, 2018, Romar was announced as the new head coach at Pepperdine. This was his second time coaching the Waves. In 2021, his team won the 2021 College Basketball Invitational. This was the program's first-ever postseason championship. Romar finished his second time at Pepperdine in March 2024.
Coaching at Loyola Marymount
Since March 2024, Romar has been an assistant coach for the Loyola Marymount Lions. He works with head coach Stan Johnson.
Coaching Style and Character
Other coaches often say that Romar is one of the best at finding new talent. He is also known for being a kind and positive person. In a poll of Pac-10 coaches, he was voted the coach that players would most like to play for. In 2006, Romar received the Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" award. This award is given for outstanding character.
Personal Life
Lorenzo 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 need it.
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
