Tom Penders
Tom Penders
Full Name and Common Aliases
Tom Penders is a renowned American basketball coach, born Thomas John Penders on January 27, 1946.
Birth and Death Dates
January 27, 1946 (birth) - still living (death)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American basketball coach
Early Life and Background
Tom Penders grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, where he developed his passion for sports. He played football, baseball, and basketball in high school, which laid the foundation for his future coaching career.
Penders attended Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. During his college years, he worked as an assistant coach at his alma mater, gaining valuable experience that would later serve him well in his coaching career.
Major Accomplishments
Tom Penders' coaching career spans over four decades, during which he achieved numerous milestones:
Coaching Career Highlights: Penders coached at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Houston, DePaul University, and Marquette University. He led the University of Houston Cougars to three NCAA Tournament appearances and was named the 1983 Big Red Sportsman of the Year.
Awards and Recognition: Penders received numerous awards and accolades for his coaching achievements, including being named the 1984 NABC District Coach of the Year.
Notable Works or Actions
Tom Penders is perhaps best known for his work at the University of Houston, where he led the team to a remarkable turnaround in the early 1980s. During his tenure, the Cougars went from a struggling program to a national powerhouse, earning him widespread recognition as one of the top coaches in the country.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Penders has also made significant contributions to the basketball community through his work with various charitable organizations and initiatives. He has been involved in several fundraising campaigns for local sports programs and has served as a mentor to aspiring young coaches.
Impact and Legacy
Tom Penders' impact on the world of basketball is undeniable. His innovative coaching style, which emphasized teamwork and player development, has inspired countless coaches and players around the globe.
Penders' legacy extends beyond his on-court accomplishments, however. He has also made significant contributions to the growth and development of young athletes through his work with various youth sports organizations. His commitment to giving back to the community is a testament to his character and dedication as a coach and mentor.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tom Penders' quotes and insights on basketball, coaching, and leadership have been widely shared and referenced by coaches, players, and media outlets around the world. His expertise and experience have made him a trusted authority in the basketball community, and his words of wisdom continue to inspire and motivate those who seek to improve their skills and achieve success.
As a coach, mentor, and leader, Tom Penders has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of life.
Quotes by Tom Penders
You can't hang your head when things go bad. This is when you have to claw back. We're going forward from here, not looking back.
I didn't even realize they called a technical on me until I was told later. That's absurd, that's all I can say. But I'm not going to say that the officials cost us the game.
Being ranked is important for recruiting and credibility and later on when they pick teams in March, the committee tends to look at that as some sort of barometer. It's a sleeping giant here. It's been down since Guy Lewis retired in 1986, but it's a tradition-rich school with five Final Fours and banners all over the place.
I really wasn't happy to see him even try to go up and dunk it. If he had missed that he, could have kept on running up the tunnel and out onto Cullen Boulevard. because I would have been chasing him.
In my opinion he has no confidence in himself right now. If he's playing like he normally is, we don't lose these games. That's the responsibility that comes with being a front-line player.
I'm not saying we belong in the tournament, and I'm not going to get on a soapbox and say we deserve a bid. But I am concerned about where (college basketball) is going.
That's our game. Pressure. Try to create some easy buckets. That's what we're trying to build here first. That's the foundation. It's a different style and it is not conservative. We try to force teams not to run their regular stuff.
It's a good chance for fans to come and meet the players and get to know them a little bit. And it's also a chance for the players to meet the fans, which is always a good thing.
This can be a Sweet 16 team. We're going to be really good in February. We're just scratching the surface right now.