Barry University men’s basketball assistant coach Ryan Saunders resigned to take a similar position at Belmont Abbey in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Saunders, whose family lives in Chapel Hill, N.C., spent the past 12 years at Barry as a player and coach. He has been a member of all five NCAA Tournament teams in the program’s history.
“Even though it is difficult to leave such a great program in Barry, I am excited for the new opportunity and a fresh start at Belmont Abbey,” Saunders said. “I am extremely proud of the things we have been able to accomplish here at Barry during my 12 years as a player and coach.”
Belmont Abbey coach Martin Unger sought out Saunders, reaching out to Barry’s staff to fill his vacant position. Saunders will be given additional coaching responsibilities in his new position.
“I congratulate him. I’m really happy for him,” Barry head coach Butch Estes said. “Coach Unger has made a very, very wise decision to bring someone in with his experience. I’m going to really miss him in all areas. He was my pillar in our administrative role, and expanding the Barry connection. In many instances, he’ll be almost impossible to replace.
“I think this will be a really good move for him to expand his career and spread his wings.”
Last season, Saunders assisted on a staff that directed the Bucs to a 25-6 record and second round NCAA Tournament appearance. It was the best season in school history in terms of wins and losses, and the Bucs rose to as high as No. 2 in the national polls. Barry won a school-record 11 consecutive games, and beat then-No. 1 and eventual national champion Florida Southern on the road.
In 2013-14, Saunders helped lead Barry to a 19-9 record and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bucs opened the season with nine straight wins, and were ranked No. 25 in the national poll. As an assistant in 2009-10, he coached on a team that went 20-12, beating Florida Southern in the NCAA Tournament. It was Barry’s first national tournament victory.
Saunders played with the Buccaneers from 2003-07, becoming the school’s all-time leader in assists with 578. He made 120 consecutive starts, playing in every game in his four-year career.
“Since the day I met and recruited Ryan, his high school coach told me, ‘You’ll sleep at night if you sign him,'” former Barry coach and current assistant athletic director Cesar Odio said. “Here’s a guy who gave his heart and soul to Barry. He’s a winner off the floor and on the floor. He committed himself to Barry for 12 years, and he’s a great example of what Barry stands for. I consider him like my second son.
“This will give himself a chance to spread his wings. I think Belmont Abbey is very fortunate to have him. I think he’s one of the up-and-coming faces in college basketball.”
As a sophomore in 2004-05, Saunders led the Sunshine State Conference in assists per game (5.1) as the Bucs went 23-9, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament. As a senior in 2006-07, he was named First Team All-SSC, leading the Buccaneers to a 23-7 record and NCAA Tournament appearance.
“I would like to thank the administration, staff and Athletic Director Mr. Mike Covone,” Saunders said. “I would especially like to thank Coach Odio for bringing me to Barry, and for his mentoring and guidance throughout my career. I have learned a great deal from him as well as from Coach Estes, working with him the past two seasons.”
Saunders begins his new position at Belmont Abbey on Aug. 15.
http://gobarrybucs.com/news/2015/7/21/MBB_0721154050.aspx
Photo Courtesy Barry Athletics
