By Dan Powell

There is one big man who has certainly been a key to the success of the Pride men’s basketball team since Tom Pecora took over five years ago. You will not find him under the glass working for rebounds or blocking a shot on the defensive end of the court, but Tom Parrotta’s work can be seen all around. His tireless efforts as associate head coach has been a tremendous asset to the Pride.

Parrotta came to the University from Niagara University in 2001, where he was an assistant coach for six years, including three as the team’s top assistant. Under Pecora, Parrotta has his hand in just about all aspects of the program. He is in charge of scheduling for the team but also helps in recruiting, coaching the big men and is responsible for offensive execution on game day. Of all these duties, Parrotta enjoys working hands-on with players the most.

“Practice and games are probably the most gratifying part of the job,” Parrotta said. “People don’t see the work that goes into preparation; they just see the finished product. There is a lot of work that goes into it.”

Parrotta relates to the players, as he was a standout forward at Fordham University. He is among the top 30 in all-time scoring for the Rams and in the top 10 in rebounding. After graduating, like many plauers, Parrotta went overseas to Portugal to play professionally for three years, which is where Parrotta says he enjoyed the greatest moment of his life in basketball.

“It was a moment that no one got to see, but we won the championship in Portugal and we went undefeated,” he said. “That was a good feeling. I had never won a championship until that point and with the fans rushing the court and stuff-it was a good place to be.”

Parrotta is now looking to use that experience to help lead the Pride to the NCAA Tournament in March. He is optimistic about the team’s chances in the CAA Tournament.

“I think we have as good a chance as anyone else,” Parrotta said. “We’ve proven that we have the best guards in the conference, and if all our guys come together we have a pretty solid front court too. It is going to be a war night in and night out for the rest of the year.”

As much as he wants to see the Pride win a championship, Parrotta also has goals of his own. As a family man, Parrotta is looking to move up in the coaching world. He is always willing to listen to offers for head coaching jobs, but won’t leave the Pride until he weighs his options.

“I think if you ask any assistant coach, they would tell you that’s what they’re in it for, you want to be a head coach,” said Parrotta, who very well might be a part of an NCAA Tourney team this year. “I would be willing to leave Hofstra for a job, but it can’t just be any opportunity. This job as the assistant at Hofstra is better than some head coaching jobs at other places. I really want to see this team through to a championship.”