By Joe Pantorno, Assistant Sports Editor

After sixteen years on the coaching staff at Hofstra, former Hofstra basketball head coach Tom Pecora was introduced Thursday at Fordham University as the new head coach of the Rams.

The press conference started at one p.m. with opening statements from school president Father Joseph M. McShane and Executive Director of Athletics Frank McLaughlin. Both applauded Hofstra for their help in getting Fordham in touch with Pecora.

“Hofstra couldn’t have been more gracious and we appreciate them getting back to us so quickly and that has a lot to do with how classy Hofstra is,” said McLaughlin.

The microphone was then handed over to Pecora where he discussed why he made the decision to come to Fordham. “At first it was a difficult decision, but when I met Father McShane and learned of his vision for Fordham, it made the decision easier. I am now ready to move the Fordham basketball program forward and elevate the program to a high level,” Pecora said. Pecora gave lofty goals that Fordham fans could get excited about declaring, “We will make history.”  

Pecora spoke after the press conference about his old job and his new life. “I’m looking forward to the challenge to get things up and running. We’re in a great league,” he said. “I think sometimes in the course of the your career you look for new challenges. It was not an easy decision. The people at Hofstra were tremendous to me obviously the gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach but I think I was intrigued by the challenge of building something special here.”

Pecora will be trying to improve a team that went 2-26 last season including 0-16 in the Atlantic 10.

Tom Pecora was introduced as the new coach of Fordham University men’s basketball Thursday aftertoon. (Joe Pantorno/ The Chronicle)