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Ryan Gomes and Kenny White speak during one of Gomes' visit to campus.
Hear From Friar Basketball Great Ryan Gomes '05
4/8/2020 12:28:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Friars.com spoke to the Friar Hall of Famer and got his take on things.
Q and A With Friar Great Ryan Gomes '05 -
Since your playing career ended, give us a brief synopsis of what you have been doing?
I last played professionally in April 2016 with the LA Defenders. In July of 2016, I latched on with the Brooklyn Nets. I also got a job as an assistant coach with the Long Island Nets (G League Team) and coached there for the 2016-2017 season.
Where are you living now and what are you doing?
We just moved from Los Angeles, where I was living since the fall of 2017. I am now living in the Northeast. I was trying to get a job with the Clippers and wanted a change of scenery. I was on the job hunt, looking to coach college, scout, be a personal trainer or assistant to someone.
You did some studio work for CBS Sports Network this winter. How was that and what did you learn?
Yes, I moved from LA, to my home State of Connecticut. I was doing studio work with CBS on Inside College Basketball. My first interview was a live show, which I was able to do well, but I was very nervous. Then I got a lot better and did more and more shows. I learned so much each time I went on air. Things are more difficult than I thought and the areas I gained a better understanding of were - timing on when to speak, what cameras need to be focused on, the punctuation of landing your points during highlight segments and much more. I was on with a great group and some great analysts (Seth Davis and Jon Rothstein). I can't wait to get back on set.
You came back to the Dunk' for the final game of the season. How emotional was that and did you have flashbacks to your senior day?
Coming back to the Dunk' on Senior Night was special. I remember my emotions before my final game and walking out in front of the fans on my senior night. Senior Night wrapped up my whole career in front of me with all the highlights through my years in a PC uniform. My family being there and the loyal/die hard Friars that supported us. And of course, the famous advice from my Coach Bob Walsh, to leave my shoes at half court to symbolize, in my mind, that I had given everything I had to give as a player. I will never forget wearing that #3 as a Friar.
Do you still follow the Friars?
Yes, I'm still well in tuned with the Friars and what they have been doing over the years. I still love that passion and hunger that I see in those that come on the court and represent the Friars. Ed Cooley and his staff have been great. Bob Driscoll and Steve Nap have been improving the athletic department and campus since they arrived. Arthur Parks is still doing great things like having me do this interview 👍! Big shout out to Coach Walsh and Coach Kurbec. And also to my guy, Coach Kenny White! "Keep Training" has always been my slogan since I left him. Thanks KW!
Do you keep in touch with any of your former Friar teammates or run into them in your travels?
The players that I've played with I occasionally speak with via social media, or through text messages. Sheiku Kabba, Donnie McGrath, Marcus Douthit, Rob Sanders, Rome Augustin, John Linehan, Tim Englert, Steve Traugott, Tuukka Kotti, Maris Laksa, Chris Anrin, Chris Burns, Jeff Parmer, Herb Hill, Randall Hanke, Robert McKiver, Ray Cross, Sean Van De Walle and to all my teammates I've missed I hope you all are well, GO FRIARS!!
As an analyst, does the college game look any different to you now than when you played?
As an analyst it's a little different to see it, but I still feel it's a simple game, and the teams that keep it as simple in regards to spacing, togetherness, toughness, defense, and working together are the successful teams. The special players are out there. The great plays will happen for those players that are on teams that are well coached.
Your career as a Friar included some historic moments battling UConn. Give us your favorite PC/UConn memory and your thoughts on the Huskies coming back into the league?
The most memorable game that I enjoyed playing in was playing vs UCONN at Gampel Pavilion as a sophomore [March 5, 2003]. We won that game and that was my first time really feeling that Husky Love – I mean, the hate they had towards me, and I needed to redeem my play vs Okafor because the first time we matched up he blocked my shot about 6 times. That was on my mind and we had a real chance to beat a talented, well-coached team by a great/HOF Coach, Jim Calhoun. I wanted to play well. That was my initial thought but then play after play and bucket after bucket I felt the crowd's energy and negativity towards me, my family and our squad. It fueled me more to want to win vs the Home State University. Most of you might of have thought about the "Calhoun rant game," which was memorable as well, and I think that rant got me that recognition around the world of college basketball. After that game, people wondered who is "Ryan Gomes and what's up with the PC Friars and Tim Welsh?" We gained a lot of confidence in that win vs. UConn my sophomore year. I think UConn returning to the BIG EAST is going to be great for the Conference and great for recruiting for all the BIG EAST teams. I believe it also will bring back originality to the league, which will be very exciting. I'll be at a couple games a season to give PC Love vs the Home State School.
You were a true low-post player, do you see anyone today who has a game that resemble yours?
Jordan Nwora from Louisville. I see some resemblance.
As a dad and a husband, what are you doing with your family during this very unique time?
As a Dad, I'm being more of a chef, sitter, camera man, dancer, make up dummy and a TikTok contributor. As a husband, I am more of a chef, and a handyman, as well as doing more laundry and grocery runs. All in all, it's just another day at the office. It's part of my responsibility and during 24-hour family time you really get to understand the daily values and the way your family enjoys being around each other. But I will say, it's time to get back to our regularly scheduled programs -- meaning school is needed for these kids, lol!
Anything else you want to say to Friar fans?
Love to All my Friar Fans! I'm planning on doing something up in RI, in 2021. A basketball camp, along with trying to put together something where all of us Friars can come back and play a game. I want to give back to the kids, and also maybe I will do a golf outing. I want to do something to show the love and admiration I forever hold closely to my heart for Friartown.
Love Always and Forever
RYAN GOMES
RG3
GOTGOMES
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