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Ron Sanchez Named UNCC Men's Basketball Coach

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UNC Charlotte has hired Ron Sanchez as the new men’s basketball coach, the athletic department announced Monday. 

Sanchez comes from the University of Virginia, where he was the associate head coach. During his time there, the Cavaliers won 212 games, three ACC regular season titles and two ACC tournament titles. This season, Virginia won a school-record 31 games before being the first No. 1 seed team in the national tournament to lose to a No. 16 seed when the school lost to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County last week. 

Sanchez will replace interim coach Houston Fancher, who coached the 49ers through a 15-game losing streak that amounted to a 6-23 season record. Fancher came on midseason when former coach Mark Price was fired.

UNCC Athletic Director Mike Hill said in a statement that he’s optimistic about what the new hire will mean for the 49ers.

“Ron Sanchez embodies everything we could possibly want in a head basketball coach,” Hill said. “His reputation is impeccable as a teacher, leader, assessor and developer of talent, and recruiter. Most importantly, he is a man of high character and integrity. This is a great day for the Charlotte 49ers.”

Hill said in a statement that he’s excited to be a part of the 49ers family.

“I have waited a long time for the right fit and I truly believe in the leadership of this department,” Hill said. “I cannot be more excited to get started.”

Jessa O’Connor was an assistant digital news editor and Sunday reporter for WFAE.