Pat Skerry, in his second season as head coach of Towson University men's basketball, faced a daunting challenge after the team recorded a dismal 1-31 season. Undeterred, he revamped the roster, bringing in key transfers and reshaping the program. The turnaround began in the 2012-13 season, leading to notable victories, including a dramatic win against Oregon State. Towson eventually secured an NCAA record for the largest season turnaround, winning 18 games following their historically poor performance. The legacy of this team established a winning tradition at Towson that continues to impact the program positively.

By the Numbers
  • Towson men's basketball improved from 1-31 to an 18-13 record in one season, a 17.5 game turnaround.
  • In Skerry's first season, Towson lost to Kansas and Belmont by 46 points each, setting an abysmal tone for the year.
State of Play
  • Towson entered the 2012-13 season facing a postseason ban due to academic performance issues.
  • The Tigers started the season with a four-game losing streak but gained momentum through key victories, including a historic win over Drexel.
What's Next

The success of the 2012-13 Tigers reincorporated a winning culture at Towson, setting high expectations for future seasons. As the team aims to build upon this foundation, they face potential challenges of motivation among players and adaptation of new recruits. Continued success could lead to deeper runs in the NCAA tournament in coming years, further cementing the program's reputation.

Bottom Line

The Towson men's basketball team's turnaround from the depths of a 1-31 season to record-setting achievements exemplifies resilience and strategic refocus. Their journey not only reshaped their immediate future but laid the groundwork for a lasting legacy of competitive excellence.