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After coaching the Washington Huskies the last 15 years, Lorenzo Romar returned to his old stomping grounds Saturday for the first time as a member of the Arizona Wildcats’ coaching staff.
The UA assistant walked onto the court to a resounding ovation — and a ‘Romar!’ chant — to which he acknowledged by raising his fist before hugging a few of his former UW players.
Here’s the video:
Lorenzo Romar makes his return to Washington pic.twitter.com/SULkJYlgtw
— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) February 4, 2018
Being on the opponent sideline has to be a bittersweet moment for Romar, who was fired after last season. Not only is he the former coach, but he is a UW alumnus as well.
Plus, his new team has to play against his old team in the midst of a heated Pac-12 title race.
But credit Washington and its fans for welcoming back Romar with open arms.
His tenure there ended on a rough note, winning just nine games last season. But he finished with a 298–195 record with the Huskies, leading them to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trio of Sweet Sixteens.
Follow Ryan Kelapire on Twitter at @RKelapire