Two $1 Million Gifts for Practice Facility

[RhowdyRam02]

I had to look this guy up... He dropped out of URI - has 16 children (11 with an ex-wife and 5 with "multiple women") - 33rd largest land owner in the United States - worth $4.7B. Now THAT is a bio!

Wow so this dude's dad just died and left him and his brother $4.4B!? And that ignores the land he owned on his own??

I guess we can be thankful for the 0.06% we got. Better than nothing. I cannot fathom spending $3M on anything and not having it affect your life at all.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features ... landowners

Has URI found its T. Boone Pickens? Good lord, those numbers are just mindboggling. My Powerball wildest dreams are completely and totally inadequate next to that

[PeteRI]

Great Bloomberg article. You don't want to mess with this dude.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features ... landowners

[adam914]

Great news! Lets break ground today!

[theblueram]

This is amazing news. Really amazing. Thank you to the Soloviev Family!!!!!! Very generous and a much needed infusion to help athletics.

[PeteRI]

Encouraging news for us underachievers - he's a billionaire URI dropout. And his dad is a billionaire dropout too. Runs in the family.

[bigappleram]

Awesome news.

Would love to see them really honor the past greats in the practice facility. Mobley, Tyson, EC, Silk, etc should be all over that place. We have been playing a long time, were pioneers in uptempo basketball, celebrate that heritage. And finally give some props to our all time greats.

[Rhody15]

Awesome news.

Would love to see them really honor the past greats in the practice facility. Mobley, Tyson, EC, Silk, etc should be all over that place. We have been playing a long time, were pioneers in uptempo basketball, celebrate that heritage. And finally give some props to our all time greats.

Absolutely needs plaques in the hallways honoring and listing all their accomplishments here.

Easy sell for recruits taking a tour to see all the greats and what they did with their time here.

[Rhodyhooopz]

Plaques? You need full wall murals of the all-time greats.

[Rhodymob05]

Yea I hope the jazz the hell out of it with URI accomplishments, past players ect.

[PeterRamTime]

Wooooahh is this real???

How does that happen!?

But this dudes name on the building for all I care! Woo!

[Billyboy78]

"As the heir to his father's fortune, Soloviev is one of the wealthiest people in the United States.[3]"

[theblueram]

"As the heir to his father's fortune, Soloviev is one of the wealthiest people in the United States.[3]"

...And his interest in raising URI's profile through Top-tier Athletics. Woop, woop!!!!!!

[Billyboy78]

"As the heir to his father's fortune, Soloviev is one of the wealthiest people in the United States.[3]"

...And his interest in raising URI's profile through Top-tier Athletics. Woop, woop!!!!!!

Maybe this is just the beginning?

[theblueram]

"As the heir to his father's fortune, Soloviev is one of the wealthiest people in the United States.[3]"

...And his interest in raising URI's profile through Top-tier Athletics. Woop, woop!!!!!!

Maybe this is just the beginning?

Man that would be something. Like Christmas as a kid if it happened.

[rambone 78]

Great news!

This is what it will take to elevate the BB program facilities wise, to where they want to go.

So many programs are largely dependent on big money from donors. And we're one of them.

[RhodyMadness072]

I’m pretty sure this is a 2 phase project. This 8 million completed the funding to complete phase 1 which is the practice facility itself.

I believe another 8 million is needed to complete phase 2 which will be locker room, offices, film rooms, etc.

[Rhody15]

I’m pretty sure this is a 2 phase project. This 8 million completed the funding to complete phase 1 which is the practice facility itself.

I believe another 8 million is needed to complete phase 2 which will be locker room, offices, film rooms, etc.

Haven’t seen that reported anywhere.

[URI96]

Plaques? You need full wall murals of the all-time greats.

There was some mention of a focus on sports related art in the press release

[section(105)]

I’m pretty sure this is a 2 phase project. This 8 million completed the funding to complete phase 1 which is the practice facility itself.

I believe another 8 million is needed to complete phase 2 which will be locker room, offices, film rooms, etc.

Haven’t seen that reported anywhere.

.......if accurate, this project is getting mighty pricey......but, I guess if we are in an arms race to compete in our conference and attain the “bar”.......all this is necessary.......money for coaches salary.......?

[Rhodymob05]

It’s worth every cent.

[theblueram]

I’m pretty sure this is a 2 phase project. This 8 million completed the funding to complete phase 1 which is the practice facility itself.

I believe another 8 million is needed to complete phase 2 which will be locker room, offices, film rooms, etc.

Didn't we just spend money on getting all that in the RC?

[Rhody15]

I’m pretty sure this is a 2 phase project. This 8 million completed the funding to complete phase 1 which is the practice facility itself.

I believe another 8 million is needed to complete phase 2 which will be locker room, offices, film rooms, etc.

Haven’t seen that reported anywhere.

.......if accurate, this project is getting mighty pricey......but, I guess if we are in an arms race to compete in our conference and attain the “bar”.......all this is necessary.......money for coaches salary.......?

There is nothing showing a $16 million budget for this project. Nothing on twitter, Facebook, GoRhody, Instagram, etc.

[Rhody15]

I’m pretty sure this is a 2 phase project. This 8 million completed the funding to complete phase 1 which is the practice facility itself.

I believe another 8 million is needed to complete phase 2 which will be locker room, offices, film rooms, etc.

Didn't we just spend money on getting all that in the RC?

I will say this about the locker room.

Yes it’s redone recently and looks new, but to me, it is extremely tiny and pretty standard and boring.

I saw a video on twitter months back when a rare Fordham W, and their locker area looked much nicer than there’s.

[DanInAZ]

Great news!

Loved this quote, "Supporting Thorr's vision of building a nationally competitive basketball program is something I'm extremely passionate about and committed to," said Soloviev. "Achieving this will benefit the student-athletes, athletic program, and the University as a whole. The University of Rhode Island changed my life and made me the person I am today. I am very grateful that I am able to help move the University forward."

Love this man! What he is saying is music to all our ears.

And this quote in the Suffolk Times (Long Island) from April of last year, not related to the donation also says a lot about him as a human being... I will say it again... I love this man.

"Mr. Soloviev says the wheat they grow in Colorado is ready for human consumption, and is not used for ethanol or animal feed.

“It goes right into the food system,” he said.

But the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has prompted him to consider changes for the use of the North Fork farmland. He originally planned to dedicate a large percentage of that acreage to growing hemp.

“My gut is telling me that we should be planting a lot more food crops than hemp if there’s a food shortage,” he said. “Long Island will be in a better position with more food at this point and not hemp. But hemp is still very important, though.”

Because his Midwest operations make money, he can be more versatile with his North Fork land, he said.

“I want to do what’s best for the community,” he said. “Not making money. We’re making money out west.”

[theblueram]

I'm guessing we don't need to worry about buyouts going forward? What you say Bone? Seems we may have a benefactor here.

[reef]

Great news!

Loved this quote, "Supporting Thorr's vision of building a nationally competitive basketball program is something I'm extremely passionate about and committed to," said Soloviev. "Achieving this will benefit the student-athletes, athletic program, and the University as a whole. The University of Rhode Island changed my life and made me the person I am today. I am very grateful that I am able to help move the University forward."

Love this man! What he is saying is music to all our ears.

And this quote in the Suffolk Times (Long Island) from April of last year, not related to the donation also says a lot about him as a human being... I will say it again... I love this man.

"Mr. Soloviev says the wheat they grow in Colorado is ready for human consumption, and is not used for ethanol or animal feed.

“It goes right into the food system,” he said.

But the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has prompted him to consider changes for the use of the North Fork farmland. He originally planned to dedicate a large percentage of that acreage to growing hemp.

“My gut is telling me that we should be planting a lot more food crops than hemp if there’s a food shortage,” he said. “Long Island will be in a better position with more food at this point and not hemp. But hemp is still very important, though.”

Because his Midwest operations make money, he can be more versatile with his North Fork land, he said.

“I want to do what’s best for the community,” he said. “Not making money. We’re making money out west.”

Yes this is huge and sounds like he is a big URI hoop fan so this can only help us !!

[eli#10]

This certainly brightens up a dark dark winter of Ram basketball.

Thank you!!!!!!!!

[rambone 78]

Looks to me that we have the backing to move forward with necessary programs enhancements.

Same for the salary structure for the BB programs.

Someone on another thread said that Cox ought to be steamed that Tammi is going to make the same base salary as he is.

The answer to that is REAL simple....she deserves it big time, she has that program on the rise and is looking for even bigger and better things.

What has Cox done to deserve more? Right now, nothing.

The only thing he should be steamed about, is his own lackluster performance.

And if he keeps his job for next season, that's about all he should expect.

[Rhody15]

Looks to me that we have the backing to move forward with necessary programs enhancements.

Same for the salary structure for the BB programs.

Someone on another thread said that Cox ought to be steamed that Tammi is going to make the same base salary as he is.

The answer to that is REAL simple....she deserves it big time, she has that program on the rise and is looking for even bigger and better things.

What has Cox done to deserve more? Right now, nothing.

The only thing he should be steamed about, is his own lackluster performance.

And if he keeps his job for next season, that's about all he should expect.

It would be interesting see how many schools pay their men’s and women’s coaches the same base salary.

My guess would be less than 5.

[Billyboy78]

Looks to me that we have the backing to move forward with necessary programs enhancements.

Same for the salary structure for the BB programs.

Someone on another thread said that Cox ought to be steamed that Tammi is going to make the same base salary as he is.

The answer to that is REAL simple....she deserves it big time, she has that program on the rise and is looking for even bigger and better things.

What has Cox done to deserve more? Right now, nothing.

The only thing he should be steamed about, is his own lackluster performance.

And if he keeps his job for next season, that's about all he should expect.

It would be interesting see how many schools pay their men’s and women’s coaches the same base salary.

My guess would be less than 5.

Is UConn one of them?

[Rhody15]

Looks to me that we have the backing to move forward with necessary programs enhancements.

Same for the salary structure for the BB programs.

Someone on another thread said that Cox ought to be steamed that Tammi is going to make the same base salary as he is.

The answer to that is REAL simple....she deserves it big time, she has that program on the rise and is looking for even bigger and better things.

What has Cox done to deserve more? Right now, nothing.

The only thing he should be steamed about, is his own lackluster performance.

And if he keeps his job for next season, that's about all he should expect.

It would be interesting see how many schools pay their men’s and women’s coaches the same base salary.

My guess would be less than 5.

Is UConn one of them?

Oh I have zero idea, didn’t look into it.

Just a total guess on my part.

[Billyboy78]

It would be interesting see how many schools pay their men’s and women’s coaches the same base salary.

My guess would be less than 5.

Is UConn one of them?

Oh I have zero idea, didn’t look into it.

Just a total guess on my part.

Yes, Geno makes 2.4 million.

[Rhody15]

Is UConn one of them?

Oh I have zero idea, didn’t look into it.

Just a total guess on my part.

Yes, Geno makes 2.4 million.

Hurley is 3 million I’m seeing.

Is Geno 2.4 base then rest are incentives?

Is Hurley 3 million base then rest are incentives?

[Billyboy78]

Oh I have zero idea, didn’t look into it.

Just a total guess on my part.

Yes, Geno makes 2.4 million.

Hurley is 3 million I’m seeing.

Is Geno 2.4 base then rest are incentives?

Is Hurley 3 million base then rest are incentives?

Oh, I didn't know Dan was making that much. I thought it was in the low 2's......never mind .

[rhodyrudder]

Plaques? You need full wall murals of the all-time greats.

They have this in East for athletes in many sports...
I would imagine they'll do something nice in West for just hoops.

[theblueram]

So the big question is..... what is Stefan's handle on this board

[phipsiGD'11]

Let us all pray he's not Rhody72

[rambone 78]

He could have some influence on decision making here just like TR...when money talks URI listens.

Behind the scenes stuff that us ordinary folks aren't privy to.

I'm sure we'd all love to know what the big shots are thinking lol.

[RhodyKyle]

He could have some influence on decision making here just like TR...when money talks URI listens.

Behind the scenes stuff that us ordinary folks aren't privy to.

I'm sure we'd all love to know what the big shots are thinking lol.

I'll be curious to see what happens if this guy and Tom have very passionate but opposite views on decisions. Tom has the track record/"length of service" but, if what has been reported on here is accurate, Tom's net worth is a rounding error compared to this new guy so Tom will always be out-bid on things like influence.

[rambone 78]

These guys of course have influence, but the buck stops at the URI president's door.

We found that out, when Dooley nixed the hiring of Pitino.

Now that Dooley is about to retire, what the next president's views are, are critical.

[Brian Forster]

Would like to see someone with connections to the state house.

[RhowdyRam02]

Would like to see someone with connections to the state house.

I hope not. We need a qualified candidate, not some lap dog that gets handed jobs for being connected

[Rhode_Island_Red]

Would like to see someone with connections to the state house.

I hope not. We need a qualified candidate, not some lap dog that gets handed jobs for being connected

We need someone who can go to the State House and convince all the mental hospital alumni and yahoos therein to support their state university.

[Rhodymob05]

Seth Magiziner was a big advocate of keeping Hurley a few years ago.

[PeterRamTime]

These guys of course have influence, but the buck stops at the URI president's door.

We found that out, when Dooley nixed the hiring of Pitino.

Now that Dooley is about to retire, what the next president's views are, are critical.

By 2022 it could be a lot easier to hire someone like Pitino...5 years out from the scandal.

[rambone 78]

If Pitino wants to move back up to coaching at a higher level, as long as there are no additional issues, my guess is he will.

The interest will be there. But no way can we afford his buyout.....I doubt even our new billionaire friend would want to pay that lol.

[Blue Man]

If Pitino wants to move back up to coaching at a higher level, as long as there are no additional issues, my guess is he will.

The interest will be there. But no way can we afford his buyout.....I doubt even our new billionaire friend would want to pay that lol.

If someone wanted to pay Pitino's buyout they could just as easily pay Hurley's and commit to his vision of a winning program here. Then he could build his own legacy instead of chasing Calhoun's.

I think that ship has sailed. Rick is significantly closer to retiring than trying another rebuild.

Trust that Thorr is going to use the next year to put feelers out to your Pat Kelseys or Darien DeVries and see if they'd be interested in coming here after next season. No point in firing Cox if you don't have a plan for how we get back to respectability.

[Jersey77]

If Pitino wants to move back up to coaching at a higher level, as long as there are no additional issues, my guess is he will.

The interest will be there. But no way can we afford his buyout.....I doubt even our new billionaire friend would want to pay that lol.

Sorry 78', a big no for me.
Pitino at age 70 with a very sketchy past, I just don't feel it.

[Brian Forster]

I hope not. We need a qualified candidate, not some lap dog that gets handed jobs for being connected

Rhowdy-why not put your hat in the ring?
You have the URI austerity plan already in practice.

[CamsRams]