By Chris Stevens, Editor
Full circle is the phrase Gary Lumpkin used Wednesday afternoon to describe the feelings of being named head coach of the William Penn boys’ basketball team – a team which he starred on for four varsity seasons in the mid-‘90s.
“I told my wife and my family it’s all coming full circle because it’s always been a dream of mine to come back and lead the program,” said Lumpkin, who along with Lenny Brown and Tail Davis made up one of the most exciting teams in Delaware history, the 1994 state champion Colonials. “I always wanted to come back and put my stamp on the program, but I don’t want it to be all about me – I want it to be about the team.”
Team first was how Lumpkin played the point guard position throughout a career that included three all-state nods, the ’94 state title and a four-year career at Xavier University in Ohio along with several years of pro ball in Europe. Lumpkin was an assistant coach at Penn the last two years before being named head coach Wednesday.
“It was the right time. I spoke with our athletic director and just felt the timing was right,” he stated.
While the world waits out the COVID-19 pandemic, Lumpkin is already excited for that first day of practice as head coach.
“I’m just really looking forward to connecting with my guys and being in the gym,” he says. “I’ve been in the gym maybe twice in the last three months, so the things we take for granted, the smell of the gym, the ball bouncing on the floor, those are the things I’m ready for.”
He’s also looking forward to carrying on a family tradition – older brothers Rudy and Kenny played for the Colonials before Gary and another older brother, Danny, led Delcastle to the 1982 state championship game.
“They were ecstatic for me when I texted them earlier today,” Lumpkin said of his family. “Once again, it’s full circle for me and my family.”
Lumpkin is also in a unique position of being a high profile athlete returning to his alma mater to coach – something he would like to see more of as time passes.
“Ultimately, you want the best person for the job, but it’s great to get a chance, especially when you’ve been around and have the experience,” he said, citing Newark High’s Shannon McCants as an example of a successful coach at his alma mater.
And he’s also aware of the expectations of leading the Colonials boys’ program back to prominence.
“It’s a different beast when you’ve been around and you not only know the expectations of the community, but your expectations as well,” he said.
