The men’s and women’s basketball teams are expected to move into the Crum facility in December. (Stuart Palley)

Women’s basketball head coach Rhonda Rompola said she has waited 20 years for a facility like the Crum Basketball Center, which is expected to complete construction in late November.

“I don’t mind if I have to wait another month,” she said. “As a coach, it’s about seeing the joy and excitement on my kids’ faces…This is going to be their second home.”

Rompola and men’s basketball Director of Operations Malcolm Farmer met with faculty yesterday at a Distinguished Luncheon Series to discuss the expected impact of the new basketball facility. Both believe that the Crum Center will increase convenience, recruitment and player development.

At the luncheon, Rompola expressed her frustration in sharing one facility with volleyball and basketball. Practices often conflict. Rompola said her practices are scheduled at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., during prime class times. Her students often leave class or practice early, miss lunch and showers.

“Think about being a professor for a class like that and how frustrating that can be,” Rompola said. “Well, that’s what we’ve been dealing with for a number of years over in the basketball facility. With the Crum Center, we will be able to practice where we want, when we want.”

In terms of recruitment, both expect the Crum Center to be an advantage. Farmer said that it is important from a recruiting standpoint to be able to say “yes” in having certain features.

“They’re (the students) going to ask you, ‘Is it a top facility? Where can I go to work out? What does your athletic training look like?'” Farmer said. “If you can’t say ‘yes’ to those things, then it’s going to be hard to recruit the best team.”

According to Rompola, the facility will also allow the team to workout and practice at their leisure-even at night. She hopes that the extra practices will increase player productivity and victories.

“You’d be surprised about how many basketball players come in at 11 o’clock wanting to shoot baskets,” she said. “I’d rather have them here than out on Greenville.”

The Crum Center is expected to have separate men and women’s courts, locker rooms and training rooms. The courts will be completed in late November with the building move in scheduled for December.

“It’s going to be a win-win situation for everyone,” Rompola said.