Sept. 9, 2004 Great news for East Carolina University!

No, it isn't North Carolina or Kentucky, but East Carolina also takes great pride in its intercollegiate athletic program. The Pirates on Wednesday announced the hiring of Terry Holland as their new athletic director, a note in the transaction column that may have slipped by some fans.

Holland did a brilliant job on the sidelines as head coach at Virginia for Ralph Sampson and Co.

Holland did a brilliant job on the sidelines as head coach at Virginia for Ralph Sampson and Co. He moved into athletic administration work, handling the AD duties at Virginia and serving as a key member of the NCAA basketball selection committee.

Holland also has spent time as AD at his alma mater, Davidson, and most recently as special assistant to Virginia president John Casteen.

As the coach at Virginia from 1974-90, Holland posted an impressive 326-173 record, leading the Cavaliers to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. That stint included Final Four trips in 1981 and '84 (Virginia lost to Houston 49-47 in overtime in the '84 national semifinal).

Now Holland is running a Division I athletic program again. East Carolina will present a challenge, and Holland will be prepared. When you talk about integrity, someone who is well-respected among his peers, he fits in perfectly. The Greenville, N.C.-based school couldn't have made a better choice.

I remember years ago when Holland played for the left-hander, coach Lefty Driesell. How many people remember this: Back in 1964, Holland led the nation in field-goal percentage for Davidson.

Holland learned so much about enthusiasm and putting a program together from Driesell. Holland has enjoyed a great career, and he will be an architect in building a solid foundation at ECU.

I can tell you that Holland truly understands people and communicates well. He knows how to delegate responsibility and have people do their jobs.

Congratulations to East Carolina for making a super hire. Holland is awesome, baby, with a capital A!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.