Robert Chernak, senior vice president for Student and Academic Support Services, who in January told The Hatchet that changes would be made to the men’s basketball program if the team did not make the Atlantic 10 tournament, emailed me recently to respond to questions I had about his comments in light of the team’s failures.

“‘Serious changes’ do not imply necessarily that the head coach is the sole object of review. The University holds steadfast in its commitment to effect positive change in its men’s basketball program. Two consecutive years of non qualification for the Atlantic Ten tournament is not a satisfactory status quo While I understand there is emerging sentiment among the GW community and our fan base for a change in leadership in our men’s basketball program, the University intends to honor its contractual commitment with Coach Hobbs. We believe this course will result in the best opportunity for improvement.”

He added that the decision to retain Hobbs, which was first made public by director of athletics Jack Kvancz, was a “University decision.”