Former NBA Head Coach Steve Clifford will serve as the keynote speaker for this year's Rocket Roundball Social.
Former NBA Head Coach Steve Clifford to Serve as Keynote Speaker for Rocket Roundball Social
8/19/2025 9:25:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Annual fundraiser to take place in Savage Arena on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Former National Basketball Association head coach Steve Clifford will serve as the keynote speaker for Toledo's annual Rocket Roundball Social on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on the main floor in Savage Arena. University of Toledo President Dr. James Holloway is hosting the event, and all proceeds will go directly to the Toledo Men's Basketball Program.
"Steve Clifford is one of the most respected individuals in the NBA," said Kowalczyk, who has captured five Mid-American Conference titles at the helm of the Rockets' program. "He's a great coach and person who's had a tremendous career. Steve has been a very good friend of mine for 35 years, who's also been helping our program a lot over the last year. Steve has a great personality that will entertain those at the Rocket Roundball."
Clifford has served 10 years as a head coach in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets (2013-18, 2022-24) and Orlando Magic (2018-21). He also served as an assistant coach in the NBA for the New York Knicks (2001-03), Houston Rockets (2003-07), Orlando Magic (2007-12) and Los Angeles Lakers (2012-13). During his NBA career, Clifford has coached Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Dwight Howard, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo and Steve Nash.
The Rocket Roundball Social, which is an event that has grown into a Toledo Basketball tradition, offers individuals the opportunity to meet President Holloway, Head Coach Tod Kowalczyk, his staff and players while enjoying food from some of Toledo's finest restaurants.
"Our Rocket Roundball Social has been a huge success," Kowalczyk said. "It's really played a huge part in providing us the program enhancements we need to be successful. We cannot continue to thrive without the generosity of the individuals in this community that attend this event."
A live auction will be held during the evening with "Roadtrip with the Rockets" for Toledo's game at Michigan State in December. There will also be several other items available for bid through a silent auction.
Corporate tables of 10 can be purchased, with a limited number of individual tickets also available.
Payments can be made via cash, credit card or check. Checks should be made payable to the UT Foundation. For any questions about the event, please contact Assistant Coach Jordan Lauf at jordan.lauf@utoledo.edu or (419) 530-4796.
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"Steve Clifford is one of the most respected individuals in the NBA," said Kowalczyk, who has captured five Mid-American Conference titles at the helm of the Rockets' program. "He's a great coach and person who's had a tremendous career. Steve has been a very good friend of mine for 35 years, who's also been helping our program a lot over the last year. Steve has a great personality that will entertain those at the Rocket Roundball."
Clifford has served 10 years as a head coach in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets (2013-18, 2022-24) and Orlando Magic (2018-21). He also served as an assistant coach in the NBA for the New York Knicks (2001-03), Houston Rockets (2003-07), Orlando Magic (2007-12) and Los Angeles Lakers (2012-13). During his NBA career, Clifford has coached Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Dwight Howard, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo and Steve Nash.
The Rocket Roundball Social, which is an event that has grown into a Toledo Basketball tradition, offers individuals the opportunity to meet President Holloway, Head Coach Tod Kowalczyk, his staff and players while enjoying food from some of Toledo's finest restaurants.
"Our Rocket Roundball Social has been a huge success," Kowalczyk said. "It's really played a huge part in providing us the program enhancements we need to be successful. We cannot continue to thrive without the generosity of the individuals in this community that attend this event."
A live auction will be held during the evening with "Roadtrip with the Rockets" for Toledo's game at Michigan State in December. There will also be several other items available for bid through a silent auction.
Corporate tables of 10 can be purchased, with a limited number of individual tickets also available.
Payments can be made via cash, credit card or check. Checks should be made payable to the UT Foundation. For any questions about the event, please contact Assistant Coach Jordan Lauf at jordan.lauf@utoledo.edu or (419) 530-4796.
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