Story By: Wesley Holsomback

MONTEVALLO, Ala. — Anothy Komara is entering his fourth season as the men’s head basketball coach at the University of Montevallo. The former UNA assistant has found a way to improve his squad every year since arriving in June 2022. From volunteer assistant to now first-time head coach, Komara is now living out a childhood dream.

“I walk into this office every day and I sit down here like I’m coaching the Lakers or like I’m coaching at Duke,” Komara said. “You make the big time where you’re at, and this is a big-time spot.”  

You make the big time where you’re at, and this is a big-time spot.

Coach Anthony Komara, UM Men’s Basketball
Photo courtesy of UM Athletics

In college athletics, results are what drive and improve a program. What is most impressive about Komara’s stint at UM so far is the winning, which ultimately stems from the culture that Komara implements. Winning is a process and it’s not something that’s easy to achieve at any level.

“I like recruiting high school kids, I like bringing freshmen in, I like bringing young guys in. I like developing, our culture is one of growth.”

The 2024-25 season was one filled with lots of positive growth, as the Falcons finished the season with a 20-11 win-loss record. Capped off by a trip to the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament. Expectations are high after such a successful year for the team, especially from the players. Everybody wants to be on the court, but some strictly desire results.

“Freshmen wanna play early. Sophomore’s wanna play. Seniors wanna win right? Juniors wanna win.”

Photo Courtesy of AL.com

Culture is introduced from the top down in a program, from coaches to players. But ultimately, it’s up to the players to apply it on the court. Komara feels like his guys have done exactly that.

“We have guys that had opportunities to leave, but they chose to stay. They wanted to be here, and they wanted to do this thing they wanted to do it with the group we have.”

Many players on last year’s team decided to return for the upcoming year, which is rare in today’s world of college athletics. The reason is obvious, something special is being built at the University of Montevallo. A culture has been established, and Komara builds on this day by day.

“I want this to be the best culture in the country period, period. And it’s my belief and I’ve said this from day one coming to Montevallo. It’s my belief that if we have that, if we have the right dudes the x’s and o’s the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

I want this to be the best culture in the country period.

Anthony Komara

Establishing relationships is important in building a culture, and relationships take time. Komara wants guys in his program that are here for the long haul.

“Reese Gurner this is now his third year, Brandon Fussell his third year, Tyson Sexton his third year, Jaylen Curry this is his third year. You start looking at that, and that’s how you sustain success.”

With a large group of upperclassmen, leadership is expected. Komara will hope that his older guys teach the newly arrived recruits the culture, and that is how a programs identity is established.

The Falcons will open up the season against Barry University in the GSC Challenge on November 14.