University of Richmond basketball will reconnect with its roots.

Millhiser Memorial Gymnasium, the Spiders' home court from 1922-46, will be restored and become a practice facility for the men's and women's programs, Athletic Director Jim Miller said yesterday. Millhiser Gym is attached to the Robins Center, home of UR hoops since 1972.

The interior facelift, scheduled to be performed by sports architectural firm HKS, Inc., will include a new court and baskets, heating and air conditioning, a sound system and enhanced lighting and windows. Also, a court-covering device will be installed so Millhiser can be used for hospitality events, commonly before and after basketball and football games. The Spiders are expected to play home football games at adjacent First Market Stadium starting in 2010.

Restoration plans are projected to be finalized this summer. Miller estimated the cost between $1 million and $2 million. Fundraising is ongoing. In its fresh form, Millhiser could be ready at some point next year, Miller said.

THE TREND: Dozens of Division I programs have built, or are planning to build, basketball practice facilities. The University of Virginia has a practice facility in John Paul Jones Arena. Virginia Tech last month began construction on a $21 million practice facility, expected to open next year, adjacent to Cassell Coliseum. Virginia Commonwealth University practices at the renovated Franklin Street Gymnasium.

Recruits can see the existence of the Millhiser practice facility as UR's "commitment to being successful." Miller said.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE: Many schools need practice facilities because of scheduling conflicts in home arenas. The Robins Center occasionally is occupied by events other than Spiders basketball games, Miller said. But he added the major benefit will be the ability of the men's and women's teams to practice simultaneously when necessary because of academic issues.

"It will give greater flexibility to our teams and will reduce conflicts," Miller said. "If you need to practice at a certain time, you're going to be able to do it."

HISTORY LESSON: Millhiser Gym opened in 1922 and at the time was considered one of the finest athletic facilities in the country. Millhiser contained not only a basketball court, but a trophy room, offices for athletic-department employees, locker rooms and boxing and wrestling rooms.

The Spiders moved their home games to larger, off-campus arenas starting in 1946-47. UR played home games in the Blues City Armory, the Richmond Arena and Benedictine High School.

UR's teams returned to campus for home games when the Robins Center opened. Beginning in 1946, Millhiser Gym was used for student recreation, preseason baseball training and various administrative, academic and social functions.

Clarence and Regina Millhiser gave the facility to UR in memory of their son, Roger, a former Richmond student who died from complications following surgery.
Contact John O'Connor at (804) 649-6233 or joconnor@timesdispatch.com.