Cleveland Coach Sends Support to Robert Morris Ahead of NCAA Tournament

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Coach Kevin Stefanski delivered a surprising message of support to the Robert Morris basketball team as they prepare for a challenging NCAA Tournament matchup against the No. 2-seeded Alabama on Friday at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Stefanski, head coach of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, recorded a video urging the team to perform well. The message resonated particularly with the team’s standout defensive player, Amarion Dickerson, who hails from the Cleveland area. “Yo Robert Morris basketball, Coach Stefanski here,” he said in the video. “Just want to wish you guys best of luck tomorrow. I’ll be there, I’m pulling for you guys. I’m rooting for coach (Andrew) Toole, I’m rooting for Amarion Dickerson; go Brownies, go Bobby Mo.”

The relationship between Stefanski and the Robert Morris program runs deeper than mere words of encouragement. College alumni Andrew Toole, head coach of Robert Morris, and Stefanski played together at the University of Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2003, where Toole was a star guard and Stefanski played as a standout defensive back.

This unexpected boost in morale comes at a crucial time for Dickerson, who has enjoyed a remarkable season. Transferring from Mineral Area College in Missouri, Dickerson secured the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year title and earned spots on both the All-Defense first team and the all-league second team. With 80 total blocks this season, he averages 2.4 blocks, 5.9 rebounds, and 12.9 points per game.

The success of the 6-foot-7 junior has significantly contributed to Robert Morris’ impressive 10-game winning streak, which ranks as the sixth-longest streak in the nation, alongside a solitary loss since January 9.

Dickerson’s love for Cleveland is no secret. Toole praised him, stating, “There is no more prideful Clevelander than Mar. He will argue about the Browns until death.” He noted Dickerson’s enthusiasm for local attractions, stressing how exciting it is for him to play in the NCAA Tournament in his home city.

Now, as Dickerson approaches the game, he can take comfort in knowing that Stefanski, who he has supported through his own fanhood for the Browns, has his back—adding to the motivation to make this moment a memorable one for himself and his team.