Let the Rob Judson era begin.

As of today, the newly-appointed coach will take the reins as the NIU men’s basketball coach.

According to his contract, Judson would take over as the Huskies’ coach the day after Illinois lost in the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Illini lost to Arizona 87-81 on Sunday. Judson cleared out his office Monday.

Judson was hired March 6, a day after the Huskies lost 89-57 to Ball State in the first round of the Mid-American Conference. The first-year coach replaces former interim coach Andy Greer, who replaced Brian Hammel. Hammel resigned Dec. 6 because he felt that he wasn’t an asset to the program.

Judson said the loss to Arizona was tough to take, but with how successful the Illini were this season, he hopes it can carry over to the Huskies for recruiting. The Huskies have two scholarships left to use.

“It was really disappointing to lose,” Judson said. “You always want to play one more game. We had a rewarding season, and in a few days, we can look back at this and feel good about the season.”

For his first day, the coach will get acquainted with the administration. Judson said he will start working with the players soon.

“What we want to do in the spring is to help carry players with their strength in the weight room and then individualize workouts,” Judson said. “We are going to get that started shortly — as soon as we can.”

Judson said he has not been in contact with anyone for the assistant job. There was no word on when he would name one. Two people that have an interest in the job are Peoria Manual’s Wayne McClain and Rockford College’s Carl Armato.

As soon as everything settles down, Judson hopes to get the student body interested in the basketball program again because he feels they are a big part of what NIU wants to do with the program.

“I am looking forward to this,” Judson said. “We are excited for the future. I know there is a lot of rebuilding to do, but our best resource is the students. I want to give ownership of the basketball program to the students.