You knew the hammer would fall on Texas Tech’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie. It was just a matter of time.
The announcement came late Thursday that Gillispie was done.
Was he fired or did he resign? It doesn’t really matter. Gillispie will receive his parting money and the divorce will be final.
Gillispie was in trouble when reports revealed players were not happy with the coach. He was tough, he was demanding. Don’t people remember Bobby Knight coached at Texas Tech?
But Gillispie’s major sin apparently was practicing over the limit the NCAA allows. These athletes have a life beyond basketball.
Gillispie was on medical leave for stress/high blood pressure. The condition does happen in the coaching world. But this was a different case. Gillispie coaching style and practices were on trial. In this days of the Internet world, that means the coach is in serious trouble.
People will say Texas Tech should have seen this coming. Gillipie’s coaching career starting to head downward when he lasted only two years at Kentucky. But before that, Gillispie helped turn around programs at Texas-El Paso and Texas A&M. The Red Raiders were hoping for the old Gillispie, not the previous one.
Will Gillispie rebound? If he does, look for the coach to land a job with a smaller program. No matter what the cause, he needs to restore his reputation and coaching ability.
As for the specific basketball job at Texas Tech, that’s a blog for another day.
Showing posts with label Bobby Knight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Knight. Show all posts
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Turning Lemons Into Lemonade
Pat Knight went from the outhouse to the penthouse in one year.
The Lamar coach, with a famous father named Bobby, took over for his dad at Texas Tech and things didn’t go well. Pat was fired last spring. But it didn’t take long for junior Knight to land another position. Mid-major Lamar hired him last spring.
Pat was officially away from his father’s spotlight at Lamar. No more following a legendary coach at Texas Tech. Pat was his own man.
But it seems these Knight guys can never stay out of controversy’s way too long. Pat ripped into his team during a late-season press conference and the remarks were all over college basketball.
Knight questioned his player’s effort and ability on everything except the color of socks they wore. Reaction as you might expect was mixed with most people chastising Knight for the negative comments.
But the bottom line was they worked. Lamar hasn’t lost a game since and captured the Southland Conference Tournament to earn the automatic NCAA bid.
Tonight, Lamar battles Vermont in one of the four play-in games. Father and son couldn’t be happier how this has worked out. Son hopes his speech will result in some more Lamar victories.
Whatever happens, it’s better to sit in the penthouse than the outhouse. Pat Knight is thankful for his place.
The Lamar coach, with a famous father named Bobby, took over for his dad at Texas Tech and things didn’t go well. Pat was fired last spring. But it didn’t take long for junior Knight to land another position. Mid-major Lamar hired him last spring.
Pat was officially away from his father’s spotlight at Lamar. No more following a legendary coach at Texas Tech. Pat was his own man.
But it seems these Knight guys can never stay out of controversy’s way too long. Pat ripped into his team during a late-season press conference and the remarks were all over college basketball.
Knight questioned his player’s effort and ability on everything except the color of socks they wore. Reaction as you might expect was mixed with most people chastising Knight for the negative comments.
But the bottom line was they worked. Lamar hasn’t lost a game since and captured the Southland Conference Tournament to earn the automatic NCAA bid.
Tonight, Lamar battles Vermont in one of the four play-in games. Father and son couldn’t be happier how this has worked out. Son hopes his speech will result in some more Lamar victories.
Whatever happens, it’s better to sit in the penthouse than the outhouse. Pat Knight is thankful for his place.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Iowa's Fran McCaffery and the Chair
YouTube has been abuzz this week over Iowa basketball coach Fran McCaffery’s chair incident.
McCaffery picked up a chair forcefully during a timeout in the Michigan State game Tuesday night. The fiery coach had picked up a technical foul and was apparently still plenty angry. At least, no one was in the chair when McCaffery decided to take out his frustrations. That would have been really interesting.
Obviously, McCaffery has downplayed the incident. He said he was fighting for his team and that he won’t change his style. The coach does elevate his blood pressure at times (see his face), but he isn’t quite in Bobby Knight’s class just yet. Knight threw a chair completely across the floor.
McCaffery needs to select his temper outburst better however. Iowa was down by about 40 points the other night when Fran went off. It’s tough to buy that ‘fighting for my team’ argument when you should accept getting blown out and move on.
McCaffery is still under grace with the administration and fans but he better be careful. Wins overcame many faults. But if he doesn’t produce the wins, look out Fran. This anger act will grow tired real quickly.
McCaffery picked up a chair forcefully during a timeout in the Michigan State game Tuesday night. The fiery coach had picked up a technical foul and was apparently still plenty angry. At least, no one was in the chair when McCaffery decided to take out his frustrations. That would have been really interesting.
Obviously, McCaffery has downplayed the incident. He said he was fighting for his team and that he won’t change his style. The coach does elevate his blood pressure at times (see his face), but he isn’t quite in Bobby Knight’s class just yet. Knight threw a chair completely across the floor.
McCaffery needs to select his temper outburst better however. Iowa was down by about 40 points the other night when Fran went off. It’s tough to buy that ‘fighting for my team’ argument when you should accept getting blown out and move on.
McCaffery is still under grace with the administration and fans but he better be careful. Wins overcame many faults. But if he doesn’t produce the wins, look out Fran. This anger act will grow tired real quickly.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Duke's Mike Krzyzewski Record Will Remain
Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski became the No. 1 coach in college wins last night when the Blue Devils defeated Michigan State. “Coach K” now has 903 wins, one better than his mentor Bobby Knight.
Coach K will add a bunch of victories to that total before he retires. But I seriously doubt that anyone will break his record. Records are meant to be broken as the saying goes, but this one is officially now off limits.
There aren’t enough coaches in the business that will last as long as the Coach K's, Bobby Knights and Adolph Rupps. With the massive salaries head coaches make in these times, what is the real incentive to attempt to break the record? Coaches now can put in a limited number of years, take their money and retire to the golf course. Plus, why put yourself through the rigors of college basketball for 30 years? The shelf life of college coaches is just different in this era.
That’s why Coach K's record is so remarkable. The guy has won a huge amount of games in a long period of time. It’s definite history and real cause for celebration.
Coach K will add a bunch of victories to that total before he retires. But I seriously doubt that anyone will break his record. Records are meant to be broken as the saying goes, but this one is officially now off limits.
There aren’t enough coaches in the business that will last as long as the Coach K's, Bobby Knights and Adolph Rupps. With the massive salaries head coaches make in these times, what is the real incentive to attempt to break the record? Coaches now can put in a limited number of years, take their money and retire to the golf course. Plus, why put yourself through the rigors of college basketball for 30 years? The shelf life of college coaches is just different in this era.
That’s why Coach K's record is so remarkable. The guy has won a huge amount of games in a long period of time. It’s definite history and real cause for celebration.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Bobby Knight and One and Done
ESPN’s Bobby Knight is in the news again.
Knight went after the University of Kentucky during a speech over the weekend. Knight lamented the “one and done” scenario in college basketball saying that the Kentucky freshman players in 2009-2010 weren’t going to class the spring term in anticipation of the NBA draft. Kentucky denied the charge and Knight later apologized.
You can bet Knight and Kentucky Coach John Calipari won’t be exchanging Christmas cards anytime soon. It’s safe to say, Knight has not been a fan of Calipari for a long time.
But on the premise that the “one and done” scenario is hurting college basketball, I’m in Knight’s corner on this one. When the rule was changed to force players to attend college for at least one year before turning professional, did this really help anything?
Colleges are basically renting players under this system. And there are plenty of schools willing to take the one-timers and live in the moment. But we have seen in recent years, success coming to the mid-major schools that feature juniors and seniors. I say great.
I have said for a long time if a player goes to college he should be required to participate for at least two full seasons. This would allow the player to develop his basketball and social skills in a less competitive environment. Make no mistake about it the NBA is a job full of big money and big temptations.
It was encouraging to learn that a number of freshman players are coming back for their sophomore season next year. College basketball needs some stability in this vein.
Are you comfortable with the “one and done” rule?
Knight went after the University of Kentucky during a speech over the weekend. Knight lamented the “one and done” scenario in college basketball saying that the Kentucky freshman players in 2009-2010 weren’t going to class the spring term in anticipation of the NBA draft. Kentucky denied the charge and Knight later apologized.
You can bet Knight and Kentucky Coach John Calipari won’t be exchanging Christmas cards anytime soon. It’s safe to say, Knight has not been a fan of Calipari for a long time.
But on the premise that the “one and done” scenario is hurting college basketball, I’m in Knight’s corner on this one. When the rule was changed to force players to attend college for at least one year before turning professional, did this really help anything?
Colleges are basically renting players under this system. And there are plenty of schools willing to take the one-timers and live in the moment. But we have seen in recent years, success coming to the mid-major schools that feature juniors and seniors. I say great.
I have said for a long time if a player goes to college he should be required to participate for at least two full seasons. This would allow the player to develop his basketball and social skills in a less competitive environment. Make no mistake about it the NBA is a job full of big money and big temptations.
It was encouraging to learn that a number of freshman players are coming back for their sophomore season next year. College basketball needs some stability in this vein.
Are you comfortable with the “one and done” rule?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Talking Bobby Knight
You can say a lot about former Indiana and Texas Tech Coach Bobby Knight, but don’t question the guy’s knowledge about college basketball.
I was reminded of that again last night when I saw Knight and Duke Coach Mike Kryzewski interviewed on ESPN. Kryzewski, a former Knight pupil, is closing in on Knight’s record for all-time victories.
Knight praised “Coach K” for coaching basketball the right way—keeping his program honest and free of NCAA infractions. Knight, never one to back down from his views, said there is lots of cheating going on in college basketball.
The sad part about Knight’s cheating comment is the truth of it. But that’s a blog for another day.
I’ve enjoyed Knight’s work on ESPN. He’s more of a coach/teacher than a color commentator. He explains what a player has done and what he has done well or not so well. He doesn’t use many words, but “The General” (his nickname) is insightful Viewers can learn from Knight.
ESPN must enjoy his work too. The network allows him to wear a sweater instead of the standard tie and coat. That tells you, the General is still calling the plays even as a former coach.
I was reminded of that again last night when I saw Knight and Duke Coach Mike Kryzewski interviewed on ESPN. Kryzewski, a former Knight pupil, is closing in on Knight’s record for all-time victories.
Knight praised “Coach K” for coaching basketball the right way—keeping his program honest and free of NCAA infractions. Knight, never one to back down from his views, said there is lots of cheating going on in college basketball.
The sad part about Knight’s cheating comment is the truth of it. But that’s a blog for another day.
I’ve enjoyed Knight’s work on ESPN. He’s more of a coach/teacher than a color commentator. He explains what a player has done and what he has done well or not so well. He doesn’t use many words, but “The General” (his nickname) is insightful Viewers can learn from Knight.
ESPN must enjoy his work too. The network allows him to wear a sweater instead of the standard tie and coat. That tells you, the General is still calling the plays even as a former coach.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Pounding the Chest in College Sports
I have something literally to get off my chest today.
It seems more and more college athletes are beating their chest after they make an outstanding play.
In basketball, you will see normally a tall guy dunk the basketball, get fouled and begin his act. In football, you normally experience a defensive lineman or linebacker sack the quarterback, begin pounding and even dance a bit.
I know we are into this self-expression world now, but whatever happened to the word “class.”
The old saying that nothing is originally probably means these college athletes have been watching too many professional athletes. What’s permissible for the pro guys must be okay for the college boys, right?
Not so much. Can you imagine Bobby Knight or John Wooden allowing their players to act like they are the greatest in the world? Hey guys, let the play stand on its own merit. Go ahead and high-five your teammate and move on. Remember the old sports talk: “there is no I in the word team.”
Former Oklahoma State and Detroit Lions’ running back Barry Sanders displayed class…and he was a superstar. Sanders entered the end zone often. He would simply hand the ball to the official and return to the sideline. No self-expression and no I’m the greatest routine.
Maybe more college players need to view some Sander’s videos and learn from Mr. Class.
It seems more and more college athletes are beating their chest after they make an outstanding play.
In basketball, you will see normally a tall guy dunk the basketball, get fouled and begin his act. In football, you normally experience a defensive lineman or linebacker sack the quarterback, begin pounding and even dance a bit.
I know we are into this self-expression world now, but whatever happened to the word “class.”
The old saying that nothing is originally probably means these college athletes have been watching too many professional athletes. What’s permissible for the pro guys must be okay for the college boys, right?
Not so much. Can you imagine Bobby Knight or John Wooden allowing their players to act like they are the greatest in the world? Hey guys, let the play stand on its own merit. Go ahead and high-five your teammate and move on. Remember the old sports talk: “there is no I in the word team.”
Former Oklahoma State and Detroit Lions’ running back Barry Sanders displayed class…and he was a superstar. Sanders entered the end zone often. He would simply hand the ball to the official and return to the sideline. No self-expression and no I’m the greatest routine.
Maybe more college players need to view some Sander’s videos and learn from Mr. Class.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Will Ohio State Ever Lose?
It’s been since the mid-70s that college basketball has had an undefeated college men’s Division I team. Bobby Knight directed Indiana to a 32-0 mark in the 1975-76 season.
That’s about 35 years folks. That shows you how difficult perfection in basketball is.
Well, don’t look now, but the Ohio State Buckeyes could be knocking on that undefeated door.
The Buckeyes are 24-0 heading into next Saturday’s game at Wisconsin.
Ohio State has a combination of veteran players and young ones. My favorite is freshman Jared Sullinger. This youth in a man’s body (6-9, 280) is a beast. As they say, “he got game.”
Coach Thad Matta had fielded some outstanding teams in the past, but this could be his best one. In an era of parity in college hoops, the Buckeyes stand above this season.
There are dangers ahead in protecting the blemish-free season. Wisconsin and Purdue are tied for second in the Big Ten behind Ohio State. Besides the Badger road game, the Buckeyes must oppose Purdue in Indiana, Feb. 20. With the home crowd against them and the target on their back, the Buckeyes could go down once and maybe twice.
But if Ohio State can win at those places, the momentum for undefeated talk will grow.
At least, they aren’t talking spring football so much in Columbus, Ohio these days. The hoop guys are stealing the headlines for a change.
That’s about 35 years folks. That shows you how difficult perfection in basketball is.
Well, don’t look now, but the Ohio State Buckeyes could be knocking on that undefeated door.
The Buckeyes are 24-0 heading into next Saturday’s game at Wisconsin.
Ohio State has a combination of veteran players and young ones. My favorite is freshman Jared Sullinger. This youth in a man’s body (6-9, 280) is a beast. As they say, “he got game.”
Coach Thad Matta had fielded some outstanding teams in the past, but this could be his best one. In an era of parity in college hoops, the Buckeyes stand above this season.
There are dangers ahead in protecting the blemish-free season. Wisconsin and Purdue are tied for second in the Big Ten behind Ohio State. Besides the Badger road game, the Buckeyes must oppose Purdue in Indiana, Feb. 20. With the home crowd against them and the target on their back, the Buckeyes could go down once and maybe twice.
But if Ohio State can win at those places, the momentum for undefeated talk will grow.
At least, they aren’t talking spring football so much in Columbus, Ohio these days. The hoop guys are stealing the headlines for a change.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Kansas State's Frank Martin has Anger Issues
Kansas State’s Frank Martin is a pretty good basketball coach. You don’t have a career record of 80-33 and know little about coaching the sport.
But I’m afraid Martin is becoming better known for his antics on the sideline than his coaching ability. Last night’s Kansas State-Baylor game on ESPN was a prime example.
The television cameras seemed fixed on Marin’s consistent anger with his players. If Martin’s expressions counted for words, he could write a long, long story.
Announcer Brent Musburger was constantly talking about Martin. His sidekick, former Indiana and Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight, said nothing. That didn’t surprise me. Knight display of anger in his coaching days was well documented.
Like Knight, it takes a special player to perform under Martin. You need great self esteem and a short memory, because if you make a mistake or two or 20, you will hear about it.
People say Martin is a good guy off the court. But you feel for the guy on the court. Think what he is doing to his health with all that consistent anger. He keeps that up and Martin will have a short coaching career.
But I’m afraid Martin is becoming better known for his antics on the sideline than his coaching ability. Last night’s Kansas State-Baylor game on ESPN was a prime example.
The television cameras seemed fixed on Marin’s consistent anger with his players. If Martin’s expressions counted for words, he could write a long, long story.
Announcer Brent Musburger was constantly talking about Martin. His sidekick, former Indiana and Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight, said nothing. That didn’t surprise me. Knight display of anger in his coaching days was well documented.
Like Knight, it takes a special player to perform under Martin. You need great self esteem and a short memory, because if you make a mistake or two or 20, you will hear about it.
People say Martin is a good guy off the court. But you feel for the guy on the court. Think what he is doing to his health with all that consistent anger. He keeps that up and Martin will have a short coaching career.
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