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Richardson
not wise choice for coaching post With the end of the Billy Tubbs era not too far away, the time is now for the university to begin the search for a replacement. The question is, who? There are many angles that the university can go on this situation, but one thing is for certain: It is a decision that needs to be made quickly and efficiently. There are 14 players who in a couple of days will be without a leader. A message must be sent that we are behind these guys with our full support. They need an impact coach who is going to bring a new and fresh outlook to this team, which will hopefully parlay into a top notch program. There have been publications suggesting TCU should take an interest in the services of recently departed Arkansas men’s basketball head coach Nolan Richardson. The man has basketball credentials and success that cannot be questioned. He has .711 winning percentage with 14 Tournament bids and a NCAA crown in 1994. However, TCU does not need controversy and a circus. Richardson is a man who plays the race card on numerous occasions and has very thin skin in relation to the national media scrutiny. If he thinks that the media put the microscope on him in Fayetteville, Ark., imagine coming to a large media market such as the Metroplex. Every single move he would make would be observed, analyzed and judged. With two players (Greedy Daniels and Myron Anthony) being kicked off the team for alleged failed drug tests last season, and other former players with shady pasts, TCU does not need any more publicity of that nature. With a coach like Richardson, TCU would bring in an unstable coach whose dedication and unselfishness to the program is questionable. It seems as if basketball at this school is not taken seriously. You could make this case for any sport at TCU. Daniel-Meyer Coliseum has numerous empty seats for games, and receives minor coverage from local media outlets. When playing sports, it is a positive factor to have the support of everyone around you. In ‘Billyball,’ TCU played in conferences not known for basketball tradition (Southwest Conference and Western Athletic Conference). The Frogs are now in Conference USA. This is a conference that has many programs with formidable basketball programs. With the high school talent that the Metroplex and Texas provides, there is no reason that a coach could not come to TCU and be successful. Also, we must think of the academic side of the hire. We must remember that the purpose of these athletes coming to TCU is to get an education first, and then to play basketball. The graduation rate for TCU has not been spectacular. With all that this university provides, there should be no problem in bringing in a coach who can make an immediate impact. The question is, what kind of impact are we looking for? |
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TCU Daily Skiff © 2002 |
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