This board can get rough, esp. as we very frequently forget that EMU is a large PUBLIC state university which means it isn't as nimble as a small private school (e.g. Loyola, Chicago).

He apparently put Murphy on notice that he had to win this season or he would not be brought back for next year.

Covid made a mess of everything, but still cutting Murphy some slack, the record just wasn't there.

I think the forum disagrees with me, but I posted that I liked that the AD 'giving it time' so Murphy could have alternate employment arrangements and work out the contract in a way which was hospitable to both Murphy and EMU.

I was completely opposed to firing Murphy mid-season. It would serve no useful purpose and would made prospective candidates uncomfortable. I believe I used the example of Ross Perot then owner of EDS; had a very bad reputation in the computer industry. Word for computer programmers was: don't go there. Professionals need to do their due diligence.

I think folks here were afraid of the timing, and I got a little concerned when CMU jumped in late. They might target some that we targeted.

For CMU's sake I hope they get Stephens. His name is golden in mid-Michigan (I kind of think that Mt. Pleasant is an exurban suburb of Lansing - I know that's a stretch - I know that stretch from my younger days - not much between Lansing and Mt. Pleasant.).

Would love to see say Saddi Washington go to WMU next year.

Would love to have Heath, Stephens, and Washington all in the MAC West. Time to get MAC West hoops back up to speed again. The MAC West was dragging everyone else down.

It all worked out in hindsight, which is fine with me. I don’t know how Heath’s tenure will go, but on this surface this is really the best hire possible. Kudos to Wetherbee for making it happen.

(04-12-2021 01:37 PM)EagleSam Wrote:  It all worked out in hindsight, which is fine with me. I don’t know how Heath’s tenure will go, but on this surface this is really the best hire possible. Kudos to Wetherbee for making it happen.

Agree. I feel for him (Wetherbee) when the board dumped the responsibility for cutting sports in his lap. Do it and report back. Remember when I used the term 'deniability' and protecting those at the top talking about Clem Haskins and other HCs.

Well, the Regents dumped that debacle in his lap and let him take the fall. They kept their hands clean.

Best and safest hire given the,$ the,AD has to work with.
That's what ADs are paid to do.
It's a solid hire.

Agreed! I've been critical of him, particularly for how he took his time with Murphy.

However, this move is a quality hire, the likes of which we haven't seen in a long time.

(04-12-2021 03:33 PM)holybovine Wrote:  Agreed! I've been critical of him, particularly for how he took his time with Murphy.

However, this move is a quality hire, the likes of which we haven't seen in a long time.

Indeed. Scott handled it very adeptly and the process played out perfectly.

What I still find amazing is the number of very high quality candidates we had. I remember posting that our HC position hadn't been open for 10 years and that we were in 'uncharted territory' with this hire. All kind of issues, like talent, salary limitations, etc. etc.

Worked out perfectly.

(04-12-2021 03:37 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(04-12-2021 03:33 PM)holybovine Wrote:  Agreed! I've been critical of him, particularly for how he took his time with Murphy.

However, this move is a quality hire, the likes of which we haven't seen in a long time.

Indeed. Scott handled it very adeptly and the process played out perfectly.

What I still find amazing is the number of very high quality candidates we had. I remember posting that our HC position hadn't been open for 10 years and that we were in 'uncharted territory' with this hire. All kind of issues, like talent, salary limitations, etc. etc.

Worked out perfectly.

True. It goes to show you how coveted D1 positions are.

I suggest that those who were unable to watch the presser today to do so. The speeches were excellent.

AD Wetherbe really did a masterful job with the search. He sounds like the collaborative type guy. First bring in as many stakeholders, experts, etc. and listen to them. Develop the criteria for a successful HC FOR EMU. Then go through the resumes, etc. and get feedback from others on how well the KSAs of the applicants align with the criteria for a successful coach.

Very well done!!

(04-13-2021 10:09 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I suggest that those who were unable to watch the presser today to do so. The speeches were excellent.

AD Wetherbe really did a masterful job with the search. He sounds like the collaborative type guy. First bring in as many stakeholders, experts, etc. and listen to them. Develop the criteria for a successful HC FOR EMU. Then go through the resumes, etc. and get feedback from others on how well the KSAs of the applicants align with the criteria for a successful coach.

Very well done!!

He did listen to many of us who wanted head coaching experience and an alum. Who knew,Stan Heath would even be available but he was.

(04-13-2021 10:14 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:09 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I suggest that those who were unable to watch the presser today to do so. The speeches were excellent.

AD Wetherbe really did a masterful job with the search. He sounds like the collaborative type guy. First bring in as many stakeholders, experts, etc. and listen to them. Develop the criteria for a successful HC FOR EMU. Then go through the resumes, etc. and get feedback from others on how well the KSAs of the applicants align with the criteria for a successful coach.

Very well done!!

He did listen to many of us who wanted head coaching experience and an alum. Who knew,Stan Heath would even be available but he was.

This is a watershet moment for EMU athletics where the EMU family from Ice Man to current players all seemed to be on the same page in what they thought was best for the university.

Now we need to see what role other former players will play. Wetherbe and Heath both listed a litany of fmr. EMU MBB players from George Gervin, through the "Heath era" at EMU to more contempary times.

Have emailed Scott a few times over the years and he has always responded promptly. That is pretty cool from the AD.

(04-15-2021 07:07 AM)EAGLE KING Wrote:  Have emailed Scott a few times over the years and he has always responded promptly. That is pretty cool from the AD.

Agree. I have shared some time with him at FB games and he is a down to earth guy who likes to interact with fans.

We have faced some blow back from stakeholders because cutting sports was dumped in his lap and some here got a little trigger happy over Murphy's continued employment as HC.

I will send him a nice note complimenting him on how well he handled the transition from HC29 and HC30.

As I've indicated he was very methodical and professional about it (no George Steinbrenner moments ) and showed very good judgment.

I still maintain when an AD is looking to hire from a deep list of candidates, good candidates WILL look at how the AD handled the current/former coach.

Anyone who takes a job and can, but doesn't do his due diligence about his next boss is asking for trouble. Hint: George Steinbrenner. Everyone in MLB know who he was and his personality, etc.

All of our candidates (the ones we know) all have good basketball jobs and were not desperate for our job. I remember when Diles let Rasnick go and tried to hire a replacement, he got turned down by a few candidates.

(04-13-2021 10:26 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:14 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:09 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I suggest that those who were unable to watch the presser today to do so. The speeches were excellent.

AD Wetherbe really did a masterful job with the search. He sounds like the collaborative type guy. First bring in as many stakeholders, experts, etc. and listen to them. Develop the criteria for a successful HC FOR EMU. Then go through the resumes, etc. and get feedback from others on how well the KSAs of the applicants align with the criteria for a successful coach.

Very well done!!

He did listen to many of us who wanted head coaching experience and an alum. Who knew,Stan Heath would even be available but he was.

This is a watershet moment for EMU athletics where the EMU family from Ice Man to current players all seemed to be on the same page in what they thought was best for the university.

Now we need to see what role other former players will play. Wetherbe and Heath both listed a litany of fmr. EMU MBB players from George Gervin, through the "Heath era" at EMU to more contempary times.

Which is why I was trying to feverishly explain that hiring someone outside of the EMU family had the potential for DISASTER. Think about it, after 10 years with a coach who most assuredly did NOT embrace EMU history or the community and who quite frankly, played the most boring brand of basketball ever seen here, EMU pride was at an all time low. Casual fans and alumni were run off years ago. Luckily, Wetherbee can read a room and nailed the hire. He got an EMU alum/Izzo disciple/community embracer and oh by the way, plays an exciting NBA style with NO MORE ZONE DEFENSE.

And that is how you rebuild a fanbase. A+ hire.

And he accomplished this in 3 weeks which in itself is impressive

(04-15-2021 07:25 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:26 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:14 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:09 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I suggest that those who were unable to watch the presser today to do so. The speeches were excellent.

AD Wetherbe really did a masterful job with the search. He sounds like the collaborative type guy. First bring in as many stakeholders, experts, etc. and listen to them. Develop the criteria for a successful HC FOR EMU. Then go through the resumes, etc. and get feedback from others on how well the KSAs of the applicants align with the criteria for a successful coach.

Very well done!!

He did listen to many of us who wanted head coaching experience and an alum. Who knew,Stan Heath would even be available but he was.

This is a watershet moment for EMU athletics where the EMU family from Ice Man to current players all seemed to be on the same page in what they thought was best for the university.

Now we need to see what role other former players will play. Wetherbe and Heath both listed a litany of fmr. EMU MBB players from George Gervin, through the "Heath era" at EMU to more contempary times.

Which is why I was trying to feverishly explain that hiring someone outside of the EMU family had the potential for DISASTER. Think about it, after 10 years with a coach who most assuredly did NOT embrace EMU history or the community and who quite frankly, played the most boring brand of basketball ever seen here, EMU pride was at an all time low. Casual fans and alumni were run off years ago. Luckily, Wetherbee can read a room and nailed the hire. He got an EMU alum/Izzo disciple/community embracer and oh by the way, plays an exciting NBA style with NO MORE ZONE DEFENSE.

And that is how you rebuild a fanbase. A+ hire.

Yes, following the hiring process ON THIS FORUM was an adventure.

BobW was the champion of let's hire a fmr. EMU player. NO doubt about that. And our AD bought it.

Bob, OTOH, seemed to get confused on what makes a very good D-I coach. I think the board was right in wanting someone with a). EMU pedigree, b). Very extensive coaching background, c). someone who was a HC or could be a HC by simply saying 'yes.' Sometimes I think Bob wanted as a requirement someone he watched play or knew or whatever.

So based on these broad criteria, we had discussed (listed by their time at EMU):

1). Stan Heath,

2). (Believe someone mentioned) Grant Long,

3). Lorenzo Neely,

4). Charles Thomas,

5). Earl Boykins,

6). John Bowler,

7). Fmr. coaches like Ben Braun, Matt Cline.

Based on this list, Heath was my first choice based on his excellent resume. We are lucky that he was in the G-League and not somewhere else making a ton of bucks.

My only reservation, as others have mentioned, is that he is I believe 4 years removed from collegiate coaching. Think his last coaching job was at BC.

I really liked Eisley and Haynes (assuming he applied, which I don't know) because they could handling the recruiting from day one. Eisley could have recruited UofM's Plan B recruits. Haynes presumably has been recruiting all over from DMV and Midwest, etc. Eisley had a strong NBA pedigree.

Today is the 1st day of the 2nd signing period and things will get interesting in a hurry...

(04-15-2021 07:25 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:26 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:14 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:09 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I suggest that those who were unable to watch the presser today to do so. The speeches were excellent.

AD Wetherbe really did a masterful job with the search. He sounds like the collaborative type guy. First bring in as many stakeholders, experts, etc. and listen to them. Develop the criteria for a successful HC FOR EMU. Then go through the resumes, etc. and get feedback from others on how well the KSAs of the applicants align with the criteria for a successful coach.

Very well done!!

He did listen to many of us who wanted head coaching experience and an alum. Who knew,Stan Heath would even be available but he was.

This is a watershet moment for EMU athletics where the EMU family from Ice Man to current players all seemed to be on the same page in what they thought was best for the university.

Now we need to see what role other former players will play. Wetherbe and Heath both listed a litany of fmr. EMU MBB players from George Gervin, through the "Heath era" at EMU to more contempary times.

Which is why I was trying to feverishly explain that hiring someone outside of the EMU family had the potential for DISASTER. Think about it, after 10 years with a coach who most assuredly did NOT embrace EMU history or the community and who quite frankly, played the most boring brand of basketball ever seen here, EMU pride was at an all time low. Casual fans and alumni were run off years ago. Luckily, Wetherbee can read a room and nailed the hire. He got an EMU alum/Izzo disciple/community embracer and oh by the way, plays an exciting NBA style with NO MORE ZONE DEFENSE.

And that is how you rebuild a fanbase. A+ hire.

I definitely agreed with Bob W! We had to 100 percent hire an alumnus! The support for the basketball team was hanging by a thread! His speech was off the charts! Talked about the glory days, Bowen Field House, packed house, and the great players of of the 80's and 90's! If Boykins or Neely, or even Carl Thomas come back as assistant coaches, then what a staff..........Cofield would also be amazing! The Huron era.........

(04-15-2021 11:22 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  

(04-15-2021 07:25 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:26 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:14 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:09 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I suggest that those who were unable to watch the presser today to do so. The speeches were excellent.

AD Wetherbe really did a masterful job with the search. He sounds like the collaborative type guy. First bring in as many stakeholders, experts, etc. and listen to them. Develop the criteria for a successful HC FOR EMU. Then go through the resumes, etc. and get feedback from others on how well the KSAs of the applicants align with the criteria for a successful coach.

Very well done!!

He did listen to many of us who wanted head coaching experience and an alum. Who knew,Stan Heath would even be available but he was.

This is a watershet moment for EMU athletics where the EMU family from Ice Man to current players all seemed to be on the same page in what they thought was best for the university.

Now we need to see what role other former players will play. Wetherbe and Heath both listed a litany of fmr. EMU MBB players from George Gervin, through the "Heath era" at EMU to more contempary times.

Which is why I was trying to feverishly explain that hiring someone outside of the EMU family had the potential for DISASTER. Think about it, after 10 years with a coach who most assuredly did NOT embrace EMU history or the community and who quite frankly, played the most boring brand of basketball ever seen here, EMU pride was at an all time low. Casual fans and alumni were run off years ago. Luckily, Wetherbee can read a room and nailed the hire. He got an EMU alum/Izzo disciple/community embracer and oh by the way, plays an exciting NBA style with NO MORE ZONE DEFENSE.

And that is how you rebuild a fanbase. A+ hire.

I definitely agreed with Bob W! We had to 100 percent hire an alumnus! The support for the basketball team was hanging by a thread! His speech was off the charts! Talked about the glory days, Bowen Field House, packed house, and the great players of of the 80's and 90's! If Boykins or Neely, or even Carl Thomas come back as assistant coaches, then what a staff..........Cofield would also be amazing! The Huron era.........

What you say is true, however, as I have said many times the 90s are in the history books (or the media guides I have gathering dust).

But do remember, we are not in the marketing business of getting personalities to go on television selling car warranties or Medicare advantage plans.

We are in a business of winning D-I basketball games. Marketing only goes so far.

Reminds me of what my mother once said, "Love is blind. Marriage is an eyeopener."

Here all of the PR and media, and interviews and forum posts, etc. is like the courting experience my mother described. It is all feel good, fantasy, etc.

But once November comes and the players become 'married' to the basketball court, we'll see what life is really like for the team.

This is where the coaches are no longer simply the public face of the program but they are executing their jobs of producing a winning team.

We will start (at least today) with no one with good recruiting contacts in MI, Midwest, etc.

We have no one who coached against the MAC.

I just hope that Heath can put together a good staff who can assume the roles that a coach staff has to assume. At least Drew, if he is brought back, can get the team to Athens, OH and back. He knows his job.

EMU79, I believe, mentioned bringing back Wooten. Wooten knows what EMU knows about recruiting. He may know Heath while Heath was on the BC staff. Would be a good start to get the recruiting operation moving.

There are no placebo effects in sports. Fans will learn PDQ if the team can win or is years away from winning.

Heath's success will not be so much PR but his ability to assemble a staff which can do what an asst coaching staff normally does.

(04-15-2021 12:07 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(04-15-2021 11:22 AM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  

(04-15-2021 07:25 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:26 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(04-13-2021 10:14 AM)emu79 Wrote:  He did listen to many of us who wanted head coaching experience and an alum. Who knew,Stan Heath would even be available but he was.

This is a watershet moment for EMU athletics where the EMU family from Ice Man to current players all seemed to be on the same page in what they thought was best for the university.

Now we need to see what role other former players will play. Wetherbe and Heath both listed a litany of fmr. EMU MBB players from George Gervin, through the "Heath era" at EMU to more contempary times.

Which is why I was trying to feverishly explain that hiring someone outside of the EMU family had the potential for DISASTER. Think about it, after 10 years with a coach who most assuredly did NOT embrace EMU history or the community and who quite frankly, played the most boring brand of basketball ever seen here, EMU pride was at an all time low. Casual fans and alumni were run off years ago. Luckily, Wetherbee can read a room and nailed the hire. He got an EMU alum/Izzo disciple/community embracer and oh by the way, plays an exciting NBA style with NO MORE ZONE DEFENSE.

And that is how you rebuild a fanbase. A+ hire.

I definitely agreed with Bob W! We had to 100 percent hire an alumnus! The support for the basketball team was hanging by a thread! His speech was off the charts! Talked about the glory days, Bowen Field House, packed house, and the great players of of the 80's and 90's! If Boykins or Neely, or even Carl Thomas come back as assistant coaches, then what a staff..........Cofield would also be amazing! The Huron era.........

What you say is true, however, as I have said many times the 90s are in the history books (or the media guides I have gathering dust).

But do remember, we are not in the marketing business of getting personalities to go on television selling car warranties or Medicare advantage plans.

We are in a business of winning D-I basketball games. Marketing only goes so far.

Reminds me of what my mother once said, "Love is blind. Marriage is an eyeopener."

Here all of the PR and media, and interviews and forum posts, etc. is like the courting experience my mother described. It is all feel good, fantasy, etc.

But once November comes and the players become 'married' to the basketball court, we'll see what life is really like for the team.

This is where the coaches are no longer simply the public face of the program but they are executing their jobs of producing a winning team.

We will start (at least today) with no one with good recruiting contacts in MI, Midwest, etc.

We have no one who coached against the MAC.

I just hope that Heath can put together a good staff who can assume the roles that a coach staff has to assume. At least Drew, if he is brought back, can get the team to Athens, OH and back. He knows his job.

EMU79, I believe, mentioned bringing back Wooten. Wooten knows what EMU knows about recruiting. He may know Heath while Heath was on the BC staff. Would be a good start to get the recruiting operation moving.

There are no placebo effects in sports. Fans will learn PDQ if the team can win or is years away from winning.

Heath's success will not be so much PR but his ability to assemble a staff which can do what an asst coaching staff normally does.

Beautifully said, but this is E Michigan basketball we're talking about! These kids weren't living the last time we went dancing! So if Mondro walks into recruit a young man, or Boykins, Neely, or Thomas walk in they can sell a much different story! Regardless, it's not an easy sell! The great motivators/coaches can turn a program around in 3 years! Fleck, Campbell, Boals, Neu, Leipold, Babers, etc......E Michigan has never hired one of those in 3 decades! Last time was when Gene Smith was our athlete director I believe! He's currently the AD at Ohio State! Wetherbee could be that one! I'm hard on CC, but this is year 8! Win baby win.........especially this next season! Arguably the easiest schedule we've had in his tenure! Heath will become a legend if by 2025 we win the MAC! That's what GREAT coaches do! Ala URBAN MEYER! Look at what he did fast at BGSU, and Utah! Florida and Ohio St is a completely different situation!