I am humbled and honored to be the next head basketball coach at the University of Northern Colorado. This is going to be both a tremendous challenge and opportunity for me. |
I'll talk to everybody once I get to Greeley and get on campus. |
I'm in a different position right now than I was two months ago. This whole process had pretty much come full circle. That's what I mean when I say timing is everything. The commitment level was just right at the right time. |
The journey begins. I'm 43. I'm ready to cast my lot and find out exactly what it's like to sit in that other chair. |
The whole key for us in recruiting is that we have to make decisions not to waste our time. The biggest mistake people make at Missouri Valley schools, and I see it all the time with new coaches, is that they come in thinking, 'Hey, I'm going to conquer the world, these are the players I'm going after.' And more power to them, but you better get those guys, because if you don't and you haven't put the time in on the next level of guy, now you're dropping down even farther. |
There will be a lot of things to solidify once I get there, but I need to get there and get my feet on the ground. I'll work on recruiting first, then get a coaching staff on board. |
There's no question you can go into a home with a little better feeling. But will it help you go down to Texas and beat Texas or Texas A&M for a kid? No, as much as we would like to think it does. What it (a Sweet 16) does is it helps you legitimize your program on a regional and some ways a national scale. |
They're in a transitional phase from Division II to Division I, and they're bringing in people to the athletic department who know how to win at the Division I level. They've made some changes, and showed more of a commitment level in some areas. |
This is going to be both a tremendous challenge and opportunity for me and where I am at in my career. I have been preparing myself for the last 17 years for this opportunity. |
Timing is everything. The first time around, the timing wasn't right. They demonstrated a better commitment level. It's a heck of an opportunity. |
To get our guys, we've had to go into someone else's back yard and either out-recruit them or out-evaluate them. |
You can't get stars in your eyes. You have to be realistic about recruiting without selling yourself short. And that decision is critical. |