duq81, agree 100% with you. After watching 5 years of this crap, how could anyone think otherwise?

ElDuque wrote:

Because, my friends, as I have been saying, Duquesne University is NOT committed to winning.

​It can't help itself with WBB because Suzie built it and Dan Burt made it great. Unless you get the MBB version of a Suzie or Dan Burt, it's not going to happen. I've gone on ad nauseum about the offense, the defense (actually, the lack of either), the bad game management, the propensity to go as small as possible, etc., but it's been a wasted effort on my part. He'll be back, with a long extension.

​I'm not coming back though. I've seen this act for five years and I know it won't change. Lewis is graduating and there's no one on the roster over 6-8. Robinson, if he returns, is the only true post player. Sanders and Mike are wings, even if Sanders is being force fit (unsuccessfully) into a 4-5 role.

​I only hope the Board of Musty Trustees, Dr. Gormley and Mr. Harper make it official with the announcement of Ferry's extension so I can move on.

What the heck makes you think that Ferry is going to be extended?  There is no way that is going to happen.  Have a little faith.  We have a new president and a new AD.  

I agree with all of you guys and 81' your are on point except for one thing, Ferry has one year left, not two.  Trust me, that is the deal and its' confirmed.  So clarifying that, why on earth keep Ferry.  El D is right, a 22 loss team isn't going to turn into even a 500 team next year.  For those who argue that IMike and Mike Lewis would leave, well maybe they are smarter than that and their parents advise them to wait and see who is hired?  Who is to say if there is no marked improvement next year, most likely scenario, and Ferry gets canned that Mike and Lewis wouldn't leave then anyway!!  Remember TJ left after his Soph season, sat out a year and then played two.  Harper needs to replace Ferry and take time with the kids to get them to at least meet a new Coach.  Most reasonable people/athletes would want to do that one would think.  Someone who comes in with the right pedigree should be able to explain the merits of staying.  Also, the right Coach is more important than any existing player or recruit and who knows what recruits the new Coach would be tied in with?  Could be an improvement, who knows.  I would love to see IMike and Lewis be practical and if DU makes the switch they at least hear what a new Coach has to say.  The chemistry could be good.  At the end of the day, Ferry has done nothing to indicate, especially with his tight game record, that he can Coach guys up and strategically make a difference with in-game coaching.  He has an amateur staff, excluding big John, and his style is not getting anywhere in the A-10.  Pull the plug Dr. G and Harper!  Mr. Harper spend time with the current kids and speak to the incoming recruits as well.  Ferry's spin just doesn't cut it anymore and to hell with these writers who are simply regurgitating what he tells them.  It doesn't take 5 years to just solidify a program Jimmy.  You never even upgraded your roster from DColter and JJones for crum sakes over that term!  Here we are 5 years later with the A-10 tourney in our back yard and we are the lowest seed - enough said.

Simms wrote:

ElDuque wrote:

Because, my friends, as I have been saying, Duquesne University is NOT committed to winning.

​It can't help itself with WBB because Suzie built it and Dan Burt made it great. Unless you get the MBB version of a Suzie or Dan Burt, it's not going to happen. I've gone on ad nauseum about the offense, the defense (actually, the lack of either), the bad game management, the propensity to go as small as possible, etc., but it's been a wasted effort on my part. He'll be back, with a long extension.

​I'm not coming back though. I've seen this act for five years and I know it won't change. Lewis is graduating and there's no one on the roster over 6-8. Robinson, if he returns, is the only true post player. Sanders and Mike are wings, even if Sanders is being force fit (unsuccessfully) into a 4-5 role.

​I only hope the Board of Musty Trustees, Dr. Gormley and Mr. Harper make it official with the announcement of Ferry's extension so I can move on.

What the heck makes you think that Ferry is going to be extended?  There is no way that is going to happen.  Have a little faith.  We have a new president and a new AD.  

Because we have the same Board of Trustees, my friend. Dr. Gormley and Mr. Harper, in the end, will comply with the wishes of the Board.
 

Mulder, is point #2 the reason point #1 will (not) happen?

PistolPete wrote:

I agree with all of you guys and 81' your are on point except for one thing, Ferry has one year left, not two.  Trust me, that is the deal and its' confirmed.  So clarifying that, why on earth keep Ferry.  El D is right, a 22 loss team isn't going to turn into even a 500 team next year.  For those who argue that IMike and Mike Lewis would leave, well maybe they are smarter than that and their parents advise them to wait and see who is hired?  Who is to say if there is no marked improvement next year, most likely scenario, and Ferry gets canned that Mike and Lewis wouldn't leave then anyway!!  Remember TJ left after his Soph season, sat out a year and then played two.  Harper needs to replace Ferry and take time with the kids to get them to at least meet a new Coach.  Most reasonable people/athletes would want to do that one would think.  Someone who comes in with the right pedigree should be able to explain the merits of staying.  Also, the right Coach is more important than any existing player or recruit and who knows what recruits the new Coach would be tied in with?  Could be an improvement, who knows.  I would love to see IMike and Lewis be practical and if DU makes the switch they at least hear what a new Coach has to say.  The chemistry could be good.  At the end of the day, Ferry has done nothing to indicate, especially with his tight game record, that he can Coach guys up and strategically make a difference with in-game coaching.  He has an amateur staff, excluding big John, and his style is not getting anywhere in the A-10.  Pull the plug Dr. G and Harper!  Mr. Harper spend time with the current kids and speak to the incoming recruits as well.  Ferry's spin just doesn't cut it anymore and to hell with these writers who are simply regurgitating what he tells them.  It doesn't take 5 years to just solidify a program Jimmy.  You never even upgraded your roster from DColter and JJones for crum sakes over that term!  Here we are 5 years later with the A-10 tourney in our back yard and we are the lowest seed - enough said.

If Ferry only has one year left, he's dead. You can't extend him, and even Duquesne has to know that you can't have a lame duck coach.

Mulder wrote:

duq81 wrote:

Mulder wrote:

I still contend that. . .
1. Ferry will not be fired
2. You will be surprised at the level and kind of coach willing to come here and it won't be what you expect.

We know coaches won't be breaking down the door to come here, which is why they had to overpay Ferry. That said, we have one thing in our favor this year, which is that not many of the major eastern schools will be looking for a coach this year. The second tier teams in the BE mostly did well this year, so none are going to fire their coach. There is pressure for Georgetown to fire JT3, but they dare not do it until the program really hits rock bottom. Temple, and UConn aren't going to be coach hunting either. The only team I can think of that might fire their coach is UMass, and even that isn't a given. That means, for the good prospects in the east, there won't be many jobs open. Might give us a better shot.
 

I understand your point.  But in my profession which I won't identify but is in the field of management, people look to better themselves by changing jobs that are larger, have more staff, in a bigger organization (I know that's not unusual but it's hard to keep this generic without specifying where I work).  Generally others are familiar with the organizations that can offer more money, etc. but often those places have track records where they do not keep a manager very long and taking a bigger job there with more pay in an organization that should be terrific but isn't because the board of directors are flighty or political is a losing proposition.  You may think you are going to be the one to change that culture but often there are reasons why you cannot and you will just end up like the person you are replacing.  Why go there when you can stay where you are and be happy (relatively) or wait for a more secure, similar organization that is not quite as crazy? 

Right now and for the past 40 years we have been crazy.  Why take the risk if you are a good young coach or assistant somewhere?  And that's the best I can explain without discussing where I work so it may not make sense (but I know what I mean and since most people don't comment on anything I have to say that's enough for me).

Successful people often have big egos. They think they can do what others cannot. If the $$$ are big enough, they might take the risk. After all, 5-6 years at $600,000 or more leaves most folks set for life.
Andy Toole made the decision to stay put. I wonder if he regrets it now. Sometimes you have to move up when the chance comes. It may not come again, and the folks who love you at your current job can quickly turn against you if you stop winning at a high level. Ask Jamie Dixon.
 

Simms wrote:

ElDuque wrote:

Because, my friends, as I have been saying, Duquesne University is NOT committed to winning.

​It can't help itself with WBB because Suzie built it and Dan Burt made it great. Unless you get the MBB version of a Suzie or Dan Burt, it's not going to happen. I've gone on ad nauseum about the offense, the defense (actually, the lack of either), the bad game management, the propensity to go as small as possible, etc., but it's been a wasted effort on my part. He'll be back, with a long extension.

​I'm not coming back though. I've seen this act for five years and I know it won't change. Lewis is graduating and there's no one on the roster over 6-8. Robinson, if he returns, is the only true post player. Sanders and Mike are wings, even if Sanders is being force fit (unsuccessfully) into a 4-5 role.

​I only hope the Board of Musty Trustees, Dr. Gormley and Mr. Harper make it official with the announcement of Ferry's extension so I can move on.

What the heck makes you think that Ferry is going to be extended?  There is no way that is going to happen.  Have a little faith.  We have a new president and a new AD.  

Because that "New AD" has told me, and apparently others on this board, in no uncertain terms in personal conversations that Ferry is "his guy." that is why.
 

ElDuque wrote:

Because, my friends, as I have been saying, Duquesne University is NOT committed to winning.

​It can't help itself with WBB because Suzie built it and Dan Burt made it great. Unless you get the MBB version of a Suzie or Dan Burt, it's not going to happen. I've gone on ad nauseum about the offense, the defense (actually, the lack of either), the bad game management, the propensity to go as small as possible, etc., but it's been a wasted effort on my part. He'll be back, with a long extension.

​I'm not coming back though. I've seen this act for five years and I know it won't change. Lewis is graduating and there's no one on the roster over 6-8. Robinson, if he returns, is the only true post player. Sanders and Mike are wings, even if Sanders is being force fit (unsuccessfully) into a 4-5 role.

​I only hope the Board of Musty Trustees, Dr. Gormley and Mr. Harper make it official with the announcement of Ferry's extension so I can move on.

ED,  I understand your frustration, winning is long overdue at Duquesne, but just one issuewith your post.  Calling Sanders a wing is off-base, the guy is a banger inside at best, doesn't have a shot from even close range, so I don't see him being a wing at his size and skill level, he can only play inside.  Now I will grant you that he looks undersized to play a "5" role.  He gets caught behind bigger centers and they score on him easily.  He needs to use his quickness more on defense to deny the easy entry pass.  This team clearly needs size, and should try to bring in an experienced 4 or 5 who can rebound, defend and block the occasional shot.  They just lack athleticism and quick jumpers along the frontline and are desperately small with Lewis graduating.  JRob is really undersized to try and play the "5" as well.  He looks to be about 6'-7" at best and gets eaten up by more athletic post players.  I don't know where we'll find a grad transfer to fill this need but good luck. 

They also desperately need a knockdown shooter.  Our numbers from three point range were the main reason for many of the close losses.  I don't know if Littleson can be the guy or can play defense well enough to stay on the court, even if he does improve his shooting percentage.  He really needs to work on a quicker release, and should study with the master,  Micah Mason this summer.

Tejas_Duke wrote:

Simms wrote:

ElDuque wrote:

Because, my friends, as I have been saying, Duquesne University is NOT committed to winning.

​It can't help itself with WBB because Suzie built it and Dan Burt made it great. Unless you get the MBB version of a Suzie or Dan Burt, it's not going to happen. I've gone on ad nauseum about the offense, the defense (actually, the lack of either), the bad game management, the propensity to go as small as possible, etc., but it's been a wasted effort on my part. He'll be back, with a long extension.

​I'm not coming back though. I've seen this act for five years and I know it won't change. Lewis is graduating and there's no one on the roster over 6-8. Robinson, if he returns, is the only true post player. Sanders and Mike are wings, even if Sanders is being force fit (unsuccessfully) into a 4-5 role.

​I only hope the Board of Musty Trustees, Dr. Gormley and Mr. Harper make it official with the announcement of Ferry's extension so I can move on.

What the heck makes you think that Ferry is going to be extended?  There is no way that is going to happen.  Have a little faith.  We have a new president and a new AD.  

Because that "New AD" has told me, and apparently others on this board, in no uncertain terms in personal conversations that Ferry is "his guy." that is why.
 

If he had told you anything else, I'd have deduced that we had hired an idiot. Any AD worth his salt is supposed to stand behind his coaches until they're no longer his coaches. I certainly wouldn't expect for him to criticize the coach to some alum, especially one who is active on a message board. Message boards are fun, but they are literally cesspools of all sorts of nonsense. Harper doesn't know you, why would he trust you not to come on here and blab away about how he told you that Ferry was on the hot seat. After all, you came here and told us what he did say. Actions will tell the tale, not words. If Ferry is still here in 10 days, or forbid, been extended, then it will be time to blast away. Until then, I'll wait to see what happens.
 

duq81 wrote:

Tejas_Duke wrote:

Simms wrote:

What the heck makes you think that Ferry is going to be extended?  There is no way that is going to happen.  Have a little faith.  We have a new president and a new AD.  

Because that "New AD" has told me, and apparently others on this board, in no uncertain terms in personal conversations that Ferry is "his guy." that is why.
 

If he had told you anything else, I'd have deduced that we had hired an idiot. Any AD worth his salt is supposed to stand behind his coaches until they're no longer his coaches. I certainly wouldn't expect for him to criticize the coach to some alum, especially one who is active on a message board. Message boards are fun, but they are literally cesspools of all sorts of nonsense. Harper doesn't know you, why would he trust you not to come on here and blab away about how he told you that Ferry was on the hot seat. After all, you came here and told us what he did say. Actions will tell the tale, not words. If Ferry is still here in 10 days, or forbid, been extended, then it will be time to blast away. Until then, I'll wait to see what happens.
 

Don't forget he told me other things in confidence, things that went beyond the standard stroking of an alumnus/potential donor, and go back and read my posts. I redacted those parts from my posts.  Our conversation gave me the impression that this went beyond just sticking up for the current coach. I got the feeling that he believed in Jim Ferrry. I may be wrong.
 

Tejas_Duke wrote:

Duques102 wrote:

 

I feel like I remember those comments being made before or at the beginning of this season. I'm sure he doesn't feel the same way now.

Last winter to be precise. We spoke for an hour. It was after the turnpike incident and before the swoon got too worrisome
 

Hell, after the snow-in, I thought we had turned the corner. I'd have been positive about Ferry too at that time. Since the 15-7 start last year, we're 12-31. Yikes!