the job is Ford's according to today's RonnieGram

Masshole · Post by **Masshole** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:08 pm

Why does Umass want to bring in someone who is not making UMASS their first choice? Does it seem strange to anyone else that this guy has admitted to wanting the Tennessee job, yet is being so heavily pursued by us? Why not go after someone who is putting this job first, yes i believe that Ford is a hard worker who could do some good things, but no i dont believe that him having head coaching experience makes him that much more an attractive candidate than Barbee. This program needs a face that people will smile on and that people will be excited to see, Tony Barbee is that person. The feel goodness that he will bring home is what we need right now, and i am confident he will bring in recruits to build around this team to make it an NCAA tournament team. Not to mention that he will probably bring along Ty Weeks, and possibly Ross Burns on the staff making it even more of a feel good thing. I still believe that Ford is using Umass simply for leverage for getting the Tennessee job and dont be suprised to see Tennessee pull the trigger and try and hire him quickly. (Hey we can hope can't we?)

CRR_ · Post by **CRR_** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:41 pm

Read the articles about his coaching methods and tell me why UMass shouldn't want him. If you were looking for a job, you'd consider several before settling. At least, I know I would. He has a lot of things to consider in making this choice. This will be his make-or-break job. If he has success at the next place, he'll be set for life. The bad things that have befallen the last three UT-Knoxville coaches has to be weighing on his mind. Two of them were the "next big thing" and one of them went to 4 straight NCAA tournaments.

Travis Ford is being smart. There's nothing wrong with that.

dallasminuteman · Post by **dallasminuteman** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:43 pm

Masshole wrote:Why does Umass want to bring in someone who is not making UMASS their first choice? Does it seem strange to anyone else that this guy has admitted to wanting the Tennessee job, yet is being so heavily pursued by us? Why not go after someone who is putting this job first, yes i believe that Ford is a hard worker who could do some good things, but no i dont believe that him having head coaching experience makes him that much more an attractive candidate than Barbee. This program needs a face that people will smile on and that people will be excited to see, Tony Barbee is that person. The feel goodness that he will bring home is what we need right now, and i am confident he will bring in recruits to build around this team to make it an NCAA tournament team. Not to mention that he will probably bring along Ty Weeks, and possibly Ross Burns on the staff making it even more of a feel good thing. I still believe that Ford is using Umass simply for leverage for getting the Tennessee job and dont be suprised to see Tennessee pull the trigger and try and hire him quickly. (Hey we can hope can't we?)

For any guy that has had success anywhere as a head coach and might have an opportunity get a job in a major (sorry, more major than the A-10) conference, UMass is of course not his top choice. That doesn't even remotely relate to the chances for success. Once a guy commits to a school, he's all in. If he didn't have success at UMass, he's not movin' on up anytime soon. I wouldn't aorry one little bit if a guy might be casting his eye at the SEC. Now, if he's looking at us or the MEAC, then I have an issue.....Thank goodness we have people looking at the job that might also be considered by the Tennessee's of the world (or even Charlotte).

dallasminuteman · Post by **dallasminuteman** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:49 pm

CRR_ wrote:
Quinn wrote:
Umass73 wrote:Ford's got my vote from all the links and info posted on this board. I would give the nod for Ford over Barbee and Moore because he has had success as a D1 head coach at EKU. However, we are fortunate to have 3 very strong candidates! Admin please make it happen, I want to start rebuilding the program now.

Alright, so you look at Ford and give him the spot over the assistant coaches we could hire. But what about Pearl? He seems to have more experience and success than Ford.
FWIW, the story of how Pearl badgered that kid into falsely claiming that U of I had offered him 80K and an SUV is pretty grim stuff. I know he's recanted and said something about going about it the wrong way, but it's enough to give you pause.

You reading the Chicago papers? Look at cbssportsline today for an alternative view of the Illinois/Iowa situation back then. And don't forget that Iowa was found to have no issues, and Illinois was put on probation. Pretty grim stuff? The grim stuff was that he was blacklisted for pointing out a school that was obviously cheating. I'm glad he's having success, and it would be pretty damn delicious if UWM stopped the Illinois train...

I bet sombody wishes they would have stepped up regarding the situation at Baylor before it got "grim".

rayers · Post by **rayers** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:50 pm

Give me succuess now and by the time Ford wants to move on Barbee or Moore may be more prepared. Didn't know about Ford as a coach before the last 2 weeks but WOW. Reminds me of the scene about 15 years ago when Pitino helped us find a guy new to the UMass community. Our young assistants-Barbee,Weeks,Kellog, give us hope for a GREAT future, but Ford would seem to be an incredible get.

Crank · Post by **Crank** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:53 pm

According to the Kentucky board, this may be a done deal. (Some nice and not so nice things included about us):

http://kentucky.rivals.com/showmsg.asp? ... d=&style=2

Masshole · Post by **Masshole** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:02 pm

This is a done deal. As much as I would have liked to see Barbee in, Ford has the job, the numbers are being worked out. He is on campus now.

eku_fan33 · Post by **eku_fan33** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:14 pm

Don't let the speculation about the UT job scare you guys about his committment to your program. I can promise you once he is hired he will put his heart and soul into the team and the community. I know you guys are probably tired of my hearing my praise of coach Ford and I can understand your concerns, but you are getting a winner. You'll see the result. Just be patient. It took him 5 years to turn it around in Richmond with hardly any talent at all. You guys were talking about the point guard situation. Hopefully he doesn't take ours with him. Matt Witt is an excellent point guard and all OVC player. Surely he wouldn't bring him along, but who knows.

CRR_ · Post by **CRR_** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:16 pm

eku_fan33 wrote:Don't let the speculation about the UT job scare you guys about his committment to your program. I can promise you once he is hired he will put his heart and soul into the team and the community. I know you guys are probably tired of my hearing my praise of coach Ford and I can understand your concerns, but you are getting a winner. You'll see the result. Just be patient. It took him 5 years to turn it around in Richmond with hardly any talent at all. You guys were talking about the point guard situation. Hopefully he doesn't take ours with him. Matt Witt is an excellent point guard and all OVC player. Surely he wouldn't bring him along, but who knows.

I for one am NOT tired of hearing great things about him!!!!

Rocks22 · Post by **Rocks22** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:19 pm

Thanks for your posts eku_fan. Hope the Colonels continue their success and steal a little spotlight away from UK.

shovelhd · Post by **shovelhd** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:22 pm

eku,

For the most part we are a patient lot. Contrary to what you may have heard, we also don't expect a Sweet Sixteen visit every year. We just want to see a competitive team, postseason appearances, a clean program, and student athletes. Sounds like Ford has all of these goals. We have a Top 5 and a National Champion in our backyard. We want to be able to take them on anytime, anywhere, with a chance to beat them.

gosox22 · Post by **gosox22** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:23 pm

I like the choice. And although the point guard situation is scary, there is talent enough on this team to make a run at the A-10 title next season let alone in 5 years. Anyone want to be a point guard on a potential Conference Champion? Sign on up! Travis Ford is certainly a welcome hire in my book and your input, EKU, is definitely appreciated.

Post by jj » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:25 pm

Regarding expectations:

http://umasshoops.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=4034

eku_fan33 · Post by **eku_fan33** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:25 pm

I can understand the patience issue and also being in the spotlight of another university in your backyard. We went through the same things. You will have a clean program and a dedicated coaching staff. Just give him and the team your full support and things will turn around quickly. I just hope he doesn't lose half the team after he puts them through conditioning and weight lifting. Very demanding coach, guys will be in shape.

Peacefrog · Post by **Peacefrog** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:26 pm

CRR_ wrote:
eku_fan33 wrote:Don't let the speculation about the UT job scare you guys about his committment to your program. I can promise you once he is hired he will put his heart and soul into the team and the community. I know you guys are probably tired of my hearing my praise of coach Ford and I can understand your concerns, but you are getting a winner. You'll see the result. Just be patient. It took him 5 years to turn it around in Richmond with hardly any talent at all. You guys were talking about the point guard situation. Hopefully he doesn't take ours with him. Matt Witt is an excellent point guard and all OVC player. Surely he wouldn't bring him along, but who knows.
I for one am NOT tired of hearing great things about him!!!!

Ford on getting into the NCAA's:

“This is something special for our team, our University and the town of Richmond. But most of all, it is a huge reward for our three seniors who have each played four years here and have been a major part of the rebuilding process. Each one of these guys has given us some fabulous leadership and deserves to go out winners like they will do.

“For me personally, this is my No. 1 sports achievement. It was so emotional when we won the tournament knowing what kind of sacrifices our players and coaches have made during these past few seasons. This tops me playing in the Final Four or anything else I might have done as a player at the University of Kentucky.