Comments

Very nice piece Dan.  You never know where the job applicants might find the right fit

Hooker20 on 02/09/2012 (11:57 pm)

Thanks jds, I appreciate the heads up. It did look different on TV, but because the arena I visited in 97 was so big and fine, I just figured there had been some renovation. Thanks for setting me straight, and have fun watching your Tigers. I know you will.

Dan Collins on 02/08/2012 (7:39 pm)

Frank Haith & Ernie Nestor are not only great coaches but wonderful men who care about their players & the success of their team.

I enjoyed many conversations with Ernie before WFU games.

Go Mizzou Tigers! Keep the successful season rolling

DTuttle on 02/08/2012 (2:23 pm)

Ernie Nestor is a fine gentlemen and know the game of basketball. He is a great teacher of the game has great public relation skills, however he’s not been very successful as a Head Coach. Given our situation I would take him in a minute over Bzdelick and certainly would have been a better choice.
Those who would say that the younger majority are for the most part behind the movement to ask for Bzdelick’s firing is simply wrong. I travel the east coast and am at every game, those who are there the majority are in their 50’s to retirement age. Where do you think the $$ comes from?
Not the younger crowd.
Bzdelick was a mistake, period. Has nothing to do with any of the players, I admire thier effort and dedication, however all one needs to do is research Bzdelick’s record and you will find he’s never won anywhere he has been nor has he built any long standing program. If I am wrong. Prove it!!

Tony C on 02/08/2012 (2:05 pm)

Great piece.  We’re quite enjoying the Tigers’ run here in Mizzou Country ourselves!  Really hopeful that we can get that Final Four monkey off MU’s back this March.

I remember that MU-WF game in 1997, when Duncan & Co. came to Columbia.  That was a fun game, even though the Deacs beat our Tigers.  If I remember correctly, it was a late season non-con game, which was fun, and which you unfortunately don’t see much of anymore. 

One point I’ll respectfully correct you on, though, is that the ‘97 game was played in the Tigers’ old home: the Hearnes Center.  Missouri Basketball moved from Hearnes to Mizzou Arena in 2004.  While many, including myself, debate which arena has a better atmosphere and is/was a better home for the Tigers, there’s no denying Mizzou Arena has been a great home advantage this season for MU.

Fight Tiger!  Go Mizzou!

jds on 02/08/2012 (1:09 pm)

Dan,

I remember those coaches well. That was a strong staff. Russell Turner was a good one too, seemingly. Although he did end up at dreaded Stanford with that SOB Mike Montgomery. I caught the Missouri-Texas game the other night and was thinking basically exactly what you offered in this post. It was an “ACC days of old” matchup with Rick Barnes down at the other end. That was when the ACC was lean and had purpose. Anyway, that’s another discussion.

I was wondering if you would be able to offer a little insight into what the Deacs are doing offensively. Obviously, you wouldn’t be able to give away all the nuances, but they were impressive on the offensive end at State running Harris, Fischer and McKie off screens to give them open looks. It’s some sort of mirror action, the same thing is happening on both sides of the court if you were to draw a line down the middle of the lane. What does Bzdelik call that? Now, they can’t defend or rebound worth a lick but the offense, especially Saturday, seemed to be clicking. They may go out and score 53 against Virginia tonight and my point would be moot. But, I’d be interested to know a little more detail on what Wake does offensively. Things seem to be coming together on that end of the court.

Casey on 02/08/2012 (12:24 pm)

I introduced myself to Ernie Nestor at the first Mizzou game this year, the benefit game in Joplin.
I think he is responsible for the structure of our team and I greatly appreciate it. I hope to see him in person at some point
Thanks for the favorable comments !
Duke neff

Duke Neff on 02/08/2012 (10:42 am)

Nice piece and well said. Now we can watch 20 college games a night on the various cable channels but how many are worthwhile? 

I wonder if any of those mizzou assistants would fill the post at wake if welly makes the right decision. I know it’s probably hard to say, but which of those guys does the recruiting and who would make the best head coach?

Rob on 02/07/2012 (9:02 pm)

Better give ole Ernie a call and tell him he was head coach at California. I’m not sure he knows it.

gary on 02/07/2012 (4:40 pm)