Comments

Dan,

In light of Melvin Tabb’s recent dismissal from the team, will JT Terrell also be held accountable for his behavior during the Maryland game?

In his recent comments to you, Ron Wellman cited Terrell’s improvement in attitude as support for the progress that Coach Bzdelik is making with this team.  I understand that a young man’s personal development is not necessarily a linear process.  But it appears that there is still some work to be done here. 

Now, it is certainly possible to move on to admirably represent Wake Forest after such an incident (see Chris Paul), so I have no reason not to expect JT to develop into a great player and ambassador for this school that has given him an enormous opportunity.  But I will be interested to see how (or if) Coach Bzdelik disciplines him.

DC on 02/09/2011 (12:55 pm)

Another Ish update.Aaron Brooks had been suspended one game for walking off the court & into the locker room after being benched in the 4th qtr of a game.Sorta like a mini Chapel Hill Drew thing, except Drew got paid a lot less.  So they called up Ish. Brooks apologized, he’s back in the line up, but did poorly tonight—1-8 shooting, no one seems to get as many assists as Ish in the few minutes they play him. He got 6 in 12 minutes,& 3 boards, more than the starting point guard who got 5 assists in 37 minutes last night. Tonight, he rode the bench & Houston lost to Kevin Love’s T-Wolves. Wonder now if Ish will be riding back to Hidalgo and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

memphisslim on 02/09/2011 (1:49 am)

My Ishmael Smith watch continues and he was called up from Hidalgo and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers tonight and played 12 minutes for the Rockets, didn’t scored had 6 assists in 12 minutes,3 rebounds as he played behind Lowry at point. The Rockets beat the Nuggets and Melo, who scored 50, on the road, in Denver.(Aaron Brooks was out, so they called up Ish.)
By the way, James Johnson is still playing well for the Iowa Energy, and how much he plays apparently depends on how much he fouls. He actually has been getting 4 or 5 fouls in some games, more than Chas and L.D. were,but he is doing very well, has a high efficiency rating, in one game scoring 31,14 boards,7 assists,6 blocks,but only 2 fouls in 41 minutes. Chicago probably will not recall him despite this, as they are loaded with big men, but the NBA trade deadline is approaching and I wondering if they will trade him. Cleveland lost their record setting 25th in a row tonight and they could use him now, so could several other teams.

memphisslim on 02/08/2011 (1:46 am)

Dan, this was one of my favorite stories I have read anywhere. I emailed Ron Wellman and told him so, and further said that regardless how our baseball team fared, which has been on hard times in recent years, Coach Walter is the type of person which the Wake Forest community needs to keep, a person who gives first, rather than who takes.

memphisslim on 02/08/2011 (1:35 am)

Thanks Memphis, that was one of the favorite stories I’ve written in a long, long time. There will be more tomorrow.

Dan on 02/08/2011 (12:39 am)

I think I meant Jeff Van Gundy, not Stan, his brother in my earlier post. Dan has posted a wonderful story about the Wake baseball coach,Tom Walter, donating a kidney to one of his players, Keith Jordan, an outfielder. Jordan is an African-American and could not find a family match for a donor. But the coach, after consulting his family, offered a kidney which very fortunately matched. Jordan had 8% kidney function and had been attending classes on dialysis.He may never play ball again, but he may at least have a normal life, thanks to the sacrifice of his coach. This is what being human is supposed to mean, what “Pro Humanitate” is supposed to mean.
In this age of skeptical pushing and shoving and “me first”, all America should read this story.

memphisslim on 02/07/2011 (11:35 pm)

Dan,

Your “one worders” say it all.

“Bullied” describes’em; Deacs must learn and/or be coached to stand tall, withstand, and overcome right way; not happening a’tall so far seems to me.

Thanks for your columns.

bobby

bobby h griffin on 02/07/2011 (6:16 pm)

Brownell is getting $900,000 from Clemson, which is more comparable. If Bz stays and retires in 3-4 years, we will have to pay the market rate for a new coach anyway.  So, the only cost for firing any coach is the remaining amount on his contract, which has to be compared to the projected revenues lost by the university as a result of an underperforming team over the coach’s tenure (and beyond if the cupboard is bear when he leaves).  The next four games will be very telling.  If we don’t win at least two of them, that’s a huge disappointment (which is saying a lot this year).

Hugh on 02/07/2011 (5:40 pm)

Slim! Good quotes… just remember that this guy can’t be judged too harshly when he’s got nothing to be judged on… If he had the talent Sidney Lowe has at NCSU and was choking it up then we may need to hear some calls for early retirement, but he’s got nothing to work with… Let’s watch another few years and see…

Lee

Lee Jackson on 02/07/2011 (5:11 pm)

Here is a comment from Seth Davis with SI.
“When you hear fans exhorting their favorite school to fire their coach, consider that Auburn’s first-year coach Tony Barbee is making $1.6 million per year. That’s the going rate right now. So you can complain about the guy you have all you want, but if you want to get rid of him, you have to ask whom you’re going to replace him with. Not a lot of great (or affordable) choices out there.”  Like I’ve said before, Bz is ours, like him or not.

Jim on 02/07/2011 (4:22 pm)

Three points that I think are still missed by a majority of the people.  (1) Bzz can’t build a program if he leaves in three years.  No one could. Not Dean Smith, not Coach K, not [whatever other coach you want to bring up].  Does anyone, even those who love Bz for reasons I still don’t see, think that a coach who stays a few years can shape a basketball program for the long term?  If he is successful in the short term, it will be complete upheaval when he leaves at that point, thereby leaving the next person to “start from scratch” (so to speak). (2) Dino is a non-issue at this point.  Agree or disagree with the firing; he’s gone.  The issue is why hire Bzz, not whether firing Dino was the right move.  (3) As for all the quotes from basketball notables, does it not strike everyone as odd that the Athletic Department went to such lengths on a promotional piece to explain why THIS coach was hired.  Did Clemson do this with Brownell?  Also, does anyone expect Tim Duncan (or any of the others) to say something bad publicly about Bz?  Those quotes are worthless other then to demonstrate the lengths to which Wake had to go to try and explain this hire.  To paraphrase, “me thinks he doth praise too much.”

As of now, our youngest players have played together for almost four months.  Four months! Did last Saturday look like the offense of a team that’s been playing together for months.  (It certainly didn’t to the announcer who kept asking why Wake was just standing around on offense?

Hugh on 02/07/2011 (2:42 pm)

Memphis - I know how careful people can be with what they are quoted as saying about someone.  The thing that stands among those quotes is that no one describes him as a “winner”.  “Hardworking”, “knowledgeable”, “successful”, are all good quotes, but…  And you are certainly right,it is “no sale”!  I agree with the Seth Davis quote.  What Wellman did to the Wake basketball program is “disgraceful”.

gt on 02/07/2011 (12:00 pm)

Well Memphis, could all those people be wrong in their endorsements?  I think not. By now, everyone should know there were things going on with Dino behind the scenes that caused his dismissal.  What they were will and should remain private within the university.  Bzdelick will be here for at least two more years.  If he hasn’t succeeded, he will “resign” and move on.  Some of the comments about Bzdelick border on the irrational as Tucker brought up about BrianT who says he could win the ACC with this team.  Once again, none of us are happy with where we are, but let’s give Bzdelick the opportunity to build his program and no one builds it in one season.

Jim on 02/07/2011 (10:56 am)

The case for Coach B:even before he arrived at Wake, Wellman was under pressure to sell his case for the hiring of Coach B. from the beginning in April,2010 on the Wake website are archived the numerous endorsements from coaches and former players who praised him. Wellman is a master salesman, but I think this has been his hardest sale, and the deal has not closed yet.Tim Duncan said he was a good defensive coach,defense being necessary for success;Stan van Gundy,of the Magic, said he could coach players so they could make an NBA team.Here are some of the rest of the endorsements,including from Pat Riley & Coach Popovich:

“Wake Forest has definitely hit a grand slam with Jeff Bzdelik. I’ve known Jeff since we worked on the same staff at Davidson College back in the late 1970s, and I’ve always respected how hard he has worked at every step in his coaching career. People around the ACC will find out very quickly that Jeff is an outstanding basketball coach.”
- Rick Barnes, Head Coach, University of Texas
“Jeff Bzdelik combines an incredible work ethic with a razor-sharp basketball mind and will certainly be a credit to Wake Forest both on and off the court. In our 30 years of coaching, he ranks at the top in his ability to relate to players and develop programs.”
- Gregg Popovich, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

“Jeff Bzdelik is one of the top coaches in the country, and one of the most prepared and experienced. Jeff may be quiet and soft spoken in demeanor, but he is also an intense competitor that understands the pursuit of excellence on and off the court. Jeff has always stressed trust, hard work and togetherness, and he has always been about the players first. From the NBA to college, Jeff has seen it all in this game, has handled everything with class, and has been successful at every stop. Wake Forest got a good one in Jeff Bzdelik.”
- Jay Bilas, ESPN Basketball Analyst

“What a wealth of experience Wake Forest is getting with this hire. Jeff has been a head coach in the NBA, a college assistant and a college head coach—at very different types of schools. Jeff has been an outstanding coach and person in all of them. Wake Forest is getting a terrific coach in Jeff Bzdelik.”
- Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University

“I have complete confidence in the leadership at Wake Forest University. I know decisions made are done so to support the best interest of the students, athletic department and University.”
- Josh Howard (Class of 2003), Washington Wizards

“I’m very happy for him. I had an opportunity to work under Coach Bzdelik in Miami. He was very passionate and very hard working and did a lot for me while I was at Miami. Then he moved on and coached a little bit in the pro ranks and then went to college and I think he’s going to do a terrific job. He’s very knowledgeable about basketball, very hard working and just an extraordinary human being. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
- Dan Majerle, Phoenix Suns Assistant Coach

“Jeff is a great coach who I thought did a good job in the NBA when he had the opportunity. He has visited us at training camp in the past and I have enjoyed spending time with him. He is a nice guy, and I wish him the best of luck in his new position at Wake Forest.”
- Jerry Sloan, Head Coach, Utah Jazz

“I think Coach Bzdelik is a very talented coach. I had a chance to work with him my first year in Denver. With his insight and knowledge of the game, I can definitely say he’s going to be a head coach for a very long time.”
- Marcus Camby, Portland Trail Blazers

“Jeff Bzdelik is a coach’s coach. He is in the select company of people who have been successful at the college and at the NBA level. And, after stints at Colorado, Air Force and Northwestern, he’ll understand and embrace the unique athletic and academic culture of Wake Forest University.”
- Fran Fraschilla, ESPN Basketball Analyst

“Jeff Bzdelik will be a great addition to the Wake Forest program. He brings a ton of knowledge and experience having coached in the NBA. His coaching style and understanding of the game will help Wake Forest achieve success not only in the ACC, but on the national level as well.”
- Flip Saunders, Head Coach, Washington Wizards

“With Jeff Bzdelik there’s a level of preparation and organization that he brings to the table. He brings a brandable style of play at both ends, especially on offense where he looks for versatile players with high basketball IQs.”
- Dave Telep, Scout.com

“I played for a lot of guys in my career. Jeff was terrific. He has a terrific basketball mind, and he comes from the tutelage of Pat Riley. He knows hard work and discipline.”
- Jon Barry, ESPN Basketball Analyst

“I am really happy and proud of Jeff. This is so well deserved. Jeff is not only a terrific coach, but a great person as well.”
- T.R. Dunn, Houston Rockets Assistant Coach

“I think the world of Coach Bzdelik. He’s an impeccable X’s and O’s coach. He has built the program at Colorado to the point where it is really going to take off next year. Also, his characters and values are second to none.”
- Bill Hanzlik, Former Denver Nuggets Player (1982-90) & Head Coach (1997-98)

Wellman had a much easier time selling the redoing of BB& T field,including Deacon Tower;Spry Soccer Stadium;Kentner Stadium,the state of the art field hockey stadium;refurbishing Reynolds Gym for volleyball;getting Hooks Stadium built, then demolishing it for the golf complex;acquiring Ernie Shore Field,& refurbishing it & now building a tennis stadium to attract professional tennis matches,Miller Athletic Center. But people are not buying the sales pitch on Coach B & that is just the way it is. Wellman will not be dismissed regardless what happens to Coach B, who will be here, I believe, at least another year. Wellman is still trying to sell the deal. He says he likes the way they practice. Wellman has raised much money for the school, built a number of structures & had olympic sports teams which succeeded. He is a good salesman, evan a master salesman.He told Dan in part 4 of his recent interview that Dino created a climate that allowed Dino to succeed. Then said he did not want to talk about Dino. In this statement—a climate that allowed Dino to succeed—may be the underlying reason Dino was released, despite his 61-31 record, & his popularity. The hard sale & endorsements followed the hiring. But a skeptical Deac nation watched & waited.And unfortunately, the cash register is still ringing up “No Sale”.

memphisslim on 02/07/2011 (6:10 am)

Where have you gone Dino Gaudio? a sorrowful Wake nation turns it’s losing eyes toward you. What is that you say Mr.Wellman? the good old boys system came into play so you sent Dino on his way.The only losers at Wake is the fans who put up with the job Mr. Wellman has done to the basketball program. Dino is too much of a gentleman to ever say anything bad about anyone. if he was still there i am sure there would be good sportsmanship and they would be playing team ball.

rick bowden on 02/06/2011 (11:49 pm)

Craig - I agree.  If Wellman starts the season with Bzdelik next year, then there should be a new AD selecting our next basketball coach.  Mistakes happen.  The inabilty to recognize mistakes and take corrective action is an unacceptable characteristic in a leader.  Too bad ADs are not taught the principles of medical ethics such as “Primum non nocere” otherwise known as “First, do no harm.”

Another way to state it is that “given an existing problem, it may be better not to do something, or even to do nothing, than to risk causing more harm than good.” It reminds the physician and other health care providers that they must consider the possible harm that any intervention might do. It is invoked when debating the use of an intervention that carries an obvious risk of harm but a less certain chance of benefit. - Wikipedia

If Wellman had done nothing last season, there is no way this team does this bad; particularly with the level of competition in the league this year. 

How does “Primum non nocere” apply to firing Bzdelik?  It does not apply because it can’t get any worse than this…  It’s not as if we were coming off a trip to the second round of the NCAA tournament.  I mean, even Wellman wouldn’t be foolish enough to fire a coach under those circumstances! Would he?

gt on 02/06/2011 (10:41 pm)

From Seth Davis at SI.com -

How bad do the higher-ups at Wake Forest look now for firing Dino Gaudio? They didn’t like that he lost in the postseason, but at least he won in the regular season. Do you think it was a bad move?
—Clarke Leichte, Black Mountain, N.C.

It wasn’t just a bad move. It was disgraceful. Gaudio coached his team to the second round of the NCAA tournament, yet he was still given the pink slip by athletic director Ron Wellman. Obviously the program has been hurt this season by a lack of talent, especially after center Tony Woods was dismissed following his arrest for assault. So it’s not fair to pin the Deacons’ troubles on their new coach, Jeff Bzdelik. But that’s the point: The problems, to the degree that this program even had problems, were not limited to the head coach. Wellman pulled a trigger he shouldn’t have pulled, and right now Wake Forest is arguably the worst team in any power conference in America. That’s karma for you.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/seth_davis/02/02/mailbag/index.html#ixzz1DEe30uJR

gt on 02/06/2011 (10:20 pm)

Is the season going to be viewed by the AD as successful if we win the one ACC game against UVA? This team is not getting any better. The AD and others at the administration level would like the Wake Fans to believe that a 20 point loss is improvement. The reality is that this team has no leadership on the court or off the court. One year of BZZZ ball is enough. We have to find another coach at the end of the season or the basketball program is headed for seasons of losses with few wins. The AD has to ask himself a question. If he backs Jeff Bzdelik for at least one more season will this mean that his job is in doubt? Everyone makes mistakes. Ron, admit your mistake and let this coach go at the end of the season, if not maybe Wake will be looking for a new AD and a new coach at the end of next season.

Craig Carter on 02/06/2011 (8:56 pm)

Good analogy Dan. Pettit recognized a shortcoming and did something about it. Hopefully Bz will recognize his and the team’s shortcomings and do something about it.

As for recruiting; are the Deacs in the running for any big, strong PF and C? Fields appears to be the right PG who may challenge the other guards for playing time. At least his comments in the W-S Journal let it be known he ready to step in and help the team win. The other 2 recruits appear to be more of the same; weak.

JTT may have his weaknesses, technicals, but at least he shows he wants to win and hates losing. He is a winner but Bz if holding him back.

DT on 02/06/2011 (5:22 pm)

I have a friend that said other ACC coaches certainly hope Coaches Bzdelik and Lowe remain in their jobs for a long time. I told him that was mean spirited but I’m sure this sentiment probably exists although I think its better for the league and fans for the ACC to be strong from top to bottom. Remember this year’s miserable record is coming at a time when the ACC, as a whole, is having a very down year and maybe the lowest in the entire history of the conference.

8-17 overall and 1-7 (or whatever the numbers ultimately are) in the ACC is not likely to excite many potential recruits. Sure kids want to play but kids also want to play for winners.

radio_smuggles on 02/06/2011 (4:11 pm)