Tech News Conference Scheduled

[Guns Up!]

MEDIA ALERT

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Texas Tech University will hold a press conference regarding the women’s basketball program at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, March 30, in the Masked Rider Lobby, located in the south end of Jones SBC Stadium

What: Women’s Basketball Press Conference

When: Tomorrow, Thursday, March 30, 2006

Time: 2:30 p.m. CST

Where: Masked Rider Lobby – Jones SBC Stadium South End

The press conference will be fed live over the internet at www.texastech.com.

There also will be a satellite feed beginning at 2:15 p.m. CST running through 3:30 p.m.

[Bball Girl]

It might be a good idea if we could keep all the "official" Tech's new coach threads in one place? There are at least 6 or 7, "it's a done deal" threads over on Raider Power. Not trying to offend anyone.

So rather than start a new thread, I'll piggyback onto this one.

An article from redraiders.com says Curry was offered the job, accepted the job, flew back to Purde this afternoon ...we even have a control tower eye witness :) and will fly back to Lubbock tomorrow.
http://www.redraiders.com/stories/032906/wbb_3021117.shtml

KCBD reported that all LR's staff & coaches contracts were terminated today :(


An interesting side note:

RP has groused all year about wanting Marsha to leave - they got their wish
RP has groused that a national search was a charade that we would get stuck with an assistant - they got their wish

Now that it's becoming real, the LR staff/coaches being terminated and all the changes that we're about to see in what we think of as Lady Raider basketball - now they're starting to gripe about all the potential changes.

Moral of the story: Be careful what you wish for!

[DblT81]

Although I truly hate to see any long time (or short term for that matter) staff lose their job, I believe it is for the best that it be done this way.

After interviews, Curry needs to decide who, if any, she re-hires to help her move this program forward.

I cannot imagine any of them that are not re-hired at Tech and who are willing to move out of Lubbock will have any trouble finding a job.

[dem]

I'm a little surprised that Marsha wasn't able to negotiate some sort of safety net for her staff.

[Jimi]

I'm a little surprised that Marsha wasn't able to negotiate some sort of safety net for her staff.
Maybe she did. We don't know what kind of severance they are getting. As to continuance in their jobs, that is almost never done.

[BearLady]

Wondering if the Currys will be bringing to Texas with them the family who has cared for their young daughters?

[Michael]

Count me as one Purdue fan after having heard what got Merriweather suspended that is glad you guys hired her before Purdue had to fire her. It works out so much nicer this way, Purdue gets 700k back in its war chest and a chance to hire a coach that knows how to use her bench. It will be interesting to see how Curry does, I do not think this is a good hire for TxTech, but only time will tell.

Michael

[DblT81]

Michael, please note that sour grapes and unsubstantiated rumors about Big 12 players and coaches are generally not tolerated on this board.

[ChipperF1]

Greetings Coach Curry, Welcome to the Big 12 Conference!!!!!!!

[swok34]

I ditto Chipper:

Welcome to the Big XII, Coach Curry!!!!!

ah, the Big XII south just got all that much more rollin' good.

[Dale8R]

Since I hadn't a clue as to what Michael was referring to, I went on a fact finding mission. This quote is about all you are going to get from anything you read. There are some mentions that it is academic related. Citing privacy matters, Purdue officials have no further comment. I don't read anything that would indicate Curry is in any way responsible. Like Purdue, I will have no further comment on the matter until the facts are known, maybe not even then.

http://www.wlfi.com/dsp_story.cfm?storyid=29281

Purdue assistant coach Katrina Merriweather and junior guard Cherelle George have been suspended indefinitely from the women’s basketball team because of a preliminary inquiry into possible violations of university and NCAA regulations.

[Michael]

into the Merriweather incident, you will find out what I mean. This is not a sour grapes post as I believe and have voiced the opinion that Curry is too soft with the players resulting in close games against very poor opponents and losing games to teams we have more talent then. She wins on her ability to recruit talent, not on her game day coaching. I am truly happy to get a chance to find a new coach that can motivate her players to come out hard no matter if you are playing UNC or IPFW. We will see in a coule of years who is happier with their new coach, and if Curry does well at TxTech I will applaud you all and admit I was in error. I do not think that Myer's did a very good job researching this hire, he just looked at the winning percentage, but truly, how bad a coach do you have to be to not have a good w/l record taking over the defending national champion with all but 2 players back?

Michael

[swok34]

I believe La Tech fans made some of the same comments about :BU:'s KMR
and we all know how that has turned out ;) :D

[dem]

Purdue won the national championship in 1999, just before Curry was hired. Here is their W-L record since then:

1999-2000: 23-8
2000-2001: 31-7
2001-2002: 24-6
2002-2003: 29-6
2003-2004: 29-4
2004-2005: 17-13
2005-2006: 26-7


Kristy Curry's winning percentage is ranked #5 among all active D-I coaches, behind only Summitt, Auriemma, Vanderveer, and Goestenkors [2006 NCAA WBB Record Book, p. 118: http://www.ncaa.org/library/records/basketball/w_basketball_records_book/]. In 2001, her team came within a missed shot at the buzzer of winning the national championship again. This year her team came just as close to knocking the undisputed #1 team in the country out of the NCAA tournament. Kristy Curry is without a doubt one of the top coaches in the country, and it is simply ludicrous to claim anything else.

[giraffespots]

Count me as one Purdue fan after having heard what got Merriweather suspended that is glad you guys hired her before Purdue had to fire her. Michael

I heard that an assistant's contract wasn't renewed and in a "take us all down" type move revealed that Merriweather wrote papers for this certain player. I also heard speculation as to whether or not Curry was aware of this before the "revelation".

I have NO IDEA how accurate this is. Please, no one yell at me for speculating.

[Michael]

I heard that an assistant's contract wasn't renewed and in a "take us all down" type move revealed that Merriweather wrote papers for this certain player. I also heard speculation as to whether or not Curry was aware of this before the "revelation".

I have NO IDEA how accurate this is. Please, no one yell at me for speculating.

The other rumor is that Roland was fired BECAUSE she told Curry of the problem and Curry was tyring to cover it up. Suspicion is that the investigation has taken so long ot give Curry time enough to get another job before Purdue releases the findings. I do not know if this is true, but it has a lot of support from people in the know.

Michael

[giraffespots]

From what I gather, Curry and Merriweather are pretty good friends. So, it might make sense. But I really don't know.

[Michael]

From what I gather, Curry and Merriweather are pretty good friends. So, it might make sense. But I really don't know.

They are very tight, and Merriweather may be hired to TxTech before the investigation is done so that she can avoid a show cause order from the NCAA, depending on this all hsakes out and what really happened.

Michael

[giraffespots]

All I know is, if I were a coach who had just recruited the top ranked player in the nation, I wouldn't be looking to leave unless I had to (or if said player would come with me.)

[swok34]

All I know is, if I were a coach who had just recruited the top ranked player in the nation, I wouldn't be looking to leave unless I had to (or if said player would come with me.)

Well, to continue to add to the rumor mill of things heard around the 'net...

I'm also reading that the Purdue admin isn't the best when it comes to supporting it's women's bb program.

[DblT81]

I didn't think unsubstantiated rumors were allowed on this board. They are not generally allowed at RaiderPower and it is a cesspool somedays.

I guess I was wrong.

Schooner?

[Bball Girl]

Surely Mr. Myers would have looked into ALL of this before he offered Curry the job - course he did hire Knight and sons, so maybe I shouldn't be too sure.

I have to admit, I'm trying to like Curry but it's hard to suddenly "like" someone who has always been on your "not like" list of coaches. This whole thing makes me very nervous. All I can say is she'd better not screw this up or there will be hell to pay

[DblT81]

Several of my posts were deleted on OldGoldFreePress when I was trying to clarify information that had officially released by Tech that was being misrepresented by Michael and his friends. Because I couldn't provide a link, they deleted my post.

[Bball Girl]

Ok Michael...put your money where your mouth is and give us some supporting documentation.

[DblT81]

Yes, Michael where is your proof? And while we are at it, Giraffe?

I could speculate about a ton of negative things about coaches in this league but is that really constructive for anything? Why not let the Curry's say why they wanted to move instead of piling on negative speculation before they can even say?

[dem]

I have to admit, I'm trying to like Curry but it's hard to suddenly "like" someone who has always been on your "not like" list of coaches. This whole thing makes me very nervous. All I can say is she'd better not screw this up or there will be hell to pay

What is it that makes you most nervous? I grant you that Curry's personality would not be my personal cup of tea, but I wouldn't doubt for a second her coaching abilities or her capability of bringing Tech back to the top ranks.

[DblT81]

If some outside poster came on this board and said that Coale or Mulkey were cheating, posting unsubtantiated rumors, there would be an immediated frenzy of anger and indignation. Where is the outrage now?

[swok34]

You know......OU just lost their men's basketball coach to Indiana.

I have not been visiting the Indiana boards

BECAUSE

I was ready for a change and a brand of basketball that I find enjoyable that may HOPEFULLY happen with a coaching change here at OU..........

so, I'm curious, Michael......

if you are glad that she is gone? Why do you care where or when or why?

LaTech fans made some of the very same comments about KMR, BUT they didn't come on to Hoopscoop to do it....they stayed at the LaTech boards which seems more appropriate.

[swok34]

After watching the presser........

I just want to issue another:

WELCOME TO THE BIG XII, KC..

I think Texas Tech did an outstanding job in choosing this coach. I don't know that I've ever heard her speak before. I like her. I think she is a player's coach.

I really hope the Texas Tech fans are patient and allow her to put her stamp on the program. It's gotta be difficult following someone like Marsha; and I'm sure KC is fully aware of that. And then right down the hall, you have BK to contend with as well.

We have such an outstanding group of extremely talented coaches in this league......

scary good.

Welcome KC and family to the guns up legend that is :TTU: I hope you stay a loooonnnnng time as well.

Jody: practice your jumping and rolling and ref screaming :D

[Bball Girl]

dem

Several things make me nervous.

1. I haven't been that impressed with her game management. I watched Purdue every chance I could and their offense gets as stagnant as Tech's did and they can't run inbounds plays.

2. Her chief recruiter is the suspended assistant.

3. I don't like a husband or a wife working as an assistant. It wouldn't happen anywhere else at a University except in sports. It is nepotism. Is she really the head coach or are we getting a 2 headed head coach.

I respect her as a coach. I'll certainly give her a great chance to earn my regard as my coach.

[Gator]

If some outside poster came on this board and said that Coale or Mulkey were cheating, posting unsubtantiated rumors, there would be an immediated frenzy of anger and indignation. Where is the outrage now?or Marsha, or any of OUR coaches - you are right - there would be outrage. I can only answer for myself. 1) She doesn't "feel" like she is "ours" yet so I react much like I've reacted to Maryland coach rumors - ho hum - it will be interesting to see if anything develops. 2) Michael has zero, zip, no credibility built on this board and is thus easy to ignore. 3) I read the Indiana boards when the Texas Tech rumors started and saw some of the same speculation with no source material and dismissed it then as typical rumor mill/conspiracy theory stuff, particularly as Marsha Sharp and the TT admin has MUCH better sources than I do for determining if any of the junk has a basis in fact.

Bottom line, I guess I said to myself: This too shall pass. For the record, I did get as upset about this as I did when whoever-it-was posted that stuff about "knowing" that some coaches had nefarious purposes in not voting for Courtney for B 12 POY, ie, not very. :D

[Michael]

Until the Merriweather/George situation is officially resolved, all I have is "well placed rumors" and I have said that since the beginning. The reason I am here is that there have been many TxTech fans braggin on our boards about how they stole our coach, and I just came here to let them know you can't steal what someone is trying to get rid of anyway. Now, my sources may be all wet, in which case I will be back to let you guys feed me all the crow you want, I am not a drive by kind of guy. If I deserve an "I told you so" I will be here to take it like a man. I just haven't been impressed with Curry and I don't think she is the coach to return anyone to prominence, she was sliding at Purdue, withweaker results the further she got from Fortner's recruits. There were only 3 of her players used in the national title game, and after Douglas left Curry only got us to 1 Elite 8 and 2 other sweet 16s in the last five years. Last year she broke a 10 year string of getting either a Big Ten regular season or tournament title every year, and she didn't get one of them this season either. The reason we didn't share the Big Ten title is because Purdue lost at Iowa and at home to rival IU on senior night. In both of those games the team seemed to be unfocused and not respecting what were obviously inferior talented teams. That to me is a sign of poor coaching, but not all fans see it that way. Curry has never had to coach without a lot of talent on her team, and next season's TxTech squad will likely be the poorest she has ever led, with the loss of Davis and Grant to graduation. It will be interesting to see how many wins she can manage. Oh, and many of the Purdue fans call her offensive system the 4 statues offense, I hope you enjoy it.

Michael

[Bball Girl]

OK Michael, now you've made me mad.

This isn't a Texas Tech board...so take your smack over to Raider Power
That's http://mb14.scout.com/fraiderpowerfrm5
You'll feel at home...although Dblt may eat your lunch there too.

[Press]

Oh, and many of the Purdue fans call her offensive system the 4 statues offense, I hope you enjoy it.

Michael


We're used to that, so just a few new plays we would consider a win. I've always liked the type of teams she put on the floor. I know last year was just one of those down years that sometimes happens. I'm excited about her being at Tech.

It seems as though everyone compares everything to Nell Fortner, why don't you go after her again?

[Michael]

We're used to that, so just a few new plays we would consider a win. I've always liked the type of teams she put on the floor. I know last year was just one of those down years that sometimes happens. I'm excited about her being at Tech.

It seems as though everyone compares everything to Nell Fortner, why don't you go after her again?

HAve you seen Nell's record since she left Purdue? I think she caught lightening in a bottle and other then the Olympic team, she has not done much to excite me. Besides, how often do you rehire someone that walked out on you? That would be like Forrest Gump who kept taking Jenny back, I would hope Purdue has more pride and intelligence then that.

Michael

[Michael]

OK Michael, now you've made me mad.

This isn't a Texas Tech board...so take your smack over to Raider Power
That's http://mb14.scout.com/fraiderpowerfrm5
You'll feel at home...although Dblt may eat your lunch there too.

Sorry, this is as close as I am willing to get to that fat @#$@#$@# chair throwing beast you all have as a MBB HC. Besides, the women don't even get enough respect there to have their own board, I don't need to be sifting through RMK's teams crap to find whatever is on there about the TxTech women.

Michael

[swok34]

Besides, the women don't even get enough respect there to have their own board, I don't need to be sifting through RMK's teams crap to find whatever is on there about the TxTech women.



wow, you know absolutely nothing about Texas Tech. Raider Power was alive and well before ESPN even thought about having a women's message board.

They not only have a separate board, they probably had one before anyone else with the exception of Tennessee.

[Bball Girl]

Sorry, this is as close as I am willing to get to that fat @#$@#$@# chair throwing beast you all have as a MBB HC. Besides, the women don't even get enough respect there to have their own board, I don't need to be sifting through RMK's teams crap to find whatever is on there about the TxTech women.
Michael

Ah...well the link I provided takes you directly to the Lady Raider Board
http://mb14.scout.com/fraiderpowerfrm5 where there are currently 7369 posts.

[giraffespots]

Yes, Michael where is your proof? And while we are at it, Giraffe?

I could speculate about a ton of negative things about coaches in this league but is that really constructive for anything? Why not let the Curry's say why they wanted to move instead of piling on negative speculation before they can even say?


OK, (sorry it took so long to respond, just now got back to the boards)

I went to several message boards. On one, I don't think it was the OldGoldPress, I scrolled pretty far down and found a thread discussing their controversy. One poster said "if she DID write those papers for her". From that snippet I ASSUMED that the assistant was found to be writing papers for the player. Another poster referred to the assistant whose contract wasn't renewed as "the one who started this whole thing". I put two and two together and made an ASSUMPTION.

As a disclaimer, I stated from the get go that what I was posting was rumor, you can treat it as you would all RUMORS. I never claimed to be in the know. Micheal was posting here and seemed to know more than he was letting on. So I put out a rumor bait and he bit. He filled in some blanks.

As far as someone saying that posting rumors here wasn't allowed, I was never told that rule. I feel that since I said at the beginning it was a rumor, I can post it with a clear conscience that I am NOT spreading rumors as truth.

Again, I don't know his (Michael's) sources, but those are mine. I am not TERRIBLY into this story, I just thought some TTU fans might be interested. I also have no real opinion as to Curry's guilt or innocence in the situation since I don't have any REAL information.

[DblT81]

Michael you are an idiot. Do not come on this board in retaliation for something on a Purdue fan board. Handle it there. This is NOT that type of community.

As bbgirl says, you could take it to RaiderPower, but trust me you won't last 10 seconds there. I will guarantee you that.

The Rivals board is all premium. If you aren't smart enough to find the Lady Raider board you shouldn't be spewing smack.

[DblT81]

I just thought some TTU fans might be interested.

I am not interested in internet rumors. I don't think repeating them does anyone a service, particularly here.

I also have no real opinion as to Curry's guilt or innocence in the situation since I don't have any REAL information.


Then why repeat rumors?

[Michael]

Ah...well the link I provided takes you directly to the Lady Raider Board
http://mb14.scout.com/fraiderpowerfrm5 where there are currently 7369 posts.

My bad, I confused that with the Red Raider site, which does not have a seperate women's board.

Michael

[giraffespots]

I am not interested in internet rumors. I don't think repeating them does anyone a service, particularly here.




Then why repeat rumors?

Fine. If you are not interested in internet rumors, don't respond to them. I WAS interested in learning a little more, so I did.

As for my opinion as to Curry's guilt or innocence, its because I am keeping an open mind and giving her the benefit of the doubt. I repeated what I heard because it lended itself to discussion. I enjoy intelligent discussion and can discuss a topic with people who don't agree with me. It doesn't make me mad.

It does seem though, that every time I post about TTU and Curry, you seem to dismiss me. That's okay. But know this:

1. I do have opinions about teams other than OU.
2. I do NOT intend to spread negativism and that is NEVER my motivation
3. I think open discussion can include mention of "rumors", as long as they are identified as such and not being masqueraded as truth.
4. I am on the side of TTU because I like that team and I did like Sharp as a coach. I would be on the side of supporting Curry simply because she was their choice.
5. If no one was interested in these "rumors", why is it the topic of the day here?

So don't bash me for posting my opinion, I am not trying to incite anyone.

[dem]

dem

Several things make me nervous.

1. I haven't been that impressed with her game management. I watched Purdue every chance I could and their offense gets as stagnant as Tech's did and they can't run inbounds plays.

2. Her chief recruiter is the suspended assistant.

3. I don't like a husband or a wife working as an assistant. It wouldn't happen anywhere else at a University except in sports. It is nepotism. Is she really the head coach or are we getting a 2 headed head coach.

I respect her as a coach. I'll certainly give her a great chance to earn my regard as my coach.

Hmm, well, here's my two cents:

1) I've only seen four of their games in person, in the NCAA first and second rounds at Ames a couple of years ago where they won easily, and in the 2001 Final Four where they cruised in the first game and almost won the second. I can't say much one way or the other about her game management except that she evidently manages most games well enough to win.

2) Okay, I can see that's a legitimate concern.

3) Well, I guess there are downsides but it does seem to work elsewhere. At Washington the Coach's husband has been the chief assistant for ten years and I'm not aware of any issues having come up. (Maybe there have been, but I haven't heard about it.)

I think the difference between this situation and other university-based personnel situations is that in all those other cases individuals are supposed to be evaluated AS INDIVIDUALS, whether as students, faculty members, or administrators. If you had a family member as an immediate supervisor, objective evaluation would be impossible. In coaching, you start from the outset with a contractual arrangement in which you are, essentially, hiring an inseparable team whose performance will, in effect, be evaluated AS A TEAM. So I guess that's how I would look at it.

[DblT81]

If you are not interested in internet rumors, don't respond to them.

That is just it. As a fan of the Texas Tech program I must respond to them and make it clear that they are rumors. You can write the word rumor in your discussion but many people who read it won't pay attention to that word. The more they read the same topic on different boards, the more people are likely to think it is true.

Just like the posts on Tuesday that Curry had accepted the job on Tuesday. She did not. Everyone expected her to accept but she had not officially done so despite the Purdue student newspaper printing it. It was not true. Until she talked to her players and the Purdue administration, she had not accepted and could have turned it down at any time.

Posting acceptance as fact could have turned out to be wrong if Curry had changed her mind when she flew back to Indiana Wednesday afternoon. But others read the untrue statement that Curry had officially accepted the position on Tuesday and they went running around to other boards and via email and got others bad mouthing Curry and Tech for not having the class to talk to her Purdue players first. There were angry Purdue fans with a lot of animosity toward Tech and Curry over the timing of her acceptance when they thought it happened on Tuesday. That timing simply wasn't true.



It does seem though, that every time I post about TTU and Curry, you seem to dismiss me. I am just dismissive of things that are not fact that could hurt people or could get people unduly upset. You happened to ping that twice.

[giraffespots]

That is just it. As a fan of the Texas Tech program I must respond to them and make it clear that they are rumors. You can write the word rumor in your discussion but many people who read it won't pay attention to that word. The more they read the same topic on different boards, the more people are likely to think it is true.
Then yell at those who do not read entire posts, not me. I ALSO made it clear that I was posting a rumor. As a fan of TTU, know that I like them too and you don't have to chastize me. I'm not trying to bash TTU or Curry. Everything I posted or responded to was in regards to the situation at Purdue.

Just like the posts on Tuesday that Curry had accepted the job on Tuesday. She did not. Everyone expected her to accept but she had not officially done so despite the Purdue student newspaper printing it. It was not true. Until she talked to her players and the Purdue administration, she had not accepted and could have turned it down at any time. Posting acceptance as fact could have turned out to be wrong if Curry had changed her mind when she flew back to Indiana Wednesday afternoon.
Recheck that post. All I did was say "Has anyone seen this yet" then posted a link. I did NOT say she had accepted ANYTHING.

But others read the untrue statement that Curry had officially accepted the position on Tuesday and they went running around to other boards and via email and got others bad mouthing Curry and Tech for not having the class to talk to her Purdue players first. There were angry Purdue fans with a lot of animosity toward Tech and Curry over the timing of her acceptance when they thought it happened on Tuesday. That timing simply wasn't true.
Key word here is OTHERS. What happened there is not my fault nor did I cause that. My posts here, especially regarding the one on Curry accepting the job, were simply me trying to join a discussion. I found that item initially on a reputable WBB website and followed the link to that paper.

The only people who were unduly upset were you and possibly BBallGirl ( I can't say, I know she's mad at Michael's posts). She and I have met, and I am sure that she remembers that I am not an inciteful person, and that if she disagrees with something I say, its okay, we're still friends.

Maybe that's it. I don't know you and you don't know me. Just let me say, I am not a bad person, I don't like personal attacks on others (i.e., people posting negative personal things about players), I LOVE the Big 12 and all its teams, and I try to be nice to everyone. I don't mind if my friends tell me about myself and check me (listening Chipper?) because I know they are my friends and I value my friends and their opinions.

[DblT81]

Giraffe- after you posted the link I said

Its a student newspaper with an unofficial source in the Purdue admin.

I'm am pretty sure they are correct but I think Tech fans are waiting for the official announcement. We can wait.

Indications are the Curry's are going back to West Lafayette to meet with the Purdue team Wednesday afternoon. The players deserve that to happen first. I feel some compassion for the Purdue team. Our team went through the same thing just over 30 days ago so we know how they feel.

There won't be any official announcement until at least Thursday. Tech requested satellite time for 2:00 pm on Thursday but no official press conference has been set.

I'm not releasing my rollercoaseter seat belt until I hear the words from Myers.
How is that being dismissive of your post? Or how was I upset? I thought you didn't get mad over reponses to your posts.

Earlier I was trying to point out an example of how incorrect information can be upsetting to people. I didn't say you posted the incorrect information. You referenced it. That's a ping. I commented that it was incorrect. So would you please recheck my comments. It is not about Giraffe, it is about misinformation and rumor. I'm not "yelling" at you. And I can't yell at people who don't read the word "rumor" in posts because I don't have access to the space where they sit and read off of computer screens. I do have access to the writers of those posts that are rumors and I will continue my crusade to have them think before they type.

[giraffespots]

Giraffe- after you posted the link I said


How is that being dismissive of your post? Or how was I upset? I thought you didn't get mad over reponses to your posts.

Earlier I was trying to point out an example of how incorrect information can be upsetting to people. I didn't say you posted the incorrect information. You referenced it. That's a ping. I commented that it was incorrect. So would you please recheck my comments. It is not about Giraffe, it is about misinformation and rumor. I'm not "yelling" at you. And I can't yell at people who don't read the word "rumor" in posts because I don't have access to the space where they sit and read off of computer screens. I do have access to the writers of those posts that are rumors and I will continue my crusade to have them think before they type.

ok

truce?

[Bball Girl]

I'll probably tick some off...but Gerald Myers needs some media lessons of his own. Motel hotel, thinkin - the biggest, no the best win-loss record
They graduated with a degree (really that's what you usually get when you graduate) and that's more important than all the wins and losses.


Geez...

Curry

How many times did Curry use the words proud and honored and we? So WE are getting a two headed coach...nepotism at it's best..only in college athletics.

So, she said all the right things and I appreciate her comments about Marsha.
But she gushed a little too much for me..her interview with Hyatt and William was one big cliche after another.

I'll reserve my judgement until I see what she produces on the court.

Sorry to not be excited...but I can't just flip a switch and be impressed with someone that I've never been impressed with just because they're can sort of do Guns Up now.

[dem]

XXIs there a press conference transcript and/or video link?XX

Oops, okay, got it:

http://texastech.collegesports.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/033006aad.html

[Bball Girl]

Curry interview

http://williamsandhyatt.com/

[TTU79]

Well, I for one, am excited that Coach Curry is coming to TTU. I thought she said the appropriate things in her first news conference and as for Gerald, he sounded about like he always does. He gets excited about something and just starts talking before thinking it through. He even stated he had gotten ahead of himself. Maybe Michael is really upset that she is leaving Purdue so chose to attack rather than wish her well. I don't know and I don't care. She's coming to town, she's enthusiastic and must have boundless energy to have completed the schedule she's had for the past few days and still look rested and ready to go. Welcome, Welcome Coach Curry.

[Press]

Lord have mercy, give her a freak'in break! She's been the coach for less than 24 hours and she's already pissing people off with her being grateful for the damn job. If she had been a cold ice queen and not mentioned Marsha, and appear deserving of the job, there would be complaints on that as well. Some people need to take a chill pill on some of this stuff, step away and relax since it's the off season.

I'm personally proud she's she's here. I've not been this excited about this program in a long time. The direction we were going was not the right one, so all I can do is continue to support the program and hope she brings the same energy and winning ways she had at PU. Like any new coach, it's not about how you talk to the media it's about how you do the job. As she's mentioned on the radio show, "they have a lot of work to do", and we have to give her a chance to do that before we harshy judge her and her husband.

[DblT81]

ok

truce?


No problem.

[DblT81]

I'm personally proud she's she's here. I've not been this excited about this program in a long time. The direction we were going was not the right one, so all I can do is continue to support the program and hope she brings the same energy and winning ways she had at PU. Like any new coach, it's not about how you talk to the media it's about how you do the job. As she's mentioned on the radio show, "they have a lot of work to do", and we have to give her a chance to do that before we harshy judge her and her husband.

I couldn't have written how I feel any better, so if I may, I'll just borrow those words Press.

[Bball Girl]

If you're speaking to me...give me a frickin break!

I'm not judging her one way or another, yet.

I'm also not going to be giddy just because of what she said in the press conference.

As Sherri Coale said
And don’t let one set of forty minutes define a year. You become in the middle. And at the end of all your days, the middle better be worth remembering or you won’t have much.

The press conference isn't going to define Curry to me good or bad. What's going to define Curry for me is what she does in the middle and that is yet to be seen.

So, y'all are free to gush away and I'm free to hold my judgement.
I promise not to diminish that gushing but I'm not going to join in.

[Waylontheman]

Tech fans who are being down on Curry-I have NO clue why. She did get to a title game and she can flat out coach. She obviously loves Texas and is going to make you guys proud. For her to say WE means that she is a part of it. This woman is NOT going to fail and I can almost guess you have some quick success in the tourney with her.

She was one of my first choices for the Kansas job but never really saw her leaving Purdue. But she has Texas ties and she is going to work her butt off for you. Give her a break, does she come in and criticize your job?

[Press]

Bball Girl,

If you want to call my excitement, "gushing" or "giddy", that's fine. You can hold your judgement as long as you want as you've made your point clear from the beginning, you didn't care for her and you're entitled to your own opinion. I guess I wish the true fans of the program will trust that Gerald, the Search Committee, and Marsha, have made the right decision and just support that.

She may never win you over, but I'm guessing if she helps us win championships, the players look like they are having fun and the USA is full, you might be willing to have some fun with it too. I've just come to the realization that some fans are never happy, either way and that's okay too, but I don't think you fall into that category from what I know.

[swok34]

Tech hires Curry to replace Sharp

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/news/story?id=2390557

Curry called herself a "high energy" coach who gets excited sometimes but tries to behave.

"I am not a yeller and a kicker and screamer unless we need to be," Curry said. "We are just going to have fun with it."

:D oh what fun the south has become :D

Kristy Curry biography
Born: Oct. 30, 1966, in Columbia, La.
Family: Husband, Kelly; daughters, Kelsey and Kendall. Kelly, a Hillsboro native and Texas A&M graduate, was an assistant on his wife's staff all seven years at Purdue.

Record: 179-51 in seven seasons, all at Purdue

Contract: Five years, starting at $425,000 in base salary and outside income the first year and increasing to $600,000 by the final year. She made $300,000 at Purdue.

Education: Bachelor's degree in health and physical education, Northeast Louisiana (now University of Louisiana-Monroe), 1988; master's degree in kinesiology, Stephen F. Austin, 1994.

Coaching background: Assistant coach, Tulane, 1991-93; Stephen F. Austin, 1993-94; Texas A&M University, 1994-96; Louisiana Tech University, 1996-99; head coach, Purdue, 1999-2006.

Notable accomplishments: Took Purdue to the NCAA Tournament in each of her seven years. The Boilermakers lost 68-66 to Notre Dame in the 2001 title game. They also captured two Big Ten regular-season titles and won the conference tournament three times under Curry. Purdue reached two regional semifinals and a regional final during her tenure.

[Bball Girl]

Six months ago if you'd asked me for my short list of coaches that I wouldn't want to be "my coach" Curry would have been on that list. Curry's been on that list since she took over from Carolyn Peck for lots of different reasons...all arbitrary and all mine.

I don't like or dislike coaches or people based on what school they are associated with or what state or country or religion or ______they are associated with.

I would absolutely LOVE to talk to Marsha or Sherri or Jody or Ceal about Kristy and learn from them that I'm wrong. I want to be wrong in my 7 year long assessment of her.

I'm not among the discontents. I didn't jump on the Marsha or Tech bashing bandwagon and I'm not jumping on the Curry is the savior bandwagon (referring to the RP gushing). Marsha earned my love and respect, Kristy will have to do the same like she cares, right :D

Are my girls having fun? How does she treat the fans who are not the high-roller money contributors? Do we run a productive offense? Do we play good defense? Are we competitive game in and game out? Do we get and keep good recruits? How well does she represent Texas Tech? Am I proud to call her MY coach?

We'll see.

Since I'm not in Lubbock or at Tech anymore, y'all are going to have to provide regular reports on Curry so I'll get a good sense of what's she doing.

[Bball Girl]

Hmm, well, here's my two cents:
I think the difference between this situation and other university-based personnel situations is that in all those other cases individuals are supposed to be evaluated AS INDIVIDUALS, whether as students, faculty members, or administrators. If you had a family member as an immediate supervisor, objective evaluation would be impossible. In coaching, you start from the outset with a contractual arrangement in which you are, essentially, hiring an inseparable team whose performance will, in effect, be evaluated AS A TEAM. So I guess that's how I would look at it.

Ahh...but they are state employees and therefore must (in theory) follow state & university guidelines. The jobs must be posted for 14 days (I think that's right) before being filled, they must be evaluated by their supervisor. They are not immune from in theory following all the university's hiring practices and the state regs. If the assistant coaches report to the head coach, then the head coach does a university evaluation of them every year just as every staff employee is evaluated. Now whether or not Bob Knight actually lowers himself to write an evaluation of his sons is another issue all together.

In practice, the university enforces rules when they want to and finds ways to creatively follow the rules when they want to.

[dem]

In practice, the university enforces rules when they want to and finds ways to creatively follow the rules when they want to.

You sure as heck got that right. 'Nuff said, I guess.

[Gator]

Ahh...but they are state employees and therefore must (in theory) follow state & university guidelines. I could be very wrong but I don't believe the coaching staff are employees - at least in most universities. For example, part of a head coach's contract is usually whether or not health insurance will be paid for. That would be automatic if they were an employee. For example: I think someone said that the assistant coaches had been forced to resign. I think that is a euphemism as "employees" can't be forced to resign. The public statement also said that the university would place them elsewhere for up to 3 months as they job searched. IF I am correct and these folks work under contract, then the rules which apple to "employees" do not apply but the terms of the contract do. From my background in Human Resources, this gives both the contractor and contractee unique options. I am sure that one of those options of the Head Coach is a coaching staff which serves at her pleasure. I can't imagine a Head Coach agreeing to any other situation. As another example, it was reported that her husband had taken a pay cut because Curry could not get a budget increase to raise the salaries of her other Purdue assistants who she believed deserved a raise based on team performance. In a normal university boss/subordinate relationship, the boss does not have that type of flexibility. Bottom line, I don't believe one can make the assumption that the rules which apply to employee/employer relationship apply in the case of most athletic departments and their coaches and coaching staffs.

[Scamp]

Coaches and their staffs clearly aren't civil service, but they may be able to participate in some state employee benefit plans, such as Louisiana's retirement program. Anybody know how it works in Texas?

"Mulkey-Robertson, as a state employee, needed 20 years of employment to be fully vested for her pension. She had 15 years, so when it came time to replace her mentor, Barmore, she sought a 5-year deal." http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/john_walters/04/06/mulkey.robertson/index.html

[Bball Girl]

I could be very wrong but I don't believe the coaching staff are employees - at least in most universities. For example, part of a head coach's contract is usually whether or not health insurance will be paid for. That would be automatic if they were an employee. For example: I think someone said that the assistant coaches had been forced to resign. I think that is a euphemism as "employees" can't be forced to resign. The public statement also said that the university would place them elsewhere for up to 3 months as they job searched. IF I am correct and these folks work under contract, then the rules which apple to "employees" do not apply but the terms of the contract do. From my background in Human Resources, this gives both the contractor and contractee unique options. I am sure that one of those options of the Head Coach is a coaching staff which serves at her pleasure. I can't imagine a Head Coach agreeing to any other situation. As another example, it was reported that her husband had taken a pay cut because Curry could not get a budget increase to raise the salaries of her other Purdue assistants who she believed deserved a raise based on team performance. In a normal university boss/subordinate relationship, the boss does not have that type of flexibility. Bottom line, I don't believe one can make the assumption that the rules which apply to employee/employer relationship apply in the case of most athletic departments and their coaches and coaching staffs.

Well since I was a faculty member at Texas Tech (and several other universities) I'll beg to disagree with you. Their salary and benefits are line items on the university budgets just like everyone else. They are STATE EMPLOYEES.