Enough already, Bulldogs: Hire Anthony Grant now!
If I’m Damon Evans, I’ve seen enough. I’m on a plane to Richmond today, and I’m scheduling the news conference for Monday, wherein I will introduce Anthony Grant as Georgia’s new basketball coach.
Do I think it will work that way? Nope. I’m guessing the athletics director will feel obliged to conduct what he deems a more “thorough” search. But Evans has had two months now to assess the field, and he’ll not find anyone better suited.
Anthony Grant knows the SEC, having worked under Billy Donovan at Florida. He knows how to recruit, having helped land the signing class — the “Oh-Fours,” those Gators called themselves — that would win consecutive national championships. And he knows how to win on his own, having gone off and done just that.
At Virginia Commonwealth, Grant has taken two Colonial titles and reached the NCAA tournament twice in three seasons. The time he missed, his team was the top seed and lost in the conference semis by two points. If you doubt the Colonial’s bona fides, note that George Mason, which reached the 2006 Final Four, plays there. VCU beat Mason by 21 points in this season’s title game.
There has been talk in Georgia circles that Grant has only piggybacked atop what Jeff Capel began at VCU. Capel made the NCAA tournament once in his four seasons with the Rams. Yes, he left Grant with the splendid guard Eric Maynor, but Maynor was the only senior on this Ram roster. The burgeoning big man Larry Sanders? Grant signed him out of Port St. Lucie, Fla.
If you watched Maynor and Sanders work against UCLA in the Big Dance on Thursday, you saw players who clearly have been coached. The Bruins have been to the past three Final Fours, but Maynor had a shot to beat them at the horn. He’d made that shot two years ago to topple Duke in Round 1, but this time he missed. He missed because Ben Howland, one of the best in the business, double-teamed Maynor on the inbounds.
But here we must credit the man on VCU’s bench: Grant still found a way to get Maynor the ball, and the guard hoisted a reasonable, if contested, shot. Contrast this with Georgia Tech’s behavior against Florida State in the ACC tournament: Paul Hewitt chose to give the ball to a freshman (Iman Shumpert), as opposed to the senior Lewis Clinch, who’d scored 57 points in two days.
This is Evans’ first big hire, and I understand he’d be attracted to bigger names. (An e-mail to Evans inquiring about search criteria went unanswered.) If FoxSports is to be believed, Georgia is prepared to offer Capel $2 million, more than twice what Dennis Felton earned. But Capel’s younger brother Jason told me last week he didn’t see his sibling as Athens-bound. “I don’t think Oklahoma will let him leave,” Jason Capel said.
Know what I say? Good. Sometimes the lesser name is the proper name. Grant seems (at least to me) a better coach than Jeff Capel. Grant seems precisely what Georgia needs.
Let’s recall what Jeremy Foley, considered the best AD in the SEC, did when he needed someone to replace Lon Kruger at Florida. He hired a 30-year-old from Marshall who’d worked under Rick Pitino, and four seasons later Billy Donovan had the Gators in the Final Four.
It’s also instructive that, on the spring day in 2007 that Donovan recanted on his commitment to coach the Orlando Magic, Foley got the word in Richmond, Va. He’d gone there to try to bring Grant back to coach Florida. Evans should take the hint. If a guy’s good enough for the hated Gators, he’s good enough for Georgia.
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196 comments Add your comment
PTC DAWG
March 20th, 2009
10:41 am
I’m for it, as long he agrees to a big time buyout. And the big time buyout only applies IF he comes to Athens and is at least .500 in the SEC in 3 years.
uga_b
March 20th, 2009
10:50 am
Hmm…a coach from a small school that made the tourney a few times…this sounds eerily familar.
Big Al
March 20th, 2009
10:54 am
I’ll buy that argument, Mark. Bring A. Grant to Athens, Damon. I’m redy to see MY team in this tourney. Go Dawgs!!!
lee massengale
March 20th, 2009
10:56 am
I agree with the above article. I think anthony grant would be an axcellent choice.He knoews how to coach.Imagine what he could do with the talent in ga that uga has been unable to sign.I think uga should sign hin right away.He is just what uga needs.
lee massengale
March 20th, 2009
10:56 am
Enter your comments here
David
March 20th, 2009
10:56 am
Qualifications for the head coach:
**1-Knows hoops
2-Can recruit the state and keep players here
3-Can sell the whole program to media, fans, players–confidence
4-Wants to build a program and leave his legacy**
Tubby was as close as we could get to that but he didn’t have #4. Damon just needs to sit down with the prospects and just like the Rooney’s and Mike Tomlin, sit across from him with the above criteria, and KNOW they will get the right guy.
Matt Brooks
March 20th, 2009
10:57 am
I’m with you Mark. Grant is both proven and attainable.
GWG
March 20th, 2009
10:57 am
I agree 100% with the choice of Grant.
lee massengale
March 20th, 2009
10:59 am
i think anthony grant would be an excellent choice for uga.if he was going to be offered the uf job then i know he would do a great job for uga.evans should offer him the job right away.
allan in texas
March 20th, 2009
11:02 am
Bring him in NOW!!!!! Step your game up Dawgs!
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
11:02 am
There’s a difference between Grant and Dennis Felton, UGA B. Grant wouldn’t have to clean up Harrick’s mess.
And for the record: I never thought Felton was a bad hire. He was a good hire who just didn’t work out.
Basketball 101
March 20th, 2009
11:03 am
There are plenty of good coaches around, but the real question is, who wants to be Michael Adams’ hoe.
Clemson guy would fit in at Ga
March 20th, 2009
11:05 am
and he is now watching the tourn like us.
foxdog
March 20th, 2009
11:06 am
Mark, you are right. Damon Evans needs to go hire this man ASAP!!
SkinnyJ
March 20th, 2009
11:07 am
You all are crazy if you think he is going to come and coach against Donavon. He will sit at VCU until the perfect job comes along. And that means ACC or Florida. Maybe a Big East school in the Mid-Atlantic.
What makes anyone think that just because UGA ups his salary, Grant will come begging for the job? He can sit at VCU with little pressure and continue to win in a decent conference and have his stock continue to skyrocket.
What makes anyone think that, if given the choice, he wouldn’t choose UVA over UGA? Better conference, better school, better facilities, better fan base. He also wouldn’t have to coach against his mentor twice a year.
Sorry UGA, this isn’t football. Just because you want, doesn’t mean you get.
Clint
March 20th, 2009
11:08 am
He’s been my choice all along. I don’t think Capel would come here especially now with the Virginia job open. Grant is young and can energize not only recruits, but the lifeless fanbase at UGA. That’s something Felton was never able to do.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
11:09 am
I don’t think Grant will come begging. But I’m guessing he’d be intrigued.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
11:10 am
I’d rather have Grant than Oliver Purnell. Grant is 42. Purnell is 55.
Gordon
March 20th, 2009
11:10 am
And here we sit at Georgia Tech stuck with Paul Hewitt, wondering if we can work around him with new assistants (if there will be any), or how we will ever get out of his automatic rollover contract. We will be dominated by UGA in basketball soon despite our advantages of being in the ACC, the city of Atlanta, and having the reputation of putting people in the NBA.
Josh
March 20th, 2009
11:11 am
Bring him to Athens! I became heavily infatuated with the idea that Bob Knight might don a Red and Black sweater vest, but the more I here about Grant, the more I can appreciate this blue collar guy from a mid-major.
Bill
March 20th, 2009
11:12 am
I agree Mark and was thinking the same while watching the game. I don’t like Capel and don’t believe he’s that good. It’s time UGA gets serious-minded about the Basketball program and Coach Grant would be the first step.
Wish GT would fire Hewitt and hire Grant. See I pull for both Teams and want both to win.
Thanks Mark for info.
jmcguffey
March 20th, 2009
11:12 am
to logical to happen
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
11:16 am
You’re welcome, Bill.
And this could easily happen, JMcGuffey. Easily, I say.
paul in J-ville
March 20th, 2009
11:19 am
“skinny J” has been smokin that pfunny stuff again. Sure, I know I wouldn’t come and coach in the SEC for about 1.5 million more than I currently make just because I wouldn’t want to hurt my former coach’s feelings. Get REAL SKINNY J.
Its all about opportunity and certainly Billy Donavon would tell him he’s insane not to. Georgia may not be an elite program by any strech, but its a PERFECT situation to jump into. The sky is the limit and it surely cant go any lower.
Great article, great choice, GET HIM!
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
11:22 am
The thought of coaching against Pitino didn’t stop Billy Donovan from going to Florida. (Or Tubby Smith from moving to Georgia.) The thought of coaching against Donovan didn’t keep John Pelphrey from going to Arkansas.
Leland
March 20th, 2009
11:26 am
Dear Mr. MF–I agree that Georgia should go after Grant. He already knows most of the rules, and I believe he can teach the players how to dribble real good. But, that bit about the “hated Gators”…….. Still your pal, Leland
Leland
March 20th, 2009
11:30 am
Dear Mr. MB–I forgot to mention–did you see that Mr. College Football (TB) is back? Now we got you, TB and what’s-his-name that does the Braves. Boy, howdy. Your pal, Leland
Dawg97
March 20th, 2009
11:30 am
I agree with the above commenter about not thinking Felton was a bad hire when it happened. I like what he had done at Western Kentucky.
But Felton proved a disaster on the bigger conference stage. To me one of the most basic elements is to convince some of the best in-state recruits to stay home and play for us. Not saying you’ll get everyone, but a really good coach should be able to get at least 2 really good in-state players, per year.
Grant is not Felton. Grant was an assistant at Florida and a well know good recruiter while there. He’s openly stated his interest in Athens and the Georgia job, is 42 (as has been pointed out) and just because he’s a small school success and a young African American coach, doesn’t mean this will be Felton II. Felton (no offense, Dennis) has zero personality. Anthony Grant, is a jovial, energetic and enthusiastic (and talented) young coach and seems like a perfect fit.
But the $ needs to be really good upfront. I think if we can pony up with a really healthy $2 million offer, we can avoid what happened with Tubby and even if Florida opens up next year, Grant will be happy with the situation in Athens.
UGA '01
March 20th, 2009
11:35 am
Still would be my third choice of possible candiadtes. If I’m Damon, I would try to get Mark Few or Jay Wright…if that doesn’t happen, then I would go after Grant. We need a “big name” coach to bring some instant credibility. At least Felton is leaving the program off than Harrick. I’m sure Evans will make the right decision. GO DAWGS!
UGA '01
March 20th, 2009
11:36 am
Sorry tech fans that I didn’t proof-read my post….should be candidates not “candiadtes.”
Bill
March 20th, 2009
11:37 am
Leland the Mr. MF is not called for….still your pal.
Right On Time
March 20th, 2009
11:39 am
Mark,
Not trying to be argumentative. But, how could a “good hire” not work out? By definition, a hire that is good will wok out because it is…good. The JH mess did not force Felton into recruiting and then
dismissing players. Felton created some of the “mess” by his own actions.
Question: Will whomever coaches UGA next year have to take “leftovers” and walkons as players? What will need to be done to replace what may turn into a mass exodus?
Uga91
March 20th, 2009
11:41 am
Hey Mark nice article, I like Grant but what do you think about the coach for Mizzou, I believe his name is Mike Jones, I know he was a long time assistant for Arkansas, and I love that 40 minutes of hell style. I would think that all the talent this state has would be intriguing to him and that frenetic style would be pleasing to the fans. Plus he knows how to recruit the south.
Leland
March 20th, 2009
11:41 am
Dear Mr. MB–also DOB on the Falcon loop. Bill, a mistake. I’ll try to proofread more carefully. Your pal, Leland
bank walker
March 20th, 2009
11:43 am
I disagree, we need someone with a proven track record! No more taking chances!!!!!!!!!GO DAWGS!!!!!!!
Mac
March 20th, 2009
11:43 am
What sold me was that Foley was in Richmond when Donovan crawfished. Go ahead and sign him up. Don’t agree, though, that Felton was a good hire. He was disastrous.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
11:46 am
Leland, you know I’ll forgive you most anything. Always a pleasure.
And Right On Time, the thing Georgia most needed post-Harrick was someone who wouldn’t cut corners and break rules. If anything, it got someone who was too rigid. But better that than the death penalty.
GT Fan
March 20th, 2009
11:48 am
UGA ‘01 no problem with this fan.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
11:50 am
About the other names: A dozen big schools have gone after Mark Few, but he’s still at Gonzaga. I don’t see why he’d come to Georgia.
I really, really like Jay Wright: Great guy, good coach. But I don’t think he’d leave Villanova.
Mike Anderson is the coach at Missouri, and he has done a fine job. He was Nolan Richardson’s assistant at Arkansas and beat Kentucky in the 2004 NCAA tournament when he was head coach at UAB. But — and this could make me an army of one — I like the way Grant’s VCU teams play more than I liked Anderson’s teams at UAB.
Left to Right
March 20th, 2009
11:55 am
Mark-
I agree that Grant would not be a bad hire, BUT your column sets up a false premise of limited coaching options for Damon Evans. You make it appear Evans only options are Capel or Grant, when in fact there is a spectrum of qualified (and by that I mean better than Oliver Purnell) possible coaches willing to seriously consider Georgia. Grant is a good coach, but he’s not the only good coach interested in the Georgia job.
Cleveland
March 20th, 2009
11:58 am
Grant would be a good choice to consider, but I would also consider Mike Anderson over at MIZZOU. Talk about experienced and winning ways. He studied under Nolan Richardson and won a National Championship at Arkansas. Knows the SEC and how to recruit the entire South. Not just Atlanta and the state of Georgia. Had winning record at UAB (went dancing) – same size school as VCU. Now WINNING and still dancing at Missouri. Teaches and wins with a style of play that players and fans would enjoy. What’s better than winning big and with an up tempo style. Players would welcome up tempo. Would cost somewhere between what Grant and Capel would cost.
Any comments Mark?
SkinnyJ
March 20th, 2009
12:04 pm
You think UGA is the first SEC job that has been offered to Grant? How many opening have come up since 2006, when he really came on the national scene? Why not go to SC? Why not LSU? Both of those jobs are better than or equal to UGA. Now, either they didn’t want him (which means he may not be all that you think he is), or he turned them down. Let’s not pretend like UGA is his first opportunity at coaching in the spotlight that is SEC basketball. The only time he has answered an SEC phone call has been when Florida called.
mar1jdh
March 20th, 2009
12:06 pm
Grant is the best guy and will want to move up to the big time be it SEC, ACC or any other major conference. Anderson is a good thought, but why would he leave a major conference school with a passion for basketball and great facilities for second tier status at UGA and a third tier facility.
MightyQuinn
March 20th, 2009
12:11 pm
No blogging the games live at home today, Mark? I enjoyed that yesterday, as a 50 year old rookie live blogger!
Been down this road before...
March 20th, 2009
12:11 pm
I’m sure that Grant is an excellent coach but I’m w/ UGA_b on this one… an up and coming coach from a mid-major conf. that has been to the big dance a few times. Didn’t we just fire a guy like that? Granted, if you can’t get a big name to come for $2 million then Grant is a good choice but there HAS to be someone looking to build a program and an ego. GO DAWGS!!!
BernieDawg
March 20th, 2009
12:12 pm
I would be very satisfied with Grant should at the end of the process Evans decides he is the right fit. I find myself wanting not only the best coach, but also the best coach who will stay and spurn others’ offers. (still smartin’ from Tubby leaving I guess) Unfortunately, the truth is we are not there yet.
The other side of that coin is we could be and WILL be with the right hire here. The hardcourts are fertile, talented ground in GA. Take your time Evans and bring the right one home.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:16 pm
No, Quinn. Just sitting around today. Then again, I just sat around yesterday.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:17 pm
Cleveland, my thoughts on Mike Anderson can be found above your comment. Thanks for asking.
AZ2FL
March 20th, 2009
12:21 pm
The best job in the country that is available is at Arizona. If Grant is going anywhere, he’s going to the Wildcats. Tremendous fan base. Great college town. Close to fertile recruiting grounds in California and Texas.
Atlanta Jackets
March 20th, 2009
12:24 pm
Greetings Leland, it is good to hear you again. We missed you at the session the other day. Kudos to you, my friend, for a grand jello cake recipe. Tiff loved it. Always interested, A.Jackets
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:25 pm
Arizona is indeed a good job. And Virginia can be. But there’s pretty fertile recruiting terrain here in Georgia and the South, and Athens is no slouch, as college towns go.
Dawggone-it
March 20th, 2009
12:25 pm
This is the guy. Go get him before Bammer or UVA signs him.
'ol sport
March 20th, 2009
12:25 pm
Mark, this is one of those few times that I really enjoyed what you had to say. I have read Grant’s history, and when I did, I became a BIG fan. Capel would use UGA as a stepping stone to his alma mater, even if we could pry him from OK.
I hope Damon Evans will see that Grant is as good as we could be lucky enough to get at this time. I think he is the person to put us where we want to be.
'ol sport
March 20th, 2009
12:27 pm
Mark, one more thing. Send these comments to Damon Evans. Let him see the support Anthony Grant has among the fans.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:27 pm
Why, thanks, ‘Ol Sport. I’ll see what I can do to make you a regular patron.
Cuz
March 20th, 2009
12:28 pm
I dont know. I had VCU picked as my upset special in my bracket. Now I will never win Hooters wings for life. If he upset me for chicken wings, how will he be able to handle it when he gets to Stegeman.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:28 pm
I’m guessing Damon Evans has his ear, figuratively speaking, to the ground. He’s a smart guy.
Ted Striker
March 20th, 2009
12:29 pm
Whether AG is Damon’s “choice”, I don’t know — but he’s probably got a favorite and is ready to pull the trigger if all goes well in negotiations. Search firm due diligence has likely been accomplished and Damon, more than anyone, is ready to leave his stamp on UGA athletic dept. history.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:30 pm
I feel your pain, Cuz. I’d have been 14-2 on Day 1 had Maynor drained that shot. But Darren Collison D’ed him up really nice.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:31 pm
I think you’re spot on, Ted Striker. And I’d like a little light reading, if you don’t mind.
scott
March 20th, 2009
12:40 pm
I like the arguments for Grant. Thank goodness Evans DIDN’T bite on the Dark Knight’s availability (groveling) for a coaching job. Let’s see if Evans can resurrect GA basketball.
When Zac Swansey is your starting point guard at the start of a season, both your coach and your program have real issues.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:41 pm
Somebody tell Dave O’Brien NDSU leads Kansas 9-7. Tell him Bucknell Bradley sent you. He’ll get the reference.
Frank
March 20th, 2009
12:44 pm
He runs the same offense that Felton runs. No thank you.
If he is the guy, I hope he recruits a whole lot better.
If we go the mid-major route (excluding Xavier’s Sean Miller), we should go with Brad Stevens and it isn’t even close.
AZ2FL
March 20th, 2009
12:46 pm
My wife is a Bulldog alum. She’s been to both AZ and UGA basketball games. She was completely blown away going to an AZ game. She couldn’t believe the fan support and the electricity in the arena. Of course in football circles, UGA blows AZ away.
By the way, thanks to the Bulldogs for beating the AZ St. Scum Devils last year. Please make it two years in a row!
AZ2FL
March 20th, 2009
12:47 pm
By the way, AZ’s best NBA prospect is Jordan Hill who hails from the Atlanta area. Players will come from all over the country and the planet to play at the U of A.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:47 pm
Let me ask you this: What has Brad Stevens done that Grant hasn’t? And what exactly makes you think Stevens would be able to recruit the South?
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:48 pm
Jordan Hill is a splendid player who’ll be a lottery pick. And his AAU team? The Smyrna Stars.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
12:49 pm
Oh, and tell DOB he can come out from under the bed. KU has forged ahead 21-19.
uga_b
March 20th, 2009
12:54 pm
I don’t disagree Mark. Felton’s main problem was keeping a nucleus together. Easier to do at a small school with players happy to be playing D-1 as opposed to troublemakers, NBA hopefuls, and kids who want to transfer if they are benched. Maybe he was just not a big school recruiter. Not that UGA is all that big in basketball.
I am not sure he left as much talent as Harrick, so the next coach may be playing walkons out of necessity versus sanctions.
59bulldawg
March 20th, 2009
12:56 pm
Agree! Grant is the real deal. Let’s sign him.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
1:00 pm
Great point, UGA B. Felton has left much less talent behind than he inherited. (In his first season he had Rashad Wright, Chris Daniels, Damien Wilkins and Jonas Hayes. Jarvis Hayes went pro, and Wayne Arnold and Steve Thomas left — or were asked to leave — the program.)
Other than Trey Thompkins and Albert Jackson and maybe Dustin Ware, who’s an SEC-caliber player among current holdovers?
SecHoops
March 20th, 2009
1:00 pm
As a fan of another SEC team looking for a coach, Grant would be a great hire. I am sure BAMA will interview him as well but I think they have their sights set on Mike Anderson. I would not be disappointed if they hired him.
The one thing UGA needs is a new basketball facility. Stegman is awful and is not even close to being on par with the great basketball schools. Ark, UT, and UK (soon also AU) have great facilities. UGA is so talent rich that a new state of the art building would attract athletes left and right. Add a new coach to that and UGA could be dangerous! Same goes at BAMA. Coleman Coliseum is the illustration of you cant polish a turd. They did some face lifting to it last year but it still sucks!
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
1:01 pm
Oh, and forget the DOB alerts. Apparently Ms. Carroll is blogging from Florida today. And her Dookies won last night.
Cleveland
March 20th, 2009
1:02 pm
Mark,
I know personal opinions are like elbows, but what’s the deal with the teams Mike Evans had at UAB. Winning ways. Up-tempo. Player friendly. Fan friendly. Roughly the same age and $$$’s.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
1:02 pm
I’ve come around on this point, SEC. I now think Georgia does need to redo its arena completely. What’s the point of having a $30 million place to practice if the place you play is antiquated?
Cleveland
March 20th, 2009
1:03 pm
Sorry, Mike Anderson
scott
March 20th, 2009
1:04 pm
BTW I agree– Collison was draped over Maynor like a wet blanket. Good game–you damn near called that one, Mr. B. Lucky I had UCLA winning one game to boost my Day 1 Won/Loss total to a very mediocre 12-4. Sigh.
uga_b
March 20th, 2009
1:04 pm
I miss Steve Thomas. I still remember my buddies seeing him “aledgedly” run his car into the pole in front of Boar’s Head.
The truth is you only need 2 or 3 good players to be competitive in college bball so rebuilding can be shorter than other sports. Let’s hope so.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
1:06 pm
Mike Evans played guard for Kansas State back in the ’70s. Mike Anderson was the coach at UAB who left and is doing well at Missouri. Mike Davis, who played for the Crimson Tide and who coached the Cream and Crimson of IU, is now coaching UAB.
I’ve addressed Mike Anderson above, as have others. And I’ll be happy to address any other Mikes — Krzyzewski, Singletary, even the AJC’s own irreplaceable Mike Luck.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
1:10 pm
I think nearly everybody had VCU winning, Scott. It was the Trendy Upset Pick of 2009, and it almost happened. But almost doesn’t count on the ol’ bracket.
Now for more current events: What moron had Utah State beating Marquette? Why, me, naturally.
Skeezix
March 20th, 2009
1:12 pm
Heck Mark, I told you that Georgia should hire Grant weeks ago if they weren’t going after Knight. Some folks are discussing Capel–but I think he would only leave Okla. for Virginia or Duke. Other than Capel, Grant is the best coaching talent out there. He is a great motivator who has had amazing results with modest talent. His players get after it for a full 40 minutes and believe they can beat anyone.
scott
March 20th, 2009
1:16 pm
Well you might have screwed up the Marquette game (it’s early) but I had to pull a homer and pick my 10th seeded Gophers to win a game yesterday. Damn lucky I didnt pick ‘em to beat Duke, too . . . but I considered it.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
1:16 pm
I’ll say it again: I’d rather have Grant than Capel. And I wouldn’t have touched Knight. And I said so six weeks ago. http://tinyurl.com/bmeryp
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
1:18 pm
I whiffed on Minnesota, too. I made a Tubby pick. Should have made an A.J. Abrams pick.
Bo
March 20th, 2009
1:26 pm
Mark ~
I enjoy your blog, please keep up the good work.
I also enjoy March Madness and Bracketology. But since I don’t have the time and focus to study the likely 5-12 upsets, etc., I take the lazy approach and submit YOUR bracket into my neighborhood pool. I’ve done this 3 consecutive years now. Two years ago, I almost won the pool. But last year, both 7th-grade girls in the pool shamed us. I am hoping for better results this year. If I don’t win, I’d at least like to beat the girls … ha!
CJ
March 20th, 2009
1:27 pm
If we could use a little better logic here, Mark. How about a coach who can get the most BANG for the buck!
Coach Dip Metress of Augusta State did bring his team to Stegman and nearly left with a W. (Before any Dog fans chastize me, look at the box score from the game.)
He’s got a former player in Tyrekus A.J. Bowman playing pro overseas and a 7 foot center in Garrett Siler that has some pro scouts drooling. He also has ASU in the Div. II Elite 8 for the second year in a row! (No small feat, they are the runners-up from last year as the champs have been bounced already!)
Augusta State…………….. 41 33 – 74
Georgia………………….. 37 44 – 81
TW
March 20th, 2009
1:28 pm
Well argued, Mr. Bradley. It all comes down to recruiting, and I believe Grant could get it done.
ceph
March 20th, 2009
1:29 pm
Evans needs to get on his horse and ride into Memphis and return with John Calipari in tow.. Why is it no one is mentioning this guy? He has won 79% of his games at Memphis, if he can have this kind of record there he would be a perfect fit at UGA.
Bradley misses Badly
March 20th, 2009
1:32 pm
Wow. You are gonna give him credit for the last second shot they got last night? Talk abot turning lemons into lemonade, Mark. They had 13 seconds and the best they could get was an off-balance contested shot from an isolation that took way too long to develop out of a timeout? And thats a credit to Grant? Please don’t insult your readers’ intelligence.
I’m not totally against Grant but that is some spin, MARK. His strength is in recruiting, but his offense looked about as potent as Felton’s, which is, like, not a complement, brah.
tdawg
March 20th, 2009
1:36 pm
I love Grant as the choice. But my fear is Donovan leaves to go to NBA and Grant leaves UGA to go back to UF. Much like Tubby did to us when he went back to UK. Maybe something in the offer that makes it hard to leave for UF.
scott
March 20th, 2009
1:50 pm
Utah State within 1?? Wow. Told you it was too early to worry.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
1:50 pm
Bo, seventh-graders know a lot about basketball. There’s a sixth-grader who lives under this roof who has outpicked me two years running.
MightyQuinn
March 20th, 2009
1:58 pm
Go you hairy Buffaloes! Or are they Bison? Either way.
Dawg1
March 20th, 2009
1:59 pm
I actually agree with Mark Bradley. Think I’ll go buy a lottery ticket.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
2:04 pm
I should probably go buy the lottery ticket.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
2:05 pm
My point about Eric Maynor: The ball was in the hands of VCU’s best player with the season on the line. Can’t ask for more than that.
Marvelous Marvin Waggler
March 20th, 2009
2:07 pm
Stegeman doesn’t take a backseat to Cameron Indoor Stadium. If fact, Chip Towers said with the renovations, it’s right nice. I haven’t been there in 20 years. I think the Stegeman stinks argument is overrated, though a new facility wouldn’t hurt. Sanford, by the way, is no Taj Mahal and they fill it up pretty good.
Ryder
March 20th, 2009
2:08 pm
As a VCU alumni, I’d have to say….noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Grant (along with Eric Maynor) has put our school on the basketball map, and we have a good class coming back next year. In Richmond he’d be king, at UGA, what could he really get accomplished?
Georgia is a stepping stone
March 20th, 2009
2:09 pm
Face it. I agree Anthony Grant would the perfect hire but I’ve got a feeling Damon Evans feels that it isn’t sexy enough. Too bad. He’ll likely land at UVA.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
2:13 pm
You haven’t been there in 20 years? Doesn’t that tell us a little something?
MightyQuinn
March 20th, 2009
2:15 pm
Looks like NDSU is running out of gas
scott
March 20th, 2009
2:21 pm
I hope so, MightyQuinn–I didn’t pick ‘em.
scott
March 20th, 2009
2:24 pm
On second thought, go Bison! I wouldn’t mind seeing the Jayhawks go out early. I am sure a few people have Kansas winning 3 or maybe 4 games, but I’m not one of them.
Boston Williams
March 20th, 2009
2:30 pm
I still think Jeff Jones of American U. should be considered. He did a good job at UVA, as well as at American.
Rob in Chapel Hill
March 20th, 2009
2:33 pm
I heard an interview with Leonard Hamilton, Florida State’s coach, on the radio yesterday, which made me think the Dawgs should really consider him as well. This year’s ACC Coach of the Year, has the ‘Noles in the tournament again (of course it doesn’t hurt having Toney Douglas of Jonesboro as your stud; wish Georgia had gotten him), and Hamilton described himself as a bit of a specialist at rebuilding programs with a lot of potential. I like the fact that he’s a bit older and experienced. Give him a shot, Damon!
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
2:34 pm
I’m not a Jeff Jones fan, Boston. And I covered him in the 1978 Kentucky state tournament. He played for undefeated Apollo, which lost in Round 1 to Shelby County. Great game.
Frank
March 20th, 2009
2:35 pm
For one, Stevens has won 30 games in a season. In fact, he has won more games than Grant in every year that he has coached. He’s been to the tournament in both of his years as HC. Moreover, he has recruited and won with his own core of players, something that Grant has not done. He made the tournament this year with a team that was picked to finish 5th in the Horizon League. His roster includes 4 kids from the South that he recruited (Avery Jukes, of Atlanta; Shelvin Mack from Lexington, KY;Shawn Vanzant, Tampa, Fl; and Ronald Nored, Homewood, Al). I am sorry when you inherit a NBA lottery pick in the Colonial Conference, you don’t get graded on a curve. If we want to see what kind of coach and recruiter Grant really is, let’s see him stay at VCU and try in make the tournament without Maynor next year.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
2:37 pm
Leonard is 60.
Frank
March 20th, 2009
2:38 pm
Additionally, did you see the ball movement and fundamental basketball on display versus LSU? Butler had no business athletically on that court, yet they went toe to toe with LSU with a team primarily made up with true freshman and sophomores. Contrast that with how VCU plays and get back to me.
Jeff Grady
March 20th, 2009
2:39 pm
I believe that UGA will be fighting not only its own poor performance which has had an effect on the perception of UGA basketball, but also the the poor perception of SEC basketball in general. For whatever reason, BB players aren’t attracted to the somewhat “provincial” atmosphere characterizing most SEC college locals. This is not meant as a “put-down”, for I personally like such atmospheres. But “slick” BB players like the faster pace. Even Duke and UNC are located in a relatively active local. Atlanta, of course, is great.
MightyQuinn
March 20th, 2009
2:43 pm
OK, two close games simultaneously; now thats more like real March Madness! Hope it gets even better!
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
2:44 pm
I saw Brad Stevens’ team lose to Tennessee last March in OT. He’s a good coach. But so’s Anthony Grant. And UCLA is better than LSU. And Duke in 2007 was better than Tennessee last season.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
2:45 pm
Being in the Southeastern Conference didn’t seem to bother Florida a couple of years ago.
Marvelous Marvin Waggler
March 20th, 2009
2:47 pm
Not about the facility, no. About UGA basketball, yes.
Frank
March 20th, 2009
2:50 pm
I don’t recall Duke making the Sweet Sixteen in 2007 like UT did last year (which Butler took to OT). Moreover, the one quality victory that VCU has had in three years (look it up) came with a roster that was dominated by Capel recruits and again, included Eric Maynor.
Jeff Grady
March 20th, 2009
2:52 pm
Make that “provincial locale”. I too, am from the country.
Ron Roberts
March 20th, 2009
2:57 pm
I think BECAUSE the state of Georgia is such fertile recruiting ground, ANY coach who wants to be in a high-profile coaching position with a continuous chance to be in the national title discussion would consider Georgia – Jeff Capel included. You know how hard it has to be to convenice kids to go play in Norman or Stillwater? Nothing short of miraculous, to me, that they do, frankly. And I don’t think a coach’s “loyalties” with their former boss keeps them from considering a position like Georgia, either.
Quite the opposite, I’d guess, actually. If ANYthing, maybe it’ll keep recruiting wars between the two schools at a level of civility, but it’d certainly be nice to have a legitimate basketball “rival,” too. Can’t HURT the program, anyhow. There’s a reason why Georgia’s football team has many rivalS and why Tech’s football program has one single rival… they’re just not usually at the same expectation level, and the same goes for Georgia’s basketball program, currently. We have no “rival,” in basketball, to speak of, because we don’t consistently hang with anybody challenging for anything of value (aka a “title.”).
Grant’s a solid choice.
Jeff Grady
March 20th, 2009
2:59 pm
Your are right about Florida. However Florida is unique, and all of their players came back. But they can’t sustain their success. Just look at the past two years. They didn’t even make the tournament if I’m not mistaken.
Deepstep Dawg
March 20th, 2009
3:01 pm
I totally agree with UGA ‘01! Mark Few or Jay Wright would be phone call number one if i were in D Evans shoes. I thought Mark Few should’ve been the top target before we hired Felton. I heard a stat the other day that he has taken the Zags to 10 straight NCAA tournaments in his 10 years there….if this guy can win and recruit All-America caliber players to a tiny school in Washington state, he could definitely do it with the abundance of talent in GA each year! Jay Wright is top notch also! If both these guys said no, then Grant or Capel or Tub would be plan B. Who knows, none of these guys may want to leave and come to Athens, but i do feel that with the right guy in place UGA basketball can become a force much like the Gaytors! Too much in-state talent out there to continue to be a flop!
golt73
March 20th, 2009
3:04 pm
The Colonial is a solid conference. Let’s remember Jay Wright went from Hofstra to Villanova as well. It’s been a breeding ground for coaches to make the jump. Sounds good to me
Jeff Grady
March 20th, 2009
3:11 pm
I believe players want to compete against the best teams. So while some schools will be relatively strong over time, despite their league, the ACC seems to have the best players year in and out. The state of NC has three teams which have won the national championship on multiple occasions. I dont believe any other state can make that claim. They had great players who wanted to play in the ACC.
gdawginkalamazoo
March 20th, 2009
3:11 pm
AZ2FL, last time I was in Stegman it had electricity. Of course that was when UGA was beating Don Devoe.
Mark, easy way to update the arena is to change the name to “The Historic Stegman Coliseum”. Fresh coat of paint and a corporate sponsor. For example, AIG? Countrywide?
Fort Worth Dawg
March 20th, 2009
3:17 pm
“When Demosthenes spoke, the people applauded, but when Pericles spoke, they marched.” Mark, this was one of the most persuasive writings in sports I’ve seen in a long time. I was thinking Baylor’s coach but now I’m sold on Grant.
Ron Roberts
March 20th, 2009
3:26 pm
Enough w/the Stegman “crutch.” That’s such a pointless argument; the program would be moving along quite nicely, I believe, had Tubby Smith never left, and Stegman would be packed for every game and nobody’d be bringing it up. They’ve spent so much to renovate and keep that facility viable over the last 20 years, as it is, and the Athletic Assocation’s master plan calls for a fanTASTIC concourse expansion and facade upgrade, as it is. Sure, the new practice facility is vastly superior to Stegman, but with current enhancements and future (and might I add “less costly”) concourse and facade renderings in the works, UGA does NOT need a “new” arena.
YOu can list programs where shiny new facilities have worked? I can name several where they didn’t….Arkansas, SC, NC State come to mind. What Florida plays in is no “crown jewel,” and Donovans does fine; so does Coach K in Cameron Indoor…it’s COACHING that’ll make the program work, not suites and shiny new rafters.
Too Easy
March 20th, 2009
3:29 pm
Wonder what happened when Testicles spoke.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
3:30 pm
What you just said, Forth Worth? It’s Greek to me.
But thanks.
Josh
March 20th, 2009
3:34 pm
Mark,
You said Dustin Ware is leaving? Can you give anymore info on this, have not seen that anywhere.
Cleveland
March 20th, 2009
3:41 pm
Mark,
You guys are missing the point. Players want to play in an open court fast tempo system. Mike Anderson would bring that system. Everyone keeps speaking of recruiting Atlanta and the South, who could do that better? The system will be in place that wins and will be the system that players would want to play in. The bottom line is that talent wins games. Systems win games. You have to have the system and talent in combination to win.
True Grant has won at VCU, but with the same type system that Felton had and that’s the same system that caused the forty plus Georgia players that are in the NCAA tournament to go to other schools. If UGA wants to keep in state players and get the best other players in the south to come to Athens, get a winning coach (Mike Anderson) with a player friendly winning system
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
3:41 pm
There’s a reason you haven’t seen it. I apparently hallucinated it. Troy Brewer and Zac Swansey have been granted releases, not Dustin Ware. My apologies for being an idiot.
gdawginkalamazoo
March 20th, 2009
3:41 pm
For all you calling for a new facility in order to win, two words for you: FORD FIELD.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
3:46 pm
I believe someone will win at Ford Field in about 17 days, Kalamazoo.
And Too Easy? I can’t deny it. I laughed.
Bill
March 20th, 2009
3:46 pm
Mark, I bet that 6th grader is your daughter.
Mean Gene
March 20th, 2009
3:51 pm
Are you saying your wrong about Ware now or just trying to be funny?
daawg
March 20th, 2009
3:53 pm
Say again that Felton did more to screw up UGA basketball than Jirsa and Harrick combined. Good luck to the new coach digging out of Dennis’ ditch!
Right On Time
March 20th, 2009
3:53 pm
You worried me with the D.Ware comment.
BTW, I went to the Stegasaurus a few times this year and I don’t get all the hate. Other than being a little dark, I still think it is a fine facility and the roof is cool. The wall behind the student section has always been a little strange also, but I still like the place.
The main problem currently, as I stated above, is lack of players. Felton did a fine job of ensuring the players he left the new coach were on target with their grades…all 3 of them.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
4:04 pm
Let me be clear about this: Dustin Ware is not leaving. I was wrong. I have edited the erroneous comment to delete the reference. I’m sorry for any confusion. I’m also sorry for being wrong in the first place.
And that sixth grader, Bill, is indeed my daughter, who never gets a thing wrong.
Jeff Grady
March 20th, 2009
4:06 pm
Cameron is a crown jewel. It was by design that it has been allowed to remain small and intimate. Kids who go in there want to play there. Everyone wants to play there. So, don’t use Cameron as an example of a less grandiose venue that nonetheless has succeeded. Au Contraire: It is the crown jewel. Have you been there?
Josh
March 20th, 2009
4:10 pm
Thanks Mark
gdawginkalamazoo
March 20th, 2009
4:10 pm
Mark, SOMEBODY always wins at Ford Field, just not anyone associated with the Ford’s.
Ron Roberts
March 20th, 2009
4:15 pm
I’ve been to both Cameron AND Stegman; they’re both a little musty and dated, but they’re both fine facilities. My point was not to take a dig at Cameron; I’m just saying Cameron’s not a remarkably better facility, and yet Duke does just fine recruiting 5-star players. The coach is the draw, not the gym.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
4:18 pm
You win, Kalamazoo.
And Ron, I have been to Cameron. I’m sure it’s a great place to watch a game, but it’s a terrible place to cover one. You have to climb over the press table to squeeze into your seat because the Crazies are atop you. And once, at halftime, a female Crazy plopped her 32-oz. Big Gulp down in my work space and seemed offended when I asked her to remove it.
Cuz
March 20th, 2009
4:20 pm
If you think the Stege looks bare during B-ball games, wait till you see the 30,000 seat Youclan Colisieum. Hallooo in there……
Cuz
March 20th, 2009
4:23 pm
West Virginia, you are killing me against Dayton, almost as much as you did me in the Chik-fil-a Sugar Bowl.
Anthony Grant? - SECTalk Forums
March 20th, 2009
4:29 pm
[...] Anthony Grant? I could still care less, but if he’d bring in some wins, I’d watch a game or two of his. Enough already, Bulldogs: Hire Anthony Grant now! | Mark Bradley [...]
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
4:53 pm
Temple just destroyed me. I had the Owls in the Elite Eight.
Ask the leadership coach » Enough already, Bulldogs: Hire Anthony Grant now! | Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
5:07 pm
[...] unknown posted a noteworthy aricle today onHere’s a small snippetYou all are crazy if you think he is going to come and coach against Donavon. He will sit at VCU until the perfect job comes along. And that means ACC or Florida. Maybe a Big East school in the Mid-Atlantic. … [...]
DCDawg fan
March 20th, 2009
5:44 pm
Mark,
Actually Mark, Anthony Grant will probably move up the road to UVA. Their coach recently resigned and Grant would be a perfect fit and don’t forget UVA has a brand new pro style arena and the allure of the ACC. Let’s face it we’re a football school and the wealthiest alums don’t really care about the state of the basketball team
buckheadbill
March 20th, 2009
6:00 pm
CJ, for some reason I can’t get fired up over our new corch being named “Dip”. As for Calipari, he would have UGA on probation in his first year. Case in point Robert Dozier who couldn’t get in UGA and had no problem at Memphis. The way the NCAA jumps us for minor violations, he won’t make it.
CJ
March 20th, 2009
6:34 pm
Alright, Bill. Can you at least look at his record? He has put the teams he coached in their respective National Tournaments.
http://www.aug.edu/athletics/sports/mbasketball/dip%20metress.htm
Plus, he’s in state and it wouldn’t cost Evans a lot to go see him.
I don’t think great coaching changes based on what Division you’re in.
Besides, what have we learned recently about Div. I vs. Div. II on a level field? (ex: Appalachian State vs. Michigan)
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
6:41 pm
That’s twice this afternoon y’all have induced me to laugh out loud. (And I don’t laugh out loud often.) Too easy did it a little while ago, now buckheadbill. Y’all are too funny!
Uga91
March 20th, 2009
6:50 pm
I’m glad that I was the first to mention Mike ANDERSON on this post. He seems like a popular choice for Dawgs in the know. Hey Mark, could you write a column extolling the virtues of Mr. Anderson since he seems to be at least second in the people’s choice poll.
CJ
March 20th, 2009
6:52 pm
Mark,
What do you think the crowd in Athens would think about a D II coach comming to UGA? Would it happen? I doubt it. But we’re throwing all of these names in the pile. I just figured I’d add my 2 cents with ASU.
gp295
March 20th, 2009
6:58 pm
I like Grant seem to be a good coach maybe the one to turn thing around at UGA.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
7:09 pm
I also doubt it, CJ. But I’m sure Coach Metress welcomes your campaigning.
Police
March 20th, 2009
7:12 pm
Bo, you should be ashamed being in the pool with 7th grade girls and bragging about it. Can’t we remove those remarks?
The hire has to have a major buy out as someone mentioned above. I would rather have the next to best hire if he will stay and develop that legacy rather than use us as a stepping stone.
CJ
March 20th, 2009
7:34 pm
Mark,
I kinda doubt it. Seeing as how he graduated from ASU. The local community isn’t ready to let him leave yet. (That’s considering the product he’s put on the floor at Christenberry Fieldhouse.)
But, I’d argue the point that he’s just as capable as any coach whose name is being tossed about on this blog.
CJ
March 20th, 2009
7:37 pm
Let’s face it, the last time that UGA got a true BIG name to coach the men’s team, the school was left picking up the pieces from Jim Harrick’s tenure.
CJ
March 20th, 2009
7:55 pm
Here’s something else to think about. ASU is 29-4 this season. UGA and Tech have a combined 24 wins this season.
Mike
March 20th, 2009
8:12 pm
We should do what it takes to get Grant right now!. Before Donovan, the Florida program was pretty much on the same level that UGA has been. I think Grant would be a younger version of Tubby and get us to the next level.
Taurus
March 20th, 2009
9:15 pm
I was preaching about Grant about 3 months ago. The metro Atlanta area produces 6-10 top 100 players in the nation every year and UGA never gets any of those players. If UGA could get 3-4 per year they would be a top 15 team in no time. Grant is a good coach, but he also is a good recruiter. You need that combination to be successful at UGA. I saw someone mention Anderson/Mizzou. That’s out of the question. Mizzou has always been a sleeping giant in need of a coach to wake it up. Anderson is an excellent coach, and Mizzou sits 125 miles from Kansas City and St. Louis, which is huge, plus, why would he leave a team that won the Big12 for a rebuilding project? Grant is the answer for UGA and they need to jump on it or keep being at the bottom.
lawton
March 20th, 2009
9:34 pm
damon evans doesnt run ANYTHING at georgia. michael adams is calling the shots. Mark,you sent the coaching criteria email to the wrong department, it shouldve went to the president.
Mark Bradley
March 20th, 2009
9:47 pm
I believe strongly that Damon Evans will make this hire.
lawzoo
March 20th, 2009
10:32 pm
I do not think that he would go to ga. Stegeman Autotorium is a laughable dump.
hop
March 20th, 2009
11:02 pm
i am very concern, since damon evans has already let the cat out of the bag, by stating the he is going to spend millions of dollars on a coach.
he just might make a terrible error in judgement and hire a high profile guy and not be the right choice.
i agree with you mark on this one, and evans needs to get off his duff and go get this guy now,before it is too late!
he will not last very long and you are so right if foley thinks he was good enought to hire,why is damon evans waiting.
do you think evans ego might be the problem!
spotts
March 20th, 2009
11:03 pm
Sometimes the lesser name is the proper name
Dennis Felton from WKU was a lesser name, and it seems like we’re worse off now than post-Harrick
Chuck Uga
March 21st, 2009
12:20 am
JUST HOPING THAT THE ATHLETIC BOARD DOESN’T HIRE LEONARD HAMILTON (CHOKER) OR BOOBY KNIGHT.
Real Deal 2
March 21st, 2009
9:56 am
I think Grant has been told to wait a week or so to see how the KY situation plays out. Donovan goes to UK, you know Foley wants him and Donovan wants him to replace him. No doubt the wheels are turning in Lexington. Grant would prefer Fl over any other SEC job. Just keep this in mind.
tenn.DAWG
March 21st, 2009
10:36 am
Unlike the others,A.Grant wants this job for all the right reasons.I talked to Billy Humphrey’s (the uf guard) right after the CDF firing and she said he was the best coach on the uf staff.The most liked also.
Mark Bradley Makes a Case for Anthony Grant « Football on the Brain
March 21st, 2009
10:54 am
[...] Bradley Makes a Case for Anthony Grant Mark Bradley makes a strong case for Georgia AD Damon Evans to hire VCU’s Anthony Grant to be the next basketball coach at the [...]
Cuz
March 21st, 2009
11:38 am
Hire the Sienna coach. I did not even know it was a University. I thought it was a color in a box of crayons.
» SEC links: LSU faces an Up-Heel challenge John Clay’s Sidelines
March 21st, 2009
11:47 am
[...] Mark Bradley of the AJC writes that Georgia should go ahead and hire Anthony Grant now. [...]
swimdawg68
March 21st, 2009
11:49 am
Mark, I agree completely concerning Grant, but Damon probably is looking for a “name” coach and not a coach that will do the best job.
Cuz
March 21st, 2009
12:22 pm
Enough already, hire Grant so we can get back to the “I haven’t set foot in the Colisieum since that Tractor Pull back in the Seventies” comments.
hop
March 21st, 2009
12:37 pm
EVANS SITS AS “ROME BURNS”.
athensdawg
March 21st, 2009
1:05 pm
D. Evans needs to sit tight and see how things are going to play out.
The last thing we need is another “tease” like we got under Tubby.
We need someone who is going to stay…and the only way to make that happen is to sit and wait while the ‘big boys’ make their moves.
We need to understand that right now we are to SEC basketball what USC is to SEC football…a graveyard for coaches.
Maybe Billy Payne can take a hint from Hootie (USC alum)and start offering some Augusta Memberships to our Basketball Coach. (How else do you think they got Spurrier and Holz???)
SEC links: LSU faces an Up-Heel challenge | MrSEC.com
March 21st, 2009
1:20 pm
[...] Mark Bradley of the AJC writes that Georgia should go ahead and hire Anthony Grant now. [...]
Pitbull
March 21st, 2009
5:08 pm
Hey Mark, lets let Damon Evans and UGA make the call on the next bb coach.
I still remember your man crush on Jim Donnan and how you did not want him to leave UGA.
Glad we did not listen to you then either.
Major Ram
March 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
Grant will probab;y get a bumpp in salary again this year to put him >$1m. Not too bad for a mid-major. The biggest drawback for the UGA job is playing Donovan 2x a year. They speak almost daily and are very good friends. PLus he is friends with Pelphrey @Arkansas..coached together at UF I believe. FYI..Tubby = former VCU asst, CApel HC @ VCU, Grant current VCU HC.I think Sean Miller is a better fit for you guys. But if you offer to one or two others and come to Grnt as a third pick forget it…
p
March 22nd, 2009
4:34 am
Yeah, great, sounds like Felton / Hewitt Part II.
Sign a coach out of the Atlantic 10- anyone but another small school coach.
Brian F.
March 22nd, 2009
9:00 am
BRING BACK TUBBY !!!!!!!!!
seahawk
March 22nd, 2009
10:24 am
The truth is that Dennis can’t recruit. His first year at UGA was full of talent. All he needed was to bring in a couple of new players and he could have avoided the train wreck that followed. Please don’t tell me he left the program better than he found it. If he wasn’t suck a prick on a personal level, then he’d have some recruits and still be employed. Anthony Grant is a good choice, so is Mike Anderson. Here’s one for you, Gary Williams from MD. He’s 63 and would probably stay for 6-7 yrs, long enough to recruit, win and stabilize the program, i’m just sayin….
RedGADawg
March 22nd, 2009
12:05 pm
If GA AD has the big bucks, why not go for the gold! I was very impressed with the Villanova team in play on Saturday. Seems to me the Big East is where we need to go for a DAWG coach. Surely the wealth in Athens can buy one of their names. Most of the Big E schools do not have a cash cow like Bulldog football to front the cost of a major coach. Why look at a BCS BB coach, I know technically Big East (should be “Big Easy”)is BCS in football, most true BCS schools have too much money to outbid, IE Capel at OK. Looks to me as Big E is real deal from top to bottom in BB, unlike ACC. Right coach with big time creds could roll over SEC and local ACC. Take page from MR football recruiting book, lock up top GA talent and then go national for special pieces! Hard to argue with UGA campus appeal, lots of stuff to do, great academic reputation, close to Hot “Lanta! The Dawg fans will fill old Stegeman with a winner. So DE go for the gold, make a splash, do not settle for a Mid Major who will be a repeat of Felton or worse Hewitt at YellaBug land.
RedGADawg
March 22nd, 2009
12:50 pm
This is second try at leaving comment:
DE go for Big East Coach, they are the real deal BB conference, Mid Major in everthing else, should be “Big Easy” in Football! With the Athens $ war chest and total program success go for the Villanova coach, who would not want to leave suburban Philly, band box facility, small campus for a top 50 research institution, domainate public university in state, one of best in Southeast for many more $$$$$! If the new coach brings real creds and takes a MR recruiting attitude by going for best in state and reaching outside of the box for special needs then the SAWG faithful will fill old Stegeman. How can we out dollar a major BCS school like OK, why settle for a mid major like Grant, that is what got UGA and TECH in the situation they are in now. If we beat YellaBugs in state the Athens team can win SEC! If coach can go outside for top talent to blend with instate WOW what are force the DAWGS could be.
JustCallMeChamp
March 22nd, 2009
5:38 pm
I really like Mark Few (if you could get him) and Anthony Grant came within an eyelash of becoming the HC for the 2 time defending NC program. Jeremy Foley has made a couple of excellent coaching hires in his time (see Billy Donovan-2 NC, see Urban Meyer-2 NC, see Becky Burleigh-NC, plus the womens gymnastics, womens softball, womens volleyball, mens golf, track and field, baseball, mens and womens swimming, mens and womens tennis etc etc have all won conference championships or competed for NCs last few years), so I think he knows what he’s doing! I know this, if Billy D left today, A. Grant would be our coach tommorrow.
Longhorn
March 22nd, 2009
6:45 pm
What’s all this blabber about Grant coaching at a “small school”? VCU enrolls 30,000 in the capital city of Virginia and boasts an established medical college. Methinks some folks have been drinking too much SEC/BCS juice. Truth be known, the UGA men’s basketball team probably would have finished in the bottom third of the CAA this year, well behind VCU, George Mason, Drexel, Hostra and Old Dominion. UGA would be very fortunate indeed to lure Grant away from VCU.
Cuz
March 22nd, 2009
7:44 pm
Hey Mark, I went 13-3 on my sweet sixteen. I did not even use a sixth grader. Just a dartboard and a blindfold. Worked pretty good. Well except for Aunt Minnie’s vase. Superglue doesn’t work well if you can’t find all the pieces.
Mark Bradley
March 22nd, 2009
8:09 pm
Tell me about it, Cuz. My mom still hasn’t gotten over me breaking a pitcher — the kind in the kitchen — with a red rubber ball when I was 3 years old.
And I’ve got my Final Four still working, but just about nothing else.
UGA Offers Anthony Grant Head Basketball Coach Job | GeorgiaBulldog.com - Georgia Bulldogs News, Discussion, Schedules & More
March 22nd, 2009
11:35 pm
[...] check out the case for Anthony Grant from Mark Bradley of the AJC. Category : Basketball / [...]
RamsFan
March 23rd, 2009
11:50 pm
While I agree with Mark’s choice and his reasoning for wanting Anthony Grant, those of you that think AG would be so quick to JUMP at any offer from UGA “I think” are living in a dream world. As are those of you that think he’s still living off of Caple’s recruits. Do your homework and then come back here with your comments. How many of you ever heard of Larry Sanders before this year? The wonderful youngster was drawing cartoons, not playing basketball before 10th grade. He had so much bb knowledge at that time he made a basket on the wrong end of the court because he didn’t know they changed ends at halftime. Needless to say, he now has unlimited potential under AG. BTW, regardless of incorrect reports, Maynor was our lone senior, the rest of the starters buy tourney time were sophomores and freshmen.
Read SkinnyJ’s post again, I’d have to agree for the most part with he and Major Ram. At least I’m hoping he will be content with the great situation he has at VCU right now building his name and rep., at least until his ultimate job at Florida or one at a REALLY BIG basketball program comes along. He’s making pretty decent $$$ now and I know for a fact there’s more in the works. He’s treated like a King in Richmond, even by the press (which is highly unusual! ) and I’m told his family loves it here as well.
I also remember and continue to cling to his words at his introduction in the Segal Center 3 yrs ago when he made his comments about turning VCU into the Gonzaga of the East. I can only hope he remains a man of his word. I could be wrong but he doesn’t seem to be the type that will jump from one opportunity to the next without a really good reason to do so. And no offense, but I just don’t see UGA, Alabama or even the UVA options as a big enough jump from VCU. We’re on the move and building a program and a name in basketball. And BTW, we do have the largest enrollment of any university in VA, 31,000+…..
This guy is truly a CLASS act (very hard to find these days) and I’d take him over Jeff Caple and the rest of the egotistical media whores any day of the week. AG can coach, recruit and has the respect of his players, coaches, alum and fans and student support has never been greater. You, or any other school could only be so lucky to lure him away from us. GO RAMS!!!!
Late update: channel 6 news in Richmond says Alabama has contacted coach Grant and there were rumors UGA had offered him the job which was quickly denied by UGA officials. No contact reported by UVA. to date.
Please stay with us at VCU, Coach. We LOVE YOU and will continue to STAND BEHIND YOU!
Scott
March 25th, 2009
3:13 pm
It’s a good read if you replace ever instance of “georgia” with “alabama”. Roll Tide.
Scott
March 25th, 2009
3:14 pm
Ooops. “EVERY” instance.
roswellian
March 25th, 2009
9:30 pm
If Alabama gets Grant, will Georgia go for Mike Anderson at Missouri? I ran across this blurb on a Memphis Tigers basketball forum:
“Anderson @ UGA- Great hire. Although unless help comes soon, it won’t be ‘40 minutes of hell,’ more like 40 minutes of mild inconvenience.”
Mark Bradley
March 25th, 2009
9:36 pm
I think every coach, Anthony Grant and Mike Anderson included, are waiting to see what Kentucky does. We should know soon.
Skeezix
March 26th, 2009
12:27 pm
Mark: Delayed response here….the problem Ga. has in wooing Grant is, I can’t think of one good reason why Grant would leave VCU B-Ball to coach Georgia B-Ball.
Mark Bradley
March 27th, 2009
11:31 pm
Ah, well. The golden Bradley touch is still as deadly as ever. Anthony Grant is now the coach at Alabama.
Big Mike
March 31st, 2009
8:23 am
Its not often that I agree with you However you are on the money with this young man. We need some one who can recruit some of this outstanding talent in the state and get UGA going in the right direction. He knows how to teach and coach. All he needs is black and red on.