Sports Columnists

By Pitbull

March 12, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

UGA basketball was a mess when DF got to Athens. He has had to dig it out of a hole. Do not forget that DF kicked the 2 leading scorers from last year off the team prior to this season for not performing in the classroom. I admire him for that. He has stated that he wants to build a program dedicated to developing quality young men rather than young men with just good basketball skills. I admire him for that and UGA should value him for it too. He is a quality coach who will win big in time. I blame the AJC for a lot of this firing crap as they love to create controversy in UGA athletics to sell papers and draw more eyeballs to their web site. They worship the almighty dollar and will run UGA into the ground if they have to to turn an additional buck. I guess Ms. Cox just cannot get enough money. I wish the shameless Atlanta newspaper would keep their hacks out of Athens and leave my school alone.

By Dawgs2008

March 12, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

HOW MUCH LONGER ARE WE GOING TO HEAR ABOUT THE MESS THE PROGRAM WAS IN WHEN HE CAME TO UGA?!!!

It has been 5 years!!! When all of this went down in 2003, my son was not even born yet. He will be going to Kindergarten this year. By the time we make it back to the big dance, he may be in high school!!!

I watched a special on HBO about Bruce Pearl and Tennessee. Enough said!!!!!

By Gutrake

March 12, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Call it clairvoyance or just plain intuition, but in my opinion, Dennis Felton is the answer to the UGA basketball problem. Those of you who disagree have no clue what the question was in the first place. Discipline and trust are paramount in a sport where only five players are on the court at the same time. Cohesiveness is a must in this sport. However, the only way to achieve it is to let the prima-donnas know who is running the show. You can never blame Felton for backing down from that responsibility. If he is run out of town, I am sure he will feel as if he did it the right way. UGA basketball needs somebody like that with staying power to see it through.

By 3 Rivers jacket

March 12, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

I am obviously a Tech fan and there are some who might want Hewitt’s scalp. That would be realy stupid. It is ridiculous not to give Felton another year. He has a good class coming in and some solid players. They should be an NIT team next year and they can build on that. Even for a school that has not been a basketball hot bed fans get impatient. Of course they would accept this in football but football has a winning tradtion. Give Felton another year and see what happens. Of course if everyone knows that it is another year situation then that makes it tough to recruit but for once do not let recruiting dictate everything. Everyone will feel better if you give him one year and he turns it around. If he does not then you can say that you give it a shot and that you were fair to a guy who everyone says is a good guy.

By Pitbull

March 12, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Dawgs2008, it sounds like your kid entering kindergarten is more mature than you are. Grow up and develop some patience and maturity. Building a winner after Mike Adams set us on a road to ruin with Jim Herrick and Herrick Jr will take a little more time.

If you want to complain, ask what the heck Perno is doing with the baseball program.

By ThrashDawg

March 12, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Strange, the God of Atlanta sports has made his decision about wheather an Atlanta area sports coach, GM or a player can keep his job. All hail to God Jeff! It is bad enough to be in the position of hiring and firing a person, maybe if you were really in that position you would think twice about sanctifying or crucifying people publicly like you do.

By SECCoachnDallas

March 12, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Coach Felton is a class individual and has represented UGA with dignity in a very trying period. Th top two scorers were kicked off last years team because of not following team rules. If you want another team like Harrick put together, go for it. I prefer not to have our school relegated to a thug institution.

By Jay1998

March 12, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Whatever…FIVE years is FIVE years! He’s had more than enough time to get this thing turned around. And I really love how he gets credit for kicking players off the team that HE recruited.

So…he has the best of both worlds…he gets credit for “cleaning up Harrick’s mess”…and gets credit for cleaning up his own mess???

Brilliant!

Damon…please ignore these folks…especially sir Shultz…and bring someone in here that does not make excuse after excuse…but produces positive results!!!

By shane #1

March 12, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

we have discussed this for months.time for a new topic.

By reddawg

March 12, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

He definitely needs more time. Castrating a major sport in the SEC should carry at least 10 years to life.

By todd

March 12, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

How hard is this folks.

Denny Felton is correct in pointing out certain accomplishments since he showed up. He’s incorrect in not owning up to the failure “overall” that Ga basktball is and there are no guarantees down the road with the next class coming in, added to what is there.

The big picture for Ga bsktball is a team that plays up to the standard that paying alums and the student body is looking for. Play hard, represent well, fun to watch, appear to be enjoying the student athlete experience…..

That aint happenin at the moment, not even close. Denny Felton is a big part of the puzzle.

I think the dude is a good bsktball man and coach. I also think he’s overboard on this discipline thing and “doing the right thing”, representing the school with class…. Dude, this is part of it, but no body wants to read about Damon Evans and his stupid attendance move and guys getting run, guys running themselves.

Give him another yr. but I suggest you don’t runoff 2 starters a month before the season begins.

What the hell are you and Damon Evans trying to prove!

By Garrett

March 12, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

I have to say I disagree with you there Mr. Shultz. Don’t get me wrong, Dennis Felton is a terrific guy and basketball coach, but I do believe it is time for him to go. In the 4 years since Felton has been hired the Dawgs hadn’t been to the big dance and that to me is disturbing. Now I know Felton inherited a bad situation and this year didn’t make it any better with Mercer and Brown being kicked off. I just think Felton has kinnda lost control of the team. Building Western Kentucky up and building Georgia up are two totally different scenarios. Look at what league W. Kentucky plays for and look at us, big difference. It is hard seeing Tennessee and Florida have success with their bball program and us struggling to make the NIT. I think Felton is a great man and has been loyal to the University ever since he got the job, but I just think it is time for him to go. Go Dawgs.

By naplesdawg

March 12, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Correct me if I’m wrong..but all this talk about bad breaks and players who fall short…didn’t he recruit all of these players? isn’t he the one that is responsible for choosing players with good character that can stay out of the Athen’s slammer?…seems that a lot of his bad breaks this year are because of his bad choices when it comes to personnel…bragging about the GPA’s of your players won’t put butts in the seats!

By G Roberts

March 12, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Why does Felton need more time? He directly contributed to much of the current problem at UGA by running off players. Channing Toney featured in yesterday’s AJC (Gwinnett Section) is an example. Toney left UGA because he didn’t get along with Felton. After sitting out a year he is playing at UAB averaging 11 points a game. Dennis apparently has control issues as well as a chip on his shoulder.

By Brian F.

March 12, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

To fire this man now at this point would be ludicrous. He has now restored integrity back into a program that was in absolute shambles. He is just now starting to assemble highly ranked top-shelf players who even a few years ago wouldn’t even consider coming to UGA. Even when things were really bleak, he was able to recruit Lois Williams. Who knows where we’d be know had he not gone directly to the NBA. So, not only did DF inherit a god awful program, he has also had to deal with more than his fair share of unfortunate circumstances. He probably along the way could have made different decisions which would have resulted in more wins. However, he should sleep easy knowing that he has made decisions of integrity, even though he knew it may cost him some wins along the way. With the young players we have in place along with the terrific class we have coming in, I look for us(UGA) to have a very exciting team next year and for years to come. What a shame it would be to tear it all apart now and start over. I am appauled that Damon Evans is even considering not retaining Dennis.

By jimmythec

March 12, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

I’d give him another year. He should get a chance to have his message to his players heard and not rolled over for a new coach.

By bp101

March 12, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Pitbull…whats wrong with the baseball program. David Perno is one of the best coaches in the nation. He has only been to two College World Series in four years. He will have this YOUNG team clicking by the time regional and super regional time comes around. They have played three of the best teams in the country in the first two weeks…that will only prepare them for SEC play. Please know what you are talking about before spouting off.

By Dawgs2008

March 12, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Perhaps I am just tired of contributing to the university, just to pay $15.00 a game to watch an effortless performance, right after driving 86 miles after work, on a Wednesday night.

I can’t even give my tickets away. Herrick may have left a mess, but the Steg was rocking when he was here and there was not an empty seat in the house.

It used to fun. Go ahead you cry babies and brag about how Felton is a class act. But he sucks as a coach!

By Bowie

March 12, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Hell, lets trade! I’ll trade you Paul Hewitt for Coach Felton. What have we both got to lose?

By tom

March 12, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Coach Felton’s “recruits” have done more for the sale of marijuana in Athens than anyone ever dares to point out. Not buying, just selling.

By raig

March 12, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

No more excuses. If Felton demanded the same things of himself that he says he does from his players, he would throw himself off the team.

By Bob Sacamano

March 12, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

The people calling for Felton’s head, like Dawgs2008 are not rational people, or at the very least, are not thinking rationally. Dawgs2008 would have us all believe that the normal 5 years that most coaches would get in normal situations to turn a floundering program around is what Felton should get.

How the hell is that rational thinking, Dawgs2008? How the hell is that logical? How the hell is that even remotely right? You would have us believe that at the very least, the first two years of his tenure shouldn’t be gimme years? That they should count against his total, when any rational person would never think that?

Even then, this year is a major year needing a “do-over.” How about this, Dawgs2008, how about we hire Bruce Pearl or Billy Donavan and stick them with the insane rules that Damon Evans has created with regards to athletes. Mandatory tutoring sessions? I can see kicking a kid off the team or suspending him for missing class, or maybe on his sixth DUI (in a Fat Phil run program, of course), but suspensions for missing tutoring sessions? Look, I’m all for academics and putting the student back in the student athlete, but that’s a little ridiculous.

So, Dawgs2008, how do you think Bruce Pearl or Billy Donovan would be able to recruit or coach with the kind of collar that Dennis Felton must wear? Because of Damon Evans’ rules, this season went in the toilet. Wait, I guarantee in the next year or two, we’ll see a major FOOTBALL player at this college be suspended for missing mandatory tutoring sessions, then lets see how many of you hypocrites turn on Damon Evans for his ludicrous rules. We’ll see someone like Caleb King or AJ Greene get suspended for an SEC Championship Game, or something, and then we’ll have people like Dawgs2008, who don’t want to give Felton one more year, who’ll then go after the very reasons that have screwed Felton over this year. Because when it’s football, it’s important and it’s the AD’s fault.

But now, it’s Felton’s fault. And that’s a load of bull-you-know-what.

By FL DAWG

March 12, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Who do you get to replace him? Who would want to come to UGA right now? Seriously, do you think we could get a high profile coach or even a high profile assistant coach?

I don’t see UGA being able to go and get an assistant from a UNC/Duke/Kansas/UCLA.

If we can’t get a better coach right now, do you still let him go?

At this point, DE should let him play it out another year and see what happens. I just don’t see us being able to get the kind of coach we would want right now.

Felton is a good coach, that took over a program in complete shambles. Let him catch a break and have a few years with his players before we send him away. I believe he might suprise many of us.

By Drivebydog

March 12, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Schultz, you want to say Felton inherited a mess? What he inherited was a solid senior class and a top 5 recruiting class of which he ran off 4 of the players who all went ot major college programs and on to the NCAA tournament the next year. As far as class is concerned he continually said SOB and MF in front of his secretary she was forced to resign and go to Food Services. He kicked Steve Thomas off the squad when he had severe chest congestion and couldn’t breath when trying to run wind sprints( Check with the medical staff at UGA for verification) Yes he has a lot of class and most of it is LOW.

By FL DAWG

March 12, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

If you are calling for him to be fired, come up with a realistic coach to replace him. We all know Roy Williams nor Mike K are coming.

By Bob Sacamano

March 12, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Hey, Tom, I was in high school during the Quincy years, and everyone knew about his habits, but I’m in school in Athens, and while here rumors of who’s on what, there’s never been a single rumor to reach my ears about anyone selling ANYTHING. So before you come here and spread baseless rumors and accusations, you better actually have some proof or corroborating evidence, my friend. So if you have something, then how about you enlighten the rest of us, otherwise, you’re just some tool sitting at his computer dealing in slander, well, libel: different words, same concept.

Cabron.

By FL DAWG

March 12, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

O.k. by the looks of it noone has an answer for who to hire if DE let DF go, so perhaps we should keep DF.

By FL DAWG

March 12, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

It looks like the Drive by Dawg Fans are at it again…probably the same ones that don’t like CMR and critisize him for his players mistakes.

Come on DBDF’s come up with a replacement!!!!

By Johnson

March 13, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

This is such a joke. We would NEVER put up with the in our football program at Uga. Felton would be gone and all of you kn ow it; but this is acceptable since it’s b-ball at Georgia. Fellow alumni and fans, we don’t have to settle for cellar dwellar status in b-ball. All of you who say ‘give him another year’ would be saying the same thing next year if Georgia finishes last again in the SEC.

We have nothing short of an embarassing situation here and Felton needs to go. It’s just a no-brainer and to argue with you people who keep making excuses is ludicrous.

Dawgs2008: Just ignore the people who want to throw names at you. My twins boys are 4 and funny thing is I’ve thought the same thing. I hope by the time they’re old enough to get it (6 or 7), that Georgia acutally has a competitive b-ball program. But with people like Pitbull supporting this loser, my kids probably WILL hit high school asking me why the Hoop Dawgs suck.

By Dr. Merkwurdigliebe

March 13, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Jeff - You’re clearly a ding dong. You have failed to make your case. The fact is… one more year isn’t going to change a thing when it comes to the direction of this program. Felton doesn’t have what it takes to turn this program around. It’s time to cut bait and start with a fresh fish.

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

First of all, I thought the Felton hire was a good one but it just hasn’t come close to working out.

Could someone clarify for me the unrepairable mess Felton inherited? I must have this wrong but all I read about UGA hoops is the disaster he inherited but nobody explains it.

I seem to remember that they weren’t on TV or post-season probation (they removed themselves Harrick’s last year and got time-served from the NCAA). They got reduced by ONE scholarship for 3 or 4 years so they suit up 12 instead of 13 and most of the Harrick holdovers left in one way or another. So Felton had no probation and like 6 scholarships his first year. So it’s been his probation-free ship from the beginning and he’s recruited exactly one (Yata) 2nd team All-Conference player and no first teamers. Am I completely wrong about this? If I am not then he should’ve been gone last year.

By Mike

March 13, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is DF shows that he cares about his kids well being after their playing career is up.. an education/degree is not something that should be taken lightly! Sure by year 5 these ARE his kids but some of his kids got FAT after sniffing some success the year before and felt that basketball success trumps classroom success..and DF just said NO WAY!NOT ON MY WATCH! The kids knew the consequences and ultimately paid the price..yes the rest of the team suffered for this but point was made .. no one is above the rules and the rules say go to class, go to tutoring sessions..no excuses..the current team played with what they had and gave it their ALL the entire season..with a couple of players they could be making plans for the post season…I could go on but will end by saying DF made a committment to these kids as well as their parents..UGA needs to make a committment to DF..another year is not too much to ask for..we tried to ONLY look at wins/losses as the underlying factor with the previous regime and we ALL know how THAT turned out! Lets FINISH THE DRILL with DF! and GO DAWGS!

By Dawgs2008

March 13, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

Thank You, Johnson. I am a life long Dawg fan and I just want what’s best for the school and the Dawg Nation. It is time to step up and quit getting pushed around by the rest of the SEC.

Lets get someone in here who can motivate and pull the team together during tough times. At least put up a fight instead of rolling over and taking it like a drunken sorority sister!

By Mike

March 13, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

Another thing..we cannot compare UGA basketball to UGA football..the success is directly proportionate to the level of commitment from the university/booster pledges/facilities etc., and look at the track record..1 final four 4 SEC titles,1time ranked in the top 10(10th in 1983)so there is no history of winning consistently established. We just got a significant commitment in the practice facility and its paying off in 2 good recruiting classes..13 years since Hugh Durham and this is our 4th coach since..not a good years/coach avg(barely over 3) and given that who would send their son to UGA with that kind of track record? Their kid could graduate in 4 years and the coach may not last to see it!..for those who want DF gone CLEARLY dont get it..the program JH left us with was beyond embarrassing..it was bad with a capital B.A.D.!..5 years isn’t enough to undo the damage..in football you run off a few bad apples and it doesn’t take as long to recover..in basketball you do the same and its like the death penalty because of the lack of numbers.

By Rob

March 13, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this

At least one more year… Georgia is not a basketball powerhouse to begin with. It’s tough enough to recruit under normal circumstances, and with what Jim Harrick did to the program, Felton didn’t just have a mountain to climb, it was Mt. Everest. Fire him and what kind of message do you send to any other potential head basketball coach? That will make it harder for Georgia to get a head coach of Felton’s quality or better.

By teachme

March 13, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

Why would you fire aguy for doing the right thing. He got rid of nuckle heads!!!! He is a great coach and when he gets all of his recruits in and injured players become healthy, UGA will be fine. Dont compare UGA to other schools in the conference in basketball. UGA does not have a strong BBall history. I do think it s time for Andy Landers to go on the womens side. The program slips every year. No big time recruits any time soon.

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

LA Dawg, simple, the damage was not just to pure numbers. It was in perception. Really doesnt matter how many spots you have open, if nobody in thier right mind would take them. He also released a very good class coming in that would have help him dramitically, but it was the right thing to do. While the actual penalties were not that severe, it took well into that next year, well past recruiting, to know what the NCAA was actually going to do. So basically it was his 3rd year before he could even begin to seriously talk to anyone with certainty about coming to UGA. That is why folks rightfully talk about the first fews year being a wash. This is the first year Dennis Felton has not done EXACTLY what he was hired to do (basketball wise). And Still did what he was hired for (program wise).

Dawg2008, did they mention in that special the incredibly seasoned and talented class Pearl inherited, with a program that had about the same momentum as (pre-Harrick dismisal) UGA, at a school with a better basketball pedigree, in a city 4 times the size of Athens?

By Ubangi

March 13, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

Mike Adams left one heck of a mess here. The real problem has been ole’ Mikey all along. To blame this on the current coach is absurd. Felton deserves at least two more years to clean up yet another mess made by one Mike Adams. It will take UGA a generation to clean up everything else Mike has managed to mess-up. If we are going to fire anyone, fire Mike!!

By It will never be equal

March 13, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Our world is full of alot of things, but one that we cant and will never get rid of is the bigots. Im shocked at how fast justice is served when the case is regarding whites. I bet everyone pale face was out on the trail of these two boys, when we have tens of unsloved cases in my backyard, but they will never have a chance to be solved because the bigots dont believe in working for blacks, damn shame!

By Ike Hilliard

March 13, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Felton was not a good hire to begin with. That said, he does deserve one more year. Just one. No tournament in 2009, no job.

By EliteHoops

March 13, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

One player saved him at Western. Before Marcus arrived he had a career record of 24-34.

He has won less than 20% of his SEC road games.

At least 10 players in less than 5 years have left/been dismissed from the team. Only one of them wss from the previous coach.

Fan support is at an all-timw low.

Of the Top 100 players in the Country each year the State of GA has produced 23 over the past 5 years. He has ONE of them.

He lost twice this year to a team that lost 6 of their top 7 players from last year.

AT LEAST 50% of the AAU and HS coaches in GA do not like him.

HE recruited the players who did not attend class and who have had off court problems.

With all of these things against him, he sure does need to pray. Oh yeah thats right, he’s not a man of faith.

By EliteHoops

March 13, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

One player saved him at Western. Before Marcus arrived he had a career record of 24-34.

He has won less than 20% of his SEC road games.

At least 10 players in less than 5 years have left/been dismissed from the team. Only one of them wss from the previous coach.

Fan support is at an all-timw low.

Of the Top 100 players in the Country each year the State of GA has produced 23 over the past 5 years. He has ONE of them.

He lost twice this year to a team that lost 6 of their top 7 players from last year.

AT LEAST 50% of the AAU and HS coaches in GA do not like him.

HE recruited the players who did not attend class and who have had off court problems.

With all of these things against him, he sure does need to pray. Oh yeah thats right, he’s not a man of faith.

By dean

March 13, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Dennis Felton left a good situation at Western Kentucky to come to Athens where our program was in terible shape. He had to know it would be very difficult and he had to know that as an up and coming young coach more attractive offers would be coming his way. But he came to Athens to try and build a program the right way. He has already proven he can win. Dawgs need to show some loyalty to the man by at the minimum giving him one more year. He has more than earned it in my opinion. Don’t drink the Bruce Pearl kool-aid.

By Daniel

March 13, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Felton is not that great of coach. He did a good job at small school in a small conference. He has done a pretty job defensively with the team, but offensively the team looks lost and is not very well prepared.

Stop blaming Felton’s problems on what was left over after Harrick. It is getting to the point now that it should fall on Felton.

The dismisals of Takais and Mike were not necessary. They were minor infrations that could have been handled internally. Feltons just wanted to make it public, so he could show that he was running a clean program. It was a scheme to keep his job since he isn’t winning.

By Mean

March 13, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Dean wrote: “He had to know it would be very difficult and he had to know that as an up and coming young coach more attractive offers would be coming his way.”

Uh, no. He was not a hot prospect. He had not built at better mouse trap at Western Kentucky and people were not beating a path to his door. Also, he’s in his mid-40s. Define young.

By DJ

March 13, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Excuses,excuses,excuses, that’s all we hear from the coach. He is not a good coach. That is the bottom line. Everybody needs to quit blaming the players for this jacked up program. Mercer did well his first two seasons but fell off when he got hurt. That’s when Felton and crew did not give a damn about him and his injury. Felton is the reason this team sucks and will continue to suck. He said after Brown and Mercer were let go that this was the best squad he had had so far. Well what happenned coach? Then you turn around and say what did you expect without my best two players? Felton you are a double talking joke. I hope they keep you so I can laugh next year when you fall flat on your face again. Without Gaines you will definitely be a loser. You did not develop anybody. Especially Swansey. He’s a good player but you had not enough confidence in him. Coach, you will surely lose again.

By fp2003

March 13, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

you want candidates? VCU’s Anthony Grant (he was about to be named Florida’s new coach when Billy D decided to come back and he is off the BD coaching tree); or Duke asst Chris Collins (Doug’s little boy could be the next Duke assistant to get a job); or Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall (if South Carolina doesn’t get the former Winthrop coach first)

as for Pearl arriving at UT to a boatload of talent, DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT FELTON ARRIVED WITH? How many recruits did he send away to other SEC schools? and how many did he kick off (Steve Thomas and Wayne Arnold). And he STILL had Rashad Wright, Chris Daniels, Damien Wilkins and Jonas Hayes. He had a Sweet 16 team if he just rolls the ball out there. (And PS, Robert Dozier is now a starter at Memphis. The #2 team in the country? But we couldn’t have used him)

By Bradley G

March 13, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

A couple of points:

1) Last time I checked, Damon Evans was black. Yet, UGA is racist?

2) Mandatory means mandatory. So what if it was tutoring sessions? It’s not for the players to decide. It comes with the scholarship. You know…getting MONEY to go to school?

3) Mike Adams isn’t in charge of making BB players go to class; Felton is. So why is Brown and Mercer’s absences somehow Adams’ mess?

By dean

March 13, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Since many of you are so knowledgeable about basketball and Felton’s history then you should be on the search committee when UGA goes looking for a new coach.

By Big Dawg

March 13, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Felton did a great job cleaning up the mess left by Adams’ hiring of Harrick (it is a fact that Dooley opposed the hiring because of past issues with Harrick but Adams got his way again and again it was a disaster). Felton is a great man and a good coach. He and UGA also need a fresh start. UGA needs a positive leader that can reach kids. I think Felton will be very successful at his next stop and UGA will be better off with a fresh coach who can balance positive motivation and mentoring with compliance. Thank you for your hard work at UGA Dennis and I wish you well!

By innocent bystander

March 13, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Jeff this is the right argument brilliantly put. I hope Damon is listening.

By Stan Blodgett

March 13, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Dennis Felton should get another year. Steve Wyche shouldn’t. Worst blogger ever. New post every couple of weeks. Commenting open for about 10 minutes afterward. Pathetic.

By Da Dawg

March 13, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

If it takes 5 years to build a holiday inn, the contractor should be fired. I respect DF’s disciplinary stance, but these are players he recruited. I don’t believe he is a winner its time to make the move.

By DJ

March 13, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Felton will never succeed at coaching a big school like UGA. Especially when run your players hard, and make comments like, “where’s your God now!” He will never succeed without Gods help, so knock it off coach.

By FLA DAWG

March 13, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Schultz reminds us that Felton has consistently improved this team each year until this season. UGA Basketball will have to prove itself as a big time player before more people take it seriously. Let’s give the guy another year. If major improvement does not occur then there won’t even be a discussion about his departure.

By rss

March 13, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

It was a tough situation to come into but 5 years is plenty of time. We aren’t expecting a national championship or even an sec championship but we are expecting progress. After this year I don’t see how you can tell me there has been any progress made. We are the worst team in the sec, are best player is a senior, and we have no young players to build on. Not to mention every good recruit in the state leaves for out of state programs. We need a change

By DirkDawggler

March 13, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

If the decision is Evan’s, Dennis Felton will be back. If it’s up to Michael Adams I’m not as confident.

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Let’s hope that any new prospects, either players or coaches do NOT look at UGA in the same simplistic manner.

Can’t maintain winning programs, don’t care why. Can’t keep a coach, its all a bunch of excuses. Fans dont come out, don’t give me any circumstanses. Somebody else won more games, got a better coach, had an HBO special, why even bother to look here.

By shannon

March 13, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

You are crazy. This mess is not something he inherited. Three years ago we could use that excuse. This is year SEVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who cares that this years class and next years class are his two best recruiting classes? One guy will flunk out, one will transfer, and one will be kicked off the team for off court issues.

Either he can’t handle the players he brings in, or he is bringing in the wrong players for his system.

He is working on two Presidential terms here. He has been here longer than we were in WW 2.

By Frank Smith

March 13, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

What really scares me about reading the comments of Dawg 2008 and others of his ilk is that they will be voting in an important national election with no more knowledge of what is important than they know about the progress of the Georgia basketball program.

By Rick S

March 13, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Until Georgia makes a TOTAL COMMITMENT to Basketball including building a new Basketball Arena, the Basketball program will contiunue in a state of mediocrity. Yes, the new practice facility is nice and a step in the right direction but how is any top rated High School recruit going to get excited about playing in the desolate Stegman Coliseum. Even Auburn has recently announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art 98 million dollar Basketball Arena. It’s time for the University of Georgia’s Board of Trustees and Administration to do what needs to be done and at least introduce plans to build a new Basketball Arena that the Georgia nation can be proud of and have optimism about the future state of UGA Basketball!

By The True #7

March 13, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

The key to any college sport is recruiting… There are 15 players in the Rivals Top 150 from the state of Georgia… 2 are committed the UGA… If you can’t recruit your own state better than that, you can’t expect to be any better… Felton is a good man, but as far as a good coach the jury is still out…

7

By Southgadawg1

March 13, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

come on Felton, you ain’t “representin’”. Time to move your whiny, excuse making butt down the road. You only have a few years to make a splash, and your time is gone. Harrick’s mess, Stegman, discipline, fan apathy….. You’ve got more excuses then a brother at the unemployment office! Either fire him now, or wait another crappy year, and then fire him. The results are the same.

By Mike

March 13, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Five years is more than enough time to fix a basketball program. End of story.

By Desert Dawg

March 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

For those of you screaming for a new coach…just be careful what you ask for as you may just get it.

I seem to remember that about 16 months ago, the Atlanta Falcons thought that the answer to their problems was a new coach….named BOBBY PETRINO. Some answer to a problem.

Most of the criticism of Felton seems to be that he ran off the best talent and therefore created the problem. ALL THOSE CRITICS seem to overlook the fact that he was upholding the standards of performance (both academic and personal) that UGA now demands of its student athletes.

YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. Either we enforce all the standards of performance or we will revert back to the winning seasons of the Harrick years with teams without character or integrity. BELIEVE IT OR NOT…CHARACTER DOES COUNT!!!

Felton has earned another year. GIVE IT TO HIM.

Don’t ti

By AW

March 13, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Here is the deal. We have academic standards, personal standards and athletic standards. Recruit the right kids (those who dont skip class and have the proper grades for acceptance to the university), recruit GOOD kids (those who dont get arrested, smoke pot or carry concealed weapons) and make sure they are winners. While its not easy, I have not seen any other SEC team in the past few years be so much of a diseaster starting with the Harrick years and now 5 years into the Felton years.

Its over.

By Mershon Dawg Fan

March 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hey, give the coach a chance! I believe in my heart and soul that Coach Felton will turn teh Ga. basketball program around. THE MAN CAN COACH AND HAS CHARACTER!!! GO DAWGS_

By Left to Right

March 13, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

UGA fans who fear UGA can’t find a coach who is a better fit apparently have a very low opinion of UGA and UGA basketball. It almost makes me think they are Tech fans in disguise.

The argument that no good coach would want to come to UGA is absurd. Plenty of good coaches would be interested, perhaps not ones with a high name recognition, but then how high was Mark Richt’s name recognition before he was hired?

Finally, to those who think a new coach would only make the situation with the basketball program worse, I ask, “How much worse can it get?”

By JD

March 13, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

If I recall correctly, DF didn’t send off the recruits that Harrick had in place before him. He let them out of their letters of intent. He let the athletes themselves choose if they wanted to be at Georgia playing for him or if they were still loyal to Coach Harrick. That was the right thing to do, because God forbid he have a kid that was recruited by another coach come in and not be happy with Coach Felton’s way of doing things. That would be just wrong.

We can sit and make the argument of what Bruce Pearl has done at UT and what Billy Donovan has done at UF. I’m upset at the fact that this year’s team hasn’t produced, but I’m not mad for what he’s trying to teach these kids; there are NO free rides in life. You either have your priorities straight when you get here or you don’t play for me. Sets a standard that all the players have to adhere to, and if you can’t do that, there’s the door.

The Mike Mercer and Takais Brown thing had been handled ‘in-house’ previously (Mercer had been suspended for games prior to him being injured against SC for not going to class, etc.) How many times do you have to say class attendance is MANDATORY if you’re going to play basketball here? You really shouldn’t have to say it at all.

And yes, he did recruit these kids. How many times is that going to be brought up? Should he have done a little more research into the kid’s character and academic work ethic? Yes. Should he be criticized because the kid didn’t take responsibility for his own actions and not attend classes or go to ‘mandatory tutoring sessions’? No.(I personally think that is a joke; what if a kid doesn’t need tutoring? Does he still need to go?) Requiring a kid to go to study hall is one thing and totally different than tutoring. He’s not there to hold their hands; these are young men. He’s not their babysitter.

I seem to recall John Chaney doing the same thing at Temple that Dennis Felton is trying to do at Georgia; holding the athlete responsible for their actions. I don’t seem to recall him having to resort to kicking someone off the team for not following the university or coach’s rules because his players knew what was expected of them. Not to say that he never kicked someone off the team, but Chaney was a coach who could care less if you could dribble through your legs moreso than if you were in class and doing the things you needed to do beyond the basketball court. He taught life lessons, something that today’s student athlete needs in a coach. Gotta admire a person who will stand by his principles rather than taking the easy way out and letting an obvious problem continue.

Agree or disagree, like him or not, at the end of the day, Coach Felton is not the athlete’s babysitter he’s their coach. To expect him to hold his players’ hands for everything in order for them to do the right thing is not realistic. Ask any coach this and they’ll probably tell you the same thing.

By Paul Davis

March 13, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I’m sure this has been said but I have to say my piece. I am a season ticket holder in men’s basketball for the last 18 years and have a few questions for those that defend Dennis Felton. 1. Why does he deserve a pass on this year? He recruited the players that were kicked off the team and must share the responsibility for bringing in players that act like Mercer, who could care less about school. 2. Would it kill Coach Felton to wear our school colors? I know basketball coaches pride themselves in being a well-dressed bunch but Bruce Pearl wears an orange jacket for big games and Dennis Felton wears blue to every game. 3. Does he even want the support of the fans and the students? The one time that I spoke to him here in town he treated me like crap. I have sat directly behind the bench for 3 times longer than he has been the coach and he completely ignored me. He doesn’t understand why the stands aren’t full for the games but he is curt with fans that do attend. All this being said I do believe that he should get one more year, but during that year I want him to completely correct both the problems he inherited and created. I am sick of hearing excuses and want our program to be relevant and not some pushover.

By Thomas

March 13, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

With the academic fraud “allegedly” committed by Harrick Jr, Felton should keep his job as long as his players are making the grades and graduating if they stay. Yes, I would like the hardwood team to have similar athletic success to the guys playing in Sanford. But, we do not have that luxury considering the embarrassment to the school. Considering where we have been, Felton should never be judged by Ws and Ls.

By Red Clay Hound

March 13, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

One year will not kill us. Let’s see if he can pull it together.

By 59bulldawg

March 13, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

I’m genuinely torn on this one. I think the man can coach and like what he’s done on the academics side. But he recruited the players that he’s booted … in effect detroying the team’s chance to have a decent 2008 season. I don’t know if Felton’s a poor judge of character, reacts too quickly out of anger, or gives up on his players too soon when making team decisions regarding discipline. Either way it undermines the program he has tried to build in Athens. I wonder … does Damon have the phone number to the Athletics Department at the University of Minnesota???

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

AltDawg, Thanks for the answer. Not a bad point about the uncertainty for three years, if only it were right. The NCAA announced UGA’s sanction of 12 scholarships on Aug. 1, 2004 (I just looked it up) so you could suggest that it effected recruiting 2 years at most and if you’re a high school recruit Felton could offer a chance to play right away at major school in a major conference…and for Felton he had the “opportunity” to build this program — everyone that supports him says it was “burden”. I just don’t get it.

By Mr Wrestling#2

March 13, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Felton should have been gone yesterday. We are not representing the school with “class and dignity” when our guys are throwing forearms getting ejected from games.

It has been said that “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” For five years we have heard that Harrick left a mess. The EPA can clean up a toxic waste site in five years so it shouldn’t be to hard to correct a hoops programs in five years. “Harrick’s mess” as an excuse wears thin.
As rabid as UGA fans can be it shouldn’t be hard to fill a 10,000 seat arena. The apathy of the fan base ought to tell Damon Evans something. Felton and his oversized ego need to go now.

By Bradley G

March 13, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Felton should never be judged by Ws and Ls??? I strongly agree that he should be making sure they are in the classroom, but he’s a head coach . Of course Ws and Ls should be factored into the equation.

One year will not kill us. Haven’t we been saying “give him another year” for about three years now? How long will that excuse work?

By PC

March 13, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

5 years Jeff. If you couldn’t write a good colum after 5 years they’d fire you.

This is not Intermurals Brother!!!! It’s college basketball. It’s big money. Sorry. Dennis Felton is not worth the money he’s earning… he’s done NOTHING with UGA basketball in 5 years. BAYLOR had a murder covered up by the coach…. that’s a heck of a lot more than a corrupt little idiot Tony Cole bringing some sanctions on a team. Felton has had a chance and he failed miserably. He may not be a bad coach at another level but if you can’t make the NCAA tournament in 5 YEARS at in GEORGIA where the recruiting should be Easy as driving 30 miles to NORCROSS you don’t deserve to be the coach anymore. This is like arguing that Chan Gailey should have had another year… why? what’s THAT going to do… get him a broadcast job like Bob Davie?

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Right LA. So you are saying that looming cloud affected his first 2 years, and Im saying it was his third year (after that) before he even begin. Is that not the same thing?

I think your suggestion that he should have been able to go out at that point and attract some kids to take advantage of all that, and step right in, where they might not have anywhere else, is exactly the problem. Its called taking who you can get. I think these past 2 classes are kids who could have played somewhere else.

By ARdawg

March 13, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

I bleed dawg blood as much as anyone in the nation.Good points and passion on both sides of this issue. Personally I prefer a basketball program to win with integrity. So now we’re half way there with the integrity part* Give Felton more time* not that he deserves or earned it per se’ but, the man needs a chance to succeed or fail. Those 5 years aren’t proof of either

By joe

March 13, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

ok, so they had some violations years ago.

Does one more year suddenly make Georgia attractive to basketball recruits? No.

It’s not like Dennis Felton is some basketball genius, he still hasn’t exactly mastered the Time Out when his team is getting killed.

A good coach should be able to recruit players that can play in his system and not be absolute morons who can’t pass classes.

Giving Felton another year just prolongs the process of building a good basketball team. You can’t sanely watch thier level of play the last 5 years and say… yeah he’s a great basketball coach…. it’s just too hard for him to succede…

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

AltDawg, I’m saying that his first year was definitely effected but not necessarily his second year and in no way his 3rd year. We both know how leaks come out of the NCAA so UGA knew around May what the verdict was likely to be.

I’m also saying he had playing time as leverage not as a ‘take what you can get’ scenario. If a blue-chipper were considering FLA (for example) where he would sit for 2 years before playing could be convinced to come to UGA (with two of his fellow AAU stars) by any recruiter worth his salt.

By Catlanta91

March 13, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

I’m a Kentucky grad who has lived in Atlanta (ok, Roswell) for 13 years. Felton is a really good coach. Georgia needs to keep him.

Don’t get stressed about Tennessee, Bruce Pearl inherited some really good players. They will drop back down.

Instead of firing Felton, spend your energy supporting him…and tearing down Stegeman.

He needs another year. And let’s face it, this ain’t football. You just want to play in the big dance every couple years. Nothing wrong with that. But Harrick left a mess. The program was a punchline! Don’t forget that Mr. Evans.

By murdock5151

March 13, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

i read an article on a blog site, cant find it now, where they interviewed an incoming top recruit who said he signed with georgia because of felton and he have to reevaluate his decision if felton left, would hate to lose those recruits now

By Edgar

March 13, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Coach K almost got fired after his 5th year. He just won his 8ooth game and is going to “The Big Dance” again this year. His standards are the same as Feltons. Better let him stay. He’ll take UGA to “The Dance” five out of the next five years if they do.

By FL DAWG

March 13, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Through all the posts only one (that I saw) came up with any potential canidates. Thank you fp2003 for having an answer to the question who do you get to replace DF if you let him go and showing b-ball acumen.

Three candidates are Anothy Grant (VCU), Greg Marshall (Wichita State) and Chris Collins (Duke Assistant). Two of these are excellent choices, Anothony Grant and Greg Marshall. Both have Head Coaching experience. AG has SEC experience at UF and he was prepared to take of at UF when BD decided to stay. GM has more HC experience and has proven he can lead a team in the mid-level conferences. I would like to see more big conference experience for GM, but do realize sometimes you just need a break. I like AG out of the two with HC experience. As for CC he has no head coaching experience and I don’t think he has the time in needed to take over the UGA program right now. Additioanlly, he probably needs a few more years of experience as an assistant under MK. I do believe one day he will make a fine HC for someone, and maybe UGA, just not at this time.

If DE decides to let DF go, and I am not saying he should or should not, then I believe AG would be a good candidate along with GM.

Any other suggestions?

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Edgar, Coach K was 17-13, 10-17, 11-17, then 24-10 in his 4th year and 23-8 in his 5th year. Why were they going to fire him? Or do you just not know what you’re talking about? A far, far, far cry from Felton.

By FL DAWG

March 13, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

LA Dawg, who do you suggest UGA replace DF with?

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

The first guy I would talk to is Lon Kruger to see if he wants out of the Desert and back into a powerhouse conference. Then I’d go look at the Florida assistant that was in line for their job when Donovan ‘left’ for Orlando (I don’t remember his name) then I’d go to Chris Collins but this is off the top of my head. I’m sure I’m forgetting tons but that’s a pretty good starting point — definitely Kruger first, though.

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

FL, just saw your previous post — Anthony Grant was the name I couldn’t remember.

By Dawgs2008

March 13, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

You know what? After reading everyone’s comments about Coach Felton, I have changed my mind about him.

Everyone is exactly right!! He was dealt a bad hand and should have all the time he needs to fix this program.

Wins and losses do not really matter as long as he molds these young kids into grown men so that one day they can become productive citizens and use their college degrees to earn a real living.

I suggest that Damon Evans sign the coach to new 10 year contract for which he deserves.

Man these are some good days to be a basketball fan with the thrill of March Madness upon us!!!

We are behind you 100% Coach!!!!

By FL DAWG

March 13, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Kruger is a good guy and not a bad coach. He does have SEC experience. Didn’t LK have a stint in the NBA? I would agree that he is a fair choice. Anothony Grant was the guy in line for the UF job. I like him as the top pick. His resume is a good one and Jeremy Foley has done pretty good at picking coaches, that is a plus to me. Chris Collins, while he maybe a good choice for some schools, given the situation at UGA, I don’t think I would go with someone that does not have HC experience. Greg Marshall at Wichita State is another possible coach. Look into his record. If you think of any others throw out their names as well.

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

I agree about Grant. The rub on Kruger is that he may be entering ‘Larry Brown’ nomad territory but I don’t really think so…his circumstances were substantially different when he changed jobs a few times. Plus, he was in the NBA with the lowly Hawks — but the upside of that is that his wife is still heavily involved with local charities. But if Adams and DE weren’t comfortable after the Kruger interview then Grant moves up to No. 1.

By FL DAWG

March 13, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Dawg 2008, who do you replace DF with? I think I noticed sarcasm in your last post.

So, Lon Kruger, Anthony Grant, Greg Marshall and Chris Collins names have come up. Do you have any suggestions.

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

I’m not up to speed on a lot of the situations around college BB the last couple of years (since Georgia’s demise I can barely stomach it) but it’s never a bad idea to interview Pitino and Calipari assistants and raid one of those two staffs.

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

I’ll tell you one thing about coach K. If it were such a given that any recruiter “worth his salt” should be able to attract blue chippers to the lowest teams in his league, so they dont have to wait to play, the man would be out of a job. Or actually in time he would be that worst team.

Generally speaking, the best player go to the top schools. More specifically, if a blue chipper was looking at Fl.(for example) I dont believe that going to UGA would likely be his only other option. There would be half dozen other teams in the SEC that could assure him early PT, and countless others with better program reputations around the country.

But you know what? Dennis Felton could have no doubt done a few thing better, picked a couple of different guys to recruit. Sounds like every coach. If recruiting is such a hot button with you, why then isnt the fact that he is obviously getting that going much better in the past couple of years, encouraging to you.

By TW

March 13, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

No 18 year old kid is going to choose our toilet of a stadium over any of the big basketball program playgrounds in the country.

We are fortunate that Felton has not left us.

Build a new stadium…or just focus on football.

By FL DAWG

March 13, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

LA Dawg, I’ll give you Lon Kruger and Anthony Grant as co-equals. Do you remember why LK left UF? If my memory serves me correctly Jermey Foley asked him to leave and replaced him with Billy D. He had a good record, just not what JF thought it should be. Should our expectations be any lower at UGA than JF?

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

AltDawg, Sure it’s a little encouraging. But recruiting certainly isn’t my only issue with him. It was just one of the points in my initial post. I was pointing out that his situation wasn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be. Granted, UGA was the butt of many jokes but one great season makes Harrick a footnote. I also mentioned he hasn’t had any All-Conference players (save Yata) which means he isn’t coaching them up.

And what does he tell the parents’? “Hey, trust me with your son, let him come with me to UGA and it’s coin flip whether or not I kick him off team, I won’t fight to keep him on campus but IF I don’t kick him off like I do half my recruits then he’s got about a 75% chance of graduating and a zero percent chance of going to the NBA.”

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

NOBODY EVER said all the time in the world no matter what. What I think some very reasonable folks are saying is that his 5 is really about 3, and most basketball puntits say it takes about 7 years to complete a turnaround. Its not exact science, there is no majic number. And the idea of uninterupted major improvement is pretty unrealistic.

Instead of getting hung up on the past at how he should have crystal ball known a recruit wasnt going to work out YEARS later, (and there is no freaking way to have predicted those Mercer issues, and NOBODY thought he wasnt a great sign) why not take in to consideration the overall yearly improvement, look at the nucleus of kids here NOW, and the ones coming and get over this punitive attitude about a one year set back?

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

FL Dawg, In my scenario - Kruger or Grant - it would come down to experience vs. the dreaded ‘upside’. Kruger is a world class college coach and recruiter - see his Elite 8 appearances and consistent Tourney appearances…he’s capable of assembling a team in a major conference and getting them in position to win it all and if a couple of things break right he certainly could. You know this is what you’re getting in Kruger. Grant on the other hand is an electric young talent for whom the sky’s the limit. So who knows?

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

“it’s coin flip whether or not I kick him off team” Really?

Have at it brother.

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

AltDawg, I hear ya’. The thing is, basketball is my first sports love and I hate watching this thing continue to swirl around the toilet bowl. It ain’t friggin’ rocket science, you either got it or you don’t…and it looks like Felton don’t. And like I said I thought he was a good hire at the time. Plus, I think he’s had 4 years not the three you mention.

Of course, it’s not the end all be all if he stays another year but I think it’s just delaying the inevitable.

BTW, I read your posts on here all the time, Alt, and got respect for you as a Dawg — it’s just an honest disagreement.

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks

You’ll notice I never said Harrick this or that in the recent weeks. Personally I think that stuff faded a couple of years ago with the only exception of: we havent had time to build up enough reserve talent, that a “freakish” situation like this year was a recipe for disaster. (injuries to the top incoming player sure didn’t help) I also do not think Felton “deserves” anything. He took the deal he was offered willingly. I understand AND respect if you just don’t think he has it. Thats so much better than the folks calling him personal insults.

I think the coach next year is going to have a much better situation, and to me its better IF you can have stability. I just think the timing is poor to start over.

By OconeeDawg

March 13, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Keno Davis would be a good choice, but I really noticed a steep decline in fan support after the Wake Forest game and told DE on the way out: “Now can we win like that in the SEC?” It is time for all Dawg fans to root for a simple 10 game win streak to end the season, which of course is not going to happen. I could see us sneaking up on Ole Miss and Kentucky running on fumes but that would take a superhuman effort from the walk-ons.

By Berkshire Dawg

March 13, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Even though I think Felton should get another year, if he does get canned, Damon should call Travis Ford. National Champ at Kentucky, he took Eastern KY to the NCAA tourney before being hired by UMass, where so far this season, he’s got 21 wins after rebuilding a troubled program. He’s rumored to be a top candidate at LSU due to the former FL prez and UMass chancellor, John Lombardi now presiding over the Bayou Bengals.

By JBird

March 13, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

I like Felton and think he should get another year. But I’m not sure the team is as cohesive as one person wrote. Several players have left the team in the last two years because they were unhappy. This could be coincidence but it could indicate some team discontent. Personally, I think we’ve sacrificed some of the team’s performance on the court in order to enforce strict team discipline off the court. If we continue to hold these high standards for our players, we may make them better people, but we may have to accept a losing team. The UGA bball program is not Duke. We can’t recruit all Rhodes scholars. I hope Felton gets another year though.

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

The real question is: will Florida decline the NIT bid, since the players trashed it so bad and thier fans say they “only play for National Championships now”.

By $1 Million

March 13, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

I’d bet a cool $1 Million that most of you people who say ‘give Felton another year’ would say the same thing at the end of next season when Georgia has another bad year. The reality is, after five years, he (YES FELTON, not the players) has successfully developed the WORST basketball program in the SEC. No matter what he does next year, he can’t do worse than that! If he did slightly better, those of you saying ‘give him one more year’ would say, ‘see he was .500 this year, he improved on last year, and some of you haters wanted to get rid of him!!.’

You people are so STUPID. The right coach CAN come in to Georgia and take these very good players and the new recruits and develop a much more competive team…and as fast as next season. That’s how powerful a great leader, a great coach is. You people are stupid, stupid, stupid and the only explanation is that you’re fans of OTHER SEC SCHOOLS. Real Georgia fans would not keep a loser.

By LA Dawg

March 13, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

One last thing before I gotta go…Alt, it’s funny after all we said that you ended your last post with “the coach next year” as if it’s not going to be Felton. I say it’s funny cause I think he will be back, even though he shouldn’t be and it sounds like you think he won’t be, even though you think he should be. :)

Also, FL Dawg, I understand your point about calling people out about not offering up solutions even though they’re calling for DF’s job but this probably isn’t the place to discuss DF’s successor. So my bits about Kruger, et al were probably out of line.

Like it or not, this still is Felton’s program and likely will be for another year. If he’s still here next year I hope like hell I eat my words and he wins 24 games cause I just want this team to win. They could go with a tandem of Gomer Pyle and Fred Sanford as far as I’m concerned as long as they win. Later, guys.

By john

March 13, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Felton needs to be let go. Enough time has passed. We went to the NIT last year and look how poorly we did this year. Sorry Felton. Enough is enough.

By AltamahaDawg

March 13, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

No I didnt mean that. I trully think he is returning, as I stated, I think the administration knew what was happening this year. My point was if the next guy is going to have the benifit of (hopefully not so much offcourt drama) and what I beleive IS a pretty talented young bunch of returning player, it only makes sence for that to be the guy already in place.

You’ll notice I’ve never said I think Felton is a great coach, or will bring UGA to elite status. Maybe, maybe not. My contention has been 2 things. #1. Much of the critisism is circumstantial and highly opinionated. The fact is this would be the first year stepping back and he DID have the team looking pretty good till some injuries, then dismissals. I look more at last year when they were at least as good as the majority of the SEC. #2. the timing now is wrong to change. From a University standpoint, why after all the work to restore the moral credibility for these past years, after suffering a horrible season which the outside world perceives was a result of doing the right thing, would you risk “appearing” as if your fire your coach as a result of all that. Might not be the case, but why even flirt with that. Even as you say its delaying the inevitable, another year can NOT possible do any harm and THEN, it would be strickly a basketball issue. I guarantee, UGA would gain a lot more respect and attract a much better coach if it had to. As you say, if it start rolling, everyone is happy. Worst case, another class of recruits on campus and a team a bit more seasoned going forward.

By SOUTHSIDE DAWG

March 14, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

IF YOU JUST WATCH THE UGA GAME YOU GOT YOUR ANSWER ABOUT FELTON! BLISS THE PERFECT STUDENT HITS THE GAME WINNING SHOT FROM THE PLAY A GREAT COACH SETUP!!! HE DESERVES ONE MORE YEAR!!!! HE HAS TURN THE CORNER WITH THIS WIN TONIGHT!! THEY BEAT A BUBBLE TEAM IN OVERTIME. GOOOOODAWGS!!

By FL DAWG

March 14, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

Does one game change any minds? It just makes the decision tougher for DE. Great game Dawgs!!! Great effort in OT, thanks Bliss for making the shot!!!

By Sic'em Dawg

March 14, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Pay $4 million a year to Bobby Knight…woops, that would be called pulling a SABAN!

By Edgar

March 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Sorry about the 5th year on Coach K. Sometimes my memory is a little shakey because of my age. You’re right about the 5th year stats on Mike Krzyzewski. It WAS after his 3rd year that he was almost fired as you can see from his wins and loses at the end of the third year. The only difference is that he didn’t inherit the mess that Felton did. I know the excuse we keep refering to is just that, an excuse. but I just feel that Felton is the man to keep to make it a national power house. But I may be wrong. Keeping him around another year could spell disaster next season but something just keeps telling me different. I guess we;ll find out within the next few days. I do appreciate your help in the Krzyzewski stats.