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DEL.ICIO.USFelton takes UGA worst to first in 4 days
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
We saw things that previously existed only in hallucinations.
A conference punching bag wearing championship hats and T-shirts (somebody actually had those ready?). The maligned coach smiling, climbing a ladder, cutting down a net and waving it in front of the student section.
A sign reading, “Worst To First (in four days).”
All wrong-way signs lead to this.
Georgia: from 4-12 to SEC tournament champions. On a court with “ACC” painted in the lanes. On the campus of its rival.
Georgia: from smoked by 14 points on its home court to close the regular season, to four wins in four days — three in a span of 29 hours.
Georgia: from program perceived in disarray to NCAA tournament berth.
Do we even have to ask about Dennis Felton’s future?
“Of course he’s going to be back,” said Damon Evans, the athletics director. “He’s our basketball coach.”
Special upsets in sports have had “miracle” attached to them. The U.S. Olympic hockey team over the Soviet Union. Buster Douglas over Mike Tyson. Villanova over Georgetown.
This was simply Bulldogs over Logic.
Felton said his team was “kicked in the stomach” before it ever played a game this year. Academic suspensions, injuries and defections wrecked the program. When Evans gave ambiguous answers to questions about Felton’s future, it was clear disenchantment had risen well north of the fan base.
Felton tried to stay cool. As he stood Sunday in Alexander Memorial Coliseum, fans screaming around him, the NCAA tournament selection show blaring on a video screen up above, he admitted he was worn down by the speculation on his future.
“It’s been difficult,” he said. “It’s the first time in my life I was in that position. I pride myself on keeping my composure and staying poised. But it’s difficult when you can’t answer the questions. I always felt I was doing a good job to build Georgia basketball, so it was hard for me to defend myself, when I didn’t feel the need to defend myself. The honest truth is, it’s incredibly difficult to stay focused through all of that. As hard as I worked at it, there were moments when I was distracted by it. I feel like I’m a pretty tough guy. I feel I can handle anything. But it was very tough.”
We’ll never know how close Felton was to getting fired. Asked afterward when exactly it became a non-issue, Evans smiled. “I’ll just say it this way: It’s a non-issue now.”
The Bulldogs beat Mississippi, which humiliated them at home on “Senior Night.” They beat Kentucky, which went 12-4 in the conference. A few hours later, with tired legs, they beat Mississippi State, which started the day 22-9. They beat Arkansas, 66-57, the day after the Hogs stunned fourth-ranked Tennessee.
Dennis Felton doesn’t deserve a contract extension any more. He deserves a statue (maybe even next to the arena).
“I saw a team jell,” Evans said. “They looked like they were having more fun. It was as if something just clicked. And I saw our coach a little more relaxed. Dennis is intense but he somehow found a button to push with these kids and they started believing.”
They were dragging in the second half. Their lead, once as much as 19 points, was trimmed to five. Evans watched Felton. He saw the coach yell and stomp his feet, as usual, but he also noticed an encouraging, nurturing side.
“The players felt he could get them there if they would just listen to him — and Dennis got them there,” he said.
“By pulling the team together, by rallying the troops, by getting the fans to believe — I couldn’t be more proud of him. When you coach at this level, it’s not just about the X’s and O’s. There’s so many things that go into managing a program, and he showed that this week.”
It had been 25 years since Georgia had won the SEC tournament. People would have laughed at Melanie Felton, the coach’s wife, if they knew she was claiming destiny a few days earlier. Their 10-year-old son, Nile, was given a project by his teacher to research square pyramids. It was kismet. “I went to ‘[SEC] Fanfare’ and I took a picture of the trophy,” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, the SEC trophy is a square pyramid!’ My girlfriend said, ‘It’s a sign! It’s a sign!’ ” The team posed with the same trophy Sunday. Rub your eyes, then look at the picture. It’s real.
Permalink | Comments (92) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, UGA / SEC
Comments
By Pru
March 16, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Eighth!
By Daniel
March 16, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Great job, Who would have thought 5 days ago, we would see our dags celebrating on the GA TECH NERDS court holding the SEC trophy? Who knew? That is what is so great with tournament and playoff systems in plcae, ALL teams can compete for the Championship game, Wish the NCAA would do the same for the football programs, Our Dawgs would be holding the Trophy not the Tigers,How bout them dags WOOF WOOF
By Herschel Talker
March 16, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
YEAH!
By John
March 16, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Dawgs are first.
By bigdave
March 16, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
what this team couldn’t do all season, they finally did in the last four games. all season we watched a team play hard, be competitive but lose in the last couple minutes. so many games could’ve been won this year without that end of game crumble. finally though they made the big shots at the end of the game. i don’t always agree with felton’s offense, but his D and his team’s effort have ALWAYS been there. there is no reason they can’t knock off a team or two in the big dance. if Humphrey and Woodbury show up with the always reliable tandem of Gaines and Bliss, that’s a pretty good group of players, one good enough to spring a few more upsets. it was fun to watch and the best feel good story in quite some time.
By moeman
March 16, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Way to go, Dennis. Being from Bowling Green and living in Gainesville, I couldn’t be more happier right now. I told a friend Sat. morning that UGA was going to win the SEC tourney. Hopefully the Dawgs and the ‘Toppers can make it to round two.
By longtimedawg
March 16, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Make a Movie GO DAWGS!
By Joe Finkelstein
March 16, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
I think having these games televised may have motivated the players too. There are way too few Dawgs BBall games on TV. Seeing Coach Felton ‘live’ this weekend has given me a much greater appreciation for the job he is doing.
By david
March 16, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Dennis and the whole team did a wonderful job. It was nice to see them mop up the SEC on Tech’s floor. I think the SEC officials are stunned because they tried their damndest to eliminate UGA by scheduling them twice on one day rather than playing two today with both sets of teams. Someone lost a bet somewhere.
By Michael
March 16, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
WOW! My apologies go to Coach Felton! I was calling for him to be let go last week but after he led the Dawgs to winning the SEC tournament he proved all of us naysayers wrong. I agree with another post, a movie should be made out of this! Let’s see if he can correct past recruiting mistakes & now build on this. As great as this was I’d like to see us be in the big dance next year & beyond without needing a miracle run. Now that we’re in I think a sweet 16 run is possible with the bracket we’re in but either it was great to be a Georgia Bulldog this weekend.
By PVB Dawg
March 16, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
HBTD!!! I am so proud of Dennis Felton and the Dawgs. I watched every game and cheered as hard as anyone to pull our Dawgs through. I saw more desire and “heart” in this team than I have in any team in a long time.
Dennis came into a program that was left in total disarray, knowing he would have to rebuild. He has done an amazing job and restored so much discipline and class. He is doing a great job and I sincerely hope he gets a big raise and a contract extension. Awesome job, Coach! Congratulations and good luck Thursday. It’s GREAT to be a Georgia Bulldog!!
By Russ
March 16, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Coach Felton and the Dawgs! I’m so glad that Coach Felton, Gaines and Bliss get to experience this. They are class guys and represent the University the way it should be.
Coach Felton is doing it the right way and should be at UGA as long as he’ll stay. We don’t need any more of Adams’ handpicked sleezebags like Harrick.
Now, Go Dawgs and woop Xavier!
By Rod
March 16, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Chip Towers made Feltons future an Issue, Not Damon Evens. Go Dawgs.
By Scott Coe
March 16, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Absolutely amazing! Ya gotta hand it to the coach and players for their guts, heart and will.
By Jim
March 16, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
The last foul vapors of the Harricks blown out of town with the tornado.
The best Georgia basketball moments have always been surprises. Lose Dominique, go to the Final Four. Come in seeded last, win the tournament.
By Don
March 16, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if I have ever seen Felton more relaxed and having so much fun since he has been coaching Georgia. He must have played a round of golf with Mark Richt last week. We all know how well the football players responded to the new Mark Richt and the Basketball players responded well to a sort of new Felton. I can’t say enough great things about heart and effort displayed by the players. They finally figured out how to finish the drill. So many games this year that they lost were the result of late second half meltdowns where they were their own worst enemy. In each of the four games during the SEC Tournament it looked like Georgia was going to self destruct again but it never happened. During the season one bad shot would turn into 20 bad shots in a row. One turnover would turn into 20 turnovers in a row. There was no reason to believe that the had rid themselves of these nasty habits.
Go Dawgs! Beat Xavier.
By Red Lawson
March 16, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
This is the man we need to stick with. He went through the crucible as the doubting Thomases gathered as they do. CONGRATULATIONS!
By Jeff
March 16, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Wow! Totally unbelieveable! way to go Dawgs!
By Chuck Uga
March 16, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
I have never been so proud to be a fan and alumnus of UGA. Nothing compares to this including the 1981 Sugar Bowl (although I loved that!) I am stunned and speechless. This is the greatest David vs. Goliath stories in SEC sports history. What can you say to these kids?! Jim Valvano said it best….NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP! This is what makes sports and life so special…and demonstrates the fine line between the two.
By Ron Roberts
March 16, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
Correction… Damon Evans fueled the speculation more than Chip Towers ever did. There would’ve been no story at all had Evans given Felton the vote of confidence he assuredly deserved all along.
By Bob Sacamano
March 17, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
How great is it that at our University, we have two men of such great character and principle?
Think about it. Tennessee has one coach of principle and one cheater. SoCarolina is a losing a coach of character on the hardwood, but still has a braying jackass on the gridiron. Florida has a hypocrite basketball coach who yes, does have two titles, but who has no right to tell his team they have issues with commitment when his own faults in that area were in full view last summer, and oh yeah, they still employ Urban Liar.
We are truly blessed at Georgia to have to SEC Championship coaches who do the right things for the right reasons, and who do not compromise their character for wins.
I know it seems cliche, but yesterday and everyday, it truly is great to be a Georgia Bulldog!
This was better than Sid’s Slide. This was better than the Bulldog Blackout. And you can quote me on that.
And Jeff, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to you personally for also being a man of character willing to stand up for this man of principle against the slings and arrows thrown by some truly ignorant fools such as “Johnson.” You like hockey (a plus in my book), you write objectively and without any discernible bias. You are a credit to this fishwrapper of a stagnant and crappy paper, and although you still rank behind the great and hallowed Furman Bisher in my book, you are a solid No. 2. It truly has been a pleasure reading your prose the last four days, and I can only hope that you continue to get the Georgia assignments, because I know that you will always be forthright and unafraid to tweak us (Trembling Chihuahuas, anyone?) when we deserve it.
Thank you.
By ranger96
March 17, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
All I can say is GO DAWGS!!! SIC EM!!! WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!
By Hairy Dawg
March 17, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Votes of confidence are often kisses of death. I don’t mind Damon Evans letting events determine what would happen. By the way, I think Felton was safe because of next year’s recruiting class, but he really proved the caliber of coach he is this weekend. Just as importantly, his players proved the caliber of men that they are. Great job, Dawgs. Kick some Musketeer a* on Thursday.
By James Adams
March 17, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
Sundiata Gaines and Dave Bliss….thank you. Dennis Felton, thanks for being a leader of MEN and not just a basketball coach. Every once in a while great things happen to good men. As the final seconds ticked off, I had tears in my eyes. Ive been a UGA fan since I was 4 years old. From Dominique, to Chad Kessler, Willie Anderson, Alec Kessler, Rod Cole, Latterial Green, Katu Davis,Marshall Wilson, Jodi Patton, Charles Claxton, Carlos Strong, GG Smith, Pertha Robinson, Jumaine Jones, Jarvis Hayes, Ezra Williams and now these grat young men. This is a proud day to be a Georgia by-God Bulldog!!!!!
By Gary
March 17, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
In every one of these 4 games, the Bulldogs had a chance to fold and they did not. They played hard every minute and fought for every rebound and played unreal defense on almost every play in all four games. I had not made a call on Felton’s future, but motivating his team to play hard and never give up in the last 4 games says he should not be let go at all.GO DOGS. I still can’t believe it. FROM WORST TO FIRST IN 4 GAMES.
By Eric
March 17, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
Georgia Tech fan here - have to hand it to the Dogs. Felton did an amazing job, and this is one of the most unlikely stories in years. Have all the respect in the world for those kids - best of luck in the tourney.
By Bob Sacamano
March 17, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
I never thought I’d say this, but I also want to thank the many Georgia Tech fans who’ve shown is in Bulldog Nation tons of goodwill the last few days.
Thank you for letting us do it in your home.
Thank you for the words of encouragement.
I think this is the first time I’ve seen a sporting “moment” being together two disparate and usually ornery fanbases as Georgians first, and rivals second.
This is the power of sports my friends.
I know this goodwill will not last past the next week, but thank you for this amazing moment of togetherness nonetheless.
To the classy Georgia Tech fans who’ve wished us well and also to those who couldn’t do so, but have kept their opinions to themselves out of respect for this tremendous moment.
Thank you.
By John
March 17, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
AS WACKY AS THIS SEASON WAS FOR SEC BASKETBALL, CONSIDERING THAT VANDERBILT ENTERED CONFERENCE PLAY UNBEATEN AND KENTUCKY ENTERED CONFERENCE PLAY WITH A LOSING RECORD, THE POSTSEASON TOURNAMENT WILL LIKELY GO DOWN AS THE WACKIEST IN CONFERENCE HISTORY. IN FACT, MY MOM AND I WERE WATCHING THE MISSISSIPPI STATE-ALABAMA OVERTIME EPIC WHEN THE REFEREES HAD TO EVACUATE THE PLAYERS AND COACHES. TO THEIR CREDIT, THEY MANAGED TO GET THAT GAME FINISHED-MISSISSIPPI STATE WON 69-67 IN OVERTIME-BUT I ALSO FEEL THAT THE CONFERENCE OFFICIALS MADE THE RIGHT CALL BY POSTPONING THE GEORGIA-KENTUCKY GAME BECAUSE THEY WERE FACED THE PROSPECT OF AN 11 PM START EASTERN TIME. WHEN GEORGIA UPSET KENTUCKY, I WAS 100 PERCENT CONFIDENT THAT KENTUCKY WOULD END UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE NCAA BUBBLE. WHEN KENTUCKY GOT IN AS THE 2ND-TO-LAST TEAM OUT OF THE AT LARGE POOL, I COULD NOT BELIEVE THEY GOT IN OVER AN ARIZONA STATE TEAM THAT BEAT ARIZONA TWICE, BEAT STANFORD AT HOME, AND ALSO BEAT XAVIER, THE ATLANTIC 10 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPION. I PERSONALLY CALLED IT A TRAVESTY. WHEN GEORGIA UPSET MISSISSIPPI STATE IN SATURDAY’S 2ND SEMIFINAL, IT WAS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN A HEAVY FAVORITE LETS A BIG UNDERDOG STAY IN A GAME. AS CARZY AS THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT WAS, IT SHARED A COMMON THREAD WITH HOW SYLVESTER CROOM’S 4TH SEASON AT MISSISSIPPI STATE ENDED AND HOW THE FIRST SEASON OF THE TV SHOW CROWNED ENDED-ALL THREE PRODUCED HAPPY ENDINGS WHERE THE UNDERDOGS WON.
By John
March 17, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this
AS WACKY AS THIS SEASON WAS FOR SEC BASKETBALL, CONSIDERING THAT VANDERBILT ENTERED CONFERENCE PLAY UNBEATEN AND KENTUCKY ENTERED CONFERENCE PLAY WITH A LOSING RECORD, THE POSTSEASON TOURNAMENT WILL LIKELY GO DOWN AS THE WACKIEST IN CONFERENCE HISTORY. IN FACT, MY MOM AND I WERE WATCHING THE MISSISSIPPI STATE-ALABAMA OVERTIME EPIC WHEN THE REFEREES HAD TO EVACUATE THE PLAYERS AND COACHES. TO THEIR CREDIT, THEY MANAGED TO GET THAT GAME FINISHED-MISSISSIPPI STATE WON 69-67 IN OVERTIME-BUT I ALSO FEEL THAT THE CONFERENCE OFFICIALS MADE THE RIGHT CALL BY POSTPONING THE GEORGIA-KENTUCKY GAME BECAUSE THEY WERE FACED THE PROSPECT OF AN 11 PM START EASTERN TIME. WHEN GEORGIA UPSET KENTUCKY, I WAS 100 PERCENT CONFIDENT THAT KENTUCKY WOULD END UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE NCAA BUBBLE. WHEN KENTUCKY GOT IN AS THE 2ND-TO-LAST TEAM OUT OF THE AT LARGE POOL, I COULD NOT BELIEVE THEY GOT IN OVER AN ARIZONA STATE TEAM THAT BEAT ARIZONA TWICE, BEAT STANFORD AT HOME, AND ALSO BEAT XAVIER, THE ATLANTIC 10 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPION. I PERSONALLY CALLED IT A TRAVESTY. WHEN GEORGIA UPSET MISSISSIPPI STATE IN SATURDAY’S 2ND SEMIFINAL, IT WAS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN A HEAVY FAVORITE LETS A BIG UNDERDOG STAY IN A GAME. AS CARZY AS THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT WAS, IT SHARED A COMMON THREAD WITH HOW SYLVESTER CROOM’S 4TH SEASON AT MISSISSIPPI STATE ENDED AND HOW THE FIRST SEASON OF THE TV SHOW CROWNED ENDED-ALL THREE PRODUCED HAPPY ENDINGS WHERE THE UNDERDOGS WON.
By Bravesfan79
March 17, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this
As a Hardcore GT Hoops fan i gotta say congrats to UGA. Now i have a team to go for in the tourney besides pulling for underdogs like Davidson.
BTW: GT will be back next year!!
By Wawtawsha
March 17, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this
I rarely feel compelled to post…but i hope young Mr. Evans reads this article and comment section.
Coach Felton has been a good man, workin w/junk….doin the best he could to restore pride, dignity, in a program wrought with failures for decades. He brought a new sense of discipline, somethin absent for the last 30 years…as his foundation…to build on. Things have been tough, and 5 years is plenty of time to give a Coach, walkin into a successful program, to judge the skill therein. But 5 years is simply about how long it would take, to overhaul the chemistry and systems embedded at UGA Basketball.
Coach Felton…himself…i bet u, would be the first to say, he’s surprised by this weekend’s outcome…but…his belief in the players that stuck it out, confirms his Standard.
I like that standard, it is pure. I also think that we all get better at whatever we do, if we try hard. Dont think for one second… Coach Felton didnt learn somethin, this weekend, that will serve him, the team , an us fans, for life. The best is just now, spurrin on the limb, theres gonna be pretty fruits, in Time, by the reward of the high road taken.
Several have mentioned it, an i agree…this was a Movie…Kudo’s to the Players that walked the line, hung in there, the Staff, yall sho made us proud an happy, in the SEC Tourney, ….get rested an ready for Xavier….Best Hopes, Wishes…)))
By Cali OG
March 17, 2008 5:11 AM | Link to this
James Adams, you didn’t mention Shandon Anderson, Willie’s younger brother, one of the most distinguished Bulldogs ever. Performed well in the NCAA’s in that classic battle with Syracuse, appeared in back to back NBA finals with the Jazz while holding his own against the likes of MJ and Pippen, and ended his career with “the ring” on that championship Miami Heat team.
By Paddy
March 17, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this
If I was an AD looking for a BB coach I would be asking for permission to talk to Felton. Think about it… if you were Felton the past 4 to6 weeks how loved do you really feel at UGA. I hope he stays. He has the feel of a long-term bulldog coach.
By Bamafan
March 17, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
I hope the Georgia basketball coach gets a big raise after winning the sec. Good luck in the NCAA tournament!!
By Dave In Tampa
March 17, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
Man, I thought I missed football season when I saw Dawgs won the SEC CG! Unbelievable!!! Great job Coach Felton and the Hoop Dawgs. This one will go down in the books.
Regardless of what happens from here on out you guys can keep your heads held high because you are the SEC Champions!
Go Dawgs!
By Robert
March 17, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
Well, any thinking person calls it for what it is….a basic statistical fluke. That said, it was fun to watch it all unfold. March madness indeed.
By RTB
March 17, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
I never understood why Felton’s job was on the line. Everything bad happening to the team was not the coach’s fault. Georgia needs a coach that seeks to build a team with character. Character first; winning second. Felton has never given a reason for not being the man.
By Gene
March 17, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
The one topic that seems to galvanize Georgia fans of all ages is a dislike of Michael Adams. Felton was more in danger of losing his job for being his own man than for anything that happened on the court. Evans is nothing more than a mouthpiece for Adams, and there is no doubt that Felton was on his way out. Going into the tournament, Felton was in the identical situation Tubberville found himself in at Auburn a few years ago when a devious president and figurehead athletics director tried to dump him in a backhanded and unethical manner. Georgia players, like those at Auburn, rallied around their coach and played above their talent level. We know that Adams fears basketball players as indicated by his having the basketball team escorted from the mansion grounds by the police a few years ago when the team wanted to meet with him. If Adams can’t watch an event from the safety and comfort of a guarded suite fwith his pal, Sonny Perdue, he won’t attend. Adams had as much to do with the team’s remarkable performance as anything through his negative motivation of the team. It was certainly one of the greatest performances I have seen in sports—right there with the Braves-Pirates and Georgia’s 1990 college world series win. I hope Felton builds on it, and Adams keeps his meddling fingers off of the basketball team.
By hop
March 17, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
it’s great to see the fan base respond to coach felton and the team this way . it was a awesome run the last few hours, maybe mr. evans has learned a lesson as well because he was stiring the fire “big time”against coach felton.
By Brad
March 17, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
I was laughing too Jeff when I saw the Tourney champ t-shirts, I couldn’t believe they’d already printed them. As a Dawg fan, I’d have asked them to wait and not jinx the team. I bet there were no embroidered items pre-made!! GO DAWGS! We’re so proud of you and your coach.
By dean
March 17, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Great job Dawgs! Shame on all those posters last week saying that Felton should be fired. I thought that possibility was as ridiculous then as I do now. Go Dawgs and win some more games!
By Betty
March 17, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
The Movie “Facing the giants” has taken on another true story. The Georgia Bulldogs need to watch it before they play Xavier. I’m a Vol fan but I pulled for Georgia as if they were my home team. Good luck and go far. I’ll be yelling for you!
By PMC
March 17, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Well done Dawgs players. Lightning in a bottle. Best coaching job on the floor we’ve seen from Coach Felton, hopefully this is the level of effort and play we can see from now on. The efforts were there and the shots FINALLY Fell. Congrats Dawg players and Coach Felton on an incredible unbelievable outcome in the SEC tournament. A banner to be proud of… no reason to stop now… rest up, and go play hard vs Xavier regardless you are champions and no one can take that away.
By GoBigBlue21
March 17, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
First of all, Congrats on winning the sec touranment and good luck in the big dance. Ive always been a fan of coach felton and he has done one hell of a job with all the crap hes been through with players and what the former coaching staff did. But to the person who said bliss represents uga with class is a freaking joke!!! He is thug and has been all 3 times we played yall this year. And we when he raised his arms and called for an intentional foul, that was a joke and im not making excuses but the refs missed that call at the end. Im not saying we would of won if he made that call but it could of went into a 2nd overtime or who knows, but good luck in big dance and hope you represent the sec well. Go Big Blue!!!!!!
By GT55
March 17, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Great job Coach Felton and players. Now, win it all! God bless.
By Red Clay Hound
March 17, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
I agree with Dean. Reading the posts last week about firing the coach made me sick to my stomach. Time for a lot of folks to step up and eat some big time crow. I was criticized on this blog for saying “give Felton one more year, it would not kill us”! Go ahead and crticize me now. Hopefully Felton will still want to stay. We would be lucky to have him.
HBTD!
By GT4Ever
March 17, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
One more reason to hate the dawgs even more. I can’t stand the fact that they won it on our court. I have to hand it to them though. Playing 3 games in two days. Good luck and hope you are one and done in the NCAA.
By Edgar
March 17, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Jeff, you and I have conversed back and forth over UGA basketball ever since the Harrick situation came to light. You and I knew that this man was going to get this program out of the NCAA “hell” that “The Puke” Harrick had put them in. (Maybe I should say Adams put them in because it was his big idea to hire Harrick.) UGA went out and hired the coach that beat the Harrick coached Bulldogs the last time they were at the “Big Dance”. Hell, it was before blogging because we were doing it back and forth on email. Anyway, every year when the season was over or about over you came to this coach’s defense and I would blog to his defense. You and I remember the damage that was done by that “puke” Harrick. I hoped it wasn’t bad enough that it couldn’t be repaired. Finally I think the players started believing that if they would listen to him he could get them where they wanted to be. I want to take this time now to tell you thanks Jeff for staying on Dennis Felton’s side. I guess you had the same feeling about this coach that I did. He, Dennis Felton, is getting the reward for all the time he’s spent rebuilding this broken down program he inherited from the “puke”.
By GT FAN
March 17, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
GT4Ever, give up the hate friend, life is to short. Go GT and GO UGA.
By Itoro in Nashville
March 17, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Jeff, you are better than Terance Moore…by a mile! I really feel happy for Coach Felton because he is a man of character and principle who was probably given an impossible job. But he pulled through. And was it me or did it seem like something clicked in everyone else on the squad? This was probably the FIRST time I’ve seen Sundiata smile in 4 years!!!!
Good job UGA! Good Job Jeff for this excellent article!
By Comin' Down The Track
March 17, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Now maybe all you Felton haters will, if not, change your minds, at least, put a sock in it. Crow can be delicious if you put enough barbecue sauce on it. Oh, and I would be remiss if I failed to thank our gracious hosts. By all means, thanks, Tech. We couldn’t have done it without you. This one keeps getting sweeter.
By whatever
March 17, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Politics pure and simple! How in the world does a last place team win the SEC championship. I will tell you why. The SEC just might be the worst conference in the country! The fact that the SEC gets 6 teams in the tournament is a SHAME! WHAT A JOKE!
By BigDawgFan
March 17, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Congatulations to the Dawgs, and to Coach Felton, who has done a fantastic job with what he had left to work with. The Bulldog nation is proud of you and your team.
By ChampDawg
March 17, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I say there’s a good chance Felton will get an offer elsewhere before the tournament is over. Stay tuned.
By JJ
March 17, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
The no call with 1.2 seconds left in the Kentucky game was an absolute travesty. The Georgia guy ran over the Kentucky guy who was to receive the inbounds pass. That get’s called 99% of the time.
Then in the Miss. St. game in the end, they don’t call a Georgia player for holding a MSU guy going for the ball. Unbelievable. The story of UGA winning is great, but looking at objectively, UGA seems to have a way with the refs and getting the ball to bounce their way. The luckiest damn team in the world!
By Cathy Tatum
March 17, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
I cannot believe that Coach Felton’s job was ever in jeopardy.He inherited the leftovers from the Herrick era and cleaned up the Georgia program.He’s a class and Georgia is lucky to have him!!!
By Mr Wrestling#2
March 17, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Ok-Dennis I’m sorry. I was wrong. I am glad I was wrong.
By GTforever
March 17, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
GT FAN, I’m sorry but a REAL GT fan never pulls for UGA. NEVER! Especially for that sorry excuse of a basketball team…. Just goes to show you that the SEC basketball conference may not be as strong as all these experts think. I would have to agree with whatever. How in the world does the SEC get 6 teams in the tournament!
By JimDawg
March 17, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Ironically, UGA probably bumped Arizona State from the tournament. That should make next season’s football game even more lively. Congrats to Coach Felton and our gutsy players and to Tech for their hospitality.
By The True #7
March 17, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
I also wanted to make sure I came on here and personally apologized for criticizing Dennis Felton’s coaching… To pull off the upsets that he pulled off, it’s obvious that there is a method to his madness… It was also great to see him put all the praise on the players in the post-game press conference… Good Man, Good Coach, Great Job… Once again, I’m sorry for not believing in you… One thing I hope gets better though is your hometown recruiting, but I’m sure that will get better if we keep playing at the level accomplished this past weekend… Congrats to the players, staff, and school… LET’S GO DANCING, DAWGS!
7
By Steven
March 17, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Hey JJ. We had to explain this to the KTY fans too but here from the official ncaa rule hbook are reasons why that did not qualify as a foul.
Section 2. Screening
b. When contact results because a player sets a screen while moving, the screener commits a personal foul.
c. When a screener takes a position so close to a moving opponent that this opponent cannot avoid contact by stopping or changing direction, it is a personal foul.
BR-147 APPENDIX III OFFICIATING GUIDELINES
d. When a player sets a screen outside the visual field of a stationary opponent and does not allow this opponent a normal step to move, it is a personal foul.
e. In cases of blind screens, the opponent may make inadvertent contact with the screener; and, if the opponent is running rapidly, the contactmay be severe. Such a case is to be ruled as incidental contact, provided that the opponent stops (or attempts to stop) on contact and moves around the screen, and provided that the screener is not displaced if he or she has the ball.
It was a blind screen and AJ had no chance of stopping or avoiding it. It was a trick play set up by their coach and this time the refs didn’t bite. Oh and just because it is usually called doesn’t make it the right call.
By Jeff Schultz
March 17, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Good comments, everybody. Just a few responses: ….. ROD: As Ron noted, Chip Towers didn’t make Felton’s job security an issue, Damon Evans did. Trust me when tell you it WAS an issue — absolutely no question. An educated guess: It ceased being an issue after the win over Kentucky. But when I asked Damon that, he didn’t respond …. EDGAR: Thanks for the comments. I am glad Dennis finally got a little payoff. That said, I do believe — and this is just me speculating — that Evans and Felton will have some sort of sit down after this season. Dennis does need to reach out to the fanbase a little more, and keep better watch on his kids going to tutoring sessions. …. ITORO: It’s not just Sundiata — I think it’s the first time I’ve seen Dennis smile in four years. …. CHAMPDAWG: I know a lot of people are speculating now that Felton will leave. Personally, I would be surprised. It’s in his best interests to stay where he is because he’s got some pretty good kids coming into the program, and he has momentum now. But stranger things have happened. …. JS
By Matt the Brave
March 17, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
On behalf of all Georgia fans, thank you to Georgia Tech for letting us use your court. Of course, we have owned it for years! HA! ;)
For real, thanks to Tech for their hospitality. Classy!
By robodog
March 17, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I tuned in for the late game Thursday night out of sheer loyalty, just wanting to say goodbye to players who gave their all to UGA and deserved to end their careers with something positve (Gaines and Bliss, DGDs), and possibly to say goodbye to a coach I believed in and wished better for. I never expected such a great win and such an amazing weekend of basketball. I kept trying to explain to my wife (not much of a sports fan) how near miraculous this was. We watched a team grow up before our eyes! Even when they were obviously tanked in the second half of Miss. St., somehow they clawed and scrapped and held on. No matter what happens against Xavier, I’m proud of this team and excited about next season. Give Felton an extension, and Go Dawgs!
By coloradodawg
March 17, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Maybe it’s time that we realize that the real problem with the basketball program is not the coach. Felton just coached a team with two SEC caliber players to the title. The problem is having the worst basketball facility in the conference…maybe in a major conference. We’ll have to keep pulling off miracles until we replace Stegeman. If you were a high school all-american, would you want to play your games in a dimly lit barn?
By Red Clay Hound
March 17, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Mr. Wrestling #2 and the True #7, you got class. Way to man up.
By miltchocklit
March 17, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
just another reason conf. tourneys are garbage! enjoy your little wet dream while you can. you will be out of the tourney just as fast as you b.s.ed your way in.
By ARdawg
March 17, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Proof that a team can win with integrity. Yes, Felton did dismiss a couple of his own recruited thugs. All for the good of the team and his standards. The year looked so hopeless all season long after much anticipation from last year. Great finsh to a season and congrats to Felton and the Dawgs.
It’s great to be a Dawg! (especially in Arkansas)
BEAT XAVIER
By Realist
March 17, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
I’m a 4th generation UGA graduate and have held Dawg basketball season tickets for 23 years in a row. Among my parents, myself and siblings, we hold 10 degrees from the University of Georgia. I’ve personally attended more than 400 football games and even more basketball games over a nearly 50 year period. We have contributed in excess of $900,000 to the UGA Athletic Association and general scholarship fund.
Bulldogs everywhere should be proud of the motivational and coaching job Coach Felton did in this tournament. They should be even prouder of the team’s heart…and how they jelled (as Damon Evans pointed out) under pressure after the regular season. This streak rivals — if not surpasses — that of 1983.
All that said, it’s a little early to annoint Coach Felton, who received a contract extension and raise last year, as the next coming of John Wooden. He saved his job because his team overperformed after the 2008 regular season was over — give him proper credit. The fact remains that his job was in jepardy because his team underperformed in 2007-2008 during the regular season.
If someone recieves credit when things go well, should’t they be held at least partly responsible when things don’t go so great?
Make no mistake, Coach Felton earned his way back to Athens next year. Still, it’s hard to make a convincing case that a team winning 4 SEC games in a mere 4 days couldn’t have won more than 4 SEC games over the course of an entire regular season.
Coach Felton was gracious and endearing when he spoke of “bursting at the seams with pride for his team.” He was far less endearing and even bordered on whining when he accused the SEC of a vendetta because of the scheduling format and complained of how UGA was being “eliminated” from contention as a result.
It’s doubtful that circumstances could have worked more to UGA’s psychological favor than how they did earlier in the week. I was in attendance for the first tournament victory Thursday night against Mississippi. I didn’t spot a lot of other UGA fans there. Take nothing away from UGA but how many people really believe that UK’s substantial fan base (compared to UGA’s meager fan base) being denied admission on Saturday didn’t help the Bulldog cause?
Was Dennis Felton’s complaints about UGA being “eliminated” by the format alone a psychological ploy or was it desperation and defense?
Then and now they seem more in line with his testy remarks following the team’s regular season-ending loss to Mississippi. Citing obtuse comparisons to Baylor and St. Bonaventure was poor form befitting a head basketball coach of the University of Georgia.
It’s great the Bulldogs won — go Dawgs, hail the SEC Tournament Champs of 2008! Rah-rah, woof, etc. I’m estatic about it. And Georgia fans everywhere have a “feel-good” buzz now that UGA notched an improbable set of victories at season’s end. Again, it’s wonderful & it’s truly great.
It’s reality.
But that reality doesn’t just stop there. Coach Felton, the coach deserving of worthy praise for four-days of stellar basketball performance, put himself in a vulnerable position to be second-guessed earlier in the year.
Let’s hope he’s a better man for the experience. I’m all for a statue of Coach Felton. But I’d like to see him earn it with consistency on the court over an extended time and his willingness to accept both criticsm and praise as an ambassador of UGA.
By Gen Neyland
March 17, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
We all caught a glimpse of why it’s called March Madness by watching the SEC Tourney. UT feels snubbed by a two seed..? To me, it’s appropriate. Matter of fact, even had they won the SEC Tourney, a # 1 seed would have been a stretch with North Carolina off to one side and Memphis to the other. My impression is that all # 1 seeds are correct. If UT wants to make a statement, do so starting with American, then Butler, then Louisville, then North Carolina, then Georgetown then Memphis…
By AltamahaDawg
March 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Am I wrong or was it not actually Auburn that was last place in the SEC this year?
By AltamahaDawg
March 17, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
And how fitting would it be to actualy get to play BAYLOR in the second round?
By ChampDawg
March 17, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
JS— A job is just a job. Tubby Smith left UK becuase he found a place where he wouldn’t have to put up with pressure and bs from the university pres and fans. Felton’s stock has now shot way up. He could now go any number of places now if he wanted to and wouldn’t have to put up with crazies like Adams and Evans. Tubby leaving UK was basically his way of calling his own shots and telling the admin to kiss his @$$. Felton can now do the same and should.
By O Verit
March 17, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I agree with most of the posters here in congratulating the Dawgs for an unprecedented feat…4 wins in 3 days. And my congratulations include the outstanding coaching job by Dennis Felton. BUT…having said that, he came off as a classless boob on Saturday whining about having to play two games in one day, and implying that it was some kind of conspiracy against Georgia (I know he didn’t say it, but that’s how he came off). This on the same day that the city was digging out of a freak tornado causing $150MM in damages and at least two deaths, which could have been a lot worse if the Dome’s roof had caved in. Someone who is a public figure should have more sensitivity and tact than he displayed. As far as I’m concerned, if he takes another job that’s fine.
By O Verit
March 17, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
I agree with most of the posters here in congratulating the Dawgs for an unprecedented feat…4 wins in 3 days. And my congratulations include the outstanding coaching job by Dennis Felton. BUT…having said that, he came off as a classless boob on Saturday whining about having to play two games in one day, and implying that it was some kind of conspiracy against Georgia (I know he didn’t say it, but that’s how he came off). This on the same day that the city was digging out of a freak tornado causing $150MM in damages and at least two deaths, which could have been a lot worse if the Dome’s roof had caved in. Someone who is a public figure should have more sensitivity and tact than he displayed. As far as I’m concerned, if he takes another job that’s fine.
By scooter11
March 17, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Realist: What was the purpose of your first paragraph? Just be a fan, not a bragger. You come off like a techie. And the rest of your post was way too long. Never got to your point, if there was one.
By ReadyAndWaiting
March 17, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
UGA’s basketball team has one thing in common with their co-eds. They both suck.
By Realist
March 17, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
To “Scooter11”: Yes, yes…you and your vast Bulldog Loyalty is far superior to a band-wagon Bulldog like myself.
Your roots as a Bulldog run deeper and you’re just more knowledgeable about the program. You’re more supportive of Bulldog sports than me and you’ve invested more of your time and money. Your bloodlines are obviously deeper.
But just for giggles, let’s compare, shall we?
Me: UGA alumnus, UGA varsity letterman in football, graduate assistant for football under Coach Dooley. Past officer of the UGA letterman’s club (multiple years), season ticket holder for 3 sports: 27 years football, 23 years basketball, and 7 years gymnastics.
You: ?
Speak up, ScooterBooter
By Mike
March 17, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Important Yes, and once again our local Atlanta TV affiliate will broadcast Thursday’s game in regular TV - K-Mart Vision. No High Def! If you noticed, the SEC tourney was in K-Mart Vision until the final game. CBS picks back up with no HD. I called the network and was given some band-width crap. Other conference games were in HD - their local affiliates figured it out! Why can’t our stupid station? Please flood the station with complaints! WGCL T.V. - (404) 325- 4646 and ask for the Program Director. Please call!
By GTforever
March 17, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Realist,
You have way to much time on your hands! Who cares that you went to a second rate football factory! The bottom line is that UGA basketball sux! It is a true shame that good teams like Arizona State have been duped by this political horsecrap that is called a selection committee. The SEC has maybe ONE team that should be in this tourney. Its a JOKE!
By bigdaddy
March 17, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
I’m a UNC grad and I bleed Tar Heel Blue.
But I find myself as happy about Georgia’s win as that of my own school.
Hollywood couldn’t make up a story any better!
By Realist
March 17, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
To “GTforever”: Five things in response…
1) It would be a difficult — strike that — impossible — undertaking for you to assert that I have too much time on my hands; you don’t know anything about my schedule. :)
2) If UGA is a “second rate football factory” as you assert — then I suppose Georgia Tech ranks below “second rate” having lost 7 years consecutively to the Dawgs. That’s over 2600 days in a row without a win, btw. Hope you’re not on a hunger strike.
3) If UGA basketball “sux” as you say — then I suppose Georgia Tech falls below the standard of “sucking” since UGA defeated Georgia Tech earlier in the year.
4) If the NCAA selection committee is as clueless as you say by taking more than “ONE” team from the SEC — I guess you’re much smarter than them regarding basketball. Solution: Why don’t YOU apply to the selection committee? I’m sure they’d let YOU be in charge since you’re so brilliant. :)
5) You’re a Tech fan and you’re frothing at the mouth over comments about UGA on a UGA message board — that’s something spelled E-N-V-Y. :)
By hop
March 18, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this
jeff, many thanks for setting the record straight, chip towers did not start the rumors,they were initiated directly from damons evans office! with a boss like damon evans, one has to always look behind their respective backs.
so far daman evans has proven he is no vince dooley, and damon was even quoted recently that he did not want to be looked upon as a great AD.
DAMON, AT THIS STAGE OF YOUR CAREER, THAT IS ONE THING YOU NEED NOT WORRY ABOUT. MAYBE, YOU NEED TO WORK MORE ON BEING MORE SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR COACHES AND STAFF, INSTEAD OF MAKING INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS BEHIND THEIR BACK.
By GTforever
March 18, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Realist,
Regarding your points…
1) Just an assumption. I feel anybody who spins more than 1 paragraph on a blog has a lot of free time. I will lay money that you are a journalism major, and just need to express yourself creatively……
2)I’m sorry. UGA is a first rate football factory! The win at all cost attitude is obvious. GT has never been and never will be a football factory.
3) UGA basketball SUX! Anybody that knows basketball will agree. Congrats on your win over our subpar basketball team. I hope your not comparing our basketball history with yours. I think I can count on one hand how many times your basketball team has been involved in the ncca tourney.
4)Thanks for the vote of confidence! Where do I get my application. Brilliant is a little strong, but thanks none the less.
5)ENVY. Probably, but I insist that the mindset of a GT fan is different. Most GT fans are very competitive and want to win. There are a few exceptions, but in general we want to win the RIGHT way! There is NO win at all cost mentality!
Go Jackets
By Dawgbyte
March 18, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Mr.Felton, and he has certainly earned that title, has values beyond basketball, and we should be proud(I am)to have him as our coach. Mr. Felton, you give this team more than discipline and Xs and Os, you give them your CLASS. Thank you.
By Realist
March 18, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
To “GTforever”:
1) Since you volunteered to “lay money that I’m a journalism major”…get out your checkbook. Yes — you “assumed” wrong. Again. Rather than send $$$ to me, however — send a contribution to some worthwhile charity in your local community. And try to keep from using the same “assumption method” when betting in Vegas. Your gambling system needs some tweaking before you launch it. 2) Your first post you said UGA was “second rate.” Shortly thereafter, your assessment inexplicably became “first rate.” Golly gee willakers, Mrs. Cleaver – I’m worried about GTforever – he’s confused.
3) So…”anybody that knows basketball will agree with you.” Super!!! I feel much more secure knowing that you are an expert at basketball analysis, coaching, strategy, and motivation. What’s more, I’m glad you mentioned “counting on one hand” — I was wondering about your “counting method.” Let me know when you work your way past “counting on hands” and you graduate to “counting using the feet.” Don’t forget to carry the naught, Jethro.
4) Lemme see, lemme see. You’re asking me “where you” – great and mighty basketball guru that are — “can get an application to be on the NCAA tournament selection committee?” Grasshopper…a man seeking light for an uncertain path must hold his own torch — assuming he isn’t still busy using his fingers counting — and not the torch of another. 5) Props to GT for wanting to win and as you say — do it the right way. I know it’s probably in your Tech DNA to bash the Bulldogs but try and give it a rest, okay? It’s just a game. I’ll even buy you a beer and also stop by Pikes Nursery for an olive branch if you work this bashing of UGA out of your system. It’s not that hard. Just put some Lenny Kravitz in your CD player and meditate on “Let Love Rule” for a while.
By scooter11
March 18, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Realist: Me? UGA alum (and journalism major), 34-year football ticket holder. Will leave it at that; you should’ve, too. You’re still bragging, and it’s unbecoming for a Dawg fan. Really - what’s the point?
By Gdog
March 18, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
I can’t tell how proud I am of this basketball team and what they were able to accomplish. I have to say, I was ready to get rid of Felton as well, but what he did and how he was able to rally our team was miraculous. I still get tingles in my mind when I say Georgia is SEC Tournament Champions and goin to the NCAA tourney. I follow basketball pretty closely and I was just ready to to get this season done with. I didn’t want to see Sundiata Gaines go out after what he has meant to us the past four years. Now I am waiting for Georgia to play Xavier this Thursday and I have to say, I am excited and I believe!
By Ed
March 18, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
To me, college basketball has one of the most irrelevant and boring regular seasons in organized, high-level sports. 19-13 can get you into the tournament, and even a losing record will work if you win your conference tournament. It would be the equivalent of a 6-6 or 7-5 football team playing in a national title tournament.
But nothing beats March Madness! Too me, it makes a boring regular season worth it. This is a fun time of the year. A 17-16 Georgia team has an equal chance to win it all because of a magical four days in March. Go Dawgs!
By ET
March 18, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Coach Feltons’ job status should never have been a question, after all he’s been through at UGA. Cleaning up other peoples’ problems. He’s a fine HONEST coach who would’ve had job offers waiting on him. The only problem he would’ve had would have been uprooting his family. Good luck Bulldogs
By bigeasy830
March 19, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
GTfan you are dillusional. GT sucks in football because you hire terrible coaches. GT has not had a descent coach since O’Leary. UGA has never had a coach to jump ship like O’leary did. Then you all were to arogant to offer him the job again. Johnson will not win in the ACC with his style of offense. Even if GT line up in the pro set, he will still call a running play 80 percent of the time. GT should have hired Chris Hatch