UGA blog finds new home
Morning all. As I’ve said a couple of times this week, we’re converting this blog over to a WordPress platform and it will be a permanent move the first of next week.
Those of you who are regulars probably know that I’m not what you’d call techno-wizard when it comes to these things. But from what I understand the technology offered in this new format should make the blogging and commenting experience better for all. Of course, I’ll be learning as we go along, too. But I’m hoping to provide more pictures and video and things like that which should bring the blog more to life.
Of course, this blog is nothing without all you guys so I want to heartily invite (read: beg) you to come over to the new site by CLICKING HERE ON THE NEW ADDRESS and save it in your browsers. As of Monday, Feb. 23rd, this will be the permanent home of the UGA blog you so love or, in the case of some of you, love to loathe. If you’d prefer to copy and paste or just memorize, the new address is: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/.
See at the new place!
AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USUGA players in the loop this time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At least Georgia got it right this time.
I’m not saying the decision to fire Dennis Felton was right. Time will tell on that one. I’m talking about the protocol they used for informing the players was right this time. It flat-out wrong when Jim Harrick was let go in 2003.
We just got through interviewing selected Georgia players a little while ago. I say “selected” because we didn’t have any choice which ones were made available to us. They brought out the three captains — Corey Butler, Albert Jackson and Terrance Woodbury — along with sophomore point guard Zac Swansey. I wanted to talk to Trey Thompkins because he’s a top-notch freshman and one person in particular profoundly affected by this decision. But we were told he and all the other players were “not available.”
On a separate note, Dennis Felton also was “not available.” He didn’t attend the press conference and he didn’t issue a statement, which I don’t think was the best way to handle it. I made a separate trip out to his house in Bogart and his wife Melanie answered the front door. She went into another room to ask if he’d come talk to me but came back and said he’s “not available.” Very kind, very cordial, just “no comment.”
The important thing is Felton was available to address the situation with the players. According to all accounts, players were summoned via text message and phone calls from ssociate AD Arthur Johnson about 7 a.m. Thursday morning that they needed to be in the locker room at 7:30 a.m. for “a team meeting.” “Of course we knew something was up when Arthur Johnson called us at 7 in the morning,” Butler said. Starting closer to 8, Felton came in and addressed the team and told them he’d been relieved of his duties as coach and Pete Herrmann was going to take over in the interim.
Butler said Felton had nothing but encouraging words. “You know Coach Felton, he was still in there coaching,” Butler said. “He said, ‘guys, stay after it. Keep fighting and keep your heads up.’ He said he was still going to be in touch and making sure we’re doing the right things. He walked through, gave everyone a hug, shook hands, things like that. He said it was effective immediately. Then he left.”
Then Evans and Johnson came in and gave them a pep talk regarding their future and the future of Georgia basketball.
As mundane as all that may sound, the order of events was really important to the players. Last time the Bulldogs had a change, the players found out via the media that their coach had been dismissed and the team yanked from postseason play. And lest we forget, the players are, after all, the ones most intimately affected by these changes.
Said Swansey: “Tough is the word I’d use. It’s been tough all year. We haven’t been able to put it all together. We lost however many games in a row, then this happens. As players we have to continue to fight. You don’t have a choice but to put everything aside. But it was definitely a shock this morning.”
And while they didn’t have a choice, while they had no input, at least they got a chance to hear it from the guy they signed up to play for.
“It’s rare that a walkon gets a chance to be a Divisioin I basketball captain his senior year,” said Butler, who got just such a chance. “So, you know, I have so much respect for this guy, just the fact that he’s given me the opportunities he has to play at this level… . But I did get a chance to say a few words to him and thank him.”
For a player, that means a lot.
Permalink | Comments (40) | Post your comment | Categories: Basketball
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By Mike
January 29, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Thank you Coach for cleaning up the mess Harick put us in.
By Hobnail Boot
January 29, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Go Dawgs?
By Atlanta Gator
January 29, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
Wow. A mid-season firing, effective immediately. Well, I guess Dawg fans will get to see what kind of a basketball coach Damon Evans can lure to Athens, sooner rather than later. It should be interesting. The successful recruitment of a new head coach will determine the course of the program for at least the next 5 to 10 years.
By Don
January 29, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
Not sure what happened this year. At times this team looked really good on the court but instead of getting better they have regressed. It just seems like they are no longer responding to Felton. Felton is truly a class act guy and I wish him well but it really seemed like the right time for Georgia to part ways with him. With that said, I’m not sure any coach will be able to come in and build a year in, year out good or great team at UGA. It has never happened before. Durham coached a few good teams but saw his greatest success when Wilkins and Fleming played for him but beyond those years he coached some pretty average teams and a few bad ones also. Tubby Smith had some success too but the Dawgs let him flee to Kentucky. Not sure a 10 million a year contract would have kept him at Georgia. What are the chances of Georgia getting a Billy Donovan or another Tubby Smith? That is what it will take for Georgia to compete in the SEC and go to the NCAA tournament every year.
Good Luck Dennis! Go Dawgs!
By Neil
January 29, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this
the less than handful of comments indicates the level of interest, who cares about dog basketball.
By Go Gators
January 29, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
Who cares if the players are in the loop, they don’t make the decisions.
By DawgFan 1
January 29, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this
If the UGA athletic department will spend the money to hire a top notch coach the men’s basketball program will become a big money maker with big raucous crowds. If they try and go cheap it will be more of the same poor to mediocre basketball and attendance.
By Drew
January 29, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
There is a way to grow a program and Tubby was on his way, but got sidetracked by the UK offer.
There are coaches available that will want to call UGA home and will get complete support from Damon Evans. With the facilities and the direction of every program at Georgia since Damon took over for Coach Dooley there has been a revival excluding Men’s Basketball. This is a year past due, but nothing could be done about the run last year.
Lets get Mens Basketball on top now!
By Brian
January 29, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
Sean Miller…Sean Miller…Sean Miller!!!!
By Big MIKE
January 29, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this
GOGATOR, GO TO HELL! AND TAKE THOSE I CAN’T MAKE IT IN THE NFL QB’S WITH YOU.MAKE ONE STOP ALONG THE WAY, PICK UP SPURRIER AND DROP HIM IN UGA’S DAWG PEN!
By Chip Towers
January 29, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this
FELTON JUST PUT OUT A STATEMENT THROUGH HIS AGENT, RICKY LEFTT:
The University of Georgia fired head basketball coach Dennis Felton, the school announced today.
While Felton regrets the University’s decision, he would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Adams, Athletics Director Damon Evans, the basketball staff, the faculty and the students for their support during his five-plus years in Athens. Additionally, Felton would like to thank the players, their families and the high school and AAU coaches he grew to know and respect through his time recruiting for the Bulldogs.
Lastly, Felton would like to thank the community and alumni for their support.
Felton’s stint at Georgia — a program riddled with NCAA sanctions when he took over — included the 2008 SEC Tournament Championship and a NCAA Tournament berth.
“While working to rebuild the Georgia program, it was exciting to make it back to postseason play three times and I’ll never forget the thrill of winning the SEC Championship last year and playing in the NCAA Tournament,” said Felton, also referring to his two NIT appearances with the Bulldogs.
“I’m really proud of the way our players represented themselves and the university on and off the court. A top priority for us was that our guys perform academically. I’m glad to note our players are achieving great strides in the classroom and are earning and/or progressing toward degrees at a pace that puts the program in an elite class. This marks a big turnaround for Georgia Basketball.”
“I view this transition in my professional life as an open door to move into some other exciting, challenging and fulfilling coaching opportunities and I look forward to being on the sidelines again soon.”
Felton’s 10-year, head coaching record stands at 184-145. He is the only head coach in the storied history of Western Kentucky to lead three straight teams to NCAA tournament berths. In total, Felton owns seven conference championships and six post-season appearances.
By Go Gators
January 29, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this
Big Mike… kiss it you puke..
By Go Gators
January 29, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
Hey Chip,
Can you tell you buddy Carville to stop changing the name of his articles after he posts them when he realizes he put a guys termination on the back of an 18 year old kid. also tell him to stop making up recruiting stories then yanking them down an hour later when he realizes he’s busted.
By david ford
January 29, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this
Please please please Go after the fine coach at Wake Forest. Georgia is a big time progam and we need a big time coach. He would be the absolute best for Georgia. A great man, a great coach and great standards. He would bring instant credibility to Georgia. We have the funds. do we have the wisdom?
By jdawgs
January 29, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this
I will have to say that Coach Felton and his family are fine people. To guess that the way he relates to players I can only guess. Maybe the straw that broke some of the camels back would be taking off to Washington…folks it is tough finding any time when you are coaching during season…and maybe some of this came into play….he will be able to get a job soon…and maybe find a location that fits his demands. In today’s student athlete…you must be able to relate…I wish for him the best…jdawg
By Jimmy
January 29, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure who UGA should go after, but I know the type of coach they should go after. They need some young hot up and coming assistant who will use UGA as a stepping stone to another job, but first righting this God awful hoops program.
Of course he needs to have local recruiting ties to get a lot of the great players in this state to stay home.
Oh, and about the trash talking. I guess some people consider it fun, but when youre a fan of one team, then log on to a rivals main site just to talk trash, well I find that pretty telling of the person who is doing such. Some of you peoplecough(go gators) need to get a life. Don’t get me wrong, i’ll talk trash to rival teams fans on this website, because UGA is my University, but I would never visit a UF site just to talk trash. That’s just low class, but I’d expect nothing less w/ CUM as your head coach.
By The truth hurts
January 29, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
This guy should have been fired last year. His freak win of the SEC tournament shouldn’t have prevented his firing. Though the brass screwed up last year, at least they didn’t wait too long this year to fire this amateur, who’s more concerned with his wardrobe than his basketball team. Don’t leave mad Felton, just leave.
By Savannah Dawg
January 29, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this
Felton is definitely a class act, but honestly, he didn’t get it done. UGA is going to have to offer big bucks to bring in a name if the Dawgs are going to be able to compete. There is absolutely no reason that UGA can’t be a top notch b-ball program. Plenty of athletes in the state - and unlike football, you can turn b-ball around quickly with a few good recruits and solid coaching.
By Steve
January 29, 2009 8:14 PM | Link to this
You really don’t want big-time recruits in the current system of college basketball - very good recruits who stay for 4 years build a program is the best way to go - Felton had done this the past 2 years, but this years team was so terrible, he couldn’t make it 2 more years for the results to show.
By Mark
January 29, 2009 8:21 PM | Link to this
You really think a coach would leave Wake Forest for Georgia???? Are you kidding me??? There’s no coach in America that would leave Wake…where they LOVE basketball to come to a school that hardly pays attention to it and plays in a DUMP of an arena.
By Jim Doanan as in Doans Pills
January 29, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this
Bring back Ron Jirsa since we cant get Tubby back or maybe hire former Wake coach Dave Odum. These guys would be real cheap for the Athletic Dept.
By AltamahaDawg
January 29, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this
Steve, the next coach is definetely going to get a solid core, and come into a much better deal. Felton is leaving some good players. I look forward to the new energy next year.
I hope the best of luck to the interim coaches. At least now, everyone can pull for the team, and not against the coach. But after this season, clean sweep please, Felton just couldn’t get the program momentum to swing upwards and thats on him, but I just don’t think it was ever his job to teach shooting skills and how to complete a layup. Who runs the drills? They shouldn’t bring a lot of film of this year to the interview for thier next assistant job, if you ask me.
By hop
January 29, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this
georgia is located in a high bed of outstanding high school basketball players.
it needs to hire a coach who is a natural recruiter, as well as a overall good coach.
there is no reson not to be able to compete in big time college football.
we need more than a words from damon evans.
georgia needs to demonstrate a full blown commitment to the sport ,for it to realize their goals and dreams.
a new area would be a welcome addition in getting a big time coach and fans excited about coming to the games.
a financial commitment such as a new area, would send a strong message that the university is serious in promoting the sport!
By jm
January 29, 2009 10:23 PM | Link to this
This was the right move for UGA basketball. Time to move on.
By T eed off Dawg
January 29, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this
Damon Evans was really ticked when he didnt get any Obama coronation tickets from Dennis. That was really the last straw. Damon had to stay home and keep Adams happy by assuring him that everything was fine while dennis was gone…
By paint it black
January 29, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this
I always thought highly of Coach Felton as a man and as a coach. His stock went WAY up in my book when I ran into him at the Stones show at the Phil a couple years ago, too! Anyhoo, he’ll land on his feet. And hopefully the doggies will figure out a way to take it to the next level. It’s time to start playing some ball, dawgs. With all this in-state talent there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be contending. GO DAWGS! Kick it up a notch!!!
By TonyUGA1986
January 29, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this
I liked Felton from the get go and think he brought some class back to the program. Wish him well. Felton over Harrick any day.
By Gen Neyland
January 30, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this
I tip my hat to Felton. He did the best he could with what he had to work with. He seemed to be able to give and take but if taken advantage of, he stood up. Best of luck to him and if things go well elsewhere, he’ll be in the Big Dance again…
By McE
January 30, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this
Thanks to Coach Felton for his hard work. The epitome of integrity. Best of luck to him. As for the Dawgs—we won’t do ourselves any favors in the long run by getting a young up and comer like Anthony Grant. If he’s as good as people think he is, he’ll move on after a couple years (much like Tubby did). That will set us back again. Unfortunately, we are not a “destination” program for the most talented coaches who are at or approaching the prime of their careers. That’s why, if I’m Damon Evans, Tubby is my first call. He’s been to the top of the mountain, as far as coaching one of the big boys and winning a national title. if he came back, we could rest assured he was in it for the long-haul (or, at least 8-10 years) and to build a legacy of winning at a school that would appreciate it.
By Chip Towers
January 30, 2009 12:31 AM | Link to this
HERE’S SOME REACTION FROM GEORGIA TECH COACH PAUL HEWITT TO FELTON’S FIRING (THANKS TO COLLEAGUE KEN SUGIURA):
“Obviously, you feel bad for him because he’s a coach, but I’m sure Dennis will be the first to tell you, just like we all know, that’s the business we’ve chosen. It‘s interesting that here we are in college sports, and more and more, the trend now is that it’s almost like we’ve become pro sports. They release coaches during the season. That almost never happened (before). Dennis is a very good coach. He’s had some tough breaks there. He’ll be back coaching soon. He’ll have a job soon.
“Obviously, being Georgia-Georgia Tech, it’s hard to get buddy-buddy. I have a lot of respect for him. I know what he did at Western, I know what he did when he was an assistant at Providence and Clemson. At Western, he was terrific. You can go through over the six years – what he inherited to some of the different issues that happened off the court for him. But like I said, he’s a good coach. He’ll be back. He’ll get another job and he’ll be fine.”
By Chip Towers
January 30, 2009 12:36 AM | Link to this
**Reaction from Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt (thanks to my colleague Ken Sugiura):
“Obviously, you feel bad for him because he’s a coach, but I’m sure Dennis will be the first to tell you, just like we all know, that’s the business we’ve chosen. It‘s interesting that here we are in college sports, and more and more, the trend now is that it’s almost like we’ve become pro sports. They release coaches during the season. That almost never happened (before). Dennis is a very good coach. He’s had some tough breaks there. He’ll be back coaching soon. He’ll have a job soon.
“Obviously, being Georgia-Georgia Tech, it’s hard to get buddy-buddy. I have a lot of respect for him. I know what he did at Western, I know what he did when he was an assistant at Providence and Clemson. At Western, he was terrific. You can go through over the six years – what he inherited to some of the different issues that happened off the court for him. But like I said, he’s a good coach. He’ll be back. He’ll get another job and he’ll be fine.”
By buford the redneck
January 30, 2009 4:15 AM | Link to this
felton now has plenty of time to buy clothes for himself and his wife. he always seemed more interested in the garmaent industry anyway. he can now develop his own line of clothing and become a top notch designer. good luck loser and good riddance.
By LifelongDawg
January 30, 2009 4:22 AM | Link to this
This was necessary. The program is in a funk, and you can’t count on winning the SEC tournament to get in the NCAA tournament every year. I know Felton had some problem players, but in the final analysis they got recruited by him and therefore those washout were his responsibility, too. I don’t know why he failed, but he did, and he failed miserably.
By AltamahaDawg
January 30, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this
I would say that was a pretty good description. Not sure why, but it was definetely in a funk.
Felton left the program considerably better than he found it. His days at UGA will never be anything for him to shy away from. For those of you claiming that you knew 2 years ago, get real. Doubled his wins totals from the year before. In fact his SEC record that year would have tied anyone from the West Div. And got them into post season, (which in case you havent been around UGA BB in the past 30 yrs, isn’t really a given around here) despite residing in a division that had 3 sweet 16 teams. With Brown, and Mercer, Gaines, a few others coming back , a really really good recruiting class coming in, there wasn’t a AD in the country that wouldn’t have thought that was right on schedule.
Last year Evans couldn’t have fired a coach who let his top scorers go over discliplinary reasons. Can you imagine the negative press and rightful accusations of the hypocrisy of a University who would hold win total over character?
This year however was completely about basketball. Evans played the timing perfectly as it could have been. It’s easy to sit back and say, shoulda coulda woulda, but you dont have to actually drive the bus.
By joke
January 30, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this
I say we go after Coach K, Roy Williams, Bill Self, or Calipari from Memphis. We’re Georgia, the finest school in the land, coaches should be jumping at the chance to come to Athens and coach in front of our rabid basketball fanbase and great Stegman Coliseum. Plus, have you seen our recruiting classes lately? The future is bright. I believe we signed one guy who was even in the Top 500 last year.
By Huge dawg fan
January 30, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
TO UGA BASKETBALL SQUAD -
Thank you for your toughness and resolve this year. It has been, and more than likely will continue to be, a difficult season. But you are all very talented gentlemen, and Georgia fans respect and applaud what you do. Your team incredible talent and a great deal of potential. Keep fighting, steal some wins, and let this be a building year for great years to come. Go Dawgs! Beat Bama!
By billdawg
January 30, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this
On the surface, Coach Felton did seem like a nice respectable guy, but my understanding from relatives of a couple of players is that he was NOT a great role model for the guys. I understand one was ready to transfer (just like 11 others have done during Coach Felton’s tenure). And he was not a favorite around the office, either…demanding, condescending, pompous. I’ll be pulling for Damon as he selects a LEADER for our men’s basketball team.
By Huge dawg fan
January 30, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
TO UGA BASKETBALL SQUAD -
Thank you for your toughness and resolve this year. It has been, and more than likely will continue to be, a difficult season. But you are all very talented gentlemen, and Georgia fans respect and applaud what you do. You are incredibly talented and have a great deal of potential. Keep fighting, steal some wins, and let this be a building year for great years to come. Go Dawgs! Beat Bama!
By BobDog
January 31, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this
Until the administration and the fan base are willing to make financial and emotional commitments to the basketball program, it is going to be tough to build it. Florida is a good blueprint to follow. Oh yeah, I think they built a new arena.
By Mud
February 6, 2009 3:20 AM | Link to this
Well he had to go But alas reason team stunk is look at where they play at….old stegman staduim the worst in The SEC come on folks and people in athens u need a new place on site…just play u home games at the gwinnett arena till its replaced….and if do n get bobby knight as Coach u see fans flock back….Other wise if evans did hire knight he would say first we need a new arena!U would see more people show up at gwinnett arena for Ga games over 12,000…Maybe if adams n gwinnett would sponsor this awhile be more money in the area n better players would come here.untill then we will see 3,000 are less show up at stagnet arena