The Junkyard Blawg

By Fort Worth Dawg

February 1, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

This year’s basketball team is the 1979 football team. I’m not saying that they’ll win a national championship next year (they won’t), but the young players being forced to do the heavy lifting will pay off in the years to come. Felton will do much better next year.

By Guy

February 1, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I can’t understand why we can’t get all the good basketball players to stay in state and play for the state school? I am tired of all the excuses, Fenton need to be held accountable , after 4 years of the same excuses , I am getting tired . Let win some and get some of our in state players.

By UGAinBAMA

February 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

UGA can’t keep the hoops players in state for the same reason GT football can’t keep the non-UGA commits in state. We have no tradition in hoops, we occassionally have a good year or land a stud, but its rare. Why would you go to UGA if you have Duke, UNC, UK, etc…offering? You wouldn’t. A coaching change isn’t going to rectify that, only building a program into a consistent winner will do that.

By GW

February 1, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

I’m just not convinced that current UGA players are this bad. If they had some degree of coaching on an offensive scheme they could win against teams like SC, even on the road. I just don’t see a plan other than jacking up threes time and time again. With that said, I don’t know who UGA could get any better than Felton. A better motivator maybe? I don’t know.

By 82DAWG

February 1, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Fort Worth Dawg, I wish we could say that, but we have been saying it for the past three years. Its always next year because it sure isn’t this year. But the truth is, who will Felton kick off of this team? Or who will quit on their own only to put us back to starting over again? Its a never ending cycle with this clown. So we have two choices:

1. We acknowledge that Felton’s teams are never going to be anything more than they are. WYSIWYG. And just be happy that they put a team out every year that is going to win a few games they shouldn’t but overall are going to be very mediocre.

2. Find someone else who can raise the level of the game and at least give us the promise of a competitive team that will go to the NCAA or NIT more often than not. Durham did it, Tubby did it. So, it can be done.

Its obviously not my decision and from what I see, we will have to live with choice #1, because I am here to tell you Felton will never have the winning program at UGA that fans want.

By Will

February 1, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

According to rivals.com, 15 of the Top 150 high school players in the country this year are from Georgia. 12 of the Top 100 on the early list for next year are from Georgia. Of those 27 players, Felton has only been able to secure committments from two, with hardly any of the 12 for next year showing more than mild interest in the program. I’m not talking about getting every player. That’s not realistic, but we should be able to land more than 2 of those 27. The only excuse Felton has for his lack of success is that he’s kicked every good player off the team for offenses that didn’t involve breaking the law. The time for change has arrived. I wish we could find a way to bring back Tubby.

By Todd

February 1, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Felton (aka “Frenchy” with the mustache) appears to care more about “setting an example” and along with that all the accolades of running some above the board program than winning bskb. games.

Look folks, Jimmy Harrick in my opinion didn’t commit the crimes of the century at UGA. Div. 1 bsktb. is a bunch of slick guys wearing $800 suits on gameday, with 5 assist. bumping in to sweaty kids during timeouts. What does GA think they’re trying to prove? The rest of the league is laughing.

Damon Evans inherited a great overall ath. program with only one glaring problem, men’s bskb. What has he done with the only project he had other than running off a handful of dedecated athl. assoc. staff? He institued some mandatory class attendance std. “I thought that was a given” at least when I was in school at UGA.

I’m not impressed at all with Frenchy or D. Evans and the point they’re trying to make, meanwhile they better watch or some of the guys coming in next yr. might look some place else.

By Pat

February 1, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Early consensus here seems to be dissatisfaction with Felton. That’s normal when a team can’t win enough. My question is this. Is the problem with Felton his coaching ability or his people/recruiting skills? Is it both? His coaching is so hard to judge because of so many players headed to the bus station. Who honestly believes that Georgia will not lose at least one player, maybe more, before next season tips off, and it won’t be to the NBA. How many more examples have to be made before the world believes Felton runs a no nonsense program and winning is secondary?

By Dawgbyte

February 1, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

The men’s team is not doing that much worse than the women’s who have more talent and tradition going for them. How about a good word for Felton or some heat for Landers?

By Nate

February 1, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Wow has anyone ever stopped to think that there may never be really great teams in Basketball at UGA. UGA is more known for what? Football. Some schools are more known for these things. When you hear Duke or UNC you think Basketball you dont think football. Have you looked at there football teams lately. Ouch now thats scary. I know we all wish that every sport was the best at UGA since we are UGA fans, but lets give the man a break and some time and see what happens. Kicking thugs off the team is not a bad thing. Lets face it you fire Felton and you are talking 2 or 3 years before being competitive. You keep him and who knows maybe never. But its time to be realistic and be a true fan and just support them instead of complaining.

By Carlton Powell

February 1, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Some good observations concerning men’s bb. A couple more, some of which may in the form of “chime ins” rather than original thought.

First, as noted above, something just ain’t right if before the season starts each year, two or three players leave or are dismissed from the team. These issues need addressing at the administrative level. If the dismissee’s are truly bad apples, then good riddance. But, if these are just kids being kids, that’s another matter. No team can absorb such attrition a regular basis.

Second, with it’s total lack of basketball heritage, it will probably take most any coach between 5 and 10 years to really begin to recruit the kinds of players that can have immediate impact. The Shane Battier’s and Tyler Hansbrough’s of the world just aren’t coming to UGA at this point in time. Any coach will have their ups and downs ‘til they have 10 pretty good players that can contribute quality minutes. Acquiring such players takes time.

Third,agreed, at this point we should begin to see a team capable of winning a few games on the road agaist the likes of S.Carolina. The Gamecock’s are certainly no juggernaut, and such wins are real building blocks for the program.

Fourth, I think it’s good to be critical of the program where criticism is warranted, and keep conversation going. It wasn’t long ago that no one really cared at all about GA bb. I can remember attending games with 1,499 other spectators.

By WTF?

February 1, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Fans showing up will not make a difference. This coach and team suck. Fans help motivate a good or great team and coach to perform to their capability. Fans can’t turn this coach and players into something they’re not.

By 82DAWG

February 1, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I am sorry Nate, but Mike Mercer was NOT a thug. Singleton was NOT a thug. Toney was NOT a thug. Brown was NOT a thug. Indrissi was NOT a thug. Yet every one of them is gone because of Felton (though one may agrue that it was family pressure for Indrissi). Bottom line is, they were NOT thugs.

By Bryan G

February 1, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

We need to get rid of Felton. It’s that easy.

By Lane

February 1, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

My understanding is that, Felton is almost impossible to deal with and the players are totally dissatisfied. Also, players/former players are telling anyone who will listen to stay away from Athens.

Has anyone heard this-could be rumor!!!!!

By Nate

February 1, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Oh thats right 82 Dawg failing drug tests, drugs that are illegal is a perfect model citizen, but you already know that. Oh and by the way read more careful next time I never said all of the players dismissed from the team, but hey you know that to. Got to love the fans.

By TheItalianDawg

February 1, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I’m just very, very mad and very unsatisfied with what Felton did, he has some ego problem!! how in the world you dismissed Mercer and Brown from the team!!?? they are our best players, I dont care they missed some classes its not the end of the world! believe me Georgia with the new facilities can be a top 10 team constantly!!! if Tennessee can be top 5 and Florida national champ, I dont see why Georgia cant be a top program, if we dont win 20 games this season, I think it will be time to replace Felton and bring in top coach

By Bring back Durham

February 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

I was at the game in Columbia. It seems there is a lack of coaching (which I can’t understand being as there were more suits on the bench than uniforms). There were few plays called and the ones that were called were executed sloppily. No back door picks, no high post picks. We have some shooter’s but we can get them a good look at the basketball. Plays and Picks—that’s Basketball 101 folks and either Felton is just letting them play playground basketball or these kids are just not coachable. My 4th grader can execute a pick so I’m thinking it’s the coaching.

By Bring back Durham

February 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

I was at the game in Columbia. It seems there is a lack of coaching (which I can’t understand being as there were more suits on the bench than uniforms). There were few plays called and the ones that were called were executed sloppily. No back door picks, no high post picks. We have some shooter’s but we can’t get them a good look at the basketball. Plays and Picks—that’s Basketball 101 folks and either Felton is just letting them play playground basketball or these kids are just not coachable. My 4th grader can execute a pick so I’m thinking it’s the coaching.

By TheItalianDawg

February 1, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Bring back Dominque Wilkins,he was a finalist for the job anyway lets have a superstar running the show and give Georgia a national recognition.

By copdawg

February 1, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

I ALMOST HIT DELETE AND WENT ON TO ANOTHER SUBJECT, BUT I ONCE WORKED WORKED WITH A GUY WHO ADVISED YOU NEVER KNOW SOMEONE UNTIL YOU HAVE TO WORK THEM, I FEEL THAT IS WHERE COACH FELTON IS NOW. YOU BRING IN RECRUITS AT WHAT, 17 TO 18 YEARS OF AGE. WHILE THEY ARE NOT STUPID THEY ARE DEVIOUS, THEY WILL TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR AND ONLY WILL YOU DISCOVER THE TRUTH WHEN THEY ARE IN THE CRUCIBLE OF LIFE. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, YOU DEAL WITH IT. I FEEL COACH FELTON DOES THAT AND WILL, WITHIN ANOTHER YEAR OR TWO WILL GET WHAT HE NEEDS TO WIN, WE JUST NEED TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND LET THE COACH FIND THE PEOPLE TO WIN. WE WILL BE PLEASED EVENTUALLY

By AltamahaDawg

February 1, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

The other thing “just like football” about the game in Columbia is that every fan with a keyboard and an opinion knows more about your coaching job than you do, when you lose a few.

By AltamahaDawg

February 1, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

italian dawg…. Takais Brown had to go 2 yrs to Jr College for goodness sakes. You think somebody with that kind of ability could get just ONE scholarship offer and not have to go to the 13th grade? Could that have been an academic issue? And then couldn’t even play a few games when he got here because grades. Then on a UNIVERSITY MANDATED suspension, for not doing the MINIMUM he had to, to get by, his senior year (how rediculous is that), he still didn’t do what he was supposed to. The kid had academic issues obviously, but somehow you are angry he got released? Angry? really? It was inevitable.

In Mercer’s case, you nor I know what transpired there, but call Felton what you will, he is not Stupid or just loving the idea of career suicide. Saying he would put his own paycheck and the program at risk because of ego? Come on man! Let’s be reasonable. There was a lot of speculation about Mercer even returning over the summer, appearanty something was wrong. Oh yea, then there is that whole academic suspension thing for him, too.

I’m sorry, your upstanding player, who are just trying thier best, do not get dismissed in the middle of thier academic suspension over nothing.

Agry about something that you have no idea what really happend isnt healthy, my friend.

And a 7’ Singleton in dire need around here can’t even earn PT? Hell a big man here capable of casting a shadow could get PT. I’ve seen his game, it wasnt good. Then QUITS! That’s not coache’s ego.

durham, I’ll stay away from discussing whether he understands basketball 101, I’d hate to look that silly.

lane, the rumor I heard is that you would stoop to repeating silly middle school gossip, but again, it was just a rumor.

By S.E. Dawg

February 1, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

NON BASKETBALL: UGA picks up their fouth committment for 2009. Chris Burnette out of LaGrange according to Rivals and Scout.

By SowegaDawg

February 2, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Let’s not forget the “legacy” left by the Harricks. What HS phenom would want to come to a program with that hanging over them? Can’t go to the NCAA, or post season, even if you make it. No thanks. Felton didn’t forget how to coach on his way down from directional KY. I seem to recall his teams were pretty good. His problem is recruiting good players and keeping good players. He can’t expect to compete with his lack luster recruiting results and the defection/release/escape of the players he touted as saviors only a year or two before they leave. We have the facilities to compete. If competitive, the fans will be as fervent as anywhere.

I like his approach. I’m just not sure it is working. It hasn’t yet. The question is how long does he get to rebuild? He preaches/teaches responsibility. At some point, we have to look at the top for the answer to our failings.

By brian

February 2, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Why do you guys defend felton? He sucks. The team has gotten worst. He is the one who recruited the thugs that got kicked off the team, those weren’t Harricks players. Look at what Bruce Pearl has done in a lot less time. Fire this clown

By Bill

February 2, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Heard at the USC/UGA game:

“Just like football!”

Hee hee.

By AltamahaDawg

February 2, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Brian, I dont know , call me crazy but becoming more competitive and winning a lot more games every year just strikes me an not “getting worse”. I guess I just dont understand the objectives as you do. Now UGA basketball is at the place of getting over the hump, the 20 game mark. That’s is going to much more difficult, take some time, and basically require bringing in much better players, and In case you arent paying attention to these freshman and the upcoming class, (which I’m sure you haven’t), that’s exactly what he has done. But he lost a couple of games last week, so now he “sucks’ huh, brilliant! Can’t believe our prestigous basketball program isn’t right in the top of the SEC by now. About half the league are losing as many games as UGA right now and only about half of the SEC will break 20 games this year. Hopefully thier so called fans arent saying they suck, and none of them are going to fire thier coach bacause of it.

And FYI those guys were not thugs. (and anyone using the term “thug” lately is nothing more than a mindless parrot) They were just basketball players who couldn’t keep up with college level demands. I’m sure no place in America do any basketball player ever leave a team.

By AltamahaDawg

February 2, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Bruce Pearl is in fact doing an outstanding job, but to make the comparison of inheriting a program in good shape, his best players now already in place, from a well liked and respected previous coach……..to…..cut scholaships, playing walk-on for 3 year, national embarrassment, an overreacting administration, at a school never really known for its basketball prowess to begin with, not to mention just pure bad luck, well…….you cannot be that simpleminded.

By AltamahaDawg

February 2, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Thanks Tim Brando, that was almost verbatim what I said an hour ago.

By Woofer

February 2, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

UGAinBAMA, you are spot-on. Changing coaches is not going to help the situation. Dennis Felton is a damn good coach that has a high level of expectations. So was Bobby Knight. We need more AA role models like CDF to enforce the message that you can be a good student AND a good athlete. It may take a while but the success he achieves will be lasting and noteworthy.

By 74 Dawg

February 2, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Bill- laugh now ,chicken head, football will be back in a few months, and the whuppin the dawgs put on the visors will make the Hawaii blow out look like a nail biter. It is gonna be really ugly in Columbia .

By Bill

February 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

74 Dawg, do you think your dogs may score a TD this year? That would be big for you since USC will have the absolute best D in the conference. As long as Bobo is calling plays and Stafford is over-throwing, we have a chance. All Bobo had to do last year was keep giving it to Moreno but alas he wanted to make golden boy his hero and he choked on the chicken bone. Dems de facts.

By willie

February 3, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Can someone tell me why the dawgs are only going after 14 or 15 recruits in 2009.

By AltamahaDawg

February 3, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Bill, diminishing your own teams fine effort, all so you can insult the opponents Offensive coordinator? Odd. I guess being a gamecock follower, you guys just don’t quite have that fan thing down yet.

I’d also say it HIGHLY debatable that SC will be the best D in the SEC next year.

BTW, do you think your team will actually score ANY this go around up there?

By think about it

February 4, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Nate, I don’t think we should except that UGA is not know for our basketball like Duke, and UNC just because our football team is good. Look at Florida and UT. They both have good Basketball and Football teams. Why can’t we. We need to get someone in there that can get the job done. What we are doing now isn’t working.

By AltamahaDawg

February 4, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

think about it, exactly! The current coaches at UF and UT inherited a basketball program already in good shape, stocked with players. It’s almost comical now, the degree to which you guys do NOT get this, and make those kind of comparisons. You do not go on to win back to back NC or even be a top 5 program a few short years from the worst situation by far in the league, if not one of the worst in the country. Does anyone remember that Felton excused a pretty good recruiting class from coming here. Did Billy Donavan have to excuse Lon Kruger’s next class? Did Pearle say, “hey I know I have a couple of future all American already here, but you know what, I think I’ll start with a fresh set of walk-ons, just just for kicks”. And while you are at it, who needs all these scholarship? Both UF and UT did it with the last guys good players and running start. Then took the next step. If you want to make comparison, try some that actually make sence.

What exactly do you think would have “got the job done” to this point? Specifically? Some of you folks love to wish upon a star, but I have yet to hear a legitamate argument of what Felton Might have done better. I guess just win more games? does 8, 15,19 ring a bell?

What exactly isn’t working? Getting progressively better recruits each year? Thats bad somehow? Odd, I sort of thought that was a pretty good plan.

Or he could just pull it from out of his butt I guess.

By Smarter than you

February 5, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Felton is a bad coach. He will never lift UGA to Tubby heights, or even Durham heights. In fact, he’s not really a whole heckuva lot better than Ron Jirsa.

By AltamahaDawg

February 5, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

“in fact” huh. Ive been asking for a while now for facts to back up your assersions about what job Felton has done bringing UGA basketball back up to normal. “in fact” you cannot provide any. Instead, just highly opinionated complaining.

Durham had a WP of .58 over 17 seasons. Not sure that is such great heights. I might not be be exact but he only had a 20+ seson a handfull of times. And that with several All Americans. See any All-Americans here right now? Are you seriously telling me, that with Wilkins, Banks, and Fleming, Felton couldn’t win? Paleeze! Felton won 19 last year in a FAR more competitive league than it used to be. And for a couple of horrible calls, would have won 20. Think about it, 19 games in a division with 3 sweet 16 teams in it. And would have tied the west.

Tubby inherited somebody elses damn fine seasoned players and was here 2 yrs. Yea, thats a perfect comparison, to Felton first 3 years playing some kids from P.E. class.

Its players, PLAYERS. Getting better players. WE did and won more game, did it again and won more again. Set back this year, but how realistic is it that every team can expect that each year is going to be better without exeption, or setbacks? We finally had a good class of freshman and a nationaly ranked class on the way.

For what its worth 7 teams in the SEC have lost as many conference games as UGA right now. Fire em all.

By Rabun Dawg

February 6, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Just to wade in, if memory serves me correctly, Felton did a pretty good job atWKY,so why can’t he do it at UGA? No, we will never be a UNC,Duke,or a Kansas, but we should be as good as, or better than an Ole Miss.,Miss.St.,etc.,etc.If he is running off bad apples,good!But quit recruiting those kind.There has to be some quality talent out there that would come to UGA,but if this man cannot do it in the next few years, then I guess we must move on from him.But to whom do we turn? By the way, Landers has much more talent than does Felton, and talk about doing some poor coaching, what gives there with that bunch of under achievers. But I guess nobody cares about that program!

By PTC Dawg

February 6, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Tell me again why Felton is still drawing a paycheck from UGA?

He should be fired.

By Hunk Erdown

February 7, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this

To have inherited a program in the shape it was when Felton got here and to progress to the point it has now shows me that Felton deserves a lot more leeway than folks want to give him right now. UGA took a serious black eye with Harrick and it don’t just go away easily. I am not the most enthusiastic B-ball fan, but the game Saturday was a good game for UGA, Bliss is an absolute beast. As he and a few others step up more as leaders, this team will gel with better chemistry. We missed a lot of shots Saturday, especially the barage of three pointers… the game could have been much different, just a matter of inches on shooting and more confidence in each other as team mates. Felton is building a program, he could probably have had a better short term “team” in the last few years, but it could have been a detrimate to the “program”. If we give him a few more years I believe Felton will make us proud. To have even accepted the job after Harrick’s legacy earns Felton big points in my book, he has made real progress and is restoring integrity to the program.

By AltamahaDawg

February 7, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hunk Erdown, I get the feeling this debate comes down to this: on one side is grown men who understand realities and can see past this week or even a very tough year…..on the other side…..a bunch of boys looking for thier next good buzz.

I am reminded of the panic and outright doubt about the future of the football program in 2006, from (some).

PTC I beleive it is because he is a proven good coach, has taken a completely crippled program and restored it to normal, and in the past 3 years has had a huge increase in every reasonable standard. Prababaly one of the better turnaround in the country in terms of wins, competitiveness and recruiting. And even this year despite losing his top 2 scorers has had his team within a couple of buckets of being right there in several close losses.. Is playing through the pain of 3 highly talented freshmen that he recruited last year, and has a nationally ranked class on the way. He is a classy guy, a good representative of the university, and appearantly commited to academic performance for his student-athlelets. Draws praises from outside and has the backing of the school. Did that answer you question????

By Hunk Erdown

February 7, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

AltamahaDawg-

Let me just say that although Basketball is a few rungs down the ladder of my favorite sports, I appreciate the fact that when i read these blogs, whether b-ball or football or whatever, all you ask for in a debate is some level of intellect coupled with fact. It amazes me that so many are willing to sling arrows and venom but come up sorely lacking in the intellect and fact department. Please continue to fight the good fight and when I can I’ll try to back you up the best I can.

It appears that Humphrey has compounded an already volatile situation by getting into trouble last night.

By Champ here

February 7, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

For the recored, and I know the past is the past, but Harrick never had as much problems on the court and off the court(ok, who can forget Toney Cole and the attendance and test questions for a P.E. class)that this Frenchy guy is having…I laugh at this guy! He can not coach, he is not a winner, and he has no charisma. At least with Tubby(elight 8) and Harrick(twice almost 3times) we went to the NCAA tourny while this guy can even beat real teams. Look at our wins…most of them cupcakes and Wake and Gt are down in the ACC, and Bama is bad. And players are quiting b/c of him…he’s a joke.

By scooter11

February 7, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

With Humphries’ arrest, the answer to the headline question is ‘tailspin’.

By Hunk Erdown

February 7, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

How could someone be so mentally bankrupt that they would try to use Jim Harrick and Son to somehow project that he had positive influence with UGA basketball. The idiot set us back 20 years! Now Felton is trying to repair the wreck that was left by Harrick and build the program back, against incredible obstacles btw, and he is being compared unfavorably to the moron that wrecked it?!?!

When using q-tips, please only insert them until you feel resistance.

By Reality Check

February 7, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Billy Humphrey is a DGD.

By Rick S

February 7, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Let’s be honest about the current and future status of Georgia Basketball, as making coaching changes every three-five years is not the answer as this only protrays instability in the program. It is my opinion that Damon Evans needs to present to the University of Georgia Board of Trustees at the March meeting, a plan to build a new Basketball Arena. I realize the new practice facility, weight & locker rooms, & coaches offices are nice, but let’s get real, what excites a top High School Basketball recruit is seeing the commitment made by the University to Basketball and in Georgia’s case a new Basketball arena will prove the seriousness of the administration and athletic department. Georgia’s Athletic Department is one of the most profitable in the country so it’s time to invest in the future and get serious about the Basketball Program!

By Ben

February 7, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

How long do you give Felton? I respect him and I have supported him since day one and he has been given all the leeway in the world to turn things around. Is 2 more years enough? Three? At what point do you have to try something else? Do you people know that his SEC road record is 5-30? At some point you have to compete without excuses and we aren’t even close today. Freaking depressing.

By AltamahaDawg

February 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

ben, what does all the leeway in the world even mean. Felton is given the same as any coach. (and BTW, I wouldnt consider University mandded suspensions, for skipping class, as extra leeway) In terms of time, here is what I think: totally discount the first 3 years. His first year he totally lost(didnt force them to honor thier LOI) the incoming class, which had some pretty good players. And his star left for NBA. (not even going to dwell on Williams skipping to the NBA) As I recall he had a decent first year despite terrible attitudes on the few remaining. The next 2 yrs was walk on, and no prayer in hell of recruiting, not many scholarships if he could. Can we agree on that? That’s indisputable.

Then in his 4th year he managed to win 19th games, (up from 8) only bested by a handfull of SEC teams. AND I am sure you have noticed the excellent potential of that recruiting class , now playing as freshmen.

5th year, major setback, lost top 2 scorers. #rd injured, now facing suspension. So lets be realistic here. What athletic program in the world is going to have every year better than the last without fail? Without a setback. Even Richt had one a couple of years ago. Even still, its not like they are going backwards, not trying, getting blown out every night. They are losing close games, because they do not have scorers, and playing 3 freshman at times.

I am also sure you see the upcoming class. Combined with theses more seasoned guy playing now, I’ll go on record as saying they will be substantially better next year.

Timeframe, I’d say after 7 yrs if the program is not headed in the right direction, make a move. Its pretty difficult to point to factual criteria that its not right now.

Please tell me where I am wrong.

By Ben

February 7, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Altahama, “all the leeway in the world” means exactly what you just posted. We have given Felton leeway with all the problems that the program has faced. Not even John Wooden could be expected to turn the program around quickly after the Harrick debacle. I understand all this and I certainly will give him one more season before I’m ready to truly cut bait. I’m simply saying at what point is it truly not working? UT had no momentum in their program when they brought Buzz Peterson in…….he was fired 4 years later for not winning, they hired Bruce Pearl and are now one of the best teams in the country. In the last two seasons under Felton, NOT the 1st two, he has 1 less win than Ron Jirsa. I am an alum. I had season bball tix the whole time I was at UGA (Tubby was coach) and I don’t want to fall into sub-mediocrity because we were too afraid to be honest about our coach. I hope I’m completely wrong and we turn around and win the SEC next year and i have to eat crow but so far I haven’t seen anything that says we are simply going to flip the switch.

By Matthew Stafford

February 11, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Has anyone seen a big sexy man around here who would like to spoon me? I want to be the reciever.

Mmmmm, sticky.

By Coondawg69

February 11, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

While Felton is not terrible, he is simply over matched in the SEC. He is quick to point the finger for his troubles. He’s mentioned the Harrick situation, which was 5 years ago. The 3 kids who were asked to leave or left, were all his recruits. He’s mentioned that he didn’t have the scholarships, which the NCAA ultimately decided. He’s called out the Athletic Department for lack of support. They did spend 37 million on a new practice facility. He’s called out the season ticket holders. That was really smart. Yes, go ahead an alienate the ones who continually support the program. Felton is quick to point the finger, but the facts are, he’s 5 years into the program, the will miss the NCAA tourney again. Last year’s 8-8 regular season record in the conference is not the average, but basically the high water mark under his administration. Please do not forget that Felton’s group of “student-athletes” only could muster a 2.19 last Spring semester…. And that’s with Steve Newman and Dave Bliss. Newman was a very fine student who has since graduated and Bliss is working on his graduate degree.

I think this upcoming off season will be very important for everyone that supports Georgia athletics. We will find out if Damon Evans really wants Georgia to be a force in every sport it participates or is Evans okay with everything as long as football is knocking on the national championship door.

By Coondawg69

February 11, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

While Felton is not terrible, he is simply over matched in the SEC. He is quick to point the finger for his troubles. He’s mentioned the Harrick situation, which was 5 years ago. The 3 kids who were asked to leave or left, were all his recruits. He’s mentioned that he didn’t have the scholarships, which the NCAA ultimately decided. He’s called out the Athletic Department for lack of support. They did spend 37 million on a new practice facility. He’s called out the season ticket holders. That was really smart. Yes, go ahead an alienate the ones who continually support the program. Felton is quick to point the finger, but the facts are, he’s 5 years into the program, the will miss the NCAA tourney again. Last year’s 8-8 regular season record in the conference is not the average, but basically the high water mark under his administration. Please do not forget that Felton’s group of “student-athletes” only could muster a 2.19 last Spring semester…. And that’s with Steve Newman and Dave Bliss. Newman was a very fine student who has since graduated and Bliss is working on his graduate degree.

I think this upcoming off season will be very important for everyone that supports Georgia athletics. We will find out if Damon Evans really wants Georgia to be a force in every sport it participates or is Evans okay with everything as long as football is knocking on the national championship door.