No question the Arizona Cactus Classic is putting on a great show this weekend, a well-organized elite basketball tournament with dozens of the country’s top prospects.
But I spent most of my day and evening most intrigued by what was happening around the action.
There was Josh Pastner, wearing his UA gear despite the fact that his office is empty and he’s en route to Memphis, standing outside McKale Center greeting coach after coach after coach (think the Wildcats will miss his recruiting connections?).
There was incoming UA coach Mike Dunlap sitting in the front row of the red seats, watching the action and then talking with the two top candidates to replace Pastner — D-League coach Reggie Geary and Nike traveling-team manager Wyking Jones (he’s near the left in a dark coat).
There was Jeff Withey, whose family is upset about Pastner’s departure, saying he remains committed to UA because he committed to the school “not the coaches.”
There was Marcus Williams, hanging out with his old Seattle Rotary Select team, talking later about how much he learned last season while bouncing between the NBA and D-League.
There was Adam Cohen, the UA’s well-regarded video coordinator, doing a last tour of duty before joining Joe Pasternack’s staff at the University of New Orleans (yes, another staffer who is on the way out).
There was Jeff Pendergraph, in Tucson for Mother’s Day, while his mother watches little brother Tim play in the event, talking excitedly about ASU’s future with so many players returning.
Then, of course, there were the players. Several of the 2009 prospects I spoke with said they are not planning to decide until at least later this summer
“I’m still open,” said
Avery Bradley, a teammate of committed UA recruit
Abdul Gaddy who scored 31 points in the Northwest Panthers’ defeat of Jim Harrick’s Pump N’ Run Elite team tonight. Arizona “offered me, but I’m not making a decision now.”
That’s good news for the Wildcats, because it is going to take time for the new staff to get up and running, and re-create some inroads with these guys. Getting a recruiter who’s plugged into the traveling circuit will help, which is why Jones’ name is surfacing. He’s a former assistant coach with Pepperdine who is well-connected in this scene.
But Geary has D-League credibility plus UA and NBA playing experience.
It will be interesting to see which way Lute Olson turns on this one.
Who’s your Gaddy?
— Guert 05/11/2008 12:39 AM #
Wyking Jones sounds like an interesting individual…if he ends up applying for the job I would like to learn some more about him…
— Darren 05/11/2008 01:21 PM #
D-League credibility? That is a positive? We can all be thankful Columbo is not running the program.
— columbo 05/11/2008 04:08 PM #
Jay Bilas wrote this about Olson on epsn’s insider.
• The situation at Arizona is simply bizarre. Any staff member serves at the pleasure of his head coach, and I have no problem with any coach that makes changes in his staff. However, the assistants at Arizona took a lot of bullets for Lute Olson while he stepped away from the program to attend to personal problems last season. Their reward? Kevin O’Neill, who was brought in by Olson to replace longtime assistant Jim Rosborough, was kicked to the curb unceremoniously after dong a very good job coaching the team in Olson’s absence. Miles Simon, who had served under Olson and O’Neill and played for Olson, was essentially fired without explanation. Now, former player and assistant coach Josh Pastner is reportedly leaving Arizona to take the same position at Memphis. What it clearly signals is that Olson has not been reasonable or easy to work for upon his return. Instead of accepting responsibility for the results of being out for the past year, it was just easier to clean house. Remember, Olson left his staff with only four players and a bunch of walk-ons, and they did a pretty darn good job with that team. They should have received Olson’s gratitude for stepping forward and playing the hand he left them. This staff shakeup is a sad result and a sad commentary on one of the best programs and best coaches in the country. Those assistants deserved far better
— confused, maybe not 05/11/2008 05:37 PM #
More like: The situation at Arizona is quite interesting. Any staff member serves at the pleasure of his head coach, and I have no problem with any coach that makes changes in his staff, especially when those changes will improve the overall in-game coaching experience. The assistants at Arizona took a lot of bullets for Lute Olson while he stepped away from the program to attend to personal problems last season, under the tutelage of Kevin O’Neill, who was brought in by Olson to replace longtime assistant Jim Rosborough. O’Neill was kicked to the curb after dong an OK job coaching the team in Olson’s absence while trying to change the Program’s entire coaching philosophy much to the dismay of Coach Olson. 15 losses and one of the last four teams into the NCAA Tournament isn’t going to get it done at Arizona, even though injuries played a part. Miles Simon, who had served under Olson and O’Neill and played for Olson, was essentially fired possibly for not sealing the deal with the Wear Twins who were from his own alma matter, Mater Dei High School. Now, former player and assistant coach Josh Pastner is reportedly leaving Arizona to take the number two position at Memphis to gain more experience before becoming a head coach at a major program. What it clearly signals is that Olson isn’t messing around anymore upon his return. His way of accepting responsibility for the results of being out for the past year (while watching closely), is to make major changes throughout the program. Olson left his staff with a strong team and walk-on Bret Breilmaier. Arizona did an OK job with that team and finished 7th in the Pac 10 (lowest since the 83-84 season). The players certainly received Olson’s gratitude for stepping forward and playing the hand they were dealt. This staff shakeup is a result and a commentary on one of the best programs and best coaches in the country. The new assistants will help immediately but will take a step back in short-term recruiting with the exit of Josh Pastner. Medium to Long term look for Arizona to bounce back in a big way. If certain key players show up in the Fall the Wildcats will be in great shape.
— Guert 05/11/2008 06:25 PM #
That’s Bilas for you.
On-air he pretends to be criticizing his alma mater, Duke, so that we don’t realize too quickly that he’s Duke to and through, actually.
He’ll give Arizona and other teams competing with his beloved Blue Devils a kind word or two, but those words are truly meant to cover his passion for everything coach K, even Dookie V.
But as you peel away that facade, there you have it: The pride of Cameron Indoor Stadium in full-bloom, never once dissecting or disparaging his true love — Duke — while stopping at nothing to put down a competitor team — Arizona — he knows very little about.
C’mon, O’Neill himself said he didn’t have to listen to Pastner or Simon because he’s the head coach and they’re not.
I’d like to know who were the only 4 players O’Neill had to work with last season because I saw plenty of 3 and 4 star recruits just sitting idly on the bench, not getting even a minute to develop and prove themselves.
And please, Pastner and Simon, like Johnny Dawkins and some of the other Coach K proteges on the bench next to him, have not successfully improved a single player in the time they’ve been coaches, period.
Recruiting should not be confused with coaching.
Bilas ought to stick with analyzing games for the Duke media conglomerate that is ABC-ESPN-FOX-CBS-NBC and leave team analysis to the pros.
Who’s kidding who here?
— Carlos 05/11/2008 09:29 PM #
Anyone else following this USC news about OJ Mayo? Very interesting stuff. I always thought the stories about Floyd’s recruitment of Mayo were strange, i.e. Mayo only calling Floyd, not vice versa, and Floyd not even having Mayo’s contact number…but this is nuts.
Bruce, they can’t penalize Mayo now right? But USC could face some serious penalties from this, correct?
— Darren 05/11/2008 10:37 PM #
Hey Bruce, thanks for a great article. I can only imagine all the under currents that must have been flowing throughout McKale over the weekend.
It also appears that the Withey’s are not the only ones upset with Josh Pastner’s leaving. When you consider that special sort of relationship that develops between a recruit, his family, and the recruiter it is understandable that having unfamiliar faces to greet you is upsetting.
Something that I am having difficulty in accepting is Lute Olson’s callous behavior to the young men that have served him so well for so long.
It’s obvious now that he dismissed Miles Simon without the obvious courtesy of a face to face meeting. We all know the value of closure, and how difficult that is to achieve when there are so many questions unanswered.
Did he ever have a face to face “sit down” with Josh to discuss their future plans? It’s his lack of compassionate understanding in the way he’s handled this whole thing that is so painful to read about.
And, #6 carlos? Man, it was painful to read your diatribe against Jay Bilas. You are way off base with your assumptions. Bilas played basketball for one of the great programs in the country. And, coach K is nationally recognized not only as an outstanding coach but as a teacher, and leader of young men. If he didn’t have some feelings regarding his coach and his time spent there he wouldn’t be human. I guess I do have to say that your Duke Media Conglomerate was funny to read about but as far as who’s kidding who here? Save it for your parakeet, please!
— Al M 05/12/2008 04:04 AM #
The Bilas comments are very slanted. KO was a train wreck just as he’s been at every stop as a head coach. And “4 players and a bunch of walk-on’s”? What team was that? not Arizona.
— vegasallen 05/12/2008 07:57 AM #
If Wise does leave, he is blowing a chance to play for better coaches. He’ll have to sit out a year, and to accomplish what? He’ll get more pub playing for the UA than just about any other school he would transfer to…
— Steal Your Face 05/12/2008 09:12 AM #
Darren — Yeah, Mayo will be OK. But USC could be facing scholarship reductions, probation or any number of penalties. It could also have to forfeit games retroactively…
— Bruce Pascoe 05/12/2008 10:03 AM #
Yeah Bilas, those 4 players and a bunch of walk-ons took it to the national champs in Lawrence and played well at Memphis without the leading scorer. Pretty ridiculous comments.
The part of the season that has killed UA the past couple years has been down the stretch in Pac-10 play. There has to be something to that.
Wise has to stay. He emerged last year, and I can understand his concerns. The thing O hope doesn’t happen is that Lute doesn’t continue with the ‘you’re with me or against me’ attitude with Nic that he has done with everything else. We know Nic will be in a big role next year, but Lute has to reinforce it. Man, imagine if he leaves and Jennings doesn’t qualify. Nic has to stay.
— Darren 05/12/2008 10:05 AM #
Nothing can take the place of practical experience out in the real world…
— QT 05/12/2008 10:14 AM #
B/C USC will eventually have to give up games this year, there is lute olson’s 20 win season.
— t 05/12/2008 10:36 AM #
Somebody needs to get Wise his pacifier and change his diaper. You don’t want to be here, LEAVE!!! I’m sick and tired of this pandering for these over pampered athletes.
And the comments about Pastner, does anybody really believe a recruit or anybody will say something negative to the media? The comment sounded like they were relieved to me.
Does anybody believe that Withey was coming here to be tutored by the greatest big man coach basketball has ever seen, Josh Pastner?
The house cleaning was necessary and glad something positive has finally happened. To be a successful leader you must surround yourself with the same and these young guys need to hit the road and quit whining; you were over fortunate to be here in the first place.
And who cares what the junior wannabe Dick Vitale, (Bilas), says about our program.
— JK 05/12/2008 10:56 AM #
Guys,
I love how y’all shoot the messenger. Bilas was even handed. I do think that Lute put his staff, players, and the program, in a bad position last year. If you can’t see that, you are complete Lute Olson Ball Washer.
Having said that, the new hires are a good move. There is no guarantee that Lute will not quit on the team again. For that reason alone, getting Dunlap is gold!
— Robert 05/12/2008 11:13 AM #
Darren, Marco — Nic’s knee appears to be fine. I think he knows he may play a lot but he’s looking at possibly playing the rest of his career at UA as a backup point guard and possibly a starting two. Jennings will be the point guard next season — I suspect he’ll be fine academically — and then Gaddy after that. Add that on top of the fact that Nic has had two less than happy seasons here and you see why he is thinking what he is.
— Bruce Pascoe 05/12/2008 11:30 AM #
Robert-
I totally agree with you as far as Olson should have left years ago, but the ugly reality is he isn’t going anywhere and I am hopeful these new assistants will be able to bring back respectability.
And all those concerned about Wise leaving, I think he is being a baby and cowering away from competition, how easy does he want it?
Competition should and will make you better but nobody these days want to work hard any more.
— JK 05/12/2008 11:54 AM #
Bilas was even handed? Hardly.
Now, it would be something if the Cats 20 win streak stays intact due to USC forfeits.
— vegasallen 05/12/2008 12:02 PM #
Vegas beat me to the punch on the 20 win thing – I’ll take it any way we can get it. USC is in a lot of trouble. Hopefully this trend of one and done players abusing the status doesn’t continue. I’d be surprised if it didn’t.
— azcat05 05/12/2008 12:10 PM #
Bruce—thx for the info. nic isn’t thinking clearly if that is his reasoning. he would definitely start next year, get plenty of pt and pub and many college teams do well with two guys who are or would be best playing the point. collison/westbrook, gardner/arenas, simon and bibby co-led the 97 run .two guys who can pass, handle, and shoot is a good thing! ku won it with three guys who functioned as point guards. jeff
— Jeff Greenberg 05/12/2008 01:08 PM #
Lute’s success has created the current situation where the elite players are now actually coming to the U of A. These guys play one season and then leave for the NBA. In earlier years, Lute had to settle for second tier players and then he had to devise a scheme to make the best use of the talent on hand. This resulted in changing the style of play to suit the talent. Lute was a master at this and his long successful run in the Tournament attests to just how good Lute is at adapting to the talent on hand. This may be his genius as a coach. This season, we’ll get to see if Lute’s magic is still working.
— Edwin S. 05/12/2008 01:09 PM #
Man this board is filled with cry babies. The new hires are a good move, but people come to a program to play for a head coach. If they lose touch with that head coach (as Wise and Olson have) than you start to have problems. Everyone is leaving. Wise, Pastner, Simon, KO, Bayless, Budinger – and there is only one constant – Olson. Maybe it has something to do with him… Regardless hiring Dunlap is a coup and I think the team will benefit greatly from his coaching.
— Mike H 05/12/2008 01:57 PM #
Vegas,
We only had one walk-on get significant PT (Brett B.)last year. Other than that, what did Bilas say that was unfair? In my mind, Bayless was the only stud on this team, Budinger was a good complimentary player, Wise was a solid role player, and Hill was/is a freakin’ work in progress. Other than Bayless, we really didn’t have much last year. Lute brought KO in for better or worse and it looks like he was undermining the effort while he was away. A once proud program has turned into the land of misfit/broken toys. The AD and Lute apparently don’t talk to one another much. What else is one to conclude other than the UA baskebtall program is completely toxic right now?
I am curious to see how things go with Dunlap at the helm. The guy is well respected and for all the gripes that I have about LO, it looks like he finally got one right. Actually, the KO hire was probably not a bad move either in retrospect. I know that 99.99 percent of the people on this board detest the man, but I think he did well under the circumstances.
— Robert 05/12/2008 02:08 PM #
Marco – Do you mind elaborating on your comment in #10: “Simon will be serving something very soon”
Were you just being tongue-in-cheek or is there something more substantial there?
— SCDave 05/12/2008 04:39 PM #
Robert-Your post #26 is so absurd that it doesn’t deserve a response.
— vegasallen 05/12/2008 05:33 PM #
This board is coming back to life! Excellent!
WORK ETHIC:
Some fossils here insist that “kids these days don’t want to work” but I don’t buy that crapola. Sure they vary in how they express their dreams, but I see no evidence that college players as a class are less willing to work on getting better, both as individuals and as part of a team. It seems totally obvious that they are hungry to win.
DEFENSE:
Some express the opinion that Lute needed KO to bring defense back. What a crock! Defense, like offense, is implemented by breaking things down and teaching technique, then putting it together in a team context; doesn’t matter if it’s man or zone or combo’s. Let’s see how the new teaching staff succeeds with the talents of Withey, Hill, and Horne at defending the basket, altering shots, and controlling the defensive boards. I think KO will not be missed on that end of the court.
POINT GUARDS:
Forget about any conflict, and I bet both Wise and Jennings already totally grok this. If they are both on board, Lute will want at least one of them in the game at all times. In the flow of the game, both will get plenty of opportunities to handle the ball. Both will get chances to spot up or to drive and dish. Both will be stealing the ball and triggering the break. Wise already showed he can prosper in the same lineup with Bayless. Jennings’ game is different, but Nic will be a year older and ten years wiser (no pun). I’ll bet Nic knows all that; I just hope his father is not inclined to get involved. Is he that type?
— Portland Catfan 05/12/2008 08:14 PM #
Portland-
Obviously you have not watched the NBA lately I was able to stomach and watch a few playoff games, pathetic. As much as I hate the Spurs they are the most overachieving, committed, do whatever we need to do team around. They personify TEAM.
There are no fundamentals it is nothing but a business and being able to wear multiple gang tattoos to get the street pub and be highlighted on ESPN.
There are no more dreams about championships or team it is all about themselves, money, street cred and atttiude. To much money to easy, I will never fault a person for being able to get what they can, but at least raise the standards.
Do you really think Wise or Budinger are concerned about winning, no it’s all about me. Pro sports in general is going straight down the crapper and college athletics is getting diseased as well.
Whatever the opinion is about Bayless he was a true competitor and he is becoming a rare breed.
— JK 05/12/2008 08:32 PM #
Portland — Nic’s dad (who has been a high school coach) has told me Nic’s decision is not based on Jennings. He said Nic always welcomes anybody who can make Arizona better. If this is true, it suggests Nic is considering leaving for other reasons…
— Bruce Pascoe 05/12/2008 10:51 PM #
And the other touchy, reasons Wise may transfer to another program, currently not in Helter Sketer mode, is spelled O-L-S-O-N. Because no matter what the typical Wildcat fandom’s opinion of Coach is, he’s very much to blame for what has happened the last three years in Tucson.
Personally, it would be abso-LUTE-ly awesome if Wise remained a Wildcat but if he seeks a relatively calm, stable program, then so be it.
Nonetheless, with the expected departure of Pastner, Arizona is in for a relatively short period of darkness. Unless, Olson can hire a competent lead recruiting coach in the next several weeks. Time is of the importance because it’s relatively late in the fisco year to hire a quality assistant coach who’s speciality is recruiting.
— voice of darkness 05/13/2008 09:14 AM #
JK,
Sorry, I thought we were talking about UA and NCAA basketball, not the NBA. But as it happens, here in Portland it’s a lot easier to keep up with the NBA game than with the Pac-10.
I guess you can find examples of selfish play in the NBA (more so in the regular season) if you look hard enough, but I think your cynicism was more credible 10 years ago than it is today. When David Stern was feverishly promoting individual stars to pump up the league, there was more evidence that selfishness was tolerated by some of the franchises. But even in that era of Magic, Bird, and Jordan, it was team performances that won titles; just think about those great rosters and about how well they played together.
Today the team game is much more in evidence than you indicate: Spurs, Pistons, Lakers (yes, even with Kobe), Jazz, New Orleans, Suns, Blazers, many more franchises feature lots of unselfish play and lots of effort around team defense. The shoe companies and TV networks still feature the super-stars, but the coaches and general managers are paying a lot more attention to the chemistry and the team’s performance.
How you can watch any NBA playoff game and see selfish individuals who don’t care about winning is beyond my comprehension. As to Wise and Budinger not caring about winning, I don’t know the kids but I suspect you’re wrong there as well.
And Bayless a rare breed? Think about Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Tyler Hansbrough, Kansas and Memphis teams, on and on and on. The rare breed these days is the tolerated individual performer; where have you gone, Pete Maravich?
— Portland Catfan 05/13/2008 12:19 PM #