going to script

[Casey]

You are right East Stang and Jimmy Tubbs passes all the tests. I believe it was Al Davis who coined the phrase, "JUST WIN, BABY!!!"

Tubbs gives the best shot at this and in the shortest period of time. The other candidates are worthy applicants but don't have Tubbs':
1) coaching record,
2) recruiting record, or
3) sincere personality that enables Jimmy to be loved by many
SMU fans, Dallasites (over a long period of time) and
Oklahomans (in a short period of time)
4) Tubbs' record at SMU: integral involvement in graduating
students, strong interaction with the faculty and administration.

I am all for bringing in candidates and "turning over all the rocks" but the decision should be simple and clear cut.

Before I say anything, I should state that I'm firmly in Tubbs' corner. I met him several times when he was an assistant at SMU, and I really liked him. I don't know him well, by any means, but I like the guy and I want him to do well - preferably at SMU.

However, with that said, I'm not sure your analysis is fair.

1. You say the other candidates don't have Tubbs' coaching record. As an assistant? Hard to measure the worth of an assistant coach. Yes, Coach Tubbs had great success at the HS level, but do we know the other candidates didn't also have great success at the HS level?

2. Also, you mention Coach Tubbs' "sincere personality that enables Jimmy to be loved by many SMU fans, Dallasites (over a long period of time) and Oklahomans (in a short period of time).... " As I mentioned, I really like Coach Tubbs, and I agree that his personality is sincere and genuine. But to imply the other candidates aren't sincere and/or loved by the fans of their current and former programs sounds ignorant. I have no doubt about the effect Coach Tubbs has had on those around him -- I'm among those who was very impressed by him. But I bet some of the other candidates also are sincere and impressive.

OK, I'm off my soapbox. Just my two cents for the day.

[LA_Mustang]

Dooby, I hope your not trying to compare Haith's Texas high school relationships with Tubbs. Before he came to UT three years ago I wasnt aware of any connections he had to Texas. UT has only landed one DFW product, LaMarcus Adridge, in the last four years, and in fact, UT has lost out on many top DFW recruits (Bracey Wright, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Ike Diogu, Jason Horton, Jeremis Smith) in the recent past. When you are THE major program in the state you should be getting more of these guys. Granted UT has done better in Houston and Haith may be responsible for that, but I'm only really concerned about DFW. Dont get me wrong Haith is a qualified candidate and very well could make a great HC for SMU but on the surface I dont see enough to choose him over Tubbs.

[EastStang]

Given that Rice stomped our butts this year with some Houston kids and that UT is ranked in the top 10-15 depending on the poll and has been for the last four years, it would seem to me that Haith should be given a long look as well. I personally don't know Tubbs or Haith or Wojik for that matter. But you can bet Voc Atkins and Copeland know Tubbs and his strengths. I suspect Voc was recruited by Tubbs. My thought is that you have two big money guys on that Committee, why? Because the school may very well be willing to open its wallet to catch a big fish or are they there to ensure that their investment in our program is spent on the best candidate available? I don't know, but it is one of the intriguing aspects of this search that has forced me to keep an open mind and to once and only once trust the process. I like the make-up of this committee and trust that they want SMU to return to greatness in basketball. Lamar Hunt hates to lose.

[Hoop Fan]

East, I am not trying to disagree with you, but the best player on the Rice team is from Hillsboro, much closer to the Metroplex than Houston. They also have a guy from NY state I believe among their best in McKreith. Willis Wilson has been persistent down there and it is paying off a little this year, but lets not annoint Rice yet, they lost to Dement for years big time.

As for the committee, we always have those don't we? And they always have big money guys represented.