Is Willis Wilson Throwing In The Towel?
Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:40 pmApril 10, 2007
WTW: What's next?
According to multiple reports out of the Big Island, Owls men's basketball coach Willis Wilson interviewed for the Hawaii opening and is one of five finalists. WTW interviewed with Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier at the Final Four in Atlanta, and is set to meet with the search committee this week in Los Angeles, although that scenario is in dispute. WTW will attend the funeral of Jon Bailey on Friday in Beaumont.
Rice AD Chris Del Conte declined to discuss any details, but he did theorize on the mutual interest between WTW and courting schools (Denver and Hawaii).
"Overall, he's done a great job with the cards he's been dealt," Del Conte said. "That's the bare facts. I can see why he's being looked at around the country.
"In this day and age, from a public perception standpoint you could say, 'That (WTW's interest in Denver and Hawaii) seems odd.' But with what they're paying, you can't blame a guy for looking."
Hawaii officials capped the salary for Riley Wallace's successor at $400K. That's a lot of poi, folks. And while we wouldn't suggest WTW leave only for the $$$, we can understand why he would want to bolt. Rice officials (read: the other side of campus) have done little to match his passion for getting the program on par with others, and while the improvements to Autry Court are a positive, they pale in comparison to the commitment other programs around the nation are showing.
We understand that some of you have well-reasoned takes why WTW and Rice should part ways. We also know that some of you have had the audacity to question the man's loyalty to Rice. Don't like WTW's coaching style? We're fine with that. Think Rice can get a better Xs and Os guy? We don't disagree. But can Rice find a replacement who cares as much about Rice as WTW? We doubt it.
But WTW and Rice should consider parting ways. It won't get any better for WTW from here on out, and we like the guy too much to see him suffer. He deserves better, and we hate using that word. But when you look at how much he has invested in the program, how long he fought behind the scenes for improvements only to be rebuffed repeatedly, and how little support he gets from all corners (students, alumni, school officials), perhaps he should resign. He deserves the opportunity to leave on his terms. Rice shouldn't force WTW out the door, but it sure looks like that will happen after one season at Tudor Fieldhouse. Then Rice can bring in a young up-and-comer with no ties to Rice and full interest in self-promotion so we can live this nightmare all over again.
Posted by Moisekapenda Bower at April 10, 2007 09:30 PM
Comments
You mention that bringing in a new upstart coach could lead to another TG type situation. While I agree with that, I think it would still be worth the risk. The basketball program under WTW has become stagnant much like football under Hatfield. This next season is going to be brutal without Morris Almond. WTW has obviously already lost his interest in and passion for coaching here at Rice, so I don't neccesarily agree that he is a more stable option than some new upstart with no personal ties.
Either way, I am really indifferent. If he leaves on his own accord it may be best for both parties. But if he stays and the next few years are as ugly as they look to be, a change will need to be made.
Talon Owl -- While I hedge on accepting that things have become "stagnant" under WTW and wouldn't compare WTW to Hat in any manner, I agree with your general premise. I just want to see both sides come out of this as happy as possible. - MK
Posted by: talon owl at April 10, 2007 11:42 PM
I don't know how much Wilson has fought behind the scenes. I do know that he has reportedly interviewed for a number of other positions over the years. That is not usually an indication of the absolute, 100%, till-death-do-us-part loyalty that he is sometimes credited with.
As of 2000 Wilson's salary was almost $350K.
Careful with the Todd Graham rhetoric. As badly as he screwed us, our football program is in much better shape today than it was in '05.
Gravy -- How is the football program in better overall shape? Some of the refurbishments remain incomplete, the attendance was horrible (again) last season, players were "encouraged" to play hurt last season, and the Owls were three plays away from being 4-8 with TG still here. I don't think playing in one lower-tier bowl (and having your lunch taken by Troy) makes Rice a markedly better program. If Bailiff builds upon the momentum and takes Rice to another bowl, I will gladly retract this statement. But Todd left quite a mess at Rice. - MK
Posted by: Gravy at April 11, 2007 12:15 AM
It's a world of screwing the other guy before he can screw you first. But as you mention, parting in this fashion would not represent screwing over Rice (and not because his coaching ability has been called into question). But as you also mention, anything short of an NCAA tournament bid (with a noted lack of obvious talent at this point) will result in a "don't let the door hit your a** on the way out" situation in a couple years. This would qualify as the other guy screwing him, and that needs to be avoided at all costs.
I'm pretty sure WTW cares more about Rice than anyone brought into the athletic department starting with the Todd Graham hire, but that probably doesn't mean anything to the higher-ups ... we all saw what happened with a certain former SID and a certain former Sr. Associate AD.
Posted by: A-Tab at April 11, 2007 12:43 AM
Quite frankly, I think CDC would be happy if another school took WTW off Rice's books, making it a clean break. The WTW era at Rice has to be winding down, and it was one of marked mediocrity. WTW has many qualities as a coach off-court, but I struggle to think of many shining moments on the scoreboard.
I don't blame a coach for applying to other coaching jobs while under contract at Rice, but it cannot be described as loyal behavior. Rice has been loyal to him for 15 years, however.
As for salaries, WTW is getting about $400K from Rice, so he wouldn't be leaving for the money. He would be leaving to get a new contract.
Bay Area Owl -- Before Denver (which makes next to no sense to me), WTW interviewed at programs markedly better than Rice, either in profile or commitment. I don't think that represents a lack of loyalty; that is solid decision-making. This takes us back to Todd: He not only left for the $$$, he left for the commitment Tulsa shows to football. For the latter part, I don't blame him at all. Now multiply that times 15 years of trying to get an institution to care, and I understand why WTW would leave for anywhere but here. - MK
Posted by: Bay Area Owl at April 11, 2007 03:08 AM
I just infer from the various jobs coach Wilson has gone after this spring that he doesn't truly feel comfortable with the new athletic administration. Based on how many people have changed jobs within the department over the past year, it's probably the correct assumption for him to be making.
BTW, according to this cost of living comparison -- http://www.bestplaces.net/col/?salary=4 ... city2=3360 -- 400K in Hawaii compares to less than 200K in Houston. So it would be a significant pay decrease, although I doubt money is a huge issue to coach Wilson at this point.
I like coach Wilson and feel he has been short-changed with the administrative assistance at Rice for years now. But I also feel he truly want to be at Rice still and it's time for a new change.
Mark -- I agree 100%. - MK
Posted by: Mark at April 11, 2007 06:25 AM
I've always liked Willis and I think he's had some bad breaks (pun intended) from a player health standpoint along the way. I've no doubt that he's done his best to get more for his program, but I think even he has to realize that winning is the best and quickest way to get the kind of backing that a program needs, and that hasn't happened under his leadership.
There's certainly a chicken and egg argument to be made, but Willis's teams didn't do enough in very mediocre conferences to generate the kind of excitement and revenue needed to sustain success. A lot of that falls squarely on his shoulders. Did the administration give him everything he needed to be a big success? No. Did he do enough with what he had to maximize his success and force the administration's hand? No.
It's unfortunate that a parting of the ways is inevitable. It's nice to have a home grown guy who really seems to have the best interests of the players and the school at heart. But I don't think the Owls are ever going anywhere with him at the helm no matter what kind of resources are provided.
Robert -- I disagree with only one point: Winning made little difference in the commitment Rice showed Wayne Graham. For all the success the Owls have enjoyed in baseball, I find it insulting that Graham has to raise the funds for improvements at Reckling. For the windfall of exposure Rice got from the 2003 CWS, one would think they'd give Graham what he needs to compete with the UTs, LSUs and A$Ms of the world. Commitment, folks. - MK
Posted by: Robert at April 11, 2007 09:25 AM
It doesn't help that he is losing one of the country's best players to graduation (NBA). Don't know much about Rice's incoming class, but I doubt there is talent on par with Almond's to fill in.
WTW recognizes that the team is not going to be very good next year, so he wants to get paid while he can still get a job.
Posted by: coogfan at April 11, 2007 11:57 AM
MK - Great points, one and all. Who knows what the next thing is? I am certain that your posting will ignite the calls to fire WTW yet again. What's the over/under on number of Rice fans who will actually voice support for Willis? I'll set the line at 0.5 and take the under.
Here's a question for you. In all of the noise about firing WTW, one question that NEVER seems to get addressed is this: Just who in the [fiery, pain-filled underworld] do people think Rice is going to hire to replace Willis? People get on here and scream for his head, but who do you think is going to take that job? Just a guess here, but I'm pretty sure Rice can't land Billy Donovan. Honestly, who would want that job? Even with the renovations to Autry, it's still one of the lowest-paid head coaching jobs in the country, with a tiny fan base, incredibly high academic requirements, and ZERO support from the administration.
I'm not a WTW fan, so don't get me wrong. The program has gone nowhere under his leadership. But does anyone really think we can do better? Why?
Bossbird -- It's pie-in-the-sky optimism. Fans fail to look at the big picture, and fans don't realize how crappy the Rice job is when you factor in commitment, fan support, monies, facilities, etc. No one with a real rep will come here, and the wonderful "young up-and-comer" will arrive looking to win AND for the first train out of town. If that's what everyone wants, then fine. - MK
Posted by: Bossbird at April 11, 2007 01:30 PM
How is the football program better? Don't we have a new summer program that allows our guys to stay here and work out together all year? Don't we have a new scoreboard and a new playing surface? Some refurbishments may remain incomplete, but that's surely progress over NOTHING? Didn't Graham also bring in Yancy, who seems to be a huge asset to the program. Attendance is still lagging, but there is very clearly a marked increase in fan enthusiasm for the program.
The concern that we may hire someone who isn't an improvement as coach is certainly legitimate, but hardly excuses accepting the current mediocrity.
At Ease -- I'm with you - Rice can't accept mediocrity. Period. But Rice had better exercise extreme caution with its next coaching search. And as to your points about the football program, if the Owls don't post another winning season in 2007, will the casual fan care about the new scoreboard, playing surface or Yancy? The summer program is great, but Rice still lacks sufficient numbers. It's all about Ws, and the Owls were mighty close to another losing season in 2006. If not for Lute Barber and an affiliation with a conference with five bowl tie-ins, I wonder if there would be such enthusiasm. - MK
Posted by: At Ease at April 11, 2007 02:58 PM
Look, I know Graham stuck it to us, but I have to agree with many of the posters here. What he did was change the perception of football here on campus. The students believe again that we can win. I didn't see that before this past season and it is really refreshing. And yes, we went to a "lower-tier" bowl, but come on MK, we hadn't been to one in 45 years before that. You gotta start somewhere. And yes, our attendance is awful. But, I've just come to accept that no matter what we do here, people in Houston just don't care enough to come out. We can market the team to death and still don't think it would make a huge, perceivable impact. I can live with the fact that we have a more passionate fan base now that lives and dies with every play.
Back to WTW, we aren't going to find someone as loyal as him, period. But, I just don't see the program improving under his leadership. He can get the talent, no doubt, but I just think he underachieves with the talent he has recruited. Well, at least the last 3 years, I feel that the team has underachieved to some degree every year. Who to get to replace him? I have no idea. We might have to get burned by some up-and-comer to improve the program. But, if we are looking for improvement, I don't know how else we can do it. If anyone has some names of people who will hang around and coach for the long haul at a place like this, you better bring them out now.
Russell -- Rice hadn't been bowling because of their affiliation with the WAC. Hat had three bowl-eligible teams and two that were bowl worthy, and if the Owls went bowling then, TG's accomplishments wouldn't seem so fantastic. And I'm jaded on the student support; if they do it again this year, great. But they have a tendency to make excuses for not showing up, just like marketing makes excuses for not being able to sell Rice football.
Now as for WTW, Rice can get a superior coach. I want everyone to understand that fact: Rice can do better. But it won't be as easy as some are making it out to be. - MK
Posted by: Russell at April 11, 2007 03:34 PM
WTW has had no support from the Administration. The fact that the Administration refused to even put in a million dollars to upgrade what was a poor location when WTW and I were in school in 1981 says alot about support. The fact that Graham is having to raise money says a lot about the short-sightedness of this administration.
The basketball program is guaranteed to be constantly on the road next season. They should not even consider next season in an evaluation of WTW. In fact, you want to assist recruiting, make a public statement of commitment to WTW through the next 2 years. Let incoming students know that they are being recruited for the future.
I agree with MK. Once WTW goes, we'll get a series of losing coaches or coaches that are gone as soon as they can find skateboards.
Posted by: Anthony at April 11, 2007 04:13 PM
With 300-odd NCAA D-1 basketball programs, have you surveyed the quality of facilities and financial support of all the other programs out there. Rice isn't in such a bad situation. Rice offers a competitive head coaching salary, and a new arena is on the way. Plenty of young assistants and head coaches at minor programs would jump at an open spot at Rice. Since when is a $400K/year job with a long off-season crappy???
Wilson never demonstrated a record of performance -- either on the court or in the stands -- to guarantee further financial commitments from the Rice administration. Athletic departments at other schools jealously guard their revenue streams, while Rice coaches seek further hand-outs from the administration? The modern coach in a revenue sport is expected to show some fund-raising initiative, not waiting for others to act.
Bay Area Owl -- Where have you gotten the idea that Rice will pay the next coach $400K? And if you are content with the level of support Rice administrators have provided athletics and to their coaches, I'd suggest you speak with the coaches on that subject. Oh, and $23 million into Autry doesn't make it "new." - MK
Posted by: Bay Area Owl at April 11, 2007 04:16 PM
Well, we can look on the bright side of things and say that at least half of Rice's head basketball coaching positions are firmly settled for the foreseeable future. How bout that Greg Williams, eh?
Posted by: A-Tab at April 11, 2007 05:38 PM
My main beef with WTW is his role in energizing fan support. As someone who was in the stands as a student during the Scott Thompson and Early WTW eras, the main thing I noticed about WTW was his relative aloof-ness with the student body. While Scott would regurlarly engage with the students to energize support, WTW has relied on others to do this within the department. This approach is more style over right or wrong - it's just that a small campus like Rice requires more of the outgoing type personality to energize students and alumni. Rice students are used to having open door and sometimes first name policies with professors and they will tend to respect coaches who make the effort to be out among the students - especially in programs that are struggling. I agree with CDC's comment that WTW has done well record-wise with the cards he was dealt. Whether WTW decides to stay or go I wish him nothing but success.
Maybe I'm crazy but I think that "home" games next season may not be as bad as some think - it's just how the experience is spun. The Athletic Department should sponsor "Reliant road trip rallies" at the track stadium and direct the students to the MetroRail station before the games (it's a free ride for students). The experience should be social and fun - not a dreaded trip OC. Keep a tab on attendance and publish it weekly. Students should know that they are missed when they don't show. Perhaps setting a student attendance goal (for both men's and women's games) that drives some sort of post season party could be arranged. However it's done, the department must take regular, routine initiative to drive student attendance next year.
Scott Thompson made Autry a fun place to be by revving up the crowds and using the humid confines pre-air conditioning as an intimidation factor for opposing teams. Road tripping to Reliant is the same idea - turn the negative into a positive experience by putting the best spin on the situation.
Wiess Guy -- Good points on marketing strategy for next season. And if you don't like WTW's personality, I understand. He is what he is, and he isn't Scott T. - MK
Posted by: Wiess Guy at April 11, 2007 07:53 PM
MK_You know when or if Willis takes another job. it would behoove everyone involved to remember the Scott Thompson era . Yes he won games. Recruited good players, pulled down the blue curtain, got A/C installed, the floor totally redone, engaged with every body. The one factor that is not being remembered is that the teams won over 20 games his last season and made it to the SWC semis. NO POST SEASON BID, AND THE PROGRAM HAS YET TO GET PAST THAT. That is the bottom line. Scott left for a better chance to get to the dance. RICE will still have to overcome its non-committal to becoming a balanced university, between academics and athletics. Will it happen? It can, its headed in the right direction.
Remember what happened with football it can and will happen in basketball. Rice will first become a stepping stone for the next coach. Then a stable situation for the coach after him.
And last but not least, Stanford and Connecticut both came to Autry Court to a half house. UCONN featuring Emeka Okafor, won the national Championships that same season. If you had two national powers coming in wouldn't you do whatever possible to get a packed housed. CAL came to town at TSU featuring Jason Kidd, to a SRO crowd at TSU, who still have not resolved there parking problems. People drove hours see Kidd in company. In the middle of the week. THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK. NO EXCUSES RICE, NO EXCUSES.
Posted by: dissatified sth at April 12, 2007 12:22 AM
WTW: What's next?
According to multiple reports out of the Big Island, Owls men's basketball coach Willis Wilson interviewed for the Hawaii opening and is one of five finalists. WTW interviewed with Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier at the Final Four in Atlanta, and is set to meet with the search committee this week in Los Angeles, although that scenario is in dispute. WTW will attend the funeral of Jon Bailey on Friday in Beaumont.
Rice AD Chris Del Conte declined to discuss any details, but he did theorize on the mutual interest between WTW and courting schools (Denver and Hawaii).
"Overall, he's done a great job with the cards he's been dealt," Del Conte said. "That's the bare facts. I can see why he's being looked at around the country.
"In this day and age, from a public perception standpoint you could say, 'That (WTW's interest in Denver and Hawaii) seems odd.' But with what they're paying, you can't blame a guy for looking."
Hawaii officials capped the salary for Riley Wallace's successor at $400K. That's a lot of poi, folks. And while we wouldn't suggest WTW leave only for the $$$, we can understand why he would want to bolt. Rice officials (read: the other side of campus) have done little to match his passion for getting the program on par with others, and while the improvements to Autry Court are a positive, they pale in comparison to the commitment other programs around the nation are showing.
We understand that some of you have well-reasoned takes why WTW and Rice should part ways. We also know that some of you have had the audacity to question the man's loyalty to Rice. Don't like WTW's coaching style? We're fine with that. Think Rice can get a better Xs and Os guy? We don't disagree. But can Rice find a replacement who cares as much about Rice as WTW? We doubt it.
But WTW and Rice should consider parting ways. It won't get any better for WTW from here on out, and we like the guy too much to see him suffer. He deserves better, and we hate using that word. But when you look at how much he has invested in the program, how long he fought behind the scenes for improvements only to be rebuffed repeatedly, and how little support he gets from all corners (students, alumni, school officials), perhaps he should resign. He deserves the opportunity to leave on his terms. Rice shouldn't force WTW out the door, but it sure looks like that will happen after one season at Tudor Fieldhouse. Then Rice can bring in a young up-and-comer with no ties to Rice and full interest in self-promotion so we can live this nightmare all over again.
Posted by Moisekapenda Bower at April 10, 2007 09:30 PM
Comments
You mention that bringing in a new upstart coach could lead to another TG type situation. While I agree with that, I think it would still be worth the risk. The basketball program under WTW has become stagnant much like football under Hatfield. This next season is going to be brutal without Morris Almond. WTW has obviously already lost his interest in and passion for coaching here at Rice, so I don't neccesarily agree that he is a more stable option than some new upstart with no personal ties.
Either way, I am really indifferent. If he leaves on his own accord it may be best for both parties. But if he stays and the next few years are as ugly as they look to be, a change will need to be made.
Talon Owl -- While I hedge on accepting that things have become "stagnant" under WTW and wouldn't compare WTW to Hat in any manner, I agree with your general premise. I just want to see both sides come out of this as happy as possible. - MK
Posted by: talon owl at April 10, 2007 11:42 PM
I don't know how much Wilson has fought behind the scenes. I do know that he has reportedly interviewed for a number of other positions over the years. That is not usually an indication of the absolute, 100%, till-death-do-us-part loyalty that he is sometimes credited with.
As of 2000 Wilson's salary was almost $350K.
Careful with the Todd Graham rhetoric. As badly as he screwed us, our football program is in much better shape today than it was in '05.
Gravy -- How is the football program in better overall shape? Some of the refurbishments remain incomplete, the attendance was horrible (again) last season, players were "encouraged" to play hurt last season, and the Owls were three plays away from being 4-8 with TG still here. I don't think playing in one lower-tier bowl (and having your lunch taken by Troy) makes Rice a markedly better program. If Bailiff builds upon the momentum and takes Rice to another bowl, I will gladly retract this statement. But Todd left quite a mess at Rice. - MK
Posted by: Gravy at April 11, 2007 12:15 AM
It's a world of screwing the other guy before he can screw you first. But as you mention, parting in this fashion would not represent screwing over Rice (and not because his coaching ability has been called into question). But as you also mention, anything short of an NCAA tournament bid (with a noted lack of obvious talent at this point) will result in a "don't let the door hit your a** on the way out" situation in a couple years. This would qualify as the other guy screwing him, and that needs to be avoided at all costs.
I'm pretty sure WTW cares more about Rice than anyone brought into the athletic department starting with the Todd Graham hire, but that probably doesn't mean anything to the higher-ups ... we all saw what happened with a certain former SID and a certain former Sr. Associate AD.
Posted by: A-Tab at April 11, 2007 12:43 AM
Quite frankly, I think CDC would be happy if another school took WTW off Rice's books, making it a clean break. The WTW era at Rice has to be winding down, and it was one of marked mediocrity. WTW has many qualities as a coach off-court, but I struggle to think of many shining moments on the scoreboard.
I don't blame a coach for applying to other coaching jobs while under contract at Rice, but it cannot be described as loyal behavior. Rice has been loyal to him for 15 years, however.
As for salaries, WTW is getting about $400K from Rice, so he wouldn't be leaving for the money. He would be leaving to get a new contract.
Bay Area Owl -- Before Denver (which makes next to no sense to me), WTW interviewed at programs markedly better than Rice, either in profile or commitment. I don't think that represents a lack of loyalty; that is solid decision-making. This takes us back to Todd: He not only left for the $$$, he left for the commitment Tulsa shows to football. For the latter part, I don't blame him at all. Now multiply that times 15 years of trying to get an institution to care, and I understand why WTW would leave for anywhere but here. - MK
Posted by: Bay Area Owl at April 11, 2007 03:08 AM
I just infer from the various jobs coach Wilson has gone after this spring that he doesn't truly feel comfortable with the new athletic administration. Based on how many people have changed jobs within the department over the past year, it's probably the correct assumption for him to be making.
BTW, according to this cost of living comparison -- http://www.bestplaces.net/col/?salary=4 ... city2=3360 -- 400K in Hawaii compares to less than 200K in Houston. So it would be a significant pay decrease, although I doubt money is a huge issue to coach Wilson at this point.
I like coach Wilson and feel he has been short-changed with the administrative assistance at Rice for years now. But I also feel he truly want to be at Rice still and it's time for a new change.
Mark -- I agree 100%. - MK
Posted by: Mark at April 11, 2007 06:25 AM
I've always liked Willis and I think he's had some bad breaks (pun intended) from a player health standpoint along the way. I've no doubt that he's done his best to get more for his program, but I think even he has to realize that winning is the best and quickest way to get the kind of backing that a program needs, and that hasn't happened under his leadership.
There's certainly a chicken and egg argument to be made, but Willis's teams didn't do enough in very mediocre conferences to generate the kind of excitement and revenue needed to sustain success. A lot of that falls squarely on his shoulders. Did the administration give him everything he needed to be a big success? No. Did he do enough with what he had to maximize his success and force the administration's hand? No.
It's unfortunate that a parting of the ways is inevitable. It's nice to have a home grown guy who really seems to have the best interests of the players and the school at heart. But I don't think the Owls are ever going anywhere with him at the helm no matter what kind of resources are provided.
Robert -- I disagree with only one point: Winning made little difference in the commitment Rice showed Wayne Graham. For all the success the Owls have enjoyed in baseball, I find it insulting that Graham has to raise the funds for improvements at Reckling. For the windfall of exposure Rice got from the 2003 CWS, one would think they'd give Graham what he needs to compete with the UTs, LSUs and A$Ms of the world. Commitment, folks. - MK
Posted by: Robert at April 11, 2007 09:25 AM
It doesn't help that he is losing one of the country's best players to graduation (NBA). Don't know much about Rice's incoming class, but I doubt there is talent on par with Almond's to fill in.
WTW recognizes that the team is not going to be very good next year, so he wants to get paid while he can still get a job.
Posted by: coogfan at April 11, 2007 11:57 AM
MK - Great points, one and all. Who knows what the next thing is? I am certain that your posting will ignite the calls to fire WTW yet again. What's the over/under on number of Rice fans who will actually voice support for Willis? I'll set the line at 0.5 and take the under.
Here's a question for you. In all of the noise about firing WTW, one question that NEVER seems to get addressed is this: Just who in the [fiery, pain-filled underworld] do people think Rice is going to hire to replace Willis? People get on here and scream for his head, but who do you think is going to take that job? Just a guess here, but I'm pretty sure Rice can't land Billy Donovan. Honestly, who would want that job? Even with the renovations to Autry, it's still one of the lowest-paid head coaching jobs in the country, with a tiny fan base, incredibly high academic requirements, and ZERO support from the administration.
I'm not a WTW fan, so don't get me wrong. The program has gone nowhere under his leadership. But does anyone really think we can do better? Why?
Bossbird -- It's pie-in-the-sky optimism. Fans fail to look at the big picture, and fans don't realize how crappy the Rice job is when you factor in commitment, fan support, monies, facilities, etc. No one with a real rep will come here, and the wonderful "young up-and-comer" will arrive looking to win AND for the first train out of town. If that's what everyone wants, then fine. - MK
Posted by: Bossbird at April 11, 2007 01:30 PM
How is the football program better? Don't we have a new summer program that allows our guys to stay here and work out together all year? Don't we have a new scoreboard and a new playing surface? Some refurbishments may remain incomplete, but that's surely progress over NOTHING? Didn't Graham also bring in Yancy, who seems to be a huge asset to the program. Attendance is still lagging, but there is very clearly a marked increase in fan enthusiasm for the program.
The concern that we may hire someone who isn't an improvement as coach is certainly legitimate, but hardly excuses accepting the current mediocrity.
At Ease -- I'm with you - Rice can't accept mediocrity. Period. But Rice had better exercise extreme caution with its next coaching search. And as to your points about the football program, if the Owls don't post another winning season in 2007, will the casual fan care about the new scoreboard, playing surface or Yancy? The summer program is great, but Rice still lacks sufficient numbers. It's all about Ws, and the Owls were mighty close to another losing season in 2006. If not for Lute Barber and an affiliation with a conference with five bowl tie-ins, I wonder if there would be such enthusiasm. - MK
Posted by: At Ease at April 11, 2007 02:58 PM
Look, I know Graham stuck it to us, but I have to agree with many of the posters here. What he did was change the perception of football here on campus. The students believe again that we can win. I didn't see that before this past season and it is really refreshing. And yes, we went to a "lower-tier" bowl, but come on MK, we hadn't been to one in 45 years before that. You gotta start somewhere. And yes, our attendance is awful. But, I've just come to accept that no matter what we do here, people in Houston just don't care enough to come out. We can market the team to death and still don't think it would make a huge, perceivable impact. I can live with the fact that we have a more passionate fan base now that lives and dies with every play.
Back to WTW, we aren't going to find someone as loyal as him, period. But, I just don't see the program improving under his leadership. He can get the talent, no doubt, but I just think he underachieves with the talent he has recruited. Well, at least the last 3 years, I feel that the team has underachieved to some degree every year. Who to get to replace him? I have no idea. We might have to get burned by some up-and-comer to improve the program. But, if we are looking for improvement, I don't know how else we can do it. If anyone has some names of people who will hang around and coach for the long haul at a place like this, you better bring them out now.
Russell -- Rice hadn't been bowling because of their affiliation with the WAC. Hat had three bowl-eligible teams and two that were bowl worthy, and if the Owls went bowling then, TG's accomplishments wouldn't seem so fantastic. And I'm jaded on the student support; if they do it again this year, great. But they have a tendency to make excuses for not showing up, just like marketing makes excuses for not being able to sell Rice football.
Now as for WTW, Rice can get a superior coach. I want everyone to understand that fact: Rice can do better. But it won't be as easy as some are making it out to be. - MK
Posted by: Russell at April 11, 2007 03:34 PM
WTW has had no support from the Administration. The fact that the Administration refused to even put in a million dollars to upgrade what was a poor location when WTW and I were in school in 1981 says alot about support. The fact that Graham is having to raise money says a lot about the short-sightedness of this administration.
The basketball program is guaranteed to be constantly on the road next season. They should not even consider next season in an evaluation of WTW. In fact, you want to assist recruiting, make a public statement of commitment to WTW through the next 2 years. Let incoming students know that they are being recruited for the future.
I agree with MK. Once WTW goes, we'll get a series of losing coaches or coaches that are gone as soon as they can find skateboards.
Posted by: Anthony at April 11, 2007 04:13 PM
With 300-odd NCAA D-1 basketball programs, have you surveyed the quality of facilities and financial support of all the other programs out there. Rice isn't in such a bad situation. Rice offers a competitive head coaching salary, and a new arena is on the way. Plenty of young assistants and head coaches at minor programs would jump at an open spot at Rice. Since when is a $400K/year job with a long off-season crappy???
Wilson never demonstrated a record of performance -- either on the court or in the stands -- to guarantee further financial commitments from the Rice administration. Athletic departments at other schools jealously guard their revenue streams, while Rice coaches seek further hand-outs from the administration? The modern coach in a revenue sport is expected to show some fund-raising initiative, not waiting for others to act.
Bay Area Owl -- Where have you gotten the idea that Rice will pay the next coach $400K? And if you are content with the level of support Rice administrators have provided athletics and to their coaches, I'd suggest you speak with the coaches on that subject. Oh, and $23 million into Autry doesn't make it "new." - MK
Posted by: Bay Area Owl at April 11, 2007 04:16 PM
Well, we can look on the bright side of things and say that at least half of Rice's head basketball coaching positions are firmly settled for the foreseeable future. How bout that Greg Williams, eh?
Posted by: A-Tab at April 11, 2007 05:38 PM
My main beef with WTW is his role in energizing fan support. As someone who was in the stands as a student during the Scott Thompson and Early WTW eras, the main thing I noticed about WTW was his relative aloof-ness with the student body. While Scott would regurlarly engage with the students to energize support, WTW has relied on others to do this within the department. This approach is more style over right or wrong - it's just that a small campus like Rice requires more of the outgoing type personality to energize students and alumni. Rice students are used to having open door and sometimes first name policies with professors and they will tend to respect coaches who make the effort to be out among the students - especially in programs that are struggling. I agree with CDC's comment that WTW has done well record-wise with the cards he was dealt. Whether WTW decides to stay or go I wish him nothing but success.
Maybe I'm crazy but I think that "home" games next season may not be as bad as some think - it's just how the experience is spun. The Athletic Department should sponsor "Reliant road trip rallies" at the track stadium and direct the students to the MetroRail station before the games (it's a free ride for students). The experience should be social and fun - not a dreaded trip OC. Keep a tab on attendance and publish it weekly. Students should know that they are missed when they don't show. Perhaps setting a student attendance goal (for both men's and women's games) that drives some sort of post season party could be arranged. However it's done, the department must take regular, routine initiative to drive student attendance next year.
Scott Thompson made Autry a fun place to be by revving up the crowds and using the humid confines pre-air conditioning as an intimidation factor for opposing teams. Road tripping to Reliant is the same idea - turn the negative into a positive experience by putting the best spin on the situation.
Wiess Guy -- Good points on marketing strategy for next season. And if you don't like WTW's personality, I understand. He is what he is, and he isn't Scott T. - MK
Posted by: Wiess Guy at April 11, 2007 07:53 PM
MK_You know when or if Willis takes another job. it would behoove everyone involved to remember the Scott Thompson era . Yes he won games. Recruited good players, pulled down the blue curtain, got A/C installed, the floor totally redone, engaged with every body. The one factor that is not being remembered is that the teams won over 20 games his last season and made it to the SWC semis. NO POST SEASON BID, AND THE PROGRAM HAS YET TO GET PAST THAT. That is the bottom line. Scott left for a better chance to get to the dance. RICE will still have to overcome its non-committal to becoming a balanced university, between academics and athletics. Will it happen? It can, its headed in the right direction.
Remember what happened with football it can and will happen in basketball. Rice will first become a stepping stone for the next coach. Then a stable situation for the coach after him.
And last but not least, Stanford and Connecticut both came to Autry Court to a half house. UCONN featuring Emeka Okafor, won the national Championships that same season. If you had two national powers coming in wouldn't you do whatever possible to get a packed housed. CAL came to town at TSU featuring Jason Kidd, to a SRO crowd at TSU, who still have not resolved there parking problems. People drove hours see Kidd in company. In the middle of the week. THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK. NO EXCUSES RICE, NO EXCUSES.
Posted by: dissatified sth at April 12, 2007 12:22 AM