Lee Barfknecht's New Piece

[UNK_LOPERS]

I know it's being talked about on other boards and radio.....

http://www.omaha.com/article/20120325/BIGRED/703259865/-1#criticism-huskers-don-t-land-changer

I have no idea why people are mad at Barfy, Reid, or Markowski.  Their reasoning and opinions are more than valid.  Osborne got input from people who literally have no basketball background.  Meanwhile, we have ex-players who have won here and understand what it takes to win here, who don't even get contacted.  I don't know about Reid, but Markowski is pretty well connected in college basketball.  Osborne clearly wasn't hiring based on a resume, that's pretty obvious. 

I can promise you that both Reid and Markowski just want what is best for Nebraska basketball.  They shouldn't be attacked just for having an opinion that is pretty spot on.  Both have done a lot for this program and will continue to do a lot, they will get behind Miles. 

[no1huskafan]

Spot on. They took my thoughts and verbalized them better than I. But whats done is done and unless he pulls an Altman/Donovan, he is our coach. Best of luck to him and I'm rooting my hardest for his teams success.

[Bummerbry]

Haven't read it and probably won't. I know what to expect from Barfnecht and Chatelain when it comes to anything Nebraska. They ALWAYS take the negative stance to every story.

It is over and done with. Time to look forward and not back. If they had been involved in the process they would know what TO and Boehm know about who showed interest and who didn't. I too wanted a bigger name but I/we also now know that the big names either weren't interested at all or weren't interested unless the $$$ was in a range Nebraska wasn't going to right now.

In 5 years the digs will all still be shiny and new. If Miles' doesn't get it done, we can then maybe expect whoever the new AD is to go big with a new basketball coach. I think Miles is going to surprise a lot of people. It is going to take probably 3 years so Husker fans better be patient!

[Capn Krunch]

Yeah, we didn't go for the throat with this hire. TO didn't want to win at all costs by doing what K-State did a few years back. Sooner or later we will hit the bulls-eye with one of these up and comers. Don't know if this is the time. I wonder if this guy is some sort of freak program builder, wouldn't those talents have been noticed sooner?

[Daniel]

Well I'm not sure what to think.  For some weird reason I have a good feeling about him.  So far I have been spot on, with Callahan, Pelini, Erstad, and Doc so we will see.

[LarstheRed]

The problem with Beau and Andy's comments are the poor timing. Couple that with the strange notion we have to somehow 'get back to a level' that they enjoyed. Don't get me wrong, they definitely had some success, but they did it under the guidance of a guy who we brought out of the obscurity of mid major world. It's not like we made some 'big splash' hire back then either. It was successful, but that certainly wasn't a sure thing. I'm a believer in saying things as honestly as possible, but trying to remember who is listening. Miles has some detractors already, we don't need to fire the fanbase into pushing him off a cliff before he even gets moved into his office.

I posted this on the Facebook link earlier, so it's not exactly original, but I think it's pretty accurate.

Everything Tom does is by a process. He doesn't discount anything, but he does have a guideline when picking coaches: they have to have a commitment to the school and not just looking for a stepping stone. I think it's kind of amusing to read Beau and Andy's take on this. I like Beau and have had some fun playing ball and hanging around the guy, but when did he become an expert on coaching choices? Does he understand not just the dollars and cents, but long term thought processes of coaches? I'm sure there may have been a fast riser or 2 out there that might have considered us, but I seriously doubt they were falling all over themselves at a chance to commit for the long haul to the program. In a state like ours, with a program that lacks history, long term challenges like recruiting play a huge part in what a coach is looking for. I can see someone thinking they could possibly come in and pull a couple of studs in for a year or 2 and make enough noise to get themselves a higher profile job, but to commit to building a program takes a totally different breed. Would a big name, big splash guy have been fun? Sure, we all love the attention nationally, but who was that big splash guy? Majerus isn't leaving St. Louis. Amaker isn't leaving Harvard for us. Reggie Thieus? Really? So who? I think it's a safe bet that Groce and Smart said thanks, but no thanks.

I love it when fans have the backbone to whine about a decision, but never offer their own perfect solution. We lacked options. We have an AD who has on opinion on how to structure a program, and that does not include bringing in a hired gun for quick fix, then out the door. I think it's also hysterical that some wanted a 'search committee' to handle this. What does that mean? 10 people trying to make a decision, and only 2 with their jobs on the line? We got outside advice. We reached out to people who have forgotten more about basketball than anyone we could have added to a committee. Or is that really what this is about? Are former players upset we didn't ask them for advice? It's never been truer: The older you get, the better you were.

Chill out, gents. The game is just starting.

[JR]

I know it's being talked about on other boards and radio.....

http://www.omaha.com/article/20120325/BIGRED/703259865/-1#criticism-huskers-don-t-land-changer

I have no idea why people are mad at Barfy, Reid, or Markowski.  Their reasoning and opinions are more than valid.  Osborne got input from people who literally have no basketball background.  Meanwhile, we have ex-players who have won here and understand what it takes to win here, who don't even get contacted.  I don't know about Reid, but Markowski is pretty well connected in college basketball.  Osborne clearly wasn't hiring based on a resume, that's pretty obvious. 

I can promise you that both Reid and Markowski just want what is best for Nebraska basketball.  They shouldn't be attacked just for having an opinion that is pretty spot on.  Both have done a lot for this program and will continue to do a lot, they will get behind Miles. 

I think they raise valid points.  There are always people who will trash "dissenters", just because.  Hopefully Markowski and Reid recognize most Husker fans wish they were still playing and value their input!

[UNK_LOPERS]

Those are good points Lars and Bummer.  Yeah, I know Shatel is a d-bag and Lee and Dirk are often negative.  Sometimes they are right though.  Beau and Andy aren't the only former players who are upset, there are many others.  I'm not saying that ex-players should have got to pick out the coach, but Osborne should have asked some for input.  Tom has done some good things for the basketball program since he's been here, he's also done some very dingy things too.   

In all reality, I wouldn't take this article to heart too much.  Beau and Andy want whats best for the program, Miles won't even have to win them over (although I'm sure he could).  As far as Lee goes, dude is a closet NU hoops fan.  He won't be riding Miles this early.  He really never got on Doc too much, Bo is more his whipping boy for whatever reason.  Life will go on. 

BTW, please don't label me as anti-Miles.  Maybe it's not the hire I would of made or I might not agree with how the search was conducted, but I am behind the guy 100%.  I brought this up because it's been a hot topic today on message boards and sports talk radio.  It's a valid point and brings good discussion. 

[redfred]

The problem with Beau and Andy's comments are the poor timing. Couple that with the strange notion we have to somehow 'get back to a level' that they enjoyed. Don't get me wrong, they definitely had some success, but they did it under the guidance of a guy who we brought out of the obscurity of mid major world. It's not like we made some 'big splash' hire back then either. It was successful, but that certainly wasn't a sure thing. I'm a believer in saying things as honestly as possible, but trying to remember who is listening. Miles has some detractors already, we don't need to fire the fanbase into pushing him off a cliff before he even gets moved into his office.

I posted this on the Facebook link earlier, so it's not exactly original, but I think it's pretty accurate.

Everything Tom does is by a process. He doesn't discount anything, but he does have a guideline when picking coaches: they have to have a commitment to the school and not just looking for a stepping stone. I think it's kind of amusing to read Beau and Andy's take on this. I like Beau and have had some fun playing ball and hanging around the guy, but when did he become an expert on coaching choices? Does he understand not just the dollars and cents, but long term thought processes of coaches? I'm sure there may have been a fast riser or 2 out there that might have considered us, but I seriously doubt they were falling all over themselves at a chance to commit for the long haul to the program. In a state like ours, with a program that lacks history, long term challenges like recruiting play a huge part in what a coach is looking for. I can see someone thinking they could possibly come in and pull a couple of studs in for a year or 2 and make enough noise to get themselves a higher profile job, but to commit to building a program takes a totally different breed. Would a big name, big splash guy have been fun? Sure, we all love the attention nationally, but who was that big splash guy? Majerus isn't leaving St. Louis. Amaker isn't leaving Harvard for us. Reggie Thieus? Really? So who? I think it's a safe bet that Groce and Smart said thanks, but no thanks.

I love it when fans have the backbone to whine about a decision, but never offer their own perfect solution. We lacked options. We have an AD who has on opinion on how to structure a program, and that does not include bringing in a hired gun for quick fix, then out the door. I think it's also hysterical that some wanted a 'search committee' to handle this. What does that mean? 10 people trying to make a decision, and only 2 with their jobs on the line? We got outside advice. We reached out to people who have forgotten more about basketball than anyone we could have added to a committee. Or is that really what this is about? Are former players upset we didn't ask them for advice? It's never been truer: The older you get, the better you were.

Chill out, gents. The game is just starting.

I think this is a very good post. I'm done worrying about who we coulda got............. or shoulda got. I'm going to focus now on who we did get. I'm also going to do what he asked.....give him a chance.

[Cdog923]

Those are good points Lars and Bummer.  Yeah, I know Shatel is a d-bag and Lee and Dirk are often negative.  Sometimes they are right though.  Beau and Andy aren't the only former players who are upset, there are many others.  I'm not saying that ex-players should have got to pick out the coach, but Osborne should have asked some for input.  Tom has done some good things for the basketball program since he's been here, he's also done some very dingy things too.   

In all reality, I wouldn't take this article to heart too much.  Beau and Andy want whats best for the program, Miles won't even have to win them over (although I'm sure he could).  As far as Lee goes, dude is a closet NU hoops fan.  He won't be riding Miles this early.  He really never got on Doc too much, Bo is more his whipping boy for whatever reason.  Life will go on. 

BTW, please don't label me as anti-Miles.  Maybe it's not the hire I would of made or I might not agree with how the search was conducted, but I am behind the guy 100%.  I brought this up because it's been a hot topic today on message boards and sports talk radio.  It's a valid point and brings good discussion. 

Eh, I don't think Barfy's ever been a closet NU fan in anything.

[SUHnami]

I understand where Reid and Markowski are coming from, however they do need to keep in mind that NO One with any sort of name in the college game wants to take a chance on coaching at NU.  We have little to no history in this sport.  What did they expect?  I do agree there should have been more questions asked but just because you are a former player doesn't mean you are entitled to being asked for your input on a new coach. 

[LarstheRed]

Funny how 2 guys who are businessmen, and have been away from the game for 15 and 20 years respectively feel they have a better grasp on who should coach a college basketball team in a league they never played in. I don't recall anyone calling myself or any of my former team mates from Kearney when Jerry Heuser was replaced, or Tom Kropp brought in some 'Co-Head Coach'. This notion of 'input' is kind of silly. If one of our former players is currently in the coaching ranks at a high level and Tom wanted to tap into him for  thoughts on possible candidates, that might make some sense, but do we really think we need to pass out a questionaire to all the N Club members for their input?

[UNK_LOPERS]

Funny how 2 guys who are businessmen, and have been away from the game for 15 and 20 years respectively feel they have a better grasp on who should coach a college basketball team in a league they never played in. I don't recall anyone calling myself or any of my former team mates from Kearney when Jerry Heuser was replaced, or Tom Kropp brought in some 'Co-Head Coach'. This notion of 'input' is kind of silly. If one of our former players is currently in the coaching ranks at a high level and Tom wanted to tap into him for  thoughts on possible candidates, that might make some sense, but do we really think we need to pass out a questionaire to all the N Club members for their input?

You make a good point, but Markowski hasn't been away from the game 15 or 20 years.  He has been in coaching, has coached againt Miles, and does radio/T.V. work for both the Huskers and college basketball.  Not saying that he should make the final decision or anything like that, but I find it pretty crazy that a vine wasn't put out to him considering some of the ex-Huskers T.O. talked to about the hire.

Just sayin.       

[Capn Krunch]

Funny how 2 guys who are businessmen, and have been away from the game for 15 and 20 years respectively feel they have a better grasp on who should coach a college basketball team in a league they never played in. I don't recall anyone calling myself or any of my former team mates from Kearney when Jerry Heuser was replaced, or Tom Kropp brought in some 'Co-Head Coach'. This notion of 'input' is kind of silly. If one of our former players is currently in the coaching ranks at a high level and Tom wanted to tap into him for  thoughts on possible candidates, that might make some sense, but do we really think we need to pass out a questionaire to all the N Club members for their input?

You make a good point, but Markowski hasn't been away from the game 15 or 20 years.  He has been in coaching, has coached againt Miles, and does radio/T.V. work for both the Huskers and college basketball.  Not saying that he should make the final decision or anything like that, but I find it pretty crazy that a vine wasn't put out to him considering some of the ex-Huskers T.O. talked to about the hire.

Just sayin.       

Ndamakong Suh was All American and All-Pro!




In football.

[Solly]

It's a program where Andy Markowski and Beau Reid are prominent Alumni.

What further evidence do we need that NU isn't a program with a history that would be in any way attractive to a top-flight, tournament-successful head coach.