[whmatthews]

Technically, Blair didn't win MVP, though he deserved it and still wound up with the hardware anyway.

[ATrain]

SJ...I'm not talking talent wise when I say that.

And WH-thats why I said MVP trophy

[SuperJon]

ATrain, I know exactly what you're talking about.

[grm]

What are you guys talking about?

[SuperJon]

Go for it Atrain, you brought it up.

[A.G.]

Yes, A-Train. Inquiring minds want to know. Give me a reason to come over to the Dark Side (the RD bashers).

[grm]

While we're awaiting more info, I understand that coach has returned from Africa with some good recruiting prospects, and very promising assurances. Then, we must not forget that reports on "Brew" make him sound like a very good recruit.
Yes, staff plays a part of recruiting, but they are supposed to. Coach certainly does his part, according to all sources. As far as those we recruit, I'm sure its tough. Not all great players are great persons, and too, obviously not all great persons are great players. At LU, we need our recruits to be both great players and great people. (Every program wants this, but we particularly at a strong Christian university.)

The preceding relates mainly to ability. On the character side, some see RD as a punk, but others of us know him to be a man of strong Christian character and leadership. Folks could check with Rish, and see what he has to say about such things. Rush is a fine Christian who is not on the roster right now. What he has to say might provide real insight into RD and his position with Christ. That might be better than some who appear (maybe not, but do at least appear) to have some other agenda, possibly due to their own personal relationships with former coaches, staff, or players.

I know we cannot continue with losing seasons, but I also see many good things, both in the rear view mirror, and on the horizon, a fact (some very good past) and a prospect (possibly a very bright future) which seems in itself to be a source of irritation to some. If LU basketball is really the desire of our hearts, let's rejoice if this season comes together in a positive way. If not, then we have this site to verbalize our dissatisfaction. If it's good - then rejoice: that's the gauntlet that I throw down to the self-ascribed RD Haters.

[A.G.]

but others of us know him to be a man of strong Christian character and leadership

Thank you, grm--I could not have said it better myself. So was Karcher, but unfortunately he could not get the job done on the field. That is why Coach D gets a pass (in my book) for last year--he at least has the conf. championship to fall back on. I just pray he doesn't fall victim to a "you had better win now or else" mentality and begin to compromise the integrity of the program--or the University--by bringing in players of questionable character. I think Coach D is better than that, though.

[prototype]

I think the people who don't like Coach Dunton - Don't know Coach Dunton. He works hard to bring in good Christian kids that can play. He has brought our program back to a respectable level. 4 Years ago it was a joke and now at least we have something to look forward to. He has been the coach who has brought in players like Blair, Brew, Jenkins, Smith and others. He's not on every recruiting trip, but neither is Bobby Knight. He is a good leader and he's passionate about his job here at Liberty. Not just putting a good team on the floor and competing, but shinning a light on the University. He started the Reading Club - you want to know how much his program benefits? ZERO. He and his staff have worked endless hours to put together a program, pull together sponsors to underwrite T-Shirts and materials for the kids. I sat on the other side representing my client Centra Health and he wasn't asking Centra Health to give money to his program and with that he'll give some to the Reading Club - he could have - they would have done it. Instead he only asked for enough for the children to have shirts.

I love the hiring of Rocco, because Rocco is a Outspoken Christian who is qualified to coach at a Division 1 level. When he is in a press conference he answers like a Division 1 coach would answer. He loves to win and hates to lose. Well, Dunton is the same exact way. He will have this team competing this year. Last year no one looked at the talent in house and said - "wow - NCAA's here we come". We knew it was a rebuilding year and now people are looking back like it was a poor coaching job. I got news for you - Coach K would have lost the same amount of games. It's not a reflection on the team or the coaching staff - they were just not deep enough to compete. This year COACH DUNTON and the coaching staff have done a great job in bringing in good talent.

If you want to see a mellow guy who sits on his butt and instructs, that's not Coach Dunton, his coaching style is fiery and loud, but I can name you several Hall of Fame coaches that share the same style. He hates to lose, and that’s a coach that I want coaching my team.

And the hints about the integrity of the team? Come on - let's not start the judging game or gossip game. Let them be.

[jmdickens]

Okay, first the team does receive benefits from the Reading Club. Every basketball player probbaly participates and gets their christian service.........If they even have to do one.

I hate Duke basketball, and I know that Coach K (the future hall of famer) would have won more games than Dunton had he been in the same situation.

We do not know the life outside of basketball of all of the basketbaal players, and from what has been reported they are not all morally and christian kids. Non-christian does not bother me because we are trying to win them to Christ, but ours need to at least respect the rules....

[Purple Haize]

Ummm regardless if we like Dunton or not, shouldn't that be a different thread??

[prototype]

jmdickens - all LU Atheltes do not have to perform Christian Service.

[jmdickens]

thank you

[ATrain]

For starters, let me clarify...I am not a Dunton hater. I am not calling for his head, nor am I going to say he can't coach (b/c obviously he can...we have a Big South Champoinship banner b/c of him).

Proto-Dunton may work hard to bring in Christian kids who can play (Larry Blair is a great example of that, Russ Monroe is also a great kid), but he's also brought in several non-Christian kids as well (including a couple you mentioned). I do ask that we constantly be in prayer for them.

I'm not sure how much detail I'm allowed to go into, as we discuss a lotta things during RHLM that we're not supposed to discuss in detail outside of there (I've probably said too much already). But SJ and others on this board know what and who I'm talking about...and us PLs on the hall are being encouraged to spend as much time as possible with our guys. This is the last thing that I'm going to say publicly about the matter.

[jmdickens]

You definately worry too much....everything you know, the majority of people know. You don't have to talk about it. I don't care about the RHLM....it means nothing, everyone also knows that is all about the numbers. Remember, whatever you hear from anyone on campus, 100 people already heard before you did.

[SuperJon]

I don't know names because the people I've talked to say they can't mention them (whether SLDs, PLs, etc) but I have heard some stuff like what ATrain is talking about. We have some great kids, then we have some that are just good at basketball.

[A.G.]

We would be living in an NAIA/DII or III vacuum if we ever thought we'd even be competitive in Big South or anywhere with strictly Christian athletes. I would think it part of the mission to use athletics as a tool to reach those types of athletes that are in need of Christ in their lives. My concern is IF (and I don't know and don't need to know), IF the kids that break the rules are cut slack or the violations are swept under the rug BECAUSE of their athletic ability or status with a particular team. That is just plain wrong and reeks of the Dark Side. If they are given the opportunity to participate at LU, then they should abide by the same rules that the rest of us followed for years.

[SuperJon]

A.G.,

It is my understanding that ATrain isn't talking about kids that just aren't Christians, but don't fit into the Liberty Way morally and all of that stuff. I'm sure he's encountered much more than I have heard but I think you'd find that all of us agree with your post.

[A.G.]

Thanks, SJ. That is what I am talking about, too. Kids that WON'T comply with the rules but are allowed to get away with it. I am honestly shocked that it happens, but apparently it has in the past. If the coaches are pulling strings to help it happen, then they should be dealt with, too. But I am too well aware of what has happened to folks at the university in the past when they have rocked that boat (think last November).

[Sly Fox]

Guys, I'm not comfortable with broad generalizations about the character of our mens basketball team. I think its unfair to be bringing into question an entire group of players based on how a couple of guys may or may not be acting. I don't think any of us want to be drawn into similar generalizations regarding us as well. Let's be careful where these types of discussion are heading.

[prototype]

Great Post Sly...that's exactly what I was thinking.

Back to the actual thread...

Doesn't Govenor Huckabee look like Logan from 24??

[TIMSCAR20]

Funny, I thought the guy from 24 was Rich Eisen formerly of ESPN now with NFL Network.

[kel varson]

Alex McClean looks like Donald Faison. http://www.donaldfaison.com/

He's on the sitcom scrubs.

[TIMSCAR20]

I love that show Scrubs. Got to hang out with Donald at a celebrity game once. He is a pretty decent player.