[SuperJon]

So, Barber and Dunton didn't see eye-to-eye. Dunton thought that he was making progress; Barber didn't think that he made enough progress and thought that a coaching change was in order. Without a doubt, Dunton has enjoyed legitimate and significant success over his first three seasons. Unfortunately, he had to rebuild again and Barber wasn't pleased with the progress and he had every right to feel that way.

We will never know what went on behind the scenes. For instance, was Dunton offered a one-year extenstion, and then turned it down? We may never know.

We need to stop looking for some kind of secret scandal. Let it go.

Seriously though, some of the nitpicking, gossipmongering, and negative specualtion that goes on here is in all honesty, effeminate to say the least.

That is the best post you've ever had.

[paradox]

You're correct Sly. It is not uncommon at all for salaried professionals.

[PAmedic]

echoing SLY here.

personality clash

(I know, imagine laid-back Medic not getting along w/ people)

[belcherboy]

Seriously though, some of the nitpicking, gossipmongering, and negative specualtion that goes on here is in all honesty, effeminate to say the least.

Ha, ha. This message board is about as snow white as you get (that is not a bad thing). If you think all the "nitpicking, gossipmongering, and negative speculation" is "effeminate", never venture to a big Division I or professional sport message board. You will think you have tripped into a Village People reunion tour.

Honestly, some of the people on this board remind me of the guys on my hall after the 1994 game against North Carolina. I stumbled in while they were sitting in their dorm room talking about how many years it would take before Liberty became a final four team (I think the consensus was 4 years). You would have thought I blasphemed God's name when my prediction was "in 25 years maybe, if they change conferences, change coaches, and probably drop much of their strict christian code". At that point (and to my pleasure) they never wished to discuss college basketball with me again.

I don't think it is wrong to try and find out whether things are going right at the University you support. There is a fine line between gossip and concern, but for pete's sake you all know that a message board is only successful when you have debate and discussion and *gasp* controversy. The program is Division I, the coaches and AD's are in a prime time situation that every career coach/AD in America dreams of being...a coach/AD at the top level of college. When something bad happens people want to know why and talk about it. If people don't want to talk about them, then they and the program are irrelevant.

Now if you would excuse me, Dawson's Creek just started!

[paradox]

good stuff



Belcher: You know it's true. Think about some of the weird stuff that has been posted over the last three months.

[Fumblerooskies]

From a completely impartial observer in the proceedings over the previous few months...
...it is obvious the two camps had passion and their respective versions of the coach. This was definitely unlike the NC State boards when it was pretty much unanimous in favor of getting rid of Sendek...and he WON.

What amazed me wasn't how nasty it got (definitely made entertaining reading as I prepped for classes), but how ardent the supporters felt Coach Dunton could do no wrong...
...and how the opponents had their facts supporting the perceived character flaws and basically felt like he was something out of "Left Behind."

Finally, it appeared to me that only when the team came out of exams and hit the skids did anyone really get into questioning his coaching and leadership skills. When one's character and leadership come into question, then it definitely becomes a no-win situation.

Either way, folks, it is the dawn of a new day...
...and it should be time to move on a focus on better days ahead for the program. This is OUR university and I pray the students, the fans, the "drinkers" and the "haters" can all rally behind the new coach and the new coach can rally the university. This university has doubled in size in my 6 1/2 years here, but MBB attendance isn't close to what it was in the mid-late 90's.

It was murder to come into the "Furnace" as an opponent, and there is no reason why the program cannot reach those heights again. For those of you who say, "it will take time," and "now we are faced with 2-3 years of rebuilding," I only point you to the Dan Kinney era at Winthrop, when they truely were in the crapper as a program, and what a young, dynamic, vibrant coach did in his first year...
...and the LU program is in much better shape and the conference is much weaker than it was then. Happy days are ahead.

[WinthropEagleFan]

It was murder to come into the "Furnace" as an opponent, and there is no reason why the program cannot reach those heights again. For those of you who say, "it will take time," and "now we are faced with 2-3 years of rebuilding," I only point you to the Dan Kinney era at Winthrop, when they truely were in the crapper as a program, and what a young, dynamic, vibrant coach did in his first year...
...and the LU program is in much better shape and the conference is much weaker than it was then. Happy days are ahead.

Those words make me shudder, even 9 years after the fact.

But that is a good point...there is nothing that says a new coach can't succeed right away, and I'd say the talent level that LU could return next year is better than what Marshall had when he got to Rock Hill...

[paradox]

Your response does not sound impartial at all.

Oh, I forgot. If anyone supports the coach, he cannot possibly be impartial, let alone logical.

If you feel that Dunton lacks leadership and charactor, then please keep in mind, that is your opinion and nothing more.

Randy had three quality years here, which included a trip to the NCAA's. However, I can certainly understand why Barber pulled the trigger because the last two years have been difficult, hence, a change was made. That said, RD leaves his successor a program that is in outstanding shape and primed to make another run at the NCAA's. Let's give the guy some credit and wish him well in his future endeavors. In my mind, Randy will always be a welcome member of the Liberty family.

[paradox]

Your response does not sound impartial at all, FUMBLEROOSKIES

Oh, I forgot. If anyone supports the coach, he cannot possibly be impartial, let alone logical.

If you feel that Dunton lacks leadership and charactor, then please keep in mind, that is your opinion and nothing more.

Randy had three quality years here, which included a trip to the NCAA's. However, I can certainly understand why Barber pulled the trigger because the last two years have been difficult, hence, a change was made. That said, RD leaves his successor a program that is in outstanding shape and primed to make another run at the NCAA's. Let's give the guy some credit and wish him well in his future endeavors. In my mind, Randy will always be a welcome member of the Liberty family.

...this is a response to Fumblerooskies' "impartial" observation.

[Fumblerooskies]

Paradox, those are my OBSERVATIONS (perception) of what I read from the "haters" over the past few months. Would it make you happy if I just deleted it? If you read my words...

When one's character and leadership come into question, then it definitely becomes a no-win situation.

That is ANYONE. Did I question Coach in any of those? No, and I will not. It was simply a statement of observation. I cannot read into JB's mind as to his reasoning and I will not try. Again, my point is this (I really hate repeating myself)...

...it is the dawn of a new day...
...and it should be time to move on a focus on better days ahead for the program. This is OUR university and I pray the students, the fans, the "drinkers" and the "haters" can all rally behind the new coach and the new coach can rally the university.

Paradox, I am trying to give you the benefit of the doubt in your comments, when few others around here do...
...please do the same for mine.

[paradox]

Fumblerooskies:

My bad

I thought that you where implying that RD lacked charator and leadership, but I see what you mean now, and I concur.

[Fumblerooskies]

Thanks. For a minute, I was thinking this was like dealing with some of my students...
(... ). Yes this was a tough week.

[paradox]

Fumblerooskies:

Well, I guess I kinda got that one off my chest at your expense

Enough said, my best to Randy, and bring on the new guy.

[flameshaw]

Your response does not sound impartial at all.

Oh, I forgot. If anyone supports the coach, he cannot possibly be impartial, let alone logical.

If you feel that Dunton lacks leadership and charactor, then please keep in mind, that is your opinion and nothing more.

Randy had three quality years here, which included a trip to the NCAA's. However, I can certainly understand why Barber pulled the trigger because the last two years have been difficult, hence, a change was made. That said, RD leaves his successor a program that is in outstanding shape and primed to make another run at the NCAA's. Let's give the guy some credit and wish him well in his future endeavors. In my mind, Randy will always be a welcome member of the Liberty family.

Paranormal earlier today:


Post Reply with quote
I think that the assumption that LU had the best athletes or talent in general this season is a misnomer and a discredit to Winthrop who clearly has the best overall talent accross the board.

We may have a nice group of guys who suited to play the 2 and 3: Brew, Blair, Smith, Jenkins, and even Baker and Hubbard. However, LU in no way compares to the talent level accross the board of a team such as Winthrop. They actually have a point guard and depth in the post. Other than Mclean, who had a nice first season and should see better days ahead, we had nothing in the low post. And the point gaurd situation was an utter fiasco. Again, we may have been the most atheletic and had the most depth at the 2 and 3, but our point gaurd situation and depth in the low post ranks near the bottom. Since when did stockpiling 2's and 3's ever win anything?

How's the volleyball team doing?

[Brokeback Flamer]

PARADUCKS - Impartial would be if the 'kool aide drinkers" actually pointed out and acknowledfe ANY flaw. Those of us inthe HATERADE camp, would come on here and point out the GOOD things. The eight game win streak etc. I don't see any of them stomping on the grave of RD. In fact they have said they wish him luck.
I will point out that after 5 years, how many players played 4 years and graduated? This was year 5 so by calculations, he would have had one year to play with what Mel left him, and than the next year have a stellar recruiting class that would have been seniors this year. How many did we have? If he brought in a bunch of JUCO's how many of THEM graduated (Within the NCAA 5 year rule some may still get there, but they would still be "Seniors" on the floor) While we may be a 3rd rate conference, the NCAA is going to start looking at this type of thing on ALL levels at ALL schools, and there are money and scholarship consequences. Plus, to reiterate the 3rd rate conference, how NEVER WINNING the regular season title a success if we had all the talent? To judge him by his own words we were supposed to be a top 25 program by this time in his tenure. We were supposed to have an RPI in the 50's and CONSISTENTLY challenge or win (since due to the fact that we are actually IN the conference we always challenge for..) the NCAA bid. By his own predictions we were no where near what he said was successful. Yet he wants to lash out at Barber, which is understandable b/c he DID just get fired, instead of look at himself.
It is not meant to be a personal attack, just pointed out his words matched with his actions. (Personal would be to say that he REALLY needed some one to style his hair, maybe a protein pack and some colors, plus waaay too many split ends.. And the 3 button suit was not a good look for him. He may have looked better with a slack/jacket combo and open neck shirt...)

[paradox]

FLAMER:

I posted this earlier and see it as an appropiate response.

....We need to stop looking for some kind of secret scandal. Let it go...

...Seriously though, some of the nitpicking, gossipmongering, and negative specualtion that goes on here is in all honesty, effeminate to say the least.

Be careful of what you make fun of, it may be hitting just a little to close to home

[paradox]

SHAW:

Wow, man. My words in red. I'm flattered.

[Brokeback Flamer]

No, my sheep are doing just fine!!
What am I nitpicking? He said that is where we would be in 5 years in terms of RPI and National rankings. We aren't even in the parking lot let a lone the same ball park.
He is consistent in his finishes. I am raking my brains to see if we ever WON the BSC. Our tournament year was a great run, but not every team was eligible. Is that a gossip nugget?
We don't have alot of players who stay for 2 or 4 years to get their degrees. (That would be 2 for JUCO's and 4 for "Traditionals) The NCAA is cracking down n that sort of thing. Is that negative speculation?

And for the record I have a GREAT stylisy (Chet) and he does WONDERS with my roots and coloring!

[paradox]

No, my sheep are doing just fine!!
What am I nitpicking? He said that is where we would be in 5 years in terms of RPI and National rankings. We aren't even in the parking lot let a lone the same ball park.
He is consistent in his finishes. I am raking my brains to see if we ever WON the BSC. Our tournament year was a great run, but not every team was eligible. Is that a gossip nugget?
We don't have alot of players who stay for 2 or 4 years to get their degrees. (That would be 2 for JUCO's and 4 for "Traditionals) The NCAA is cracking down n that sort of thing. Is that negative speculation?

And for the record I have a GREAT stylisy (Chet) and he does WONDERS with my roots and coloring!

He's gone. C'mon now, stand up, be a man, and let it go.

[Brokeback Flamer]

I am commenting on the article what is wrong with that. I am not getting personal, other than the fashion tips. I would stand up but prefer sitting down when typing. And if I am not mistaken we did let him go.........

[paradox]

SHAW:



You are bringing a post in here from somewhere else. I love when you put my words in red, but please don't stalk me

Here is how I reponded to you previously:

SHAW likes to just type the words, facts and logic, as a sustitute for actually making a counter argument. Kinda makes me wonder if he even knows how to distinguish the differences between empirical fact, logic, and conjecture.

...now you're gonna put my words in red and then type "paramormal" and "volleyball"

I must admit. You do humor me, man. if you only knew

[lureal]

Barber is an ad with the big ego who wants to be out in front. It is about his hires and his initiatives.
dunton never had a fair shake because barber wants his own man. my friends who are close to barber say he cast negatives all year and there is some underhanded stuff going on with attendance, budgets and lying. so we can all have opinions on where the program was headed but obviously even chris lang says should compete for the title next year. So Prov 14:15 says it is wise to look into a matter before jumping to conclusions. As fans we can all get caught up our emotional disappointments of tough losses, but realize where dunton brought us from and where we were headed. if someone is determined to make a case against any of us they can find some angles. this will be interesting to watch as the future unfolds.

[thesportscritic]

Barber has been a good AD thus far. you might want to check your attitude at the door. Dunton is gone. Get over it LUreal.

[mrich]

Barber is an ad with the big ego who wants to be out in front. It is about his hires and his initiatives.
dunton never had a fair shake because barber wants his own man. my friends who are close to barber say he cast negatives all year and there is some underhanded stuff going on with attendance, budgets and lying. so we can all have opinions on where the program was headed but obviously even chris lang says should compete for the title next year. So Prov 14:15 says it is wise to look into a matter before jumping to conclusions. As fans we can all get caught up our emotional disappointments of tough losses, but realize where dunton brought us from and where we were headed. if someone is determined to make a case against any of us they can find some angles. this will be interesting to watch as the future unfolds.

Get real. Where were we headed anywhere? Conspiracy theory, I think not. Just a mediocre coach being replaced. Happens all the time.

[LUconn]

Barber is an ad with the big ego who wants to be out in front. It is about his hires and his initiatives.
dunton never had a fair shake because barber wants his own man. my friends who are close to barber say he cast negatives all year and there is some underhanded stuff going on with attendance, budgets and lying. so we can all have opinions on where the program was headed but obviously even chris lang says should compete for the title next year.

So you're saying that he made attendance look worse than it was to get rid of Dunton? Because attendance was certainly never exagerated. I think your post is a whole lot of mularchy. The budgets aren't a big secret that he can play around with. Trustees know the numbers, so does the President, Chancelor and heck, the newspapers put it in print a few times. What could he underhandedly do? Embezle it? Take it out of Randy's check and funnel it to Rocco?