[ALAFlamesFan]

you guys are not getting the point, Layer was fired by Colorado State on March 12th, 2007. His career record at Colorado State as a Head Coach was 103-106, and was only 31-71 in conference play After taking over for Mckay. After Mckay pick up and left Colorado state for a better job, sounds familar doesnt it[/b] Layer is not a Good head coach, which hes proven at Colorado state going 103-106 and 31-71, What makes you all think he will do better at Liberty with allot less resources and talent then he had colorado state. I do believe soucie and Layer are good assistant coaches, but thats all they are. Plus its clear that, its a matter of time when Mckay will get another shot at head coach at a bigger school and when that happens Layer and Soucie will Leave Liberty and Go with Mckay.If we loose Recruits and current players transfer, then so be it we will be much better with a new coach and staff. We want a head coach like Danny Rocco who truly beliieves in LU and has a passion for Liberty, not just somebody using us to get a better Job. What makes you think Soucie can even be a good Head Coach anyway, hes always been in Mckays Shadow. I pray that Jeff Barber not only gets a great coach, but somebody who will truly wants to be here for more than 2 seasons.

I am not so sure about this. RMK didn't have that great a record either but was a good communicator of the vision and a good fit for our school. I don't know Mr. Layer or Mr Soucie but from what I have gathered on this board the past two seasons both were vital pieces to our success. I would be willing to give them a shot at continuing to grow the program.

Also Layer did not go with RMK but rather stayed at CSU until they fired him and he left last year to go to Marquette so I don't buy the argument that they bolt the first time RMK comes calling either.

[belcherboy]

What makes you think Soucie can even be a good Head Coach anyway, hes always been in Mckays Shadow. [/b]

I think he would be a good coach for the same reason that pretty much EVERYONE on here thought McKay was a great hire a few years ago. Soucie has been coaching for a long time, at various levels of the NCAA. He was one of the main guys that taught the system that has been used the past two years. He has a relationship with our current recruits. He has a relationship with the current players. I mean if McKay was good for our program the past two years, it isn't a far stretch to think that Soucie would be able to do the same. Perhaps he is going to UVA with McKay, but if not, I can't imagine he is very happy with RM right now. RM basically left him unemployed for at least the year or longer. If Liberty doesn't have another GREAT option, give him a year or two and see what he could do. He has done a GREAT job so far the past two years!

[coolhandluke]

As far as Juice goes...normally playing pro ball isnt enough for me...but this guy is held in such high regard in his homeland that he has serious political pull and really could help us land a few of these over seas ball players so I dont mind it all that much.


Now a days you HAVE to have serious political pull to get players from over there

I agree, from what I've read. This brings something else to the table, and I hope it doesn't cause a meltdown. Does anyone think we might need another African American head coach for recruiting purposes today? I realize it doesn't stop many many top programs, it just seems at mid major schools, it may be advantageous to have a minority hc, since the majority of d-1 players are minorities. Please, I am a very open and unbiased person when it comes to race...I am not trying to start anything. Just asking an honest question, that has been on my mind a little since RM left.

I thought the same thing. But Ritchie recruited more white players than black players.... RD was the exact opposite.

Honestly, I think the race factor does not do that much for recruiting. Maybe it does, but what I really think all recruits (whether black, white, or whatever) look at is coaching style, playing time, and how comfortable they feel on the campus. Those three factors are the most important to recruits in my opinion.

[ALAFlamesFan]

As far as Juice goes...normally playing pro ball isnt enough for me...but this guy is held in such high regard in his homeland that he has serious political pull and really could help us land a few of these over seas ball players so I dont mind it all that much.


Now a days you HAVE to have serious political pull to get players from over there

I agree, from what I've read. This brings something else to the table, and I hope it doesn't cause a meltdown. Does anyone think we might need another African American head coach for recruiting purposes today? I realize it doesn't stop many many top programs, it just seems at mid major schools, it may be advantageous to have a minority hc, since the majority of d-1 players are minorities. Please, I am a very open and unbiased person when it comes to race...I am not trying to start anything. Just asking an honest question, that has been on my mind a little since RM left.

It would be foolish/naive to say race has absolutely nothing to do with it but I think it is more about being able to relate, build relationships, and communicate the vision/sell the recruit on where the program is going. Top programs sell themselves, mid-major coaches have to work a little harder sometimes and need more intangibles. So in as much as it helps in relating to players/building relationships racial/socioeconomic background may play a part imo...

[olldflame]

I'm not sure how significant or relevant it is, but we went from a white coach with an all black staff to a black coach with an all white staff. I think LU has proven itself to be an equal opportunity employer at this point. We just need to pick the best man for the job.

[coolhandluke]

I'm not sure how significant or relevant it is, but we went from a white coach with an all black staff to a black coach with an all white staff. I think LU has proven itself to be an equal opportunity employer at this point. We just need to pick the best man for the job.

+1

[Jesus First]

Is anybody else Concern besides me about Soucie and Layer Leaving us in a couple years if they get get the LU head coaching job, when Mckay gets his Dream Coaching Job at Some big conference school??????

[coolhandluke]

Is anybody else Concern besides me about Soucie and Layer Leaving us in a couple years if they get get the LU head coaching job, when Mckay gets his Dream Coaching Job at Some big conference school??????

it could happen....

[jcmanson]

Is anybody else Concern besides me about Soucie and Layer Leaving us in a couple years if they get get the LU head coaching job, when Mckay gets his Dream Coaching Job at Some big conference school??????

Yeah it concerns me. I already stated I don't want either.

[Hold My Own]

you guys are not getting the point, Layer was fired by Colorado State on March 12th, 2007. His career record at Colorado State as a Head Coach was 103-106, and was only 31-71 in conference play After taking over for Mckay. After Mckay pick up and left Colorado state for a better job, sounds familar doesnt it[/b] Layer is not a Good head coach, which hes proven at Colorado state going 103-106 and 31-71, What makes you all think he will do better at Liberty with allot less resources and talent then he had colorado state. I do believe soucie and Layer are good assistant coaches, but thats all they are. Plus its clear that, its a matter of time when Mckay will get another shot at head coach at a bigger school and when that happens Layer and Soucie will Leave Liberty and Go with Mckay.If we loose Recruits and current players transfer, then so be it we will be much better with a new coach and staff. We want a head coach like Danny Rocco who truly beliieves in LU and has a passion for Liberty, not just somebody using us to get a better Job. What makes you think Soucie can even be a good Head Coach anyway, hes always been in Mckays Shadow. I pray that Jeff Barber not only gets a great coach, but somebody who will truly wants to be here for more than 2 seasons.

If Layer is playing 500 ball over all he can win in the BSC...RMK put together the best 2 year run in our history and he didnt even fair that well in the MWC...while RMK left us high and dry we cant look at his two years as a disappointment...while we're disappointed now over all it was a success.

The 2 seasons before RMK got that we won 21 out of 61 games after he got here we won 39 out of 67 games...you cant tell me that's not a turn around...it was a success wither anyone wants to admit it now or not I'll take 58% over 34% anytime


AND FOR THE LOVE NO PHONE CALLS THIS IS NOT A PERSONAL ATTACK AGAINST RD THIS IS FACTUAL GEEEZ GROW UP PEOPLE

[jcmanson]

If Layer is playing 500 ball in the MWC he can win in the BSC

Since when was 31-71 .500 ball?

[Hold My Own]

my mistake I went by the 103-106...then it wasnt to far off from RMK's record then but RMK did do better[/code]

[jcmanson]

RMK was 39-49 in the MWC (including 8-6 at CSU) - that's a 44.32% winning percentage
Layer was 31-71 in the MWC, all years at CSU - that's a 30.00% winning percentage

Color those numbers any way you want, but 31-71 is nowhere near being close to 39-49.

[Hold My Own]

OK dude make sure you make it known to the athletic department who you want and it shall be done


What part of me saying MY MISTAKE do you not get?

[jcmanson]

Chill bro. It's going to be all good.

I would make it known to JB, but he won't return my calls.

[jcmanson]

Sorry if I came off as fighting, I didn't mean to. Just wanted to get the facts out there.

And if JB chooses Layer as our coach, I will FULLY support him.

[Th3rd]

so big question if soucie leaves does JVP leave with him?

[Chris Lang]

Soucie has not taken a job at UVa.

[rueful]

The fact of the matter is this: Jeff Barber has been bringing in great coaches thus far. He hasnt brought one in that has been a failure. Sure maybe not everyone likes the coaches, but the coaches have turned programs around for the better.

So,

Jeff Barber is out there getting us the guy he thinks is going to do the best for the school, maybe not the fan favorite, but someone who he sees as someone who can take this program to the next level, and ultimately, thats all that matters.

Oh, and my vote for the new team theme: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

[olldflame]

so big question if soucie leaves does JVP leave with him?

From Lang's article:

"Joel is still in shock,“ Travis (Joel's HS coach) wrote. “We talked a couple of times yesterday. He really wants to be at Liberty. He has really enjoyed the relationship he’s formed with some of the guys on the team and the coaching staff (especially [assistant coach Brad] Soucie). ... I feel comfortable saying he doesn’t desire to even look elsewhere.“

Of course, if Vander Pol doesn’t mesh with the new coaching staff, all bets are off."

[Th3rd]

so big question if soucie leaves does JVP leave with him?

From Lang's article:

"Joel is still in shock,“ Travis (Joel's HS coach) wrote. “We talked a couple of times yesterday. He really wants to be at Liberty. He has really enjoyed the relationship he’s formed with some of the guys on the team and the coaching staff (especially [assistant coach Brad] Soucie). ... I feel comfortable saying he doesn’t desire to even look elsewhere.“

Of course, if Vander Pol doesn’t mesh with the new coaching staff, all bets are off."

i know he loves it here, but from what i have heard he wants soucie as head coach.... which is why i am worried if soucie leaves does that mean he leaves as well

[olldflame]

He almost certainly doesn't know himself for sure yet, so How would we? If he likes the school and has made a connection with players, I don't think it will hang on Soucie being here. My guess is he only asks out of his LOI if he somehow hits it off wrong with the new coach. It doesn't sound like he is even looking at other options.

[RagingTireFire]

An hour has gone by without a post in any basketball-related thread. This is disconcerting.

I can only assume that the Rapture has happened and I've been left behind. That's what I get for listening to those snake handler people.

[Th3rd]

hahaha, i was thinking it had gotten rather quite around here as well

[jinxy]

keeping the recruits doesn't mean as much as finding the right coach. Unless you have a sure fire dominant program changing player. We dont have any of those signed, so I believe the right move is to find the right coach regardless if we lose any of these verbals for this year.