Why should Alex English be the next USC Coach?

[morgan n' 7]

Why should Alex English be the next USC Coach?

Gamecocks great has built his coaching career in the pros, but college teaching and recruiting are on his radar

Ron Morris

BEFORE ONE STARTS talking to Alex English about South Carolina basketball, he wants to make one thing perfectly clear: He is not campaigning to be the next coach of the Gamecocks.

That does not mean English is not intrigued by the possibility of replacing Dave Odom. He is, and he should be an equally intriguing candidate for USC.

Let’s get past the fact that English’s jersey No. 22 hangs in the Colonial Center rafters and that he remains the second-leading scorer (1,972 points) in USC history. Put aside that English was a Hall of Fame NBA player who ranks 12th all time in points scored (25,613).

English said by telephone this week from Toronto that he would not want to be considered a candidate simply because of his playing career.

He would prefer USC athletics director Eric Hyman examine his coaching experience to determine whether he should be a candidate for the position.

“He’s got to do his job. He’s got to thoroughly go through the candidates and get the best candidate,” English said of Hyman. “I understand that, and I wouldn’t want to be included just because I played basketball there.

I would want my coaching abilities to be something that would be considered first.”

English began his coaching career in 2001, nearly a decade after his 15-year NBA playing career ended. He served as coach of the Charleston Lowgators of the National Basketball Development League for the 2001-02 season. His team went 36-20 and lost in the finals.

During the next two seasons, English was an assistant coach in the NBA, first for the Atlanta Hawks and then with the Philadelphia 76ers. Since 2004, English has been an assistant coach and director of player development for the Toronto Raptors.

“That’s my goal. That’s why I’m here, to be a head coach in the NBA,” English said. “It’s been a long journey, and I feel it’s very possible. It could happen soon. Over the six years that I have been here, I’ve learned a lot and I feel that I could do a great job as a head coach.”

Still, English admits to a certain level of fascination with the USC coaching job. He is a Columbia native who graduated from Dreher High School. He earned his degree from USC and served on the USC board of trustees for three years in the late 1990s.

English has continued to call Columbia home, even while playing in the NBA with Milwaukee, Indiana, Denver and Dallas. His house is on the market, but English said that is because he and his wife are seeking a smaller home in the Columbia area.

Those Columbia and South Carolina roots would go a long way in recruiting a state that has been difficult over the years for USC basketball coaches to cultivate for talent.

“Over the years, we have lost a little of our zest there,” English said, speaking of USC. “I think whoever the candidate is, he’s got to be able to go out and recruit players that are top-quality players and very interested in being part of the university, and players that can take them to the next level and keep them there.

“I think that would probably be one of my strong points, being able to go out and recruit and get the players that are necessary to play in the SEC. You need the best of the best. They’ve got to not only get the best out of the state, but the surrounding areas and even if you have to go away to different places.”

Once players are on board, English said coaching is a matter of teaching. He said his work in the NBA has helped sharpen his teaching skills because so many young players enter pro ball lacking proper technique in many phases of the game.

English admits he is an NBA guy, first and foremost. That means knowing and understanding a different game than that played in college.

But “basketball is basketball,” according to English. There would be little adjustment in teaching fundamentals and strategy. English said a sharper learning curve would be getting a grasp on NCAA rules regarding eligibility and recruiting.

Of course, none of that matters if Hyman seeks young candidates from midmajor schools who have proven records of success. At age 53, English might have aged himself out of contention. Plus, he has no college coaching experience.

That is OK with English.

“I’m happy with the job I have now. I enjoy working in the NBA,” he said.

“I’m not going after the university job, but if there is a possibility that they would be interested, then I would certainly talk with them.”

That opportunity might come when English returns Feb. 23 for USC’s celebration of 100 years of men’s basketball.

It seems to me English at least deserves a chance to present his case for the job.

If nothing else, he could be a strong fallback candidate for Hyman and USC.



http://www.thestate.com/gamecocks/story/303478.html

[Crazy_Gamecock]

Personally, since Alex is interested I love the fact that he wants to come back home and coach his alma mater. I love Grant and would be ok with Marshall but if Alex is wanting to come I say look no further. No one will want to take care of this program as much as he. Just my thoughts.

[PyroPepper]

Sounds like "Flick" is more than interested. Hyman would be prudent to interview my fellow Dreher alum.

[usc90grad]

Let's face it...English would only get the job for one reason...he's a Carolina guy. But he's not the answer. Think bigger.

[cocknblue]

I had previously been opposed to Alex as a candidate. But this article makes me think we should give him consideration.

[bgallup]

Theres a great reason he shouldn't be given the job, His goal is to be a NBA coach, The only reason he like USC is because its home. He would bolt with the first offer!

USC is not a Dream Job for him, he has higher aspirations!

[FoghornLeghornCock]

Alex English has made a lot of money already. He is 53 years old. He is an assistant in the NBA because this is where they pay coaches a lot of money. The pay starts at probably $3 million a year for a coach and goes to probably 6 million or more. The highest paid college coach is Billy Donovan who got NBA money to stay at FL of $3.5 million. Coach K and a couple of others make around 3 million. We pay pretty well at $900k and no doubt we will have to go a little over one million. Alex is is in the NBA for a reason. If he wanted to be in the college game with what it has to offer he would already be there. I guess I want a young coach who will be out beating the bushes recruiting, watching film, and developing players. It is very rare for very talented players to be good coaches. If you read all of the interview he is like Cremins he will come if asked, but he also gives you a lot of reasons why he should not be picked in this interview.

[diehardgamecock]

next candidate, please....

[TalkingHead]

Since English doesn't want to be considered only because he is a USC graduate and former player, there would be absolutely no other reason to consider hiring him.

I like Alex, but he isn't the answer to the new coach question.

[USC-Hokie]

He would make a great assistant in college as well. Bring on Grant.

[acejrock]

Alex's house in NE Columbia is HUGE!! I am not sure what to think of Alex as a head coach. There seems to be a lot of pros and cons with him.

[diehardgamecock]

cons


you mean like how he's never been a college head coach? or head coach of anything other than an NBADL team? yeah....that might be a bit of a con.

[JAYBEZ]

I would prefer someone younger.

[ShutTheSuccop]

he should not experiment with coaching/recruiting at an SEC program...let him start a little school and work his way up....

Calipari, Patino, Donavon, and the list goes on and on got their start at Mid-majors (if you consider Providence at that time a small school)

[Cockadiddle]

I had previously been opposed to Alex as a candidate. But this article makes me think we should give him consideration.

I had the same thought..........

[smoovecock]

I had previously been opposed to Alex as a candidate. But this article makes me think we should give him consideration..........Yep....lets at least talk with him....Player development at his present position is nothing but college kids learning how to play better.....

[superstar90]

I like Alex, but to me this is just MoRon trying to stir the pot. Ron knows it is probably a 15% chance we hire Alex, so he decides to stir things up. He's just trying to get the media/public ready to rip USC when we pass up on Alex. A good article about Alex, and I don't think he would bolt for a NBA job if he is here. I'm pretty sure Grant is the man I want.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

Thing is Alex says in the article his priority is to get to a head coaching job in the NBA. We need a guy who is committed and dedicated to being a top-level College Coach. Alex may not be that guy.

[smoovecock]

I like Alex, but to me this is just MoRon trying to stir the pot. Ron knows it is probably a 15% chance we hire Alex, so he decides to stir things up. He's just trying to get the media/public ready to rip USC when we pass up on Alex. A good article about Alex, and I don't think he would bolt for a NBA job if he is here. I'm pretty sure Grant is the man I want.......Good obsevation...........For got bout the MoRon angle....

[tptgamecock]

Grant is my first choice with Marshall a very close second. Alex was a great player and I remember his playing days. I have always liked the idea of alums coaching at their schools. I hope we get Grant but if it is Alex he will have my full support.

[usc89]

This is FANTASTIC news! I've met Alex English and he's a CLASS ACT all the way. Add that to the fact that he has NBA connections and get kids to the next level, and he has the ability not only to put USC on the map, but make us a NATIONAL POWERHOUSE!

I know some former players don't work out as coaches, but English isn't one of those types. He has been not just successful, but GREAT on EVERY level! While he was building his home here, he also DROVE from Denver to Columbia on an almost weekly basis, and his commitment to Carolina and the Columbia area is UNSHAKABLE!

As an alumnus and lifelong Carolina fan, we need to STOP our search RIGHT NOW and HIRE HIM! He's a PROVEN WINNER and someone whose presence would FILL THE CC!!!!!!

Trust me, Hyman, THIS IS YOUR GUY!!!!

GO COCKS!!!!! NOW AND FOREVER!!!!!

[gAmkok]

Alex is a great Gamecock and may be supremely qualified to do a wonderful job here, but the fact remains that he's not been a college coach before, doesn't know the NCAA rules, and has never recruited. Coaching in the NBA and coaching college aren't the same careers. While there are similarities, there are greater differences. Head coach at the SEC level is not an entry level position and should not be considered OJT, no matter who we're talking about. There are smaller conferences and schools for that.

[usc89]

You're ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Alex LOVES Carolina and we wouldn't go wrong in hiring him! He played for Coach McGuire, was a star in the NBA and is the ONLY person that would make us a national power overnight.

WOW, this is GREAT news!

[usc89]

Listen, English would need NO OJT, that's for sure. Remember, he was a Gamecock when we still WERE a national powerhouse, so he knows what it takes.

Also, the college game is more similar to the NBA today than it ever has been, and he was a star there. Give the man a chance and he'll deliver!

GO COCKS! HIRE ALEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Click]

He would be a great choice. I hope we go after him. He has what it takes to make this program a great one. Plus, he's GAMECOCK thru & thru!

[SnellvilleGAGamecock]

I had previously been opposed to Alex as a candidate. But this article makes me think we should give him consideration.

I am right there with you. I wasn't even considering him as an option but this article makes me think he should definately be considered. His not "campaigning" for the job isn't a negative to me. Some folks don't do that. They want the job if the person doing the hiring wants them to have it. Makes you feel like you got the job because of your ability to do the job, not your ability to sell yourself.

I like that he thinks being coach at his alma mater is very intrigueing to him. With his history at USC, his name recognition and the fact that he has coaching experience already, and definately knows the game, I'm definately reconsidering my original opposition.

:clap:

[reddot8481]

I think Alex put it best we need to look beyond his successful playing career and at his body of work as a coach. He's coached in the NBA Developmental League and acted as assistant with a focus on player development over the past 5 years. He has no college coaching experience (ie no experience with recruiting or NCAA regulations beyond his playing time) and would be entering into a new realm. Also, as he said he has aspirations at a NBA head coaching position.

IMHO he would be a great hire to build the program by doing exactly what college basketball should do, develop players. I think that success would follow, but that it would take a while and given his age not sure how long he wants to persue it.

[Order 66]

I'd love to have a coach who would want to be here opposed to one who would take a big check to be here. JMHO.

If you surround Alex with coaches who know NCAA rules, he'd be fine. It's not like being on the Board of Trustees wouldn't have hurt his knowledge of any of that either. I doubt Alex would ask for the money other young coaches would demand either. You know Hyman would love that.

[cockybusiness2]

he should not experiment with coaching/recruiting at an SEC program...let him start a little school and work his way up....

Calipari, Patino, Donavon, and the list goes on and on got their start at Mid-majors (if you consider Providence at that time a small school)
:-x :-x :-x

I could not disagree more. Alex English is a Gamecock. ENOUGH SAID

[diehardgamecock]

:-x :-x :-x

I could not disagree more. Alex English is a Gamecock. ENOUGH SAID





who gives a flying fart if he's a gamecock?



we're talking about hiring a coach to help get us out of this mess. good grief.

[diehardgamecock]

i can't believe some of the posts i'm reading...

[Click]

who gives a flying fart if he's a gamecock?



we're talking about hiring a coach to help get us out of this mess. good grief.


We're talking about the same thing. Alex could very well get us out of this "mess" !! Him being a true Gamecock is just an extra GREAT thing about hiring him on.

[diehardgamecock]

there are many, many candidates out there that are more qualified than english...

if hyman wants to put him at #25 or so on his list just in case we can't hire anybody, then i'm all for it. other than that, i don't think there's any reason at all to even consider hiring alex english as the next head basketball coach at usc.

[cockybusiness2]

who gives a flying fart if he's a gamecock?



we're talking about hiring a coach to help get us out of this mess. good grief.

:-x :-x :-x

I for one. I have been a Gamecock for 50+ years. Being a gamecock means more than just being a Johnny Come lately Fan. It means having ties to the University. Not just living in and around Columbia.

If we had not upset Frank and his boys... We would have never have fallen as far as we have since the 70's


Yes hire someone with ties to this university

[diehardgamecock]

nm

[Click]

there are many, many candidates out there that are more qualified than english...

if hyman wants to put him at #25 or so on his list just in case we can't hire anybody, then i'm all for it. other than that, i don't think there's any reason at all to even consider hiring alex english as the next head basketball coach at usc.

I don't see where you get that, but everybody's got a right to their opinion.

[diehardgamecock]

I don't see where you get that, but everybody's got a right to their opinion.




what? that he's not as qualified as tons of other candidates out there?

surely you jest...

[ShutTheSuccop]

who gives a flying fart if he's a gamecock?



we're talking about hiring a coach to help get us out of this mess. good grief.

I agree 100%. I want the best available coach. Being a college coach is nothing like being a coach in the NBA...you don't get to draft your players in College. I really thinkt hat we need the best available candidate, regardless of past affiliations. I am proud that Alex English is a gamecock, and a damn loyal one, but I don't think that he is the best potential candidate.

[Click]

what? that he's not as qualified as tons of other candidates out there?

surely you jest...


No, I'm actually serious. He may not have coached on the collegiate level but other than what makes him less qualified??? The game is what it is, basketball. And I can see him being one hell of a recruiter also.

[diehardgamecock]

And I can see him being one hell of a recruiter also.




because he's never done it before?

[ShutTheSuccop]

:-x :-x :-x

I for one. I have been a Gamecock for 50+ years. Being a gamecock means more than just being a Johnny Come lately Fan. It means having ties to the University. Not just living in and around Columbia.

If we had not upset Frank and his boys... We would have never have fallen as far as we have since the 70's


Yes hire someone with ties to this university

DUDE...I am not even 50 years old but does that make me less of a fan than you....HELL NO. Quit questioning fanhoods...it gets old and it is juvenile. We understand that you like Alex English, but give a reason that qualifies him as a coach at USC other than "he's a gamecock"...I want to know what you expect for a coach...I just want someone with experience in division I college bball

[Order 66]

I love people who value their own opinions. Did you put it on pedistal too? Man...that's a good opinion....I wish mine was a solid and could crap on other opinions the way yours does...wow.

[Click]

because he's never done it before?

No, b/c he's a legend. His name alone is a selling point for the program as a whole. Kinda like Spurrier is for football.

[reddot8481]

cockybusiness I would say that our treatment of Fogler was the downfall of our program more than Frank, we were on the brink to return and kinda flushed it down the proverbial toilet. I do think that we need change here and that blindly thrusting someone into the forefront of our coaching search based solely on their alumni status is a bit ludacris. I think that English should be considered but evaluated equally with the other candidates based on his coaching resume.

diehard why wouldn't you even cosider English, he's an NBA assistant with ties to the university. He has a background in developing quality players to get the best out of them (current position as player development with the Raptors, NBADL, etc.), which would translate well into college coaching. I agree that we shouldn't just throw away the list and annoint him the new savior of Carolina Basketball, but at least he deserves a look.

[Click]

cockybusiness I would say that our treatment of Fogler was the downfall of our program more than Frank, we were on the brink to return and kinda flushed it down the proverbial toilet. I do think that we need change here and that blindly thrusting someone into the forefront of our coaching search based solely on their alumni status is a bit ludacris. I think that English should be considered but evaluated equally with the other candidates based on his coaching resume.

diehard why wouldn't you even cosider English, he's an NBA assistant with ties to the university. He has a background in developing quality players to get the best out of them (current position as player development with the Raptors, NBADL, etc.), which would translate well into college coaching. I agree that we shouldn't just throw away the list and annoint him the new savior of Carolina Basketball, but at least he deserves a look.

My sentiments exactly.

[TalkingHead]

He may not have coached on the collegiate level but other than what makes him less qualified???

Other than that??:rotfl:

[diehardgamecock]

No, b/c he's a legend. His name alone is a selling point for the program as a whole. Kinda like Spurrier is for football.



i doubt many young bball players would really care that alex english was coaching here (not in the way you mean).


he played a while back....he was very good, but played on crappy teams, so he never got that stardom like some players do.







this is the worst possible time for us to take a wild chance on an unproven coach. we don't need a "just cuz" hire right now.

[Order 66]

well, the SOS analogy doesn't work very well. Steve was a successfull recruiter and coach before he came here. He build his legend at UF. Now that hasn't exactly paid dividens here yet, and who is to say that Alex's NBA legend would do the same here. I just don't think he's the crap candidate that some folks try to portray him as. There are just as many mid-major coaches who fall on their faces as there are ones that succeed.

[diehardgamecock]

diehard why wouldn't you even cosider English, he's an NBA assistant with ties to the university.



because there's about 15 guys in front of him to be seriously considered.

[Click]

Other than that??:rotfl:

Uuuuuhhhh you don't have to necessarily have coached college basketball before to become a college coach, right? Especially considering that he played college ball, and was pretty damn good at it too I might add. And that little thing called the NBA that he coaches in now, well that means absolutely nothing either, right? Geez!

[ShutTheSuccop]

well, the SOS analogy doesn't work very well. Steve was a successfull recruiter and coach before he came here. He build his legend at UF. Now that hasn't exactly paid dividens here yet, and who is to say that Alex's NBA legend would do the same here. I just don't thinke he's the crap candidate that some folks try to portray him as. There are just as many mid-major coaches who fall on their faces as there are ones that succeed.

Was thinking the exact same thing about SOS...I don't think that people think that Alex is a crap candidate, they just don't think that he should go to the top of the list...

[reddot8481]

i doubt many young bball players would really care that alex english was coaching here (not in the way you mean).


he played a while back....he was very good, but played on crappy teams, so he never got that stardom like some players do.







this is the worst possible time for us to take a wild chance on an unproven coach. we don't need a "just cuz" hire right now.



Then I guess anthony grant is out too then??? Maybe we can convince Eddie Sutton or Lute Olson to come:thumbs:

In our current situation we are gonna have to take a chance.

[Order 66]

No one put him at the top, but he should be considered if we start handing out job flyers in Walmart parking lots.

[atrain3067]

Asst. Coach English perhaps?

[diehardgamecock]

[/b]



Then I guess anthony grant is out too then??? Maybe we can convince Eddie Sutton or Lute Olson to come:thumbs:

In our current situation we are gonna have to take a chance.




then i guess you're the one guy in america that thinks that hiring grant would be a "just cuz" hire, huh?



takes all kinds, i guess.....

[reddot8481]

My point was that Anthony Grant is unproven as well. Sure he's done a good job at VCU, but do you really think he can recruit here or compete in the SEC? You were saying that English was an outlandish choice because he's unproven and that we shouldn't look to hire anyone "just cause". Well should we hire Grant just cuz of one year of success at VCU?

[diehardgamecock]

My point was that Anthony Grant is unproven as well. Sure he's done a good job at VCU, but do you really think he can recruit here or compete in the SEC? You were saying that English was an outlandish choice because he's unproven and that we shouldn't look to hire anyone "just cause". Well should we hire Grant just cuz of one year of success at VCU?



YES....ABSOLUTELY!!!!!


do you know anything about grant? his background? google his name and read up on him...i think you'll be pleased with what he brings to the table.

[FoghornLeghornCock]

I graduated with Roche and Owens I won't be recommending Cremins. I went back and got an MBA and graduated with Alex English I won't be recommending we hire him either. Neither Cremins or English will be mad at us for choosing a coach who we may consider better candiates for Carolina at this point in time. Either one would might come if called, some want to relight a flame long extinquished by hiring somebody from our distant past. It is time to start a new era and this comes from somebody who knows that, I don't live in the past.

[Click]

YES....ABSOLUTELY!!!!!


do you know anything about grant? his background? google his name and read up on him...i think you'll be pleased with what he brings to the table.



Hey I think Grant is a great candidate for the job and would be happy to get him. But I'd be just as happy to have English as well.

[reddot8481]

You mean his time at Florida recruiting in his own backyard. He's from Miami don't you think he has connections to Florida that helped him to recruit well there. (Similar to English being from Columbia and coaching the NBADL in the Low Country and still having connections to the local high school coaches) As for his being able to compete in the SEC, pretty sure that Billy Donovan had something to do with the success there. Don't question my sports knowledge dude, you'll lose everytime. I'm just saying that we should at least evaluate Alex English fairly and not simply put him off as a hire for his playing days here.

[diehardgamecock]

I graduated with Roche and Owens I won't be recommending Cremins. I went back and got an MBA and graduated with Alex English I won't be recommending we hire him either. Neither Cremins or English will be mad at us for choosing a coach who we may consider better candiates for Carolina at this point in time. Either one would might come if called, some want to relight a flame long extinquished by hiring somebody from our distant past. It is time to start a new era and this comes from somebody who knows that, I don't live in the past.



good post.

[Click]

I don't think considering Alex English is "living in the past". He's a qualified candidate and deserves consideration. I think alot of this is b/c some guys want a very young up & coming coach.

[diehardgamecock]

alex english will not be a serious candidate.

[Click]

alex english will not be a serious candidate.

Thanks for the inside info AD Hyman

:rotfl: :rotfl:

[superstar90]

Ya'll stop posting so much. I'm busy here at work, and it sucks to check back in to have to read 2 more pages on a thread to keep up! :)

What ya'll talking about?

[diehardgamecock]

Thanks for the inside info AD Hyman

:rotfl: :rotfl:




we'll see, sparky.

[The Yancey]

Hire him, give him a 10 year contract, and let him grow into the job. My guess is that it would not take long for Alex to become acclimated to the college ranks.

[Click]

we'll see, sparky.

Hey if we get Grant I'll be happy. I just don't want Marshall. But in the end it won't matter what any of us pee-on's want. It'll be up to Hyman, Sorenson, and the Board of Trustees.

Have a good weekend diehardgc !!

[diehardgamecock]

Have a good weekend diehardgc !!



you too.

[TalkingHead]

Uuuuuhhhh you don't have to necessarily have coached college basketball before to become a college coach, right? Especially considering that he played college ball, and was pretty damn good at it too I might add. And that little thing called the NBA that he coaches in now, well that means absolutely nothing either, right? Geez!

What other college in the world is considering English for a HC job?

[superstar90]

I don't think Sorenson will have much of a decision on it. Especially when he is retiring in a few months.

[Click]

What other college in the world is considering English for a HC job?

You got me there! Nobody that I know of. Look, I don't believe for minute that English will be the coach. I'm just saying that I don't think he'd be a bad hire is all. He knows his basketball.

[Click]

I don't think Sorenson will have much of a decision on it. Especially when he is retiring in a few months.

Yea, forgot about that, you're right.

[usc89]

Yep. I remember when he built it! There's no doubt about his commitment to the State or university. He's the BEST person for this job!

[usc89]

His qualifications are hanging in the Colonial Center. He was a GREAT player in college and in the NBA, and he loves Carolina. He's the answer to these the malaise, and there are MANY Carolina alums who care that he's a Gamecock GREAT! You need to look at the big picture and see the charisma that English would bring to us. He is a GREAT person and will make a GREAT coach for us!

[diehardgamecock]

His qualifications are hanging in the Colonial Center.




yeah, and maybe we could hire roche as his top assistant....perhaps owens could be recruiting coordinator.


and maybe bj could be the new AD after we run off hyman.










herbert lee davis doesn't have his jersey retired, but i wouldn't mind seeing him get the job if we pass on alex english....

[raptorcox]

Don't forget Arthur Carlisle DHG, or Osmane Konate.. they need jobs too

[diehardgamecock]

Don't forget Arthur Carlisle DHG, or Osmane Konate.. they need jobs too


that's a good point.



i'm sending hyman an email as soon as i type this response...8-)

[raptorcox]

I thought it was spelled Hymen.. lol

[cockybusiness2]

DUDE...I am not even 50 years old but does that make me less of a fan than you....HELL NO. Quit questioning fanhoods...it gets old and it is juvenile. We understand that you like Alex English, but give a reason that qualifies him as a coach at USC other than "he's a gamecock"...I want to know what you expect for a coach...I just want someone with experience in division I college bball

:-x :-x :-x
Dude give it up... It is time that we had some one connected to the university... Being a businessman I have found that money can buy just about any coach you WANT. But money cannot buy loyalty... I want a coach committed to the University... Who is an alumnus... Someone who CARES... Not someone who just wants a big paycheck

[diehardgamecock]

I want a coach committed to the University... Who is an alumnus




if that is your main criteria, you're probably gonna be disappointed...

[cockybusiness2]

if that is your main criteria, you're probably gonna be disappointed...

:-x
Maybe so but then again I have been disappointed with Gamecock Basketball for quite awhile. But I will support them no matter what.

[2000grad]

a prophet is without honor in his hometown

[diehardgamecock]

:-x
Maybe so but then again I have been disappointed with Gamecock Basketball for quite awhile. But I will support them no matter what.




it's good that you'll support them...i'd expect nothing less.





BTW, you certainly love that emoticon....

[NXS]

I grew up in Denver and watched Alex English put up huge numbers night after night in the NBA. Alex is an extraordinary man and competitor. He was the ultimate professional. He played as hard as any NBA player ever has and performed at a level that few have reached. He wasn’t the fastest guy on the court, he didn’t have the best jump shot, and he wasn’t the most overpowering player in the paint and he never possessed the athleticism that others had that put up similar numbers. But he was smart, very smart. All, especially teammates, respected him; he was not the strongest physically but was mentally. He was and is a great person and the only reason he is not already a head coach was that he might lack the arrogance that drives many head coaches. Is he qualified? Mentally and intelligently he is probably over qualified. Would he eventually go to the NBA? possibly, but if that happens then it will likely mean he coached the Gamecocks to new heights. IMO Alex might be exactly what is needed for the Gamecocks program to regain some traction in recruiting and his appointment could take us places where we have not been. And most of all he is a Gamecock through and through.

[cockybusiness2]

it's good that you'll support them...i'd expect nothing less.





BTW, you certainly love that emoticon....


:wink: :wink: :wink:

That is the good thing about being a Gamecock Fan. We can agree to disgree. My Man, I will suppoet to the day I die your right to your opinion... But we are both Gamecock fans... So we are both part of the best fans in the nation.... We just have different perspectives

[gAmkok]

it's good that you'll support them...i'd expect nothing less.

BTW, you certainly love that emoticon....


LOL!! It's in every post - multiple times usually! That's an awesome observation!

I think maybe I'll start using this one to express my one emotion:
:beer: :beer: :beer:

[cockybusiness2]

LOL!! It's in every post - multiple times usually! That's an awesome observation!

I think maybe I'll start using this one to express my one emotion:
:beer: :beer: :beer:


No that was my college years at Don's at five points

[gAmkok]

I grew up in Denver and watched Alex English put up huge numbers night after night in the NBA. Alex is an extraordinary man and competitor. He was the ultimate professional. He played as hard as any NBA player ever has and performed at a level that few have reached. He wasn’t the fastest guy on the court, he didn’t have the best jump shot, and he wasn’t the most overpowering player in the paint and he never possessed the athleticism that others had that put up similar numbers. But he was smart, very smart. All, especially teammates, respected him; he was not the strongest physically but was mentally. He was and is a great person and the only reason he is not already a head coach was that he might lack the arrogance that drives many head coaches. Is he qualified? Mentally and intelligently he is probably over qualified. Would he eventually go to the NBA? possibly, but if that happens then it will likely mean he coached the Gamecocks to new heights. IMO Alex might be exactly what is needed for the Gamecocks program to regain some traction in recruiting and his appointment could take us places where we have not been. And most of all he is a Gamecock through and through.

:beer: :beer: :beer:

No doubt Alex English is a Gamecock - an indisputable fact - and a great one. One of the greatest. What's also indisputable is that he is completely unproven as a head coach unless you count some experience in the D league.
Now, regardless of how you think he might do and the lure you think he might have for talented high school players, do you think that being the USC head coach is a good place for him to take 4 or 5 years to learn the ropes (I know, I know - he's amazing and it would only take him 2 months - be serious)?
I know he is/was/always will be super intelligent and knowledgeable about the game of basketball, but he said himself in the article that he doesn't know the NCAA rules on recruiting and would have a sharp learning curve in that regard. He also said his focus is on the NBA. He doesn't want to coach college, but like anybody with higher aspirations he'd take the job for the experience. He doesn't want to retire here, or rebuild what Frank had, or even revive the program - he wants to pad his resume for an NBA HC job. I love English as one of the all time greats in a Carolina uniform. I just don't think he's the guy we need at this point in time.

[gAmkok]

No that was my college years at Don's at five points

LOL... Mine too, brother - the Five points reference, not Don's!

[cockybusiness2]

LOL... Mine too, brother - the Five points reference, not Don's!


Don's was probably before your time... Same place different name

[Luke Skycocker]

the answer is that he shouldnt be the next coach

[hayesnumber76]

his son, probably the oldest is an A$$HOLE!

[diehardgamecock]

his son, probably the oldest is an A$$HOLE!




hmmmm......okey-dokey.

[hayesnumber76]

hmmmm......okey-dokey.
this is going back a ways, but I met the kid around the time I was 10-12, and he was just a jerk... Alex was the man! but his son, a big A-hole

[diehardgamecock]

yeah....i've met alex english as well. very nice man.

[Gray is God]

um.........f*** no

1-Grant
2-Marshall