2009.03.14
The vibes I'm getting
Earlier this week, I wrote that Virginia men's basketball coach Dave Leitao is "safe" and will return "from all indications" in 2009-2010
Frankly, right now, I'm not convinced the case is closed.
Virginia's lackluster play Thursday in a 76-63 loss to Boston College in the first round of the ACC Tournament has reopened the debate as to whether four-year coach Leitao is the best person to take the program forward.
Stay posted.
DD
if tubby is interested in the uva, hopefully they will make a change
Comment by mark — March 14, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
Bobby Knight is still out there, but bring on Tubby!
Comment by Dan — March 15, 2009 @ 2:17 am
It's a nice dream to think about Leitao getting axed, but Littlepage seems to accept mediocrity, and that's what the football and basketball program deliver each season. Keep the dream alive Doug, maybe make up a potential candidate list for us to keep the hopes up.
Comment by Nita Change — March 15, 2009 @ 7:56 am
I'm convinced that if there were 10 million UVa fans and alums, and all 10 million wanted Leitao or Groh gone, Leitao and Groh would be secure here if Casteen wanted them here. Casteen does what he wants, and what he wants seems to be having some sort of influence over UVa sports! Evidence: he put Virginia Tech in to the ACC! Find me one UVa alum who wanted that to happen!
Comment by Nelson — March 15, 2009 @ 9:22 am
Actually, mediocrity would be a huge step up for this team right now. I have read the reports that Littlepaige would like to give 4 full recruiting cycles, but its hard to see how bringing in two more players to the roster will effect the ineptitude I see on the court. If Dave was a good coach, he would be able to do more with the guys we have. Anyone could have moderate success with a roster full of McD all-americans, but Dave's Uconn model will not fly in this conference where we have to recruit against Duke and UNC. We need someone who can actually teach good fundamentals and develop poised players. Dave has shown evidence that he is capable of this.
Comment by Philip — March 15, 2009 @ 9:48 am
Phillip,
Do you mean in your last sentence that Leitao has NOT shown evidence that he is capable of developing poised players.
DD
Comment by Doug Doughty — March 15, 2009 @ 11:53 am
Yes - that is what I meant. Should have read "shown no evidence"
Comment by Philip — March 15, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
Did anyone esle read the Wall Street Journal article last week that ranked DL next to last in coaching value. The population was all coaches that have been at their current school for at least 4 years and make $1,000,000 or more per year. DL makes $1,200,000 per year. It is a real crime that it makes more than Oliver Purnell. OP was ranked number one in this analysis.
Hopefully someone with authority at UVA wakes up and makes the appropriate decision. This coach is killing our program.
Comment by Joe — March 16, 2009 @ 10:32 am
Nelson, Besides the fact Va. Tech has the advantage in football, why would you not want them in the ACC? We've split the last 8 basketball games and I would have to think UVa has the upper hand in most of the non-revenue sports. Don't say Tech has lower academic standards. That argument no longer flies. The comparison is apples and oranges. If you want to be a doctor or lawyer, go to UVA. If you want to be an architect or an engineer, go to Tech.
Comment by Justafan — March 16, 2009 @ 10:56 am
I seldom agree with anything Nelson posts, however; I agree that most UVA fans did not want VT in the ACC. The primary reason being because the ACC gave us a financial and recruiting advantage, particularly in basketball. Since joining the ACC, VT's basketball program has pulled even with and in my opinion accelerated past UVA. They have also increased their advantage in football. VT getting in the ACC was good for the state of Virginia and VT, however; I cannot think of one positive thing it has done for UVA.
Comment by Joe — March 16, 2009 @ 11:53 am
Good points Joe. I was only focusing on the assumption that it was just hatred of the Hokies. I think President Casteen's efforts related to the Hokies ACC invitation may have been influenced by pressures from Richmond and Gov. Warner.
Comment by Justafan — March 16, 2009 @ 1:26 pm