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Post by Ger on Jun 29, 2005 10:37:40 GMT -5
Hi Guys, Things seem to be moving ahead with Liberty Basketball. Zach Jones (great guy from San Diego - D.C. connections, former City College coach - great human being) is now on as an assistant. Overheard from Bobby Knight's assistant, Chris Beard, "How in the world did Anthony Smith end up at Liberty? If he had come to Texas Tech, he would have been all Big 12." Coach Dunton got Smith via recommendation of his coach, Jeff Stout. Food for thought - Dominique Kirk said he wanted to come to LU, but Coach had already commited his last scholarship, and would not break his word on it to secure Dominique. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's character on Coach's part, and in the long run, that kind of thing is recognized by God and others around the country. Maybe this kind of honestly and character is a reason that we ended up getting a guy like Smith.
I'm not sure on the latest annoucements, but Coach will have a great staff in place very soon, with legitimate Big Conference connections on every hand. Look for a great year!
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Post by thesportscritic on Jun 29, 2005 11:39:32 GMT -5
Hi Guys, Things seem to be moving ahead with Liberty Basketball. Zach Jones (great guy from San Diego - D.C. connections, former City College coach - great human being) is now on as an assistant. Overheard from Bobby Knight's assistant, Chris Beard, "How in the world did Anthony Smith end up at Liberty? If he had come to Texas Tech, he would have been all Big 12." Coach Dunton got Smith via recommendation of his coach, Jeff Stout. Food for thought - Dominique Kirk said he wanted to come to LU, but Coach had already commited his last scholarship, and would not break his word on it to secure Dominique. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's character on Coach's part, and in the long run, that kind of thing is recognized by God and others around the country. Maybe this kind of honestly and character is a reason that we ended up getting a guy like Smith. I'm not sure on the latest annoucements, but Coach will have a great staff in place very soon, with legitimate Big Conference connections on every hand. Look for a great year! Interesting stuff Ger. So what is Zach Jones story? Is Dominique Kirk a player who wanted to come? What is his story? Do you know anything else? Keep us posted.
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Post by LUconn on Jun 29, 2005 13:55:10 GMT -5
Anthony Smith of Loyola?
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Post by Ger on Jun 29, 2005 14:45:00 GMT -5
Hi Sportscritic 05,
I really don't know much more than what I said, and honestly, I have not met Zach, or others who I believe come with great resumes. Zach has strong connections to D.C., worked in a Christian school in the San Diego area, and is a fine coach in his own right. He is a strong Christian who has been earnestly praying about being a part of the LU family. His coaching and recruiting skills are sure to be a blessing.
On the Kirk situation, Coach's meetings with him and the family were great, and, yes, he was very interested in coming to LU. As I said, coach would have had to dump a player and go back on his promise in order to free up a scholarship by the time that Dominique came to a final decision. I suppose that it would have been tempting - (no temptation... but God is faithful... 1 Corinthians 10:13). Anyway, coach is a man of character. Staffwise, I know Coach has some big things to say, but since I haven't seen anything on the basketball website, I don't know what's official and what isn't, but I can pretty much guarantee that it will be impressive and well received by all friends and supporters of our LU program.
God bless...
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Post by Ger on Jun 29, 2005 16:15:03 GMT -5
Anthony Smith of Liberty University. 6'4" 205. Expect very good, if not great, things.
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Post by ATrain on Jun 29, 2005 17:20:38 GMT -5
Yes Sport-I remember High Point fans tryin to taunt us and them cussing...unfortunately, they couldn't match our volume and after their cheerleaders got done doing their dance routine (and looked like total very *friendly* persons doin it...and on top of that they were all ugly) we reminded them that "We'll Dance Next Week" *clap clap clap clap clap*
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Post by flamesfan710 on Jun 30, 2005 10:00:29 GMT -5
1 or 2 before you graduate? That's a tall drink of water. You've got to be at least a sophmore which gives him 2 years to do that. With Winthrop taking it easily this year and the last few years of unproven recruits, I don't think we'll be back there for a few years. Maybe we'll get another JUCO Gabe Martin and Russel Monroe (my hero) will start and go on a double-double rampage. This is what you missed by the way, you can veiw it under my name any time you like though: hey, I can at least tell my kids and grandkids about that 2004 championship game so that's enough for me. I just don't want it to be another 10 years before we do it again (btw I am a 4th year junior looking to graduate in about 2 years which would be somewhere in 2007)
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Post by SCAR on Jul 1, 2005 20:35:00 GMT -5
Maybe we should be posting all of this positive stuff in another post not the ridiculous Dunton should be out thread! Anyway, I have been away from the boards for a few days. My latest Project Management assignment is in DC at AOL and it is demanding to say the least. I must say first, welcome to Gerald and thanks for posting. You need to join ASAP. Secondly, Anthony Smith is the real deal. I don't like to put pressure on freshmen but I have seen him play in pick up games and he is great! I like some of the other guys too but I will reserve comment for later down the road as the season gets closer....I also talked with the new AD and he is a real winner for sure. I know he has the vision to take the athletic program to the next level but good things take time. He is committed to more television exposure and developing a Liberty coaches show that I will be a part of I think, in what capacity I am not sure right now. I would love to host it but I would co-host or even be a reporter. I just enjoy being a part of it all. For you new comers, I am one of those "insiders" that we talk about as I played for Dunton my senior year, his first as an assistant, I coached on staff with him in the mid 90's and of course I am the color commentator for the Flames Television Network on the Liberty Channel at the present time. The new staff is coming along fine it sounds like. I have met Alexis Sherrard from UVA and he has major recruiting connections. I am looking forward to meeting the next coach that comes in as well although most of my time now will be up in DC. Sorry Sportscritic05 but it looks like our chances to shoot some hoops are getting away from us. I will be around full time in the fall and winter though. The next time you see me in LaHaye just holla at me. Shots out to my boy PAMedic and Sly. They hold this board down faithfully everyday.
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Post by thesportscritic on Jul 1, 2005 21:40:27 GMT -5
Good to hear from you SCAR. I hope you are doing well. We will see what Anthony Smith will bring to the table this season. It sounds like it could be a better season this year than last but then again this is a young team. This team may have a little more talent than last year's team. SCAR we will talk face to face someday and hopefully shoot some ball too. I guess unfortunately our schedules keep getting crossed.
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Post by Stevev on Jul 1, 2005 21:44:12 GMT -5
Nice to hear good things about the basketball program. How are the other recruits (Hubbard and Holland, the other freshman). I also need a confirmation on the 2 recruits from Alleghany College. I have heard nothing on LU's website. Hopefully not a rumor. I am still a little PO'ed about Dees leaving. What a great shooter he was. Hopefully I can get over it. Need to get Elijah Miller eligible. Need to have that dominant big man in there.
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Post by Sly Fox on Jul 1, 2005 21:44:50 GMT -5
Welcome back, Scar. But do we need a resume reset every time you go away for a few days? ;D
I agree we need to get off of this thread and start something more current & positive.
I am anxious to see how Anthony fits into the rotation as a fish.
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Post by SCAR on Jul 2, 2005 0:04:42 GMT -5
Sly,
I knew you would have something smart to say as I was typing :-). PAMedic always has my back though. Remember that you...TEXAN! I kind of missed you guys.
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Post by Sly Fox on Jul 2, 2005 8:59:27 GMT -5
Texan by choice, baby. You know, the state that's won 5 of the last 11 NBA Championships.
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Post by LUconn on Jul 2, 2005 12:13:05 GMT -5
Does anybody know where Smith is from? Like where he went to school and stuff? Scar, do you think he'll have an impact like Blair as a Freshman?
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Post by LUconn on Jul 2, 2005 12:32:11 GMT -5
Nevermind, I found it. A wing from Plano, TX
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Post by PAmedic on Jul 3, 2005 22:15:41 GMT -5
SCAR you forgot to add how tall, dark and handsome you are. and from the better half of the country as well. BTW ya gotta read my post from a couple weeks ago 'bout Temple getting booted from the league. brings a tear to my eye. not a big Cheney fan though.
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Post by Formerplayer on Jul 5, 2005 9:28:42 GMT -5
Maybe we should be posting all of this positive stuff in another post not the ridiculous Dunton should be out thread! Anyway, I have been away from the boards for a few days. My latest Project Management assignment is in DC at AOL and it is demanding to say the least. I must say first, welcome to Gerald and thanks for posting. You need to join ASAP. Secondly, Anthony Smith is the real deal. I don't like to put pressure on freshmen but I have seen him play in pick up games and he is great! I like some of the other guys too but I will reserve comment for later down the road as the season gets closer....I also talked with the new AD and he is a real winner for sure. I know he has the vision to take the athletic program to the next level but good things take time. He is committed to more television exposure and developing a Liberty coaches show that I will be a part of I think, in what capacity I am not sure right now. I would love to host it but I would co-host or even be a reporter. I just enjoy being a part of it all. For you new comers, I am one of those "insiders" that we talk about as I played for Dunton my senior year, his first as an assistant, I coached on staff with him in the mid 90's and of course I am the color commentator for the Flames Television Network on the Liberty Channel at the present time. The new staff is coming along fine it sounds like. I have met Alexis Sherrard from UVA and he has major recruiting connections. I am looking forward to meeting the next coach that comes in as well although most of my time now will be up in DC. Sorry Sportscritic05 but it looks like our chances to shoot some hoops are getting away from us. I will be around full time in the fall and winter though. The next time you see me in LaHaye just holla at me. Shots out to my boy PAMedic and Sly. They hold this board down faithfully everyday. The Smith kid can flat out play. He will play a major role in the upcoming season I guarantee that. He's more polished than Blair is was as a freshman, more athletic and better defender than David Dees anyday.
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Post by Sly Fox on Jul 5, 2005 16:22:24 GMT -5
You forgot to mention he's a Texan, formerplayer. So you know he's tough.
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Post by PAmedic on Jul 6, 2005 20:29:55 GMT -5
VOMIT
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Post by LUconn on Jul 7, 2005 7:56:07 GMT -5
Alright, lets let this thread die to the bottom of the page.
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Post by PAmedic on Aug 29, 2005 6:06:43 GMT -5
Alright I am sure there are some out there that value what I say while others will dismiss it as being biased but here is my opinion on the Dunton coaching issue. Forgive me Sly but I have to preface this post with a quick resume reflection. :-). I have known Dunton Since 1989 when I was a senior and he was an up and coming new assistant coach. I have helped LU with player relations and even unofficial recruiting since those days. In the mid 90's I got to work with Dunton on the staff when we were both assistants. I was excommunicated during the Hankinson years but was happy to see a familiar face, a family member regain control of the program that I hold close to my heart. I am going into my 3rd year as a TV analyst for Liberty basketball...In short I am an insider with knowledge of Liberty basketball, Randy Dunton, Liberty University and college basketball in general....Ok now that I got that out of the way, Dunton has had a great run with minimum talent the past few years. That first year back, they had to piece together a team that somehow did it with smoke, mirrors and Gabe Martin. The next year they brought in their own players, Dees, Blair, Lightbourne. All 3 made their marks on the program's history and Blair has not even really gotten started yet. Last season they lost several players and took time to gel and they struggled with a tough schedule but still managed a second place finish. Sure it was disappointing to lose in the first round to CSU but all in all 3 successful years...It is crazy to think of Liberty as not a good job to have. They have a conference, all home games on national TV, a 9000 seat arena, a decent recruiting budget, and a decent fan base (although last season was disappointing in terms of attendance for a team that just won the Big South). There are a ton of coaches who would love to coach here regardless of how much or how little it pays. The School is not doing Dunton any favors and Dunton is not staying because he doesn't have options. The fact is that the potential for this program to grow is unlimited. I have not met all the coaches yet but I am looking forward to them getting it going this year. I have seen a few of the new players and I will say that this team is going to compete with Winthrop for the championship again. Time will tell. Every coach has strengths and weaknesses. I don't think Dunton has all the answers and is a perfect coach but I don't think he thinks of himself that way either. Give him a chance. I think the program is headed in the right direction. moving this argument back here- where it belongs- from the Zack Jones thread.
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Post by PAmedic on Aug 29, 2005 6:10:28 GMT -5
(To recap) Re: Dunton-
SUPPORTER and 1/2 of LU: BAD SCAR/GRM/other 1/2 of LU: GOOD PAMedic: not a friggin' clue, I love football
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Post by Cavalier Hoopster on Aug 30, 2005 0:05:05 GMT -5
interesting post Scar...i thought you and Co. Leary were friends. I am hearing Stephon would not agree with your assessment of where the program is and more importantly what direction it is headed...If you believe "CHARACTER COUNTS" then you may indeed be overstating your position!!!
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Post by Sly Fox on Aug 30, 2005 0:49:12 GMT -5
Stephon has his own worries right now. I just heard the other day about a quality pickup from down here in Houston headed to PBAU.
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Post by the outsider on Aug 30, 2005 1:29:29 GMT -5
I was wondering if anyone could confirm something for me... I heard that the men's teams gpa was something like 1.5. There was apparently some sort of adademic banquet and there wasn't any player with a 3.5 or better from men's bball. I also had someone tell me that there were some players with potential elegibility/legal problems. As you can tell by the name, I'm on the outside of this. Someone who knows what is going on please confirm or deny this stuff. If it's true it sounds like Cincinnati South. Again, I'm saying I know this stuff but someone mentioned this to me in passing, so even if it's not true, it's not a good rumor to hear floating around.
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Post by the outsider on Aug 30, 2005 1:32:24 GMT -5
Again, I'm saying I know this stuff but someone mentioned this to me in passing, so even if it's not true, it's not a good rumor to hear floating around. type-o **I'm NOT saying saying I know this stuff... (Don't ask my gpa ;-)
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Post by SCAR on Aug 30, 2005 6:43:12 GMT -5
Cavalier hoopster are you a UVA hoopster or a person that hoops casually. Just curious. I am sure you probably know me personally so you already know the answer to your question. Coach Leary and I are great friends. What does that have to do with anything? I also keep in touch with coach Jeff Meyer. He and Dunton are not exactly pen pals. The point is that things are not perfect at LU and things are not perfect at Duke or anywhere else. I work for and support Liberty basketball and I want to see the program move in a positive direction. It does no one any good for me or anyone else out there to get on here and try to air out any negative thing we can think of about the men's basketball team or any of our coaches and players or staff and faculty. I don't have to agree with everything that happens or doesn't happen or whatever. The point is I think, given time, Dunton and this staff can get the job done. I happen to think that the old staff with Bob Davis, and Steph Leary were good coaches too. Things just didn't work out for those guys and they both seem like they moved on in the positive direction. I am a positive person and I don't like to see Liberty Hoops dragged through the mud so I do what I can to defend it. Truth is I don't like to get involved in these discussions because sentiments are not always taken the right way on print. But since I am not posting anonymously, I try to make sure I am clear and concise. Like I said, some will like what I say and some will not agree. Life goes on. I learned long ago that you can't worry about that stuff. I want to make sure this board stays positive. Not too many boards like this anywhere.
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Post by Sly Fox on Aug 30, 2005 10:06:17 GMT -5
As far as academics, you have to maintain eligibility at our school just like everywhere else. We have lost players for failing to meet that criteria including this summer. But to paint all basketball players with the same brush is unfair. Its tough to maintain a high GPA when you have all the responsibilities & schedule of a basketball player. I know my GPA probably would've been horrendous if I were on the road all the time.
Like Scar mentioned in his post, let's try to keep these discussions going in a positive direction wherever possible. If someone needs to be called onto the carpet then go right ahead. But these veiled attacks from "guests" are uncool.
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grm
Full Member
Posts: 158
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Post by grm on Aug 30, 2005 13:55:16 GMT -5
Hi Guys, I'm not sure, but I may be a member now!!!! I agree with the comments posted by Sly and SCAR. I love this site, and as an aside, Bob and Steph are great guys, and great coaches in their own right - and fine Christian men. I don't know Jeff well, but he always seemed gracious and cordial. Go Liberty !
grm
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grm
Full Member
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Post by grm on Aug 30, 2005 13:57:12 GMT -5
WOW !!! I am a member !!!!! Yippee!!
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