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Post by coach dunton on Oct 2, 2005 11:29:54 GMT -5
Yesterday Scar suggested that I give an opportunity through the Firehouse for interactive information to our supporters and a few critics to inquire about Liberty basketball. I appreciate the passion for the universities' programs and had the opportunity to meet Big Smooth and PAmedic this weekend at homecoming. So feel free to ask appropriate questions and I will look forward to building relationship that rally the red,white and blue in all LU committed supporters. Thanks for the questions in advance!
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Post by Sly Fox on Oct 2, 2005 14:12:04 GMT -5
Coach -- First off, thanks for dropping by. If you could go ahead and register if you get the chance, it would take away the temptation for some knucklehead to come on here pretending to be you.
As for questions, I'm curious if you've heard anything from the McNeese staff. I have to assume the game in Lake Charles is in serious jeopardy. That's brutal for those of us in Texas who were anxiously looking forward to the only game on the schedule within driving distance for us.
And Coach, I've had Scar and others pass on the information but the school Stephon coached down here in Houston before heading your way is now LOADED with bigtime talent in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. If you guys have any connections down here at Cypress Community Christian in NW Houston, you need to check in with them. They just got a 7'3" kid in addition to an incredible 2007 PG who is going to get run from everybody in the country (Top-100 type kid). I live close to the school and have seen some of the kids running at the Y and they appear to be the real deal.
Since you asked, I'd love to hear your thoughts on your new assistants and what they bring to the program. We've seen some of the dividends of their arrival already.
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Post by bigsmooth on Oct 2, 2005 16:34:52 GMT -5
glad to see you again coach D. im looking forward to the season, and thanks for the insight on the new players coming in this year! i too would like to know about the assts. i think alexis is a steal and with his ACC experience i think it certainly helps.
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Post by SCAR on Oct 2, 2005 17:30:00 GMT -5
Coach D, thanks for coming on the board! This is a forum for some real positive things even though our regulars on here can be passionate and brutally honest but for the most part everyone wants to see some big things happen in sports on the mountain. It was good hanging out with you and PaMedic and Smoothie at the volleyball game in the Vines. I hope you drop by more often and Yes now that I think about it you should probably register so some clowns won't come on board pretending to be you. We are all anxiously waiting for the basketball season as I am sure you are too.
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grm
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Post by grm on Oct 2, 2005 18:28:00 GMT -5
Hi Coach, It's great that you are on here, and can give guys (+ ann) the straight scoop. Here's hoping and praying for a great season, and God bless you as you direct the program.
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Post by PAmedic on Oct 2, 2005 19:21:32 GMT -5
Coach- thanks again for the conversation. I appreciated it.
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Post by elicoolbreeze on Oct 3, 2005 16:51:16 GMT -5
Hi Coach Dunton,
Thank you for taking time out of your day to spend with us. I look forward to your response and the upcoming basketball year. You have brought great excitement back to the Liberty basketball arena. Here are my questions.
1) David Dees was obviously a special player. How will the team go about trying to make up for the points (inside and outside scoring ability) that departs with him?
2) Most basketball analysts are expecting your team to struggle this year. I know it is your desire to always compete for the conference title but knowing this is a young team and Winthrop is probably a top 100 team, what are your expectations in terms of conference wins losses for the coming season and where the team will place?
3) When you came to Liberty you made it a goal to be a top 50 program in the nation. Realistically what is your personal time frame in accomplishing this task?
Thank you once again for your time and God bless you, your staff and players. Let us always strive to be Champions for Christ!
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Post by Sly Fox on Oct 3, 2005 17:06:21 GMT -5
Welcome to the board, eli. Thacks for jumping right into the discussion.
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Post by youcantsaythat on Oct 3, 2005 18:48:00 GMT -5
Hi everyone. I'm the new shuffleboard coach at LU and Scar suggested I come on here and communicate with all of you. I look forward to answering the "appropriate" questions about the season. I appreciate your enthusiasm and passion for LU shuffleboard.
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Post by PAmedic on Oct 3, 2005 19:10:36 GMT -5
That would have been funnier if you bothered to register and we could take you seriously.
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grm
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Post by grm on Oct 3, 2005 19:33:28 GMT -5
There are times that I just want to stand up & cheer when I read PA's comments. Keep it up!
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Post by coach dunton on Oct 4, 2005 0:29:36 GMT -5
Sly Fox and Big Smooth-Thanks for your interest in our staff. Alexis Sherard, Zack Jones, Jason Eaker and Buck Romero have added positives in all directions of the program. A national search produced many highly qualified candidates and some difficult decisions. Coach Sherard brings six years of ACC and two years of Big East experience to the recruiting battles. Alexis has been temendous in our home visits and with the families of potential student/athletes. His established contacts and diligence has produced a deep list of exciting prospects. Zack Jones was MVP in his college days at San Diego State, played professionally in the NBA and Europe, spent many years ministering around the globe with Athletes in Action and built successful high school and junior college programs in southern California. They are family men with strong faith in their personal relationships with Christ. Yes it is awesome to have two African-American men of their character and competence as role models influencing our players. Zack and Neal Bryant have arguably done the best job during my tenure of conditionally preparing this team for the season ahead. Jason Eaker's opportunity to be a part of Coach Kelvin Sampson's Oklahoma Sooner staff and Big 12 championship team provide proven insights for all aspects of his Director of Basketball Operations position. Jason is young enough to relate well to the players and his competitive nature has challenged our youth to not let emotion and feelings compromise their commitment. Jason's work ethic and professionalism has been recognized by those who interact with him throughout the campus. Buck Romero approached me last spring expressing a real passion to assist our student/athletes academically. His previous work as the unversities' Director of Retention forged many benefical relationships, knowledge of infrastructure and community respect to utilize in serving our needs in improving this important component of our players experience. The structure and accountability of academics within the program is showing dramatic improvement under Buck's leadership. Human nature and organizational behavior is a huge hurdle in all vocational walks. Obviously I am enthusiastic with the opportunity for this staff to serve the interest of Liberty University and am convinced the commitment, skills and focus is present to take steps forward in establishing teams capable of NCAA success. Your prayers for our collective welfare, discernment, energy and unity is appreciated. Thanks again you are valued members of the Flames nation.
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Post by coach dunton on Oct 4, 2005 0:35:39 GMT -5
Elicoolbreeze- I look forward to addressing your questions. Alexis and I are traveling to Orlando in the morning for a very important home visit with an impact recruit. I will try to find a computer in Florida. Thanks for your patience and interest!!
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grm
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Post by grm on Oct 4, 2005 8:30:18 GMT -5
This is a good thing.... I wonder how many D-1 head coaches would hop on a board like this? Maybe a lot - maybe not so many. Anyway, I am thrilled to have The Coach logging on.
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Post by HarrisburgFlame on Oct 4, 2005 10:13:54 GMT -5
WOW - I leave for a day on business and you guys land Coach Dunton on the board. Talk about some pull! Seriously, it is great having you here coach. You took time to respond to an e-mail from me the week of the SJU game two years ago and that really said alot to me regarding your attitude towards the fans.
Let me also take this opportunity (I know some of you are getting sick of this by now) to encourage everyone to join the Flames Club! If we can get the head coach from one of our major sports to show us he cares what we think - we can pony up (at a minimum) $25 to join right? LU needs our support to maintain and move forward in athletics. Let's do our part to help the team!
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Post by Mark on Oct 4, 2005 10:14:46 GMT -5
Coach- Thank you very much for taking the time to drop by. I think its safe to say most D-1 coaches would not do this. I am very much looking forward to your input in the coming months. Go Flames.
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Post by Sly Fox on Oct 4, 2005 12:39:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply, coach. Having a quality staff is the foundation for a successful program.
I hope your visit to West Orange is very successful.
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Post by thesportscritic on Oct 4, 2005 12:48:27 GMT -5
Coach Dunton will be anything special to usher in the official practice or the new season on Oct 14? Hope that your trip to Florida goes well.
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grm
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Post by grm on Oct 4, 2005 14:05:52 GMT -5
I guess the players are in great shape, with unbelievable mile times (as good as 4:59). I know a basketball game is not a track meet, but I think it was Vince Lombardi who said "fatigue makes cowards of us all." Seems to me that having all of the guys doing what they are doing points not only to endurance, but also to attitude. (Fit this theme into "coach & stff" and the comments coach made on this thread.) We'll be looking for some "brave men" in the 4th quarters.
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Post by coachdunton on Oct 4, 2005 16:57:00 GMT -5
Elicoolbreeze-We are very anxious to watch two new comers to the program as practice begins next week. Damien Hubbard a 6'6" 210lbs swing forward has made great impressions on our staff during fall workouts. His complete skill package is more advanced than any forwards in recent years. Damien is capable of seeing playing time at point guard as well as the 4 spot if we go with a smaller line-up. His rebounding will win us many possessions. Freshman Anthony Smith is one of the most athletically gifted wings to don the red, white and blue. His one on one scoring ability and three point shooting appears to have him headed for an impressive career. They are both long athletes and should defend at a much higher level than Dees. This game unlike football does not allow me to send in an offensive unit and defend with a different squad. Unless I have miss on this one Hubbard and Smith combined with Blair will produce stronger perimeter play than last year. I am thankful for David Dees significant contributions to our teams. We wish him well. But as we move forward it is all about those who passionately compete for the team, program and university. Damien Hubbard and Anthony Smith will give you much to cheer about and you be glad they are in the Furnace!
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Post by Sly Fox on Oct 4, 2005 18:40:10 GMT -5
Coach -- I talked to some folks down here from the Dallas area who had VERY nice things to say about Anthony. The word I kept hearing was "explosive". I'm glad to see the Texas pipeline remains intact even with Stephon at PBAU.
As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I'm curious about the McNeese situation. Since the game is now just over two months away, I'm guessing some contingency plans have to be in the works. I just hope it isn't completely cancelled.
I'm also curious if the basketball program will see any benefit from the new Football Operations Center.
And finally, I'd like to hear your thoughts about the overall strength of the Big South. With Winthrop's success and CCU bringing in Buzz, it appears from the outside that the league overall is making an effort to improve its standing.
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Post by elicoolbreeze on Oct 5, 2005 20:35:47 GMT -5
Elicoolbreeze-We are very anxious to watch two new comers to the program as practice begins next week. Damien Hubbard a 6'6" 210lbs swing forward has made great impressions on our staff during fall workouts. His complete skill package is more advanced than any forwards in recent years. Damien is capable of seeing playing time at point guard as well as the 4 spot if we go with a smaller line-up. His rebounding will win us many possessions. Freshman Anthony Smith is one of the most athletically gifted wings to don the red, white and blue. His one on one scoring ability and three point shooting appears to have him headed for an impressive career. They are both long athletes and should defend at a much higher level than Dees. This game unlike football does not allow me to send in an offensive unit and defend with a different squad. Unless I have miss on this one Hubbard and Smith combined with Blair will produce stronger perimeter play than last year. I am thankful for David Dees significant contributions to our teams. We wish him well. But as we move forward it is all about those who passionately compete for the team, program and university. Damien Hubbard and Anthony Smith will give you much to cheer about and you be glad they are in the Furnace! Coach you certainly have us itching like fleas on a dog when you stated that you went down to Orlando, Florida in an attempt to pick up an IMPACT player. Now you gave us in depth personal information on the abilities of Damien Hubbard and Anthony Smith. I must say you had me jumping out of my chair cheering before the team has played a minute of basketball! I assume you purposely skipped my second and third questions but if you didn't, may I implore you to respond to those questions as well. On another note Coach Dunton, I have watched and read up on how Katie Feenstra gives glory to her Lord and Savior everytime she gets a chance. How do you and your staff prepare or cultivate an attitude to your players, not only on how to play the game, but to humbly respond to the media in an effort to bring honor and glory to God? Coach Dunton thanks for your previous response. I want you to know that I purposely subscribed to Skyangel so that I could watch Liberty Basketball. I watch every game religiously and listen to your post game comments with careful attention. I even make my way down to Liberty to watch a game or two from New York. Last year I was at my parents home in Ohio so I went to the Miami of Ohio game. You have my total support and look forward to what the future holds for Liberty Basketball.
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Post by coach dunton on Oct 5, 2005 20:35:48 GMT -5
Sly Fox-I appreciate your love for Liberty. To be honest I have not heard anything from McNeese. I know Beaumont was hit hard because we had to postpone a BIG campus visit. Texas has been important for me since the early 90's in recruiting and will remain a priority in our efforts. The needs to emphasize improving facilities and budgets to take the next step in growing the Big South's status. Still difficult for the scheduling opportunities with revenue demands from athletic departments through guarantee games. Even at the level of Missouri Valley their buying $35,000 to $40,000 home games. Majors are $50,000 to $65,000 for a single game. Then we play non- DI games to off set the schedule. That is why we scheduled two nons. It really is no different then the major conferences scheduling low DI's. Winthrop, Coastal and Birmingham are putting serious $$ juice into their programs. That is good for the league. It is becoming more than a men's bball conference as far as substantial financial commitment. The Football operations should free up the Hancock weightroom for the reduce any conflicts with workouts.
Elicoolbreeze-I like this team. We will be very good compared to past Liberty teams on the perimeter....still thin in the post. Russell Monroe needs to progress and is capable of developing into a really good post. Jeremy Eck is in the same class as Jason Sarchet and Glynn Turner so he should be a real factor in conference play. If Rell Porter, Doug Stewart and Eric Bigby can in any combination of playing time combine for Leo Lightbourne type numbers we will surprise the so-called experts. Tyler Baker at 6'8"+ has been injured so redshirting is a real options it is unfortunate because Tyler is a more skilled version of former Flame Jody Chapman. I still believe we can develop a national top 50 program. The structure of the program has never been stronger or more complete. We made decisions to go with two post players that didn't work out and that hurt in terms of using those two scholarships to advance our talent in the post. But it wasn't for lack of effort or motivation to push the Flames in a positive track on the path of true mid-major play. It requires patience, persistence, some risks and determination to win the recruiting battles and develop the youth into competitively great players at that necessary level of peformance. Rest assured that I am committed and engaged to see that vision become a reality for the blessed institution and all who proudly support their Flames. We must be united and passionately to overcome the traditions, status quote and obstacles. We are professionally served by those of you who inform us of talent in your area, invest financially with Flames Club and pray for the Lord's favor in all aspects of the program. Uphill battles are created within our own "family" by those who use their energy and words to politicize, polarize or demoralize. The enemy and opponents find it easy to defeat our initiatives when we are not united so it is a real encourage to hear from so many across the country that you are in the fight to see the men's basketball program become a national flagship for the university. I must go get on the phone to secure more talent ...it is fun to dance in March
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Post by Sly Fox on Oct 5, 2005 21:18:36 GMT -5
The McNeese campus is still off limits. The football team has been practicing elsewhere and they'll play their first football game since Rita this weekend at a neutral site in NW Louisiana. You might suggest they play at Lamar if their gym isn't ready (that'd save me a half-hour drive each way). ;D Wow! You dropped a nice little nugget with the Beaumont reference. Both the Beaumont schools (as well as the schools in Port Arthur & Port Neches-Grove) all are still out of session and likely will be for several months. So I wonder if whoever it is was who was worth the trip might be at another school down here. If it is the kid I think it might be, he's already used to changing high schools after moving in from California. If you wind up flying in for any visits in Houston, be sure to give me a heads up so perhaps we can meet while you are down here. As for those guarantee roadies, we all know they pay dividends well beyond the financial payout. I'm sure the players will be telling their grandkids about playing at Rupp Arena. That was a phenomenal booking. Kudos to your staff for pulling that one off. But I selfishly would love to see something worked out down here in Texas. With so many Texans on the roster, it'd be a big deal for us down here. I assumed the new football operations center would open up Hancock more for you guys. The facilities on campus seem to be improving constantly these days. That certainly can't hurt during official visits. Thanks again for joining us on this site. Its moves like this that only encourage our widespread alumni base to stay connected to campus personally & financially.
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Post by guest on Oct 5, 2005 22:55:49 GMT -5
Nice try Coach, to rationalize the games played against non D1's. The problem is NOT with playing non 1's, Big South programs should probably play them. It is the statement YOU make of establishing Liberty as a top 50 program-then schedule non D1's. Question: can you name us ONE top 50 program that plays two non d1's? I submit that the Athletic Directors @ that level DO NOT allow it to happen. Additionally, Winthrop, Coastal, and Birmingham Southern are playing games for $$$ that their respective A.D.'s use to fund the total athletic program. It is double speak to talk about "the juice" in other Big South men's basketball program when your program out spends ALL of your opponents in the conference. I do have one more question: how has the defections from your program during the past two years affected your Academic Progress Rating @ LU? Looking forward to your replies.
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Post by Sly Fox on Oct 6, 2005 10:14:41 GMT -5
Ease up on the tone, guest. If you want to man up then at least register instead of playing the guest card. BTW, you're losing me on your logic regarding the finances of LU and the other BIG South schools. The juice that Coach was referring to at Winthrop, CCU and BSU is the amount of jack the schools are investing in their program. Buzz Peterson didn't come cheap for Coastal while WU & BSU are both increasing their budgets to be more competitive as well. As for the defections, many were academically related. So obviously it would have a direct positive effect on the overall rating. I have to admit I don't have the huge issues with the academic performance of the team. Let's face it, many of the best athletes are coming from high schools where they aren't getting the type of eductaion that most of us enjoyed. Then you take a kid who is already behind the eight-ball and you put him on a campus halfway across the country while practicing & playing on the road in both semesters. It shouldn't be a surprise that nearly all DI basketball programs havce trouble in this area. But as long as we are doing everything in our power as an institution to make it possible for our athletes to succeed in the classroom, we're doing our job. And from everything I hear from campus, that seems to be the case. All that said, I don't mean to answer for the coach. I certainly don't speak at his behest. But I do take some issue with flyby posters taking shots. If you want to register and then ask hard questions, be our guest (whoops, perhaps a poor choice of words ).
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Post by PAmedic on Oct 6, 2005 10:51:31 GMT -5
And I have it on direct information that Coach D has taken steps to appoint a person as an "overseer", shall we say- to shepherd these guys thru the scholastic portion of their careers at LU. This coaching staff takes academic compliance very seriously.
(see the other thread about how the team GPA jumped this summer)
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Post by big smooth on Oct 6, 2005 17:34:28 GMT -5
the academic overseer is buck romero. his credentials are very good...ask coach D. I believe the coach is "trying " to build a top 50 program. it does not happen overnight. so we should not be comparing LU to top 50 programs at this point. me the stat driven person i am looked at all big south schools to see how many non DI's are scheduled:
chuck south-4 coastal-3 high point, unca, radford,vmi, bsc-2 winthrop, LU-1
hmmmm. i believe winthrop is the program in the big south that people see as the best, so you see where im coming from??? coach D has come on the baord to give us insight on the program, and when a tough loss or any problem comes up im sure he will give us honest answers as much as he can. i know he can handle the criticism, but i agree with sly, let's keep our tones in check, and please just register for the board.
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Post by bigsmooth on Oct 6, 2005 17:36:42 GMT -5
for some reason my session logged me out, but i did post the previous msg, and of course i am registered.!
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Post by Chris Lang on Oct 6, 2005 18:05:53 GMT -5
Not sure if Randy has the same problems that Mike Adras did at Northern Arizona, the last school I covered. Getting D-I home games was close to impossible, so he had to play a lot of money games and weird home-and-homes (with Quinnipiac, Marist, Oral Roberts, etc.)
That's why getting in the Bracket Buster is a huge deal for any school. NAU hosts Tulsa this year, and there's no way Tulsa goes to Flagstaff if it wasn't required to by the Bracket Buster.
Playing two non-DIs is typical of most mid- to low-major DI schools. You're not getting anyone from the BCS conferences to come to your place, so that's 60 schools right there that are eliminated. Getting schools from even the MAC, MWC, MVC, C-USA to travel is difficult. So you're left with a bunch of regional schools to choose from, and you can only nail down so many of those games a year.
Scheduling at this level is a great challenge.
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