MatsideObserver

Horrible weekend for USF. Too many upsets and teams getting automatic bids who otherwise wouldn't have gotten in. USF probably in the last 5 in/ first 5 out discussion right now, Weak finish to season and poor record against good teams. I think bad news awaits - hope I'm wrong

Doomsayers - this coach is outstanding and this team is doing as well as anyone could have reasonably expected.

Right now, this is probably a regional team unless they totally flop and can't go .500 in the last six conference games.

The SOS and RPI are good enough to get an at large at the moment.

More importantly, when people talk about recruiting classes, USF gets mentioned now and in a very positive light.

I think every kid who plays here for 3 years under this staff will play in at least one regional.

It will be tough to get past Miami, Florida and FSU but regular post season appearances are in the immediate future.

Definitely ahead of schedule.

Are people being sarcastic or is everyone really happy with this hire?

Sounds like a good hire but definitely not a homerun - would be interesting to know who they interviewed.

I will say the Tulane fanbase really wanted him back as their head coach.

That became official quick.  He is the new coach at Berkeley Prep.

Warren is likely out at Jesuit.  I would bet he will be the new coach at Berkeley Prep.

Besides being a Tampa guy the numbers dont lie. Not to mention UT is playing for another National Title this season and are 51-2. I dont care what level you play thats impressive

Joe Urso’s Collegiate Coaching Career

Year Team Record Postseason 2001 Tampa 49-10 NCAA Finalist, 2002 Tampa 36-20 NCAA South Regional, 2003 Tampa 45-18 NCAA Runner-Up, 2004 Tampa 41-16 NCAA South Region, 2005 Tampa 40-18 NCAA South Region, 2006 Tampa 54-6 NCAA National Champions, 2007 Tampa 53-10 NCAA National Champions, 2008 Tampa 42-11-1 NCAA Quarterfinalist, 2009 Tampa 40-17 NCAA South Region, 2010 Tampa 46-11 NCAA Quarterfinalist, 2011 Tampa 36-17 NCAA South Region, 2012 Tampa 38-10 NCAA South Region, 2013 Tampa 47-12 NCAA National Champions,

Totals 13 seasons 567-176-1 (.763)

Three NCAA Championships

I like Urso, and his success at UT has been tremendous, but I would go a different route.

Lelo also won 2 National Championships at UT and didn't excel at the next level.

All three are different people. Every other D2 has the same rules ??? He just plays it the best. He does know what a Division 1 baseball player looks like it so it's a step in the right direction

Again, I like Urso and I think he is a good coach but he is in a unique situation. To answer your question, NO every D2 doesn't play by the same rules in the sense that he has the scholarship money to attract those kids when most other D2 schools have very limited funding.

You are correct that as a talent evaluator it would be a huge step in the right direction. However, that would be true no matter who gets the job.

Besides being a Tampa guy the numbers dont lie. Not to mention UT is playing for another National Title this season and are 51-2. I dont care what level you play thats impressive

 

Joe Urso’s Collegiate Coaching Career

 

Year Team Record Postseason 2001 Tampa 49-10 NCAA Finalist, 2002 Tampa 36-20 NCAA South Regional, 2003 Tampa 45-18 NCAA Runner-Up, 2004 Tampa 41-16 NCAA South Region, 2005 Tampa 40-18 NCAA South Region, 2006 Tampa 54-6 NCAA National Champions, 2007 Tampa 53-10 NCAA National Champions, 2008 Tampa 42-11-1 NCAA Quarterfinalist, 2009 Tampa 40-17 NCAA South Region, 2010 Tampa 46-11 NCAA Quarterfinalist, 2011 Tampa 36-17 NCAA South Region, 2012 Tampa 38-10 NCAA South Region, 2013 Tampa 47-12 NCAA National Champions,

Totals 13 seasons 567-176-1 (.763)

Three NCAA Championships

I like Urso, and his success at UT has been tremendous, but I would go a different route.

Lelo also won 2 National Championships at UT and didn't excel at the next level.

Terry Rupp won a National Championship at UT and didn't excel at the next level.

Urso is not doing it with mirrors - he is playing Division 2 baseball with a Division 1 roster.

The entire model of success is built on something he cannot replicate at USF - getting disgruntled Division 1 players who don't want to sit out a year to come to his program.

I actually said the same thing to myself as I typed the phrase.

Mike Bell should be the number one target, but it will be tough getting him away from FSU.

Why would it be tough getting him away from FSU? Unless he is the heir apparent to Mike Martin, He would come running if USF offered him this job.

This place is a sleeping giant when it comes to baseball.

Mike Bell - pitching coach at FSU.

Local ties - was baseball coach at Brandon High School.

Went to Tennessee and went to CWS

Went to Oklahoma and went to CWS

Went to FSU and went to CWS

I like it only because I think Wojo has the resume and name recognition to use this as a quick stepping stone.

I think Antigua (who let's be real very few people knew anything about before this hire) has to come in here, fix the program and win in order to move up.