Doug Woolard Speaks

[Guest Sprtsfn627]

STATEMENT FROM DOUG WOOLARD REGARDING MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM

(March 1, 2006) It’s unusual that we find ourselves addressing an issue of this nature at a time when our student-athletes and coaches are trying to stay positive and focused prior to the final conference home stand, concluding a difficult season full of unique and unprecedented adversities. To put to rest any ambiguity that may have been caused by reports and innuendos directed toward our men’s basketball coach, it is important to set the record straight so our student-athletes and coaches can focus on the task at hand.

It has been our practice to thoroughly evaluate programs following the conclusion of their season to objectively review the full body of work. We realize speculation of the nature that surrounds our men’s basketball program is common today. Nonetheless, the resulting scenario is unfortunate, unfounded and irresponsible. Our student-athletes, coaches and true supporters deserve better than this.

We knew our inaugural season in the Big East would be quite a challenge even before several circumstances beyond the control of the coach exacerbated that challenge. The best returning three point shooter Marius Prekevicius left one week before school started to join a professional team in Europe, leaving no time to sign a new recruit. Bradley Mosley, the second leading scorer from 2003-04, passed away in October after a year-long battle with cancer. Probable starting point guard and promising freshman Chris Howard tore an ACL before the season started and missed the entire year. Zaronn Cann, another talented freshman, played in four games before re-injuring a knee and was forced to redshirt. Regardless of these circumstances, the team has remained competitive throughout the Big East season and the program appears to have a good mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers next year.

We are making a break from our normal evaluation procedure to clear the cloud of negativity imposed on this program and its student-athletes so they can continue building this program to levels we expect. Robert McCullum will remain our head men’s basketball coach next season.

http://gobulls.usf.edu/Sports/News.asp?i=2246&s=Basketball

[Apis Bull]

Now, can we put all this nonsense to rest?

[TyBull]

Woolard is putting his job on the line........

[Apis Bull]

Woolard is putting his job on the line........

According to whom?

[Velcro]

his job is always on the line in a volitile industry like this... but he is no more at risk now than before his statement.  He just put a sock in the mouths of those creating stupid rumors.  That is the move of a good AD.

[Jewbull]

What a sad day for USF Athletics  

[BullDoug]

What a sad day for USF Athletics  

:  Whatever...

[Triple B]

What a sad day for USF Athletics  

Don't forget your plastic bags tonight ....

[Brad]

For the doom and gloomers - you can at least be proud that he didn't display his support by extending RMC's contract, a la the SG fiasco...RMC has too much class to try and exploit the situation.

[Held_AccountaBull]

What a sad day for USF Athletics  Sad

heres to a 11-12 win season along with another year of lowsy attendance..oh well..even though i doubt it, maybe mccullum will turn it around..lets see what a full bench can do..next season will definately be better than this season..but when we only win like 11 games i hope mac supporters don't make excuses. college basketball is one of the greatest sports, and im sick of losing  :'(