Good post. I really don’t have much of a problem with the yelling, etc., though I’d greatly prefer it to fall short of mother effing in a players face at any time but certainly during games.
Two quick comments about things you said that others have too that bother me a bit. First, the emphasis on nationally televised game. Not sure why that really matters. Second, equating TOs situation with corporate America and bosses, etc. College basketball isn’t corporate America. Not sure why this comparison bothers me, but so just don’t think it is applicable at all.
Thanks for your view and your respectful comments. (An example how respect and dialogue on this board with varying views can be productive….at least from my perspective)
The national TV comment comes from this vantage point:
First, if BU were to m-f players and berate them in practice only, it wouldn’t be ok per say, but only a few on this board would know about (Indy, Louisville, DB and 0440). I use the example of national tv simply to say that now it’s there for the world to observe, and therefore opens himself up to the praise or criticism from millions. It also opens up others that potentially can influence players to be critical of the program and coach.
When the Beloved have the opportunity to play on CBS nationally during prime time, or ESPN, etc, they are in fact representing the University of Illinois, and the m-f stuff is a bad look. The yelling doesn’t bother me. But it does bother me when BU appears to completely lose his temper and berate and humiliate players. There’s a difference between that and yelling.
That matters….at least it should to me.
Regarding corporate America, is use the example because what we are really talking about is a leading people. Brad is tasked with identifying, sourcing, and hiring personnel (recruiting and signing players) and then coaching and developing them.
HE chose the player and the player accepted the opportunity. (Just like corporate America)
If his management, leadership, or communication style isn’t effectively reaching his personnel (players) and the turnover rate is significantly hire than expected year over year, then that would be an issue. BU is either not finding and bringing on board the right players (would be a problem) or he isn’t managing/leading them effectively (additional problem). In corporate America, HR/Legal/Senior Leadership would typically get involved and identify concerns, come up with a plan to correct things and move forward, and have timely follow up and accountability. I think corporate America is a perfect example, as this is really about BU leading the organization and creating an environment for all players to thrive, develop, grow, etc…(Please note, I never said coddle players. I don’t say preferential treatment.) Simply figure out how to communicate in a way that everyone thrives….which could be the end of the bench, the treadmill, yelling, having an assistant talk to them, etc. But rage and m-f’s seem to not be working as we are turning the roster over and/or creating a dysfunctional ‘team’ as evidenced by transfers, walk outs, multiple players not responding well to his style etc.
I am the same age as BU and recognize that how we communicate with people in all facets of life is dramatically different than it was as recently as 10/20 (pick a number) years ago. I do not understand how many are so opposed to the idea that BU would be well served to tone it down a bit.
Again, thanks for the dialogue and apologies to those that feel this is a waste of time. Perhaps we all are well served, I certainly know I am, to be reminded how important it is regarding how we communicate with one another….and that’s way bigger than Illini basketball.
We have math people on here, figure this out.
