3:00PM Press Conference Tuesday---Tic Price New Head Hoops Coach

[BigNasty92]

No. You're pretty much a douche bag, CR.

[LUSportsFan]

 

 

Our men's basketball total expenses were 3rd highest in the SLC during the reporting period behind Oral Roberts ($2,482,531) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ($1,454,693).

 

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Other comparisons of the $400,000

Athletically Related Student Aid - Men's Programs: 14.34% of $2,789,510.

Total Expenses Allocated by Gender - Men's Sports: 5.8% of $6,891,904

 

So, our ANNUAL basketball budget is 1,027,000+ LESS than Oral Roberts (or 41% LESS THAN ORAL ROBERTS??). Ok...

 

It's even worse. ORU outspent us by $1,102,730. (I think there may have been a typo in the 1,027,000. It is easy to happen, but the disparity in spending levels is an excellent point.) Compared to our $1,379,801, here are the expenses for some other universities that have a high priority on basketball.

 

Western Kentucky: $2,668,950 +

George Mason: $3,010,170 +

Missouri State: $2,105,340 +

Butler: $4,282,684 +

Wichita State: $5,369,577 +

 

This gives a little indication of what we are up against in building a program similar to these.

 

As I noted above, we were #3 in the Southland. Here's how we compare with next year's Sun Belt configuration.

 

Appalachian St: $1,265,809 -

Arkansas Little Rock: $1,710,034 +

Arkansas State: $1,153,070 -

Georgia Southern: $985,316 -

Georgia State: $1,969,032 +

South Alabama: $1,502,682 +

Texas-Arlington: $1,467,723 +

Texas State: $1,578,744 +

Troy University: $2,655,225 +

UL - Lafayette: $1,796,518 +

UL - Monroe: $ 700,814 -

 

We were outspent in men's basketball by all but four.

 

There are a few things we can do to close the gap, but we need a lot on board.

 

1. Join the Cardinal Club. (Although I've bought season tickets to sports for a lot of years, I confess I never had taken the step to join the Cardinal Club until this year, but I'm on board now.) Texas State was one of the programs that we historically outspent in men's basketball. Their Bobcat Club membership increased from 393 in 2009-2010 to 1,202 in 2012-2013. Bobcat Club donations went from $215,000 to 924,000 during that period.

 

Our membership and donations increased as well which is good. We need to keep it up. Entry level to the Cardinal Club is low...$50.00. My wife and I spent just under that last night at a Mexican food restaurant.

 

(I'm pretty sure Cardinalrule beat me to joining the Cardinal Club since he says he's had seats in the "Gold" section at the football stadium.) I'm a late comer to the party.

 

2. Buy season or single game tickets. We need butts in the seats. I admit I was a little disappointed with the basketball coach selection process or at least my perception of the process, but as others have noted, that's over with now. We need to work together to improve the situation. We had a large, vocal group of fans at the games when we were very, very successful. I truely believe that the fans helped. McDonald Gym, the Beaumont Civic Center, and then the Montagne Center used to be an intimidating place and each was my place. I could imagine the feeling that our opponents must have had back then. I know the lively atmosphere made the games a lot more enjoyable for me.

[coachacola]

I think we're pretty much done with this thread. I'll keep it unlocked but let's cool it with the name calling.

[eagle eye]

The one thing you can bank on isn't costs or most anything other reasons given for the hire of Tic but I know everyone saw what Mercer, North Dakota State and Dayton to name a few small colleges who have had success in this year's tournament and the desire we have for our own Lamar Cardinals to see that kind of success. It's out there. A small college isn't pergatory if the right pieces are in place. Tic won at New Orleans and Memphis and even though his tenure in Lake Charles wasn't terrible it never lived up to his first season when the Cowboys went 21-9. Tic is the guy right now and my hope is he succeeds but in the future, when Lamar's finances aren't choked off by a bad contract for a bad coach and if Price isn't the right guy let's hope the AD's search for a new coach is handled much better than this one was. The people who should be on the hot seat are the AD and school administration. This is their baby and if they screw it up twice in a row then maybe their heads should roll. How can we influence some accountability for those guys?

[baller]

Pat Knight was not hired by the current administration so if Tic Price doesn't work out it would not make twice in a row.

[eagle eye]

Thanks for the clarification. So, does that mean if the 'administration' is wrong about Price they don't need to be accountable? It's this 'administration' that hired Price and the process they went about doing it is what all the bitching is about. Right? Besides Price's infidelity 15 years ago the main complaint on this web site has been the process. My question remains, how can we make sure the 'administration' is held accountable for questionable hiring practices and the poor hires that come of it? I guess it just remains to be seen if Price is a poor hire or not before we cross that bridge.

[McDonaldGymRat]

Thanks for the clarification. So, does that mean if the 'administration' is wrong about Price they don't need to be accountable? It's this 'administration' that hired Price and the process they went about doing it is what all the bitching is about. Right? Besides Price's infidelity 15 years ago the main complaint on this web site has been the process. My question remains, how can we make sure the 'administration' is held accountable for questionable hiring practices and the poor hires that come of it? I guess it just remains to be seen if Price is a poor hire or not before we cross that bridge.

 

Seems like they deserve an attaboy for the hiring of the ladies coach.

[Card Nation]

Is it football season yet?

[LUFAN]

Everyone check out my topic on kampus corner.. Pretty interesting.... Hate to hijack the thread.

[Big T]

Thanks for the clarification. So, does that mean if the 'administration' is wrong about Price they don't need to be accountable? It's this 'administration' that hired Price and the process they went about doing it is what all the bitching is about. Right? Besides Price's infidelity 15 years ago the main complaint on this web site has been the process. My question remains, how can we make sure the 'administration' is held accountable for questionable hiring practices and the poor hires that come of it? I guess it just remains to be seen if Price is a poor hire or not before we cross that bridge.

 

Seems like they deserve an attaboy for the hiring of the ladies coach.

 

And Coach Bruder, Cervantes, and I am feeling fairly confident that Evans will be able to turn around the Volleyball team. Many of y'all for some reason or another don't like Henderson, but you have to give him props for his previous hiring's and think you need to give Price a chance.

[Card Nation]

 

Thanks for the clarification. So, does that mean if the 'administration' is wrong about Price they don't need to be accountable? It's this 'administration' that hired Price and the process they went about doing it is what all the bitching is about. Right? Besides Price's infidelity 15 years ago the main complaint on this web site has been the process. My question remains, how can we make sure the 'administration' is held accountable for questionable hiring practices and the poor hires that come of it? I guess it just remains to be seen if Price is a poor hire or not before we cross that bridge.

 

Seems like they deserve an attaboy for the hiring of the ladies coach.

 

And Coach Bruder, Cervantes, and I am feeling fairly confident that Evans will be able to turn around the Volleyball team. Many of y'all for some reason or another don't like Henderson, but you have to give him props for his previous hiring's and think you need to give Price a chance.

 

I don't even know who those people are.... Unfortunately volleyball doesn't define the legacy of an AD. Football and basketball bring in money.

 

1. Henderson was gonna fire Woodard last year when he should not have... And then gives a 1 year extension.. A 1 year extension can handicap a coach, recruiting and team unity. Its not smart. Should have been 2 years if you are gonna extend

 

2. Then the basketball debacle. He should have left Knight alone. Yep, i said it. If he cant afford to fire him, then dont. You can just blame Knight for being bad.. It comes down to common sense. If you cant afford to pay cash for a boat, then you cant afford one. You do what logically makes sense. Its just not smart to sell yourself out and make decisions that appear to the masses to be irresponsible and thoughtless. Case in point, basketball travesty. He should have lied to us and put on the show of a search...

 

I think Henderson may be just a pawn in the hierarchy at Lamar. Being in charge is only good if one has legitimate power. The best position to have is to have the real power and no responsibility... Thats the place to be, right? Im thinking those folks are pulling the strings.

 

Henderson is not calling the shots, and if he is, its even worse.

 

I have no problem with Price and nothing would please me more than he win 20 games. Im in Prices side.

 

I don't know Henderson. My comments are not meant to be personal, but It appears to me that what is best for Lamar is not on his agenda... Check that.. Except in volleyball.

[LUSportsFan]

I think you could substitute the name "Henderson" for AD of your choice and you would find similar complaints from just about any fan base. At least I know that's the case for other universities I support. We had one AD that had numerous national championships in various sports; just not football. The fans couldn't wait to get rid of him. Another university I support had successful football coaches replaced because of influence from large donors...at least two times.

 

I respectfully disagree with the thought that we should have kept Knight. I was on board with him, but things just didn't look right the last two years. The University needed to do something, anything to stop the bleeding. I agree removing Woodard would have been premature. There's still a lot a coach can do with a one year contract. I've seen some coaches at large programs that did very well over an extended career who wouldn't take a long term contract. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. In Woodard's case, I'm hoping the short leash will serve as a performance incentive.

[coachacola]

 

Avi Zaleon ‏@avi_zaleon

 

Tic Price's contract with Lamar is for two years, $120K annual salary. Pat Knight left making $200K per year. #bescores

[Card Nation]

 

I think you could substitute the name "Henderson" for AD of your choice and you would find similar complaints from just about any fan base. At least I know that's the case for other universities I support. We had one AD that had numerous national championships in various sports; just not football. The fans couldn't wait to get rid of him. Another university I support had successful football coaches replaced because of influence from large donors...at least two times.

 

I respectfully disagree with the thought that we should have kept Knight. I was on board with him, but things just didn't look right the last two years. The University needed to do something, anything to stop the bleeding. I agree removing Woodard would have been premature. There's still a lot a coach can do with a one year contract. I've seen some coaches at large programs that did very well over an extended career who wouldn't take a long term contract. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. In Woodard's case, I'm hoping the short leash will serve as a performance incentive.

 

I thought the 'shoulda kept knight' would have gotten many more comments. Knight needed to go for sure.... But the way it went down looks bad.

 

Regarding woodard, A short leash and more pressure may work. But in my personal experience quite the opposite is true. We have lost a great coach in Allen Johnson and im wondering if the insecurity at Lamar facilitated his departure. Maybe or maybe not, we dont know. But i do know if i worked for a coach with a one year contract id be looking around for sure.. Wouldn't you?

 

I dont follow other schools at all and i dont pretend to know it all about AD's, boosters, and how this actually works, but i do know what i have seen here. So i guess you are saying its all politics and not Henderson. Someone else on this thread commented on accountabilty... I guess there really isn't any then. Its not the AD's fault, its not the boosters fault, its just the way it is.. So how cAn it be a coaches fault then? Lamar doesn't owe me 'a fan' a darn thing, i guess. i guess doing what is 'best' for Lamar gets lost in the convoluted 'thing' that is University politics. That stinks.

 

 

 

 

[baller]

If you got involved and made Lamar better you probably would have more constructive criticism.For example ,later this year we will build our new softball stadium.Did you know that the AD had the forethought to add softball locker rooms and offices when the soccer locker rooms,offices and multipurpose training room were built.This was a very wise,money-saving business decision that ignorant critics don't know and can't factor into their harsh rhetoric.Get involved ,the more you know the more constructive and balanced your criticism will be .This is kind of like educating ignorant basketball fans that yell for a three second call but don't know the count restarts if a shot strikes the rim .

Join the Cardinal Club,get informed,help Lamar and you will be happier .

 

[Big T]

If you got involved and made Lamar better you probably would have more constructive criticism.For example ,later this year we will build our new softball stadium.Did you know that the AD had the forethought to add softball locker rooms and offices when the soccer locker rooms,offices and multipurpose training room were built.This was a very wise,money-saving business decision that ignorant critics don't know and can't factor into their harsh rhetoric.Get involved ,the more you know the more constructive and balanced your criticism will be .This is kind of like educating ignorant basketball fans that yell for a three second call but don't know the count restarts if a shot strikes the rim .

Join the Cardinal Club,get informed,help Lamar and you will be happier .

 

I do believe this could be the best post on this thread.

[Knightman]

I am with you, Big T!!!!!!!

 

Go Cardinals!!!!

 

Knightman

[coachacola]

Details about Price's contract found here:

 

http://blog.beaumontenterprise.com/inthecards/2014/04/03/tic-prices-contract-released/

 

He'll make $120K per year for 2 years. He has $250K for assistants, more than what Pat Knight had. He only needs $180K from money games, less than Knight's $225K. No search committee was formed and no finalists were interviewed.

[BigNasty92]

If you got involved and made Lamar better you probably would have more constructive criticism.For example ,later this year we will build our new softball stadium.Did you know that the AD had the forethought to add softball locker rooms and offices when the soccer locker rooms,offices and multipurpose training room were built.This was a very wise,money-saving business decision that ignorant critics don't know and can't factor into their harsh rhetoric.Get involved ,the more you know the more constructive and balanced your criticism will be .This is kind of like educating ignorant basketball fans that yell for a three second call but don't know the count restarts if a shot strikes the rim .

Join the Cardinal Club,get informed,help Lamar and you will be happier .

 

I do believe this could be the best post on this thread.

 

 

+1

[jdcurran235]

recruit a big man, good in game coaching and maybe one other solid shooter. We become a solid force in conference. There was a spark of life at the end of the season.

[LAZEEK]

$$$$ game at Iowa State next season already on schedule.

[coachacola]

I did like the fact Pat Knight was scheduling all D1 opponents (I guess his assistants were while he was goofing off). I wonder what Tic Price will do.

[jdcurran235]

Hopefully the same.

[Card Nation]

 

If you got involved and made Lamar better you probably would have more constructive criticism.For example ,later this year we will build our new softball stadium.Did you know that the AD had the forethought to add softball locker rooms and offices when the soccer locker rooms,offices and multipurpose training room were built.This was a very wise,money-saving business decision that ignorant critics don't know and can't factor into their harsh rhetoric.Get involved ,the more you know the more constructive and balanced your criticism will be .This is kind of like educating ignorant basketball fans that yell for a three second call but don't know the count restarts if a shot strikes the rim .

Join the Cardinal Club,get informed,help Lamar and you will be happier .

 

No doubt, the best post on this thread. Well said. Sometimes we have to use harsh words to be heard. I said basically the same thing 2 or 3 times on this thread using soft words.... And nothing.

 

But, then you finally heard me. Thank you for the information. It is appreciated. I just wanted someone to stand up and say ' i support .... Because....' I concede the argument and i defer to your knowledgeable judgement. Thanks again.

[Knightman]

yes Card Nation, baller was right on point there, you have to be able to see problems or issues that may come up in the future and plan for them be proactive rather than reactive!!!!!!!!! Being proactive means you are ahead of the game, but being reactive means the game is always ahead of you, and that ain't no good place to be!!!!!

 

Go Cardinals!!!!!!

 

Knightman