The media melee that engulfed the search for USF’s new head basketball coach left me at a crossroads as I decided the topics I should cover in this piece.
Should I begin with the Steve Masiello escapade? Maybe UNLV Head Coach Dave Rice’s matador-like illusion of our beloved Bulls?
How about the horrifying tale that left 15-year old Orlando ‘Hurricane’ Antigua with a bullet lodged in his skull? Antigua’s 4.75m five-year deal despite never being a head coach… The answer to all of the above is a resounding ‘Nope’!
Instead, I have elected to share my thoughts on USF’s newbies and why I believe Mark Harlan’s first hire was a magnificent one.
Harlan found a coach that embodies the passion, work ethic and drive required in a leader planning the Resurrection of a squad that finished 12-20 just two-years removed from a NCAA Tournament appearance. Back to the glory days of Jim Leavitt and Big East dominance… And dare I mention the pure joy of Stan Heath’s 2012 March Madness run? The man who has spent six-years by the side the great John Calipari knows how to win.
Not only is Antigua a role model for young men across the nation, he possesses the ‘I’ve been to the ship’ confidence of a humble, true-blue winner.
Harlan was a bold hire by the University of South Florida as well, especially given some of the circumstantial critiques like this one from his days at UCLA.
I found the article troubling, namely the allegations of deceit and lack of concern for the opinion of the student body. That being said, Harlan is a proven leader and sustained success throughout his career.
Harlan must own his self-proclaimed mantra ‘No Excuses’ if our beloved Bulls have any shot of regaining a piece of the national spotlight. Continue Reading by Clicking Here
by Matthew Manuri for RunningTheBulls.com | Rivals
© 2012-2014 SoFloBulls.com™; SoFloBulls Blog™. Material in any right may not be reproduced without expressed written consent of Matthew Manuri. All rights reserved.