A Horn of plenty, or a mistake?By Gene Sapakoff (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, April 3, 2008
 Hopefully, Darrin Horn works out as South Carolina head basketball coach. Nothing could be finer than a Carolina other than "The other Carolina" in the NCAA Tournament. The 35-year-old former Western Kentucky guard certainly has the energy, plan and organizational skills to make friend or foe of the Gamecocks program think he will succeed. It's just that Horn's Western Kentucky resume, athletic director Eric Hyman's odd hiring process and some of the goofy things said at Horn's introductory news conference make you wonder. What really sticks out is Hyman's insistence that Ty Rogers' overtime buzzer beater was irrelevant, that the 3-point drama dropped on Drake to give No. 12 seed Western Kentucky a first-round NCAA Tournament victory two weeks ago came after Horn already was South Carolina's top target to replace Dave Odom. "He was at the head of the class long before then," Hyman said. Really? Because if you think Horn's hiring was greeted with a golf clap after Western Kentucky upset Drake and got by No. 13 seed San Diego and played No. 1 seed UCLA tough in a Sweet 16 game, imagine the fan response to signing a guy who in five seasons with the Hilltoppers got to the NCAA Tournament once, this year. Consider that Western Kentucky got in after winning the weak Sun Belt Conference Tournament as a No. 3 seed. The Hilltoppers probably would not have won the Southern Conference Tournament. Darrin who? But if Horn truly was The Guy pre-Drake, why? Pre-Drake, could the average South Carolina fan have said "yes" to either of the following questions about Darrin Horn? --Ever heard of him? --Were any other schools beating down the door to try and hire him? Why was he so clearly better than Sean Miller of Xavier, Travis Ford of Massachusetts or Anthony Grant of Virginia Commonwealth? Or Gregg Marshall, for that matter? If you truly believe South Carolina is a big-time sports school, why not make a play for an established major college coach? Mike McGee used this philosophy to land the likes of Steve Spurrier, Lou Holtz, Eddie Fogler, Dave Odom and Ray Tanner. Why not interview at least one minority candidate, particularly with so many out there? In pulling the trigger quickly on Horn, South Carolina got its man and avoided the embarrassment of public rejection by higher profile candidates. There is such a thing, however, as being too careful, too timid and too willing to settle for the easiest, cheapest option. Quick 2009 fix Thankfully, Odom as he was being forced out, left Horn with a team capable in 2009 of giving South Carolina its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2004. Still, you have to wonder. Hyman in introducing his first significant hire announced the results of a survey. Current and former players and school officials were asked what they wanted in a new coach. They mentioned a dislike for the quick fix and they wanted someone who enjoys being at South Carolina and likes recruiting, which proves the ridiculousness of surveys. For approximately $1 million a year, desire better come naturally and there is nothing wrong with immediate success in college basketball. Horn, asked about Clemson, said he did not want to "justify their existence" by mentioning the school. Uh, Darrin, this is South Carolina and this is major conference basketball now. Save the Sun Belt stuff for discussions about Middle Tennessee at your next WKU alumni meeting and take a lesson in class from your new pals Spurrier and Tanner. Good luck. Reach Gene Sapakoff at gsapakoff@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 18 comment(s)
Posted by theronce on April 3, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do not sell short that particular answer in the survey about liking SC. Both Clemson's football and basketball coaches have stated a few times something to the effect that Clemson is where they want to be and hopefully the last job that they ever want. That kind of commitment is important to me as a Clemson fan. I'll stick with someone longer like that who makes that kind of commitment. Effort counts.
Posted by wkudon on April 3, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First off a little history on WKU we have a better post season history than anybody in the Southern Conference and half of the SEC including South Carolina. suggested reading below
http://billyreedsays.com/2008/03/24/west...
As far as Darrin goes someone didn't do there homework WKU fans wanted him gone before the ty rogers shot.
The WKU Adminidtration could have put together a stong offer to keep him they did not.
Also he had many issues, you will come to find out.
WKU will hire a better coach than USC just did
Check out our fan site I am sure you can fimd some
things you headhunter missed
http://www.hilltopperhaven.com/board/vie...
Posted by notafan on April 3, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If only all Clemson fans felt the way you do theronce. If the football team stumbles at all next year Clemson nation will once again be asking for Bowden's head. I agree with you about the commitment though.
But if Horn is successful what will Sapakoff and Birger write about? These two hacks will not be able to bash Carolina on a regular basis. What will they do????
Posted by Rebel_Yell on April 3, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sapakoff the Tigger - - In addition to having the ugliest mug shot (what a tool), Gene Sapakoff time and again displays his arrogance and bias. I beg the P&C to limit Sapakoff’s ramblings to his own team or maybe move him to the back page of the Friday Auto section where he belongs. His writings would be best posted on a Clemson website for obnoxious fans, and not in the oldest paper in the South. Why would any gamecock want to buy a newspaper that specializes in employing a below-average writer who mocks the state school daily and bleeds orange. Put Burger with him as well -- they are both useless and should have been replaced many years ago. dribble
Posted by OldSalt on April 3, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
See, there are some nice Clemson fans - although most are not actually alumni. I have attended several games at Clemson and met some very nice folks. The last time I was up there I met a gentleman who introduced me to his wife and his half-sister. Of course, there was only one woman standing there, but they were a very nice couple.
Posted by garnetscar on April 3, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
so, you say that Dave Odom when we hired him was a good hire?
Posted by garnetscar on April 3, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
did you (Sapakoff) get your feelings hurt? Uh, Gene, you should take a lesson from Bob Schuster, a very classy fan of your beloved tigers.
Posted by theronce on April 3, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OldSalt, glad you had something nice to say about Clemson fans since you used my doulbe first cousins as examples.
Posted by fredhoiberg on April 3, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, its not a real shock that Western Kentucky may not have won the Southern Conference tournament......that leagues champ pretty much proved the Big East regular season champ and the Big Ten regular season and tournament champ wouldn't have either.
Did you forget what Southern Conf Champion Davidson proved or do you not follow basketball?
Posted by OldSalt on April 3, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In the interest of Palmetto fraternity, I offer the following Carolina joke to my friend theronce:
Question: What do KFC and Clemson have in common?
Answer: They both do chicken right.
p.s. Go Gamecocks!
Posted by DCartisan on April 3, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Why not interview at least one minority candidate, particularly with so many out there?"
I always thought that Anthony Grant and Jeff Capel were minorities. Do you read any articles written by PROFESSIONAL writers that actually research information? Or maybe its time I changed my eyeglass prescription...
I think deep down, Gene wanted us to hire Bobby Knight. That way he could rip us for hiring an older, established coach past his prime once again.
Did he not know that BEFORE this season began, Darrin Horn was selected the 14th hottest up-and-coming coach in the country?
My gosh Gene, where do you get your information, or do you make it up as you go?
Posted by gamecocklifer on April 3, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK, now I am going to temper my frustration with this poorly informed columnist- no personal attacks here: I'll save that for our own forums where you just vaulted yourself into the top 3 in the race for most hated ANTI USC COLUMNIST in SC...
I have some serious questions though:
Did anybody do any research for this column... has anybody in Charleston paid ANY attention to the hiring process thus far??
"Why not interview at least one minority candidate.."
WE did more than INTERVIEW a couple- rumor has it that Anthony Grant, and Capel- both "minority candidates" last time I checked- were both approached about he position prior to Horn even becoming a top choice. Capel used US as leverage to get a raise out of Oklahoma, and Grant still seems undecided as to what he want to do, but he is getting a raise too at the very least, possibly headed to a bigger program than our own! So, I guess facts, rumors, the actual REAL story does not matter to clemzun grads when they write about USC??
Posted by gamecocklifer on April 3, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Second:
"If you truly believe South Carolina is a big-time sports school, why not make a play for an established major college coach? Mike McGee used this philosophy to land the likes of Steve Spurrier, Lou Holtz, Eddie Fogler, Dave Odom and Ray Tanner."
Again just a little research might have revealed that nearly every fan, alum and member of the AD staff was looking for a guy who is a mid-major, YOUNG, enthusiastic coach who has shown some success at his current position and is hungry for more... with a strong lean towards a guy who is a good recruiter. I don't know how much you learned about Horn prior to laying this egg, but he happens to be a mid major, YOUNG coach (35) who has shown a GREAT DEAL of success at his current position (you only mention his apparent recent "luck" I guess is what you would call it- with this year's NCAA trip being his only one, but you FAILED to mention he has had FOUR 20+ win season IN A ROW in just 5 years!!!!... as far as recruiting goes?? Well he did a great job of it at WKU- building them into a sweet 16 team in JUST 5 years= obvious results... but again- just a little research may have told you that he also was the assistant HC @ Marquette where he also served as recruiting coordinator and recruited some pretty decent talent... you know not NBA Super stars or anything= only DWAYNE WADE... ohh wait HE IS AN NBA SUPERSTAR!!! but his success is questionable to you I guess?? after taking his alma matter to the sweet 16 and 4 consecutive 20+ win seasons in just 5 years and before that helping Marquette along as they limped into the FINAL FREAKING FOUR!!! I guess the lack of experience/ success thing is kinda shot up too isn't it??
Hey, this is an opinion column of sorts I assume right?? Well opinions or not- it seems as though journalistic integrity took a break here today: PLEASE if you must insult my school and try to rain on our parade after a big hire AT LEAST do us the courtesy of having SOME IDEA what you are talking about.
Gamecock Lifer- out
Posted by JoanneH on April 3, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you wanted to get a reaction from Carolina fans, you did, so congratulations.
As a season ticket holder, I have watched with great concern the slide, albeit slow, of my team in the past 33 years. Yes, there were some good seasons, but there were also too many bad seasons. No one coach to blame, though I could if pressed. I really believe as a former coach myself that players bear some responsibility for getting the ball up court, in bounds, and in the basket. But coaches bear a lot of it as well.
As for the Horn hire, I applaud Mr. Hyman for being aggressive and getting a coach quickly that Marquette wanted as well as a couple of other schools as I understand it. Was Hyman in your view to go after high-profile, well-established coaches only to be turned down again...as we were 7 years ago? Openly? No. Let me answer my own question because I have the right as a ticket holder and Gamecock Club member.
As for the minority suggestion, you fell short on that one. We did go after two minorities, and both turned us down. In fact, rumor has it that Shyatt at Florida (who used to be at the "other school") suggested to Anthony Grant NOT to take the USC job.
We will not know for several years how well Coach Horn will do, but right now I am totally behind him as are thousands of other USC fans. Perhaps you found the presser a little "much" in some ways, but I found some of the dumb questions to be a bit "much" as well. If you knew something about our most recent presser, you would understand where the "who's your rival?" question came from and why. And if you do your homework, you will understand why Coach Horn made that answer.
OK, folks, move along. Only a blip here. We have a coach to look forward to supporting.
Posted by kybasketballfan on April 3, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I had to comment on this article! I totally agree with gamecocklifer that the columnist sorely lacks knowledge of NCAA basketball, or of Darrin Horn's credentials. Being from KY, we eat, breathe and sleep basketball! Ironically, the KY newspapers (in Lexington, Louisville, Bowling Green) had a more favorable response to Darrin Horn being named USC's new basketball coach. USC made a smart choice in snatching up Darrin Horn. He was named head coach on Tuesday and on Wednesday visited Charleston to recruit top-notch students. I had the pleasure of meeting him - he was classy, gracious and energetic. He is a true athlete/coach following in the footsteps of Rick Pitino, Billy Donovan, and John Pelphrey....
Oh, yeah...Darrin Horn has a reputation for recruiting AND graduating all his players with college degrees. Imagine that?!
Darrin Horn was raised in a state that cultivates a rich tradition in basketball, not only that, he has the resume to PROVE it! Mr. Sapakoff, I suggest you spend a bit more time researching your columns, opinion or not. Where are your facts to support your opinions? Check out this link:
http://www.wkusports.com/profile.cgi?pro...
This UK Basketball fan will definitely watch USC Basketball now that the program has a chance to compete in the SEC.
Posted by JoanneH on April 3, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Classy post, Ky. Thanks for the support. I had forgotten to post about his graduation rate...higher than UNC or Duke, as a matter of fact, and #1 this year overall.
I was impressed that he wanted to practice on his first day as coach and that by the second day had visited with some highly-visible players in SC.
But to WKUDON, I hope you feel better after casting aspersions on our new coach. Get a better coach; we don't care. We did too.
Posted by svilleswampfox on April 4, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not interview at least one minority candidate, particularly with so many out there?
Gene - you mentioned something like this several years ago about hiring a head football coach, I think at the pro level. In any event, I all but quit reading you then. This article today is one of the few times I have read you since, and you write this ignorant crap again.
What is it with you and minorities? Why not just advocate hiring the best fit for the job? Racial quotas and comments like yours keep racial bias alive. You're truly an idiot. Now go join one of the democrat campaigns, or the NAACP. Moron.
Posted by gamecocklifer on April 6, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I must admit to my own embarrassment at my comments as I felt I may have over reacted and replied in ager, so I came back to read what I had typed here, and in review I think I still feel the same way. Maybe I should temper my reaction with a little more professionalism and a sense of responsibility and ownership of my comments. Maybe I could have said "I respectfully disagree with his article, and this is why", but in my anger I prolly blew up a little... So, as I critiqued his column I must be fair and critique my comments as well>
First off I did not really do MY homework on the writer: I had read on some internet forum (hardly a reliable source) that he was a clemzun grad and thus I really had no idea if we was or not and had no real business bringing up that personal fact about the man. for that I apologize to you sir. I think that this was one of the main reasons I took the comments about my school to be such an insult when he was really probably not trying to talk down USC as much as he was trying to give his unbiased views of the hire....
Other than me taking it too personal and calling him out on something I failed to research myself (hypocrisy much??, I do stick by my comments and I feel his article could have been researched a little better.
The last part of my response that I perceive to be unfair is the internet anonymity thing. He has to claim ownership of his articles (true it is HIS job and not mine...) but I find it unfair that I can rip on someone who openly gives their name to the masses when I get to make up a stupid nickname and condescend the man like he has no idea how to do his job. I think reading an old article by another writer here (Ken Burger-
http://web. charleston. net/news/2007/dec/06/twenty_years_without_any_anonymity24186)
may have had an impact on my feelings here, so I will placate my own regrets by signing off with my real name:
-Eric
(yep just the first- hey I don't want some psycho coming after ME!! JK)