Merfield leaves basketball program

[Da Coach]

Often change ends up being good. Assistant coaches leaving in mid season in college basketball isnt real common but if a change is needed and best for the program, there is no reason to wait.

I would be surprised if Merfield leaving was a surprise to Les and the program and I would be equally surprised if he is scrambling to do any sort of replacing.

Regardless I wish him luck, but if a guy doesnt want to be somewhere then its best to cut ties immediately before an attitude, or whatever, gets into the blood stream of the staff or the program.

Post of the Year!

[AZ BU Fan]

Of course, one possible reason for SM discontent (?) and departure from BU Program could be due to his position: develop big men in a system where big men aren't very important to the offense

If curses aren't tolerated on this forum, why should conspiracies?

Re BU hiring possible recruits/players family/friends as coaches, I broke this possibility earlier in the Recruiting Forum with BU's recruiting of M Bielfeld HA HA

Seriously, the only significant thing to me is the timing...Things must have really deteriorated somewhere/somehow to get to a point where a coach leaves a program in the middle of a (hopefully) successful season..if it is not due to another job opportunity..

SM's role at BU, and JL's elevation of EB, BU Prez influence etc is 'old news' and would have been reason to leave before or after a season...not during a season. Something else is going on.

[real fan]

Often change ends up being good. Assistant coaches leaving in mid season in college basketball isnt real common but if a change is needed and best for the program, there is no reason to wait.

I would be surprised if Merfield leaving was a surprise to Les and the program and I would be equally surprised if he is scrambling to do any sort of replacing.

Regardless I wish him luck, but if a guy doesnt want to be somewhere then its best to cut ties immediately before an attitude, or whatever, gets into the blood stream of the staff or the program.

I wonder how the NCAA would react if we hired Wilkins dad to be the new coordinator of basketball operations?

All good points, on his morning show coach Les did not have much to say when asked about Merfeld leaving, I am guessing that there was some kind of difference in opinions on what they were doing and Merfeld decided it was time to leave, when someone has been a head coach for so many years I would imagine it is very hard to be anyones asst.

[BradleyBrave]

All good points, on his morning show coach Les did not have much to say when asked about Merfeld leaving, I am guessing that there was some kind of difference in opinions on what they were doing and Merfeld decided it was time to leave, when someone has been a head coach for so many years I would imagine it is very hard to be anyones asst.

Depends on who you are an assistant for and what your responsibilities are. I see lots of former head coaches as assistants across the country; however I don't think a lot of them are behind an average-at-best former HS coach and have the tasks of a graduate assistant the way Merf did at BU.

But, as several others have said, if this was creating dissension among the ranks, and was a distraction to the team and program, then it is in BU's best interests to move on. While this is a ways off, I think the hire to replace Merf is an important one. Maybe we'll get the whole story, maybe we won't. Onward and upward, and let's beat the Catamounts!

[amckillip]

Depends on who you are an assistant for and what your responsibilities are. I see lots of former head coaches as assistants across the country; however I don't think a lot of them are behind an average-at-best former HS coach and have the tasks of a graduate assistant the way Merf did at BU.

Where are you getting this?!?! JL has a much better record at this level than Merf ever did, period; JL has coached professionally, albeit in the WNBA; He was known for being a 'coach on the floor' during his playing days; and at the end of the day, it's his program. Did it ever occur to you that maybe this wasn't JL's fault? Or is it that the default assumption JL screwed up?

I started my own business and ran it successfully for several years. I employed my friends, one guy couldn't understand, that, while we were friends, I was in charge. I had to let him go, and we remained friends. But ya know what? Letting him go was the right thing to do. SO before we start saying JL made Merf a grad assistant, maybe it was MERF's attitude that got in the way, maybe it was Merf who's ego was too big. I have NO IDEA, but my guess is that neither do you. It's very apparent you don't like JL, but conjuring up these stories is just ridiculous. I am by no means am a JL apologist (which doesn't have the negative connotation some on here assume it does), but immediately blaming him in this situation isn't necessary or reasonable.

[BradleyBrave]

Where are you getting this?!?! JL has a much better record at this level than Merf ever did, period; JL has coached professionally, albeit in the WNBA; He was known for being a 'coach on the floor' during his playing days; and at the end of the day, it's his program. Did it ever occur to you that maybe this wasn't JL's fault? Or is it that the default assumption JL screwed up?

I'm referring to Eric Buescher not JL. SM's resume says he's far and away the most qualified assistant. However he had the tasks of a graduate assistant (as highlighted by the PJ Star article this morning).

I started my own business and ran it successfully for several years. I employed my friends, one guy couldn't understand, that, while we were friends, I was in charge. I had to let him go, and we remained friends. But ya know what? Letting him go was the right thing to do. SO before we start saying JL made Merf a grad assistant, maybe it was MERF's attitude that got in the way, maybe it was Merf who's ego was too big. I have NO IDEA, but my guess is that neither do you. It's very apparent you don't like JL, but conjuring up these stories is just ridiculous. I am by no means am a JL apologist (which doesn't have the negative connotation some on here assume it does), but immediately blaming him in this situation isn't necessary or reasonable.

I didn't conjur up anything. Merf was a former head coach who was below the 'Associate' Head Coach who's resume pales in comparison. He had menial tasks to do that didn't fit what someone of his experience should be doing. All of this is well-documented.

FYI - THIS PART IS MY OPINION - It's a poor utilization of resources. If Merf had enough after a few years, it would be understandable. It's unfortunate that it had to take place during the season, and that we couldn't make a situation that should have been VERY good work out. Instead now we're stuck with a guy who was an average-at-best HS coach, a JUCO coach, and a guy that's been cutting film for 5 years. I think JL is a good coach, but everyone needs help.

[lefty]

Often change ends up being good. Assistant coaches leaving in mid season in college basketball isnt real common but if a change is needed and best for the program, there is no reason to wait.

I would be surprised if Merfield leaving was a surprise to Les and the program and I would be equally surprised if he is scrambling to do any sort of replacing.

Regardless I wish him luck, but if a guy doesnt want to be somewhere then its best to cut ties immediately before an attitude, or whatever, gets into the blood stream of the staff or the program.

I wonder how the NCAA would react if we hired Wilkins dad to be the new coordinator of basketball operations?

I agree with this as well...the timing is suspect. I can't believe the differences just started during this season but you never know....

Kind of curious how this will affect our bigs. After working with them last few years they could be closer to SM and might have a little adjustment period without him

[basketball nut]

I'm referring to Eric Buescher not JL. SM's resume says he's far and away the most qualified assistant. However he had the tasks of a graduate assistant (as highlighted by the PJ Star article this morning).



I didn't conjur up anything. Merf was a former head coach who was below the 'Associate' Head Coach who's resume pales in comparison. He had menial tasks to do that didn't fit what someone of his experience should be doing. All of this is well-documented.

FYI - THIS PART IS MY OPINION - It's a poor utilization of resources. If Merf had enough after a few years, it would be understandable. It's unfortunate that it had to take place during the season, and that we couldn't make a situation that should have been VERY good work out. Instead now we're stuck with a guy who was an average-at-best HS coach, a JUCO coach, and a guy that's been cutting film for 5 years. I think JL is a good coach, but everyone needs help.

Good points and also one not to rip JL as I like him for the most part but SM also has 2 NCAA appearances-1 more then JL. No he didn't win at Evansville but then when was the last time they were really even competative.
The other thing I seen in here was JC being way to young to be an Ass't coach but many schools hire their own to be that bottom coach and to work their way up the ladder. Also JC wasn't a Euro washout but, (I have heard through pretty reliable sources) is still hoping to go back after sitting out this year to let his injuries (I bellieve knee) fully heal so this may keep him from doing anymore then what he presently is. Then again he may be the missing piece and except the coaching job-if even offered to him and like JL @ BU he is all BU and could be a good recruiter.

[real fan]

Eric Buescher has worked his way up the ladder and has earned his position, his high school record means nothing as you cannot recruit there so you are stuck with whatever talent you have, I know a lot of great high school coaches that didn"t win many games starting out, I believe he brings a lot more to the table then most of you think.

[Buesch N Chips]

Eric Buescher has worked his way up the ladder and has earned his position, his high school record means nothing as you cannot recruit there so you are stuck with whatever talent you have, I know a lot of great high school coaches that didn"t win many games starting out, I believe he brings a lot more to the table then most of you think.

Good post.

[BradleyBrave]

Eric Buescher has worked his way up the ladder and has earned his position, his high school record means nothing as you cannot recruit there so you are stuck with whatever talent you have, I know a lot of great high school coaches that didn"t win many games starting out, I believe he brings a lot more to the table then most of you think.

EB got the job because of his last name and JL's relationship to his dad. How that's 'working his way up the ladder' I don't know. I don't think it's a bad thing for me to want a more seasoned staff. All of EB's learning has been done from JL, and while I think JL is as basketball-smart as just about anyone out there, coaching-wise he was learning on the job for the first few years. I personally would like another experienced voice that everyone could learn from. It's not a p-ssing contest, it's about putting the best group of guys together to put the best possible team together. I thought Merf could be that guy, but he wasn't. I was excited but skeptical that this could work when we brought him on...I guess now we have our answer. I hope he gets the job at FGCU. I think he could succeed there.

[Out of Balance]

Where are you getting this?!?! JL has a much better record at this level than Merf ever did, period; JL has coached professionally, albeit in the WNBA; He was known for being a 'coach on the floor' during his playing days; and at the end of the day, it's his program. Did it ever occur to you that maybe this wasn't JL's fault? Or is it that the default assumption JL screwed up?

I started my own business and ran it successfully for several years. I employed my friends, one guy couldn't understand, that, while we were friends, I was in charge. I had to let him go, and we remained friends. But ya know what? Letting him go was the right thing to do. SO before we start saying JL made Merf a grad assistant, maybe it was MERF's attitude that got in the way, maybe it was Merf who's ego was too big. I have NO IDEA, but my guess is that neither do you. It's very apparent you don't like JL, but conjuring up these stories is just ridiculous. I am by no means am a JL apologist (which doesn't have the negative connotation some on here assume it does), but immediately blaming him in this situation isn't necessary or reasonable.

BOLD. TALK about BOLD. now that accusation is BOLD I don't believe that to be a true statement at all. If you think that you are right, prove it by asking him I'm sure he will give you a straight answer. If you don't want to, I'll do it for you. BB do you or don't you like JL Lets just find out who's ridicuous in their statements

[tornado]

many times it is due to philosophical differences

[SaintLouBrave22]

many times it is due to philosophical differences

IE Hey Coach Les, don't you think we should play 2 Forwards, a Center, and 2 Guards?


Coach Les: Nah. I think my system is fine.


Hey Coach Les, don't you think we should get the ball down to the post more?


Coach Les: Nah. I think my system is fine.

[dogsrus]

many times it is due to philosophical differences

Have to agree here....You have a seasoned coach, actually two in JL and Merf. BOTH have been at the helm of differnt programs and BOTH have ways they see to build a championship team.

Sometimes those worlds collide. IF thats what happened I applaud both guys for taking the high road and not airing laundry in public.

Sure...to bad it couldn't have been done after or before but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Good luck to to all parties involved. I think everyone involved will survive.