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UA Players Left To Wonder : What's Next?

Last updated Tuesday, April 3, 2007 10:24 PM CDT
in Razorback Central

By Alex Abrams
The Morning News

FAYETTEVILLE -- Some of Arkansas' basketball players heard the news on TV. Others simply received a text message on their cell phones asking if it was true.

But when the players arrived at Bud Walton Arena on Tuesday evening, only to be met by a large gathering of reporters, they had no doubt that the news was true.

Dana Altman had indeed decided to return to Creighton University after spending around 24 hours as Arkansas' new coach.

"It's a hurting feeling to think that we had a coach and we were going to move forward, and now today we took a couple of steps back," Arkansas point guard Gary Ervin said. "We've just got to stay positive and think positive about this situation."

That could be easier said than done.

After Altman was introduced at a news conference Monday evening, several Arkansas players spoke at great lengths about how relieved they were to finally know who their new coach was going to be.

They were looking forward to playing Altman's up-tempo style of basketball. And after meeting with the coach, Arkansas guard Patrick Beverley ended the speculation that he was considering transferring to another school.

But now there is more uncertainty surrounding the basketball program, which only three weeks ago was celebrating its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

"To see a head coach leaving like that, it kind of hurts a lot of people's feelings," Arkansas power forward Darian Townes said. "We had a lot of high expectations for him coming in. We think we're going to do a lot of good things, and it was a relief when he got here.

"But hearing that he's leaving, it's going back to square one."

Arkansas forward Sonny Weems said he holds no ill will toward Altman, who said his decision to return to Creighton was based entirely on his family and his love for the private school.

Still, the news came as a shock to Weems, as it had for the rest of his teammates.

"Like Gary said, I think we took two steps back, and I think it's been a big change for us," Weems said. "We were looking forward to this coach and this upcoming season, so I think everybody is down right now."

Several Arkansas players, including Beverley and forwards Charles Thomas and Michael Washington, walked past reporters as they headed into Bud Walton Arena for a team meeting on Tuesday. They were told not to speak with the media.

Beverley said Monday that he was committed to playing for the Razorbacks, and that he had signed to play for Arkansas -- not a particular coach. That could change, however, following Altman's abrupt decision to return to Creighton.

While Beverley didn't address the issue Tuesday, Townes said that several players could end up transferring -- though he doesn't plan to be one of them.

"People are probably leaving, just probably want to get away and do something for their career in basketball. But I'm staying here," Townes said. "... I'm not going (anywhere)."

Arkansas athletic officials will immediately begin another search to find Stan Heath's replacement, though that could take another few weeks.

In the meantime, Arkansas' players are forced to sit and wonder about which direction the program is headed.

"Everything is up in the air right now, but when we sit down with our team, the biggest thing is just trying to stick together as one," Ervin said. "... When it's all said and done, for our next coach we're going to have the same group of guys that were here last year."



Reader Comments (55 comment(s))


The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

Brer Hog wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:56 PM:

" Stay the course men, the sun will soon shine brightly on this program... it has to. "

Florida Hawg wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:26 PM:

" I agree with BrerHog. Keep your heads up and stay the course. We have enough drama with the football guys. I am ready to see you guys back in the big dance.. "

HogFan wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:33 PM:

" We've had enough drama period! We need leadership badly. "

Boss Hawg wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:45 PM:

" Arkansas should take it's time, seek out a real champion. Isn't this Program worth that? maybe they shouldn't have made him call the hogs so soon :-) "

Boss Hawg wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:55 PM:

" Season Tickets for sale... Anyone... Anyone... For the next few seasons at half price! "

True Hog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 12:26 AM:

" I will take any tickets you want to get rid of. I am a true Razorback. "

HOGSUPERFAN wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:12 AM:

" Hang in there guy's, Stan wasn't the one on the floor we have watched all season. There will be tremendous respect earned by all razorback players if you can make it through this valley and finish what you guys have started. You have to know next year is our shot. As for Altman, you don't go and tell players, community, fans your coming and then say,"well I don't know now-I had a bowel movement and now I've changed my mind. You just don't play with peoples emotions that way. I wasn't that impressed with him anyway-I hope CU season goes to the toilet-right where Altman changed his mind to come to Arkansas. "

bigswan420 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:34 AM:

" Everything happens for one reason or another.WPS "

FeelBad4U wrote on Apr 4, 2007 3:41 AM:

" As a loyal Creighton fan (and nebraskan), I must say that I feel bad for you guys. Selfishly, I must say that I don't feel too bad for you. Altman's departure would KILL Creighton... his arrival would only slightly improve your program. You can't fault the guy for having second thoughts in the aftermath of the in-your-face-salesmanship of the Arkansas job. The fact of the matter is that he had a moment of weakness and his morality got the better of him in the end. Good luck on your head coach search. Have a good season. PS: Don't root against a class-act program like CU for something that is out of their hands. "

WHATEVER wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:18 AM:

" Altman has every right to change his mind.....every right to do what is best for his family. But to come, hold a press conference, meet with the players and their families....and THEN decide this wasn't the right move. VERY, VERY Unprofessional on his part. "

razorbackbacker wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:31 AM:

" Kinda suspected something was up when he said that he didn't want the folks back home to see him do the woo pig sooie call. "

HOGFAN4EVER wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:37 AM:

" "PS: Don't root against a class-act program like CU for something that is out of their hands" I won't... I'll root against Altman!!! "

James wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:58 AM:

" Thanks Frank; your legacy will be the self-inflicted death of the program "

LoveHogs wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:02 AM:

" Well, I think Coach Altman is a good guy and a good coach, but he really screwed up here! The consequences for him are simply that he is destined to remain at CU for the remainder of his career. That's probably alright with him. But, the consequences for others are much more severe...and that's Coach Altman's fault....no one elses! The Broyles/Nutt-haters make everything about them. This is not about them. This is about Coach Altman making probably the two biggest mistakes of his life. By going back to CU, he is only able to correct one of them! "

Dix wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:19 AM:

" What coach wants to come to the Hill with the "lame-duck" A D in charge. Only a desparate coach would be interested. How can we cope with the next nine months???? This farce is so very pathetic. How did it come to this???? "

DanasFault wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:29 AM:

" Yeah, this is bad for Hog Nation. But this fiasco is Dana's fault. Don't be a wuss- if you accept a job, follow through! The Hogs will be fine- we will find a good coach and do great next year- Dana is stupid for missing out. "

LoveHogs wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:36 AM:

" This reminds me a little of the story of Paul Eells leaving Vanderbilt for Arkansas. He shared many, many second thoughts about his decision to leave Nashville for Little Rock. But, he stayed, and it worked out better than anyone could have imagined. From a professional standpoint, Coach Altman should have stuck with his decision. He is a hero in Omaha, but everywhere else, there is a question mark that will always be there. Again, why must the Broyles/Nutt haters make EVERYTHING about those two? Is anyone else ever deserving of the blame for anything? Are Broyles and Nutt the only people capable of screwing up...and are they supposed to somehow have magical powers to keep everyone else from screwing up? I suppose they are to blame for not being able to talk Coach Altman into staying? A segment of this fan base has just lost sensibility. "

Hog athletics wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:36 AM:

" is the laughing stock of the country..... "

LJ wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:36 AM:

" I agree with "Whatever". The way Dana handled his departure was very unprofessional. He had the teams trust. This is just a slap in their face. I hope Dana can sleep at night knowing what he did. Until Frank is COMPLETELY out of the picture, why would someone want to come to Arkansas? "

Pickles077 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:37 AM:

" It seems the lack of family support was the major problem. Wally indicates that Dana was told that personnel changes in the program would not be made. Why weren't personnel changes discussed before the signing of the new coach. I would certainly want to know if I was completely in charge. "

kshog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:44 AM:

" You know I remember a few years ago Kansas coach Glen Mason took the Georga fb job then backed out. The Dawgs are a top job and have done just fine. Stuff happens, we will move on. Go Hogs "

hogphan919 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:24 AM:

" Don't get too down on Dana...that would be just a tad hypocritical when he isn't any guiltier of super-inflated expectations than just about every hog fan alive. Everyone thought they were getting something they wanted and everyone was disappointed. End of story. "

HOGMAN wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:02 AM:

" Altman would have made a really good coach for Arkansas...too bad. Now it's back to the drawing board. "

mtnmusic wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:05 AM:

" One reporter said DA had been told by FB that he was free to bring his entire staff to Arkansas including his present athletic director who was to become the new director of basketball operations and when told by White that FB had not authority to make such an offer he promptly bailed out. I wonder why no one else is reporting this? "

what to say about... wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Just who are you to judge FB and HDN. For all of you who just love Stan and thought he shouldn't go....WHERE WERE YOU DURING THE GAMES? If you loved him so much you should have been at the games, shown him support. If all of you who loved him had shown up at the games maybe he would still be here. I have never missed a game since Bud Walton opened and I couldn't believe the decline in attendance over the past five years. If ST was such a wonderful guy WHERE WERE YOU? You can't blame FB and HDN for this. IT IS THOSE OF YOU WHO DIDN'T GO TO THE GAMES WHO ARE TO BLAME!!! Now about Dana, I too think he played with everyones emotions and his Karma will get him in the end. I saw from his body language and tone of voice on Monday that he wasn't right. Did not think he could stand up to the pressure of the SEC and all the crazy hateful fans here in the state. Watch tonights episode of "Friday Night Lights" and maybe we can understand Dana's decision.... "

Wrong wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:19 AM:

" I think most fans wanted a change from Stan Heath. But this is ridiculous. Why would you let him go with NOTHING lined up???? We look like bafoons. I would love an up-tempo coach like Altman, but with NOTHING, I would rather have Stan Heath. Simple. "

Frank Rorie68 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:30 AM:

" "It ain't over till its over." The Hogs will find an excellent coach. We should be rolling up our sleeves and trying even harder. Let Coach Broyles rest. Get a search committee and take your time. GO HOGS GO! "

RAZORBACK111 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:31 AM:

" HOW ABOUT SIDNEY MONCRIEF? HE IS COACHING IN THE NBDL AND WOULD CREATE A LOT OF GOODWILL GIVEN THIS UGLY SITUATION. HE WOULD BE THE PERFECT FIT. "

Superbuick wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:44 AM:

" Bring back Nolan!!! Richardson took the University of Arkansas to the Final Four three times, winning the National Championship in 1994 against Duke, and losing in the Championship game to UCLA in 1995. He was named the National Coach of the Year in 1994. His teams typically played an uptempo game with intense pressure defense - a style that was known as "40 Minutes of HeII." He is the winningest coach in Arkansas history, compiling a 389-169 record in 17 seasons. He is the only head coach to win a Junior College National Championship, the NIT, and the NCAA Tournament. "

Porky wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:46 AM:

" How about Pat Summitt? She has 7 National titles. We might be able to get a great coach and make some history too. "

hogfan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:58 AM:

" get Grant NOW!!! He will lead us to a NC. go hogs go "

Swinehunt wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:07 AM:

" I too would like to have Nolan Richardson back as coach. We all know it will not happen because of Frank. The animosity between the two nixes any such happenings "

Rzrbckfan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:09 AM:

" Hey, Superbuick - Give it a rest. The last couple of seasons w/Nolan, all he did was sit on his can ... we don't need him back. We will get past all this, just like we always get past any other problems that pop up. We are all survivors!!! "

RALPH wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:12 AM:

" Since Arkansas has become a joke, I have an idea. Let's hire Doc Sadler and let the comedy begin. "

The TRUTH wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:44 AM:

" To quote Stan Heath,"People have a right to change their minds." Coach Altman would have failed here and been a flop with the Razorbacks' clubs this summer.A coach has to be 100% committed to the ways of this state and the demands of it's people.If there is any doubt as Coach Altman had, then there is no way he would have done what he was hire to do here. The fact is we were better off 10 days ago then we are now.Yeah there were some with in the state that wanted a coaching change, but we were not looked on nationally as a joke of a University with an AD that doesn't know what he is doing, and having fans that lack BB knowledge.Our perception outside the state will be what keeps this program down and the damage we have already recieved might not be fixed anytime fast. "

It's a shame wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:54 AM:

" that we won't see Beverley being coached by Dana. "

hogs5 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:26 AM:

" Sources have rumored that the team may have several academic ineligible players for the next season.....Kind of makes you wonder what the he--Stan Heath was doing off the court for his kids....Did he not have a clue that they were not going to class? Was he not concerned about their grades? He was not doing his job, and maybe this was part of the reason he was let go...Anyway, back to the runaway.....Altman After White & Altman met, Altman wanted to be able to offer academic help if White would allow him to bring CU people to Arkansas and maybe put them on the payroll......WHITE SAID NO....and told him if that was to be a part of his package....to hit the road...(who knows)? Altman's decision to return was not for his family.....that's a statement to the media....He made the withdrawal because of White's mandates and closed-minded idiocracy..... But White is not the only sour part of this deal..... Being a 48 yr old coach with 20+years experience....Altman shouldn't have been such a WORM....He should have made his decision, and followed through on his commitment, or JUST SAID NO....wow, what a weasel.... What he did was inexcusable in terms of the kids on the team...they are the ones who are being treated unfair and lied to....with that said, and moving forward, I hope that the UofA can obtain a coach with some degree of integrity and commitment.....something altman, white, and broyles, seem to know little about. "

DallasHogFan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:42 AM:

" Thanks "hogs5" I was wondering what the real story was. Wally Hall had written in his news report "By Tuesday morning, things were not adding up, and he began to dig deeper. When he was told personnel changes would not be made, he called his wife and then his former athletic director". PRETTY DEPRESSING! "

HogFan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 12:02 PM:

" Rok_hound, just cause you have nice facilities doesn't mean that you are good at choicing coaches (and keeping them). This has been some of Frank's highs and lows as AD.The TRUTH, I respectively disagree with your position, we WERE a joke and laughed at due to football issues with Houston Nutt and Frank Broyles. "

ponder wrote on Apr 4, 2007 12:35 PM:

" Ok, Stan has an academic counselor and it is his job to make sure the guys go to class, sends request to instructors on wether the players are going to class and what kind of grades they currently have in the class. It is this persons job to report to Stan. Maybe SH didn't meet with this person and ask about the players attendance etc. like he should have. But most students make it to class all by themselves, so why do the athletes need hand holding? They get way to much given to them that the regular students don't get. make sure you have your facts right before pointing fingers. "

Cliffy wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Hopefully we don't have to rely on walkons next year to man the team. Cliffy Razorbacktalk.com "

mike in magnolia wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:25 PM:

" Hogs5 what proof do you have in your blog? Why do people post such idiotic statements with NO PROOF. You keep it up Hogs5 you might get a job at the Democrat Gazette. Let's keep to the facts, which Hogs5 has none. Hey there was some good comments though. Like Nolan leaving the cuboard bare and Stan not paying attention to class attendence. Those are facts. As Friday used to say "Just the Facts" thats all we need at this point. We sure don't need all of the conspiracy thearies "

Malzanite wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:37 PM:

" If they would have fired HDN none of this would have happened!!! "

Bball fan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:58 PM:

" As former NW Ark resident now living in Omaha, it is funny to hear those that think that Altman is a weasle or has not integrity or blah blah blah. the fact is, that Altman one of the best coaches out there. His loyalty to a program shows in both the academic, winning, and attendance categories. I wish I had the numbers in front of me, but CU's graduation rate is higher than UA's. Attendance is higher, even though CU plays in a mid-major confernece vs the powerful SEC. Winning percentage, well no argument there, as CU's is better. What it boils down to is 2 things. Altman and his family (who are all from the Omaha area) did not feel comfortable with the move. Reports here in Omaha stated that Altman told that he could take his entire staff with him as well as Rassumsen (CU AD), but that fell thru in negotiations. It is not uncommon in the business world to have a canidate accept a job on certain conditions / terms only to back out of said acceptance when the finer details emerge. Why fault him, sounds/looks like UA did not have make sure that everything was koser before having a press conference. "

High Pockets wrote on Apr 4, 2007 3:37 PM:

" The basketball team has plenty of talent and just needs a coach. Isn't the Springdale Basketball Coach retiring this year? "

searcy hog fan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 4:00 PM:

" there is a saying that fits this temporary situation in our hog nation "those who laugh last laugh the loudest" Real hog fans will get the loudest laugh because we will get a real die hard razorback coach and return to the promise land. we didn't need a coach who look dead doing the hog call using the "L" sign with his hands. GO HOG GO!!!! "

OkieHogFan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 4:54 PM:

" One of the saddest moments I remember regarding Arkansas basketball was ESPN reporting the Arkansas graduation rate under coach Richardson. There is only so much a coach can do to keep players eligible, but class attendance and studies have to be prioritized from the top down - there will be highs and lows, but at least there will be some normal graudation rates. To glance through these blogs is a study in wonder - don't folks have anything to do but gossip and backstab? Frank Broyles fathered an incredible athletic department in his tenure at Arkansas. One may disagree with a decision of the day, but he has been one of the state's greatest treasures. It is fine to gripe about coaches retained or coaches fired - that is one of the wonderful things about discussing sports - but to play the whisper game over and over on the same blog, repeating the lies and rumors until the writers believe them themselves, is beyond ridiculous. Thankfully there are tens of thousands more class fans who support the Razorback program and what it represents to Arkansas. Hats off to the Razorback players who remain focused on living their dream, on both and football field and basketball arena - as Razorbacks. "

Hog Fan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:29 PM:

" BRING NOLAN BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Groundhog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:51 PM:

" John Wooden is available. "

GBN wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:55 PM:

" Been a hog fan for 22 years, from birth. I'm done with this program. I am done! Boomer Sooner from now on. Thanks Frank and Dr. White. "

virgin islands hogfan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:25 PM:

" Being located in the USVI, I didn't pay much attention to ua basketball season last year. This year, however, with all the DRAMMA, I can't help but pay attention to every GAME!! I will follow the hogs no matter who's at the helm!! "

jimmyjo wrote on Apr 5, 2007 12:57 AM:

" You fans and others are worse than teenagers, go back to the sixties and relive the proud moments FB brought to arkansas. Altman came and went and so will others before most of us die. sit back relax and enjoy the most entertaining and exciting college sports program in the country. GO HOGGS!!! "

Okie Hog Fan wrote on Apr 5, 2007 10:36 AM:

" It's embarrassing to be an Arkansas sports fan. Arkansas has a football coach who, like Pigpen from Peanuts, can't avoid dirt. Arkansas fired a basketball coach who had another job before it could fill the post he left vacant. It has a lame duck Athletic Director more interested in enjoying his exclusive lifestyle than in doing his job. Trust the fans who lives outside Arkansas -- the program we support is now a national joke. The only bright spot is White, who for better or worse, is improving the University's academic reputation. "

Paron wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:32 AM:

" isn't it quite possible that Altman changed his mind BECAUSE HE HADN'T BEEN TOLD OF THE DRUG-ACADEMIC PROBLEMS AND SO FELT MISLED??? "

MO Hog Fan wrote on Apr 7, 2007 10:54 AM:

" this program has seen many ups and downs and as a TRUE Hog fan I think we should be as supportive as possible. It is not the teams fault that they do not have a coach! So keep calling those Hogs all of you TRUE Hog fans as I will be doing!! By the way, Frank, go home and retire, that's the best thing you can do for this program!!! "


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