National Collegiate Athletic Association
NCAA News Archive - 2000
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Opinions
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Nolan Richardson, head men's basketball coach
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Atlanta Journal and Constitution
"There's no real loyalty anymore like yesteryear. Kids loved their coach, and whatever he said was almost gospel. Now, there's too many outside forces, too many agents, too many bird-dog agents, too many sleaze-baggers.
"Coach's word is not as good because they hear from the other guy that ... 'He just wants you there for himself.' Being straight up and honest, that's not what he wants to hear today."
Exempted contests legislation
Jim Calhoun, head men's basketball coach
University of Connecticut
Louisville Courier-Journal
"I think it's important for the sport to have a definite tip-off, and that's what these events are. It gives people a transition from football to basketball. Of course, nobody is asking the opinion of the coaches and players in this, so we're really not the people whose opinion matters."
Denny Crum, head men's basketball coach
University of Louisville
Louisville Courier-Journal
"I don't think there are valid reasons for not continuing these events. They've been good not only for their host communities but for college basketball. It's the best way to tip off the season. To eliminate this kind of tournament would be a travesty."
Graduation rates
Jim Haney, executive director
National Association of Basketball Coaches
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
"When you look at the numbers, the initial reaction is we should be doing better. But when you look at the numbers, it's not particularly a reflection of what's going on in men's basketball. With so many players transferring and leaving early for the NBA, that sort of skews the graduation rates for the sport."