TW:Holder still silent about OSU coach

[JimBob]

Holder still silent about OSU coach

By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
3/20/2008
Last Modified: 3/20/2008 3:23 AM


The AD refused to address Sutton's future on Wednesday.


STILLWATER -- Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder has said he will evaluate basketball coach Sean Sutton at season's end. The end arrived when the Cowboys lost a first-round NIT game Tuesday night at Southern Illinois and now the waiting game begins.

Holder declined an interview request through a sports information spokesman Wednesday and no timetable was given for when an evaluation of Sutton will occur. Read between the lines and it seems apparent that the fate of Sutton, who completed year two of a five-year contract, has not been decided.

Meanwhile, Sutton is operating business as usual.

Sutton returned to campus Wednesday, filmed segments for his coach's show and began laying groundwork for next season.

"I just got done with a recruiting meeting and mapped out what we want to try to get done over the next week and who we need to go see and the places we need to go," he said. "I think it's important that we get one and maybe two quality players that can come in and contribute right away."

The words came after Sutton completed his 17th season as an OSU player, assistant coach or head coach. The Cowboys are 387-171 during that span and 39-29 during his two seasons as a head coach. The last three seasons ended with first-round NIT defeats.

OSU loses seniors Marcus Dove and Tyler Hatch. If everyone else on the roster sticks around, the Cowboys will return 85 percent of their scoring and 80 percent of their rebounding.

Sutton said he is confident the program can be restored to an NCAA Tournament level.

"Nobody is more disappointed than me that we went to the NIT. I can assure you of that," he said. "Nothing against the NIT, and it's tough to make postseason with so many good teams out there and you can't take anything for granted. But I told our guys after the game that I'm tired of playing in this tournament."

OSU played in back-to-back NITs before Sutton arrived as a transfer player in 1990. Sutton said his father, then-head coach Eddie Sutton, sensed the Cowboys had an "NIT mentality" and continually stressed that he was going to get that out of their heads.

"They made the NCAA Tournament and they got a taste of what it was like and our program really took off from there after that first season," Sean Sutton said. "But I've got a lot of confidence that next year's team will be in the NCAA Tournament as long as things go the way I think they will."

Sean Sutton was asked if the current Cowboys have an NIT mentality. He said he thinks something that hurt seniors-to-be Byron Eaton and Terrel Harris is they have never gotten to play in the NCAA Tournament so they don't realize what they are missing.

"That's why it helps when young players get into the NCAA Tournament so they know exactly what they are working for all year long," he said.

"I have never taken it for granted because I know how hard it is to make it. You make it eight years in a row like we did and all of a sudden you get the feeling that it's your right to be in the tournament. You have got to work for everything."

OSU entered this season with only four scholarship players who had Division I experience. The Cowboys finished with records of 17-16 and 7-9 in league play. Sean Sutton hopes next season's Cowboys can compete for a Big 12 title.

"I like this team a lot and this team was fun to coach," he said.

"I knew it was going to be a challenging year, losing two starters (JamesOn Curry and Kenny Cooper) right in the middle of the summer. But I'm proud of the way they hung in there and fought and almost got ourselves in position to make a great run to make the NCAA Tournament."

OSU was not on the NCAA or NIT radar midway through the league season, but got better defensively and rode a red-hot Eaton to peel off five straight victories and salvage an NIT trip.

"Getting back in postseason a 12th straight year I thought was important and now these younger players know what it takes to win at this level," Sean Sutton said. "When you come in and you are a freshman, you have no idea how hard you have to work all the time and . . . why every possession is so important and things like that I think will go a long way towards next year."

[osupride97]

My sources told me yesterday that Holder is planning a "come to Jesus" meeting today or tomorrow. That makes me think it's not completely a done deal yet, either way.

[Lewis the Pike]

My sources told me yesterday that Holder is planning a "come to Jesus" meeting today or tomorrow. That makes me think it's not completely a done deal yet, either way.



is that similar to finding out what T. Boone wants him to do?

[AnniePokely]

Ridiculous.

[wickerbill]

I've heard and been hearing for months, that Sean hasn't been the best employee off the court. Who knows whether it's true, but it's from a friend that knows someone quite well that has to work with Sean. You can't act like a diva when you're not winning.

Based on the little I know firsthand, which is on the court, I think he should get one more year. But Holder is considering not only his on court results, but everything else he does as an ambassador for OSU athletics.

[Boss 24]

Not defending Holder but I think not saying anything to the "media" is perfect. It's exactly the kind of go screw yourself attitude that some of the hacks in the state need a taste of for a while.

[osutuba]

Ridiculous.
Which part?

[OSU-DNA]

Does anyone find it inappropriate for a writer to prepare an article like this?

I would like to think that most evaluations are performed in a thoughtful manner, or perhaps this writer would rather have Holder do a Mike Gundy and provide an immediate reaction so that he could criticize Holder for not performing the evaluation in a thoughtful manner.

I want Holder concentrating on supporting the Wrestling and WBB teams during their tournaments; evaluations can happen later.

From my perspective, there was improvement as the year progressed, and we still have a long way to go.

I do not want to fall into the we were young camp. USC with 3 Sophs and 2 Freshmen is dancing. On the other hand, I do not want to discount the sudden change Sean had to handle with the Jameson and Cooper departures.

Some Positives.
-Eaton became a point guard. Perhaps he ran out of gas but he tasted success at the position.
-Anderson discovered he could play on the defensive end.
-IT is far more athletic than expected.
-Adams became a contributor
-Moses has upside

Things to Improve:
-Convince Harris that all games played in GIA are AWAY games.
-Add muscle to IT
-Move Moses to PF
-Get a JC point guard
-Retention of players

Things that must change
-In game coaching. (Don't switch to a man to man so we get Eaton matched on a Center when he has 3 Fouls, example UT game.)
-Assistant Staff - We need an overhaul for enthusiasm and recruiting.

I expect Sean back, if he executes on the Things to Improve and the Must Do List he will be successful and enjoy a long run in Stillwater.

[Verb]

Very thoughtful post, DNA. Thanks.

[okstatepike]

Does anyone find it inappropriate for a writer to prepare an article like this?

What's your specific criticism? For me, I have no problem with it. It was sourced with attributed quotes and seemed to take a straight line on the story. I hate that this is a story, but come on it's all we are talking about. I'd be disappointed if the OSU beat writers weren't digging to find out what is going on.

[osupride97]

Which part?


Yeah, I'm curious about the "ridiculous" comment as well.

[AnniePokely]

Really? You were that curious about it? You should have sent me a pm.

My reply was in repsonse to Holder remaining silent.

[bleedorange]

Really? You were that curious about it? You should have sent me a pm.

My reply was in repsonse to Holder remaining silent.

I just thought you were replying to Lewis. Made sense to me. :)

[AnniePokely]

The majority of Lewis's responses are ridiculous, so....


:sleeping-smiley-012

[osupride97]

I was just responding to tubas asking. Why didn't you call him out?

I have no reason to pm about it.

you can call me ridiculous all you want.

[AnniePokely]

1) I didn't read the thread until just now, so i didn't see what tuba said


2) If i thought you were being ridiculous, i'd have no problem telling you.


3) Step back from the keyboard for awhile and breathe. You're making something of nothing.

[MemphisPoke]

I think all of y'all need to take a chill pill.

I see the article as another attempt by the media to make a mountain out of a mole hill.

I agree with the poster who said that Holder at this time needs to be supporting the WBB team and wrestling team.

The season is over. Let the dust settle and then sit down and make a logical decision. Any good manager does the same thing and so far Holder seems to be a competent manager.

Personally I believe that Sean deserves another year. But I am not the manager of the athletic department. Plus the other side of the equation is IF you were going to replace the coach who do you think you could get and how do you know he would be anymore successful than Sean will be? And before someone comes up with the Bill Self crap.....forget it, it isn't going to happen.

JMHO

[AnniePokely]

Nice post, Memphis. However, i'm chilled already. I've been chilled...*L*

:food-smiley-007: Just sitting and waiting, much like everyone else.

[Boss 24]

10 bucks on Annie. 97 can't take her.:D:D:D

[Lewis the Pike]

10 bucks on Annie. 97 can't take her.:D:D:D

Ostatesports.com Fundraiser idea.....

97 vs. Annie in winner takes all margarita wrestling!!!

Winner faces, The Western Regional Champ!

[Lewis the Pike]

and yes Margarita Wrestling is a competitive sport out here.....

http://www.myspace.com/margaritawrestling

[prerat]

and yes Margarita Wrestling is a competitive sport out here.....

http://www.myspace.com/margaritawrestling

After careful review, I feel this sport needs to get to the Midwest as quickly as possible.

[MarkOSU]

Sutton Recruits As He Awaits OSU Fate
3/21/2008 4:17:20 PM
Sittler of the Tulsa World

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The fate of Oklahoma State basketball coach Sean Sutton apparently won't be decided as long as the OSU women's team continues to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
Sources attending this NCAA Tournament regional said Cowboys' athletic director Mike Holder didn't meet with Sutton before the AD left Thursday for Des Moines, where the Cowgirls are scheduled to meet East Tennessee State in Saturday's first round. If third-seeded OSU wins, it would play again on Monday, meaning Holder apparently won't be back in Stillwater until next Tuesday.
Sutton reportedly has taken a business-as-usual approach. The Cowboys' coach was scheduled to fly to Las Vegas on Friday on a critical recruiting trip. Sources said Sutton had an in-home visit set up with Juan Pattillo.
A 6-foot-7, 205-pounder, Pattillo played his high school ball in Las Vegas before moving on to the College of Southern Idaho, where he developed into one of the nation's top junior college prospects at power forward.
Sutton apparently feels Pattillo would be the perfect person to fill the spot being vacated by senior forward Marcus Dove. With four starters returning, Pattillo has the size and ability to give the Pokes the inside presence they often lacked this season.
Pattillo reportedly knows about Sutton's uncertain future. But that hasn't stopped him from planning an official visit to Stillwater next week. That trip, of course, could change if Holder decides Sutton's out after just two seasons.
And so it goes in the soap opera: As The Oklahoma State Athletic World Turns.
Stay tuned.

[snuffy]

Sutton Recruits As He Awaits OSU Fate
3/21/2008 4:17:20 PM
Sittler of the Tulsa World

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The fate of Oklahoma State basketball coach Sean Sutton apparently won't be decided as long as the OSU women's team continues to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
Sources attending this NCAA Tournament regional said Cowboys' athletic director Mike Holder didn't meet with Sutton before the AD left Thursday for Des Moines, where the Cowgirls are scheduled to meet East Tennessee State in Saturday's first round. If third-seeded OSU wins, it would play again on Monday, meaning Holder apparently won't be back in Stillwater until next Tuesday.
Sutton reportedly has taken a business-as-usual approach. The Cowboys' coach was scheduled to fly to Las Vegas on Friday on a critical recruiting trip. Sources said Sutton had an in-home visit set up with Juan Pattillo.
A 6-foot-7, 205-pounder, Pattillo played his high school ball in Las Vegas before moving on to the College of Southern Idaho, where he developed into one of the nation's top junior college prospects at power forward.
Sutton apparently feels Pattillo would be the perfect person to fill the spot being vacated by senior forward Marcus Dove. With four starters returning, Pattillo has the size and ability to give the Pokes the inside presence they often lacked this season.
Pattillo reportedly knows about Sutton's uncertain future. But that hasn't stopped him from planning an official visit to Stillwater next week. That trip, of course, could change if Holder decides Sutton's out after just two seasons.
And so it goes in the soap opera: As The Oklahoma State Athletic World Turns.
Stay tuned.

Does anyone thinks this probably means Sean is safe for a year? I would think that if Holder is going to pull the trigger he would want to do it quickly.

[AnniePokely]

I would hope he wouldn't do anything while our Cowgirls are dancing. It would be very disrespectful to take away anything from them.

[jakeman]

Does anyone thinks this probably means Sean is safe for a year? I would think that if Holder is going to pull the trigger he would want to do it quickly.

I don't think this means he's safe, but I don't necessarily think he's going to have the ax fall either.

If Holder intends to cut him loose, I think it will be after the final 4, both men's and women's.

[CaliforniaCowboy]

6-7, 205 is the perfect size for a "power" forward?

was that a misprint?

[MemphisPoke]

6-7, 205 is the perfect size for a "power" forward?

was that a misprint?

Probably not. The whole Power Forward, Center, Small Forward, Off Guard thing is getting kinda fuzzy.

I used to think that a Center should be between 6'10 and 7' 2"...... Now you see on the recruiting boards guys listed as 6' 7" on the Centers list. And on those same recruiting boards you see Power Forwards listed everywhere from 6'5" to 6'10"...... and Small Forwards listed 6'4" to 6'10".

It seems that it now relates to the position the kid may have played in the past plus his wingspan. When you have guys that are 6'8" but have a wingspan of 7'2"......... well I guess they can play a variety of positions from small forward up to center.

:confused::confused:

[osupsycho]

Well I want to first say that these are just rumors that are floating in the wind but they are interesting...

The rumor is that Holder and Boone are going to offer a $40 million, 10 year contract to Bill Self. If he doesn't bite then they are going after Gillespie with not as big an offer but more than he makes at Kentucky. Since Kansas is still playing I would say that things remaining quiet this week would only lend credence to this rumor. If Sutton is to be retained we should hear about it this week...

[okstatepike]

NOT GILLESPIE! I'm not sure why really, but I really don't like (or trust) him....

[BourbonPoke]

I just don't believe Self will leave Kansas. Why would he? Coaching your alma mater only goes so far, I think, in your thought process for changing coaching jobs. Coaching a perenneal powerhouse like Kansas has its positives. As long as he's successful, he's not going anywhere. Now on that note, I would graciously eat crow if he shows up in Stillwater.

[okstatepike]

I just don't believe Self will leave Kansas. Why would he? Coaching your alma mater only goes so far, I think, in your thought process for changing coaching jobs. Coaching a perenneal powerhouse like Kansas has its positives. As long as he's successful, he's not going anywhere. Now on that note, I would graciously eat crow if he shows up in Stillwater.

I'll just say this, from a close connection I know, I think even that offer is a very, very long shot. I just don't think it's gonna happen.

[Verb]

I also think it would be a significant professional gaffe to go from one school in a conference to a rival school in the same conference as head coach. When does that EVER happen? I think Self is too professional to do it.

[andyokstate]

I also think it would be a significant professional gaffe to go from one school in a conference to a rival school in the same conference as head coach. When does that EVER happen? I think Self is too professional to do it.

You're right, it doesn't happen very often. If Gillespie does it, he would be just a year removed from TAMU. Nutt did it in football - not only within the same conference, but within the same conference division (Arkansas to Ole Miss). Those are the only two I can think of recently.

[Lewis the Pike]

In Football:
-Tom O Brien went from Boston College to NC State

-Todd Graham went from Tulsa to Rice


if we hired Bill Self, then likely
Mark Turgeon would go from aTm to Kansas.

[OSU-DNA]

I can think of a few additional moves in conference.

Tommy Protho from OSU (Oregan State) to UCLA.
Tommy Tuberville from Mississippi to Auburn

Years ago, Jack Hartmann accepted and then turned down the OSU job while being head coach at KSU. Jack I believe had played both football and basketball at OSU.

The more likely scenario seems to focus on the Assistant changes, Sean focusing on retention of the players, developing the talent and a need to make the NCAA next year.

[Lewis the Pike]

at least Holder, (or the one pulling the strings did) gave us an answer :(

[bleedorange]

at least Holder, (or the one pulling the strings did) gave us an answer :(


Stoned again Lewis?

[Lewis the Pike]

Stoned again Lewis?

1st of all, this weekend yes I was, and yes I have a state issued medical card to purchase medicine.

2nd stalk much?

3rd, since you engaged, am I incorrect?

[bleedorange]

3rd, since you engaged, am I incorrect?

With your 9,056th inference that someone is "pulling the strings", "being a puppet" ad nauseum?

No. I believe you are totally incorrect. You present no facts that say otherwise.

[Lewis the Pike]

With your 9,056th inference that someone is "pulling the strings", "being a puppet" ad nauseum?

No. I believe you are totally incorrect. You present no facts that say otherwise.

Please show me the error of my ways, educate me and show me where I am incorrect.

I do not understand what I said that was "totally incorrect"

And the non answer to stalking me, I'll allow you to plead the fifth on that. :D