HOOPS: Comment and Question for Runnutz
Posted By: Ute
#24
Date: Monday, 8 April 2002, at 9:58 a.m.
I know one of the players (still on the team) and he told me that every player on the team dislikes Majerus, to the point of constantly making fun of him behind his back. I don't know if this is true, or if the player just has a grudge. Personally, I am a Majerus defender and think he does an outstanding job.
Runnutz (or anyone else in the know),
Do you know if the players are united in their feelings of resentement towards
Majerus? Are you aware of any other players that may be leaving? I respect your
right not to say any details you may know, but any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks.
My experience with a coach like Majerus...
Posted By: Mr.
Crimson <me@me.com>
Date: Monday, 8 April 2002, at 2:13 p.m.
In Response To: HOOPS: Comment and Question for Runnutz (Ute #24)
One of my high school football coaches was just like him, yelling, on your ass all the time, insisting on perfection on the field, in the weightroom and the classroom. Going thru it we hated him, made fun of him at one point jokingly (and I do mean jokingly this was back when you could make jokes like this in schools) though of ways to kill him and make it look like an accident.
But you know what, we lost 2 games over 3 seasons, 2 championships and most importantly I'm a better person for having gone thru it and I still talk to him today. You don't always see it when you're in the middle of it and you don't always know whats best for you at those ages. I know other coaches have other styles that work but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything now.
My $.02
Posted By: Red
Blooded Ute
Date: Monday, 8 April 2002, at 2:29 p.m.
In Response To: HOOPS: Comment and Question for Runnutz (Ute #24)
Majerus can be a demanding prick; there is no secret about that. While things must be done his way, he gives his team everything he has. He focuses 100% of his time on thinking about and coaching basketball. Because he gives so much, he expects the same from his players and staff.
Because of his demanding nature he is not a very well liked person by the University staff. A very close friend of mine worked in the athletic department and had numerous problems with him, to the point of her husband wanting to go down and fight Majerus. When she retired, Majerus asked to speak at her party. He had some wonderful things to say about her, he also handed her a 3-page letter praising and thanking her for all that she had done for the University. All the teams gave her a retirement present, Majerus gave her 5 on his own, with a total of about $700.
Anyway the point of this is to say, while a coach he is a demanding prick. He expects perfection from himself, and gives everything he has to obtain it. All he asks for from his players is to give the same effort in the classroom and on the court. The players that can’t give 100% are the players that transfer. But when they can, and they complete their education, he befriends them, and as a friend, there is no one better.
Re: HOOPS: Comment and Question for Runnutz
Posted By: Ute
Bear
Date: Monday, 8 April 2002, at 10:56 a.m.
In Response To: HOOPS: Comment and Question for Runnutz (Ute #24)
I have not doubt some players do not like him, but I have time reconciling the allegation that every player dislikes majerus with the fact the Majerus has recruited 5 brothers to the program. Also, consider that with the exception of Carlile, who had medical problems every RM has come back to the program. Even with the glut of point guards, Marc Jackson expressed an interest of returning. I have also not heard anything that extreme about from Majerus from Miller, Van Horn, or Doleac, who have all had ample opportunity to air any grievance.
Maybe he has gotten more difficult to work with, but from the public perspective (with the exception of the UNLV game), his courtside demeanor has been considerably more subdued than in the past.
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