Using Elijah Millsap to keep players at UL

[Parrott]

I got to Lafayette in November 2007. Before that I worked for 2 1/2 years as the high school sports editor for a newspaper in Jackson, Tenn. In addition to covering some of the best prep ball in the country in the Memphis area, I got to cover the Memphis Grizzlies and University of Memphis and staff two Nike Hoop Summit events that included the nations elite prep players and coaches.

Again, playing at a high level doesn't automatically make anyone more qualified to talk about the game. In many cases it might, but not all former players are students of the game. I am a student of the game.

I'm not just a rec player. I dedicated years of my life to playing and studying the game. I went to college to be a walk-on and goofed it up. Instead of transferring, I continued studying to be a coach and later decided instead to become a journalist.

Since then, I've picked the brains of NBA and DI players and coaches while in this profession. That includes Shane Battier, Steve Nash, John Calipari and Bruce Pearl. Somehow I held my own in those conversations about Xs and Os.

So just assuming that you're automatically more qualified to talk about the game is quite narrow-minded. At last count, most of the people on this board have the same number of years as a full-time DI assistant and a head high school coach as you do: zero.

Not a knock on your work or "hatin'." Just saying.

igeaux.mobi
i

[ManAboutTown]

_ I got to Lafayette in November 2007. Before that I worked for 2 1/2 years as the high school sports editor for a newspaper in Jackson, Tenn. In addition to covering some of the best prep ball in the country in the Memphis area, I got to cover the Memphis Grizzlies and University of Memphis and staff two Nike Hoop Summit events that included the nations elite prep players and coaches.

Again, playing at a high level doesn't automatically make anyone more qualified to talk about the game. In many cases it might, but not all former players are students of the game. I am a student of the game.

I'm not just a rec player. I dedicated years of my life to playing and studying the game. I went to college to be a walk-on and goofed it up. Instead of transferring, I continued studying to be a coach and later decided instead to become a journalist.

Since then, I've picked the brains of NBA and DI players and coaches while in this profession. That includes Shane Battier, Steve Nash, John Calipari and Bruce Pearl. Somehow I held my own in those conversations about Xs and Os.

So just assuming that you're automatically more qualified to talk about the game is quite narrow-minded. At last count, most of the people on this board have the same number of years as a full-time DI assistant and a head high school coach as you do: zero.

Not a knock on your work or "hatin'." Just saying.

igeaux.mobi
i _

Dam JP. Didn't think you had it in ya.
Enjoyed the show this afternoon.

[Parrott]

So was that as a GA or full-time paid assistant? There is a difference there. I wasn't here, so I don't know.

And I don't ask to belittle you. You had a solid playing career. I know you know the game. If you've been offered a bunch of prep head coaching jobs, I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't take one. There's nothing wrong with working your way up the ladder. Most of us had to do that in our professional careers. Really, though, I guess it's none of my business.

I'll finish with this: My view on Millsap was formed based on my interaction with him, watching practices and games and talking with people close to the program.

Anyway, I'll leave this topic alone now. I hope at some point you find the job you're looking for, make the most of it and can get past some of the bitterness you have for some people. At some point you've got to let it go or it could destroy your dream. I offer that advice as someone who once struggled with similar issues.

igeaux.mobi

[Just1More]

Before someone on here goes off talking smack about my basketball knowledge.... I want to make something very clear about my expertise in the sport of basketball. I tried out in 5th grade and didn't make the team. I had most of the intangibles... I just sucked at it when others interfered with my dribbling and got in the way of my shot. I can, however, play a bad azz game of HORSE. I have casually paid attention to the sport for all of my many years without ever really picking up on anything but the obvious... and despite having been told I don't know much about the game... I've never let that stop me from out shouting someone to make my suspect point.

Occasionally, when my favorite team isn't winning, I have made trivial comments and criticisms that have not been dismissed by many who know more about the game. Likewise, when my favorite team is winning, I have made keen observations about good shooting and solid defense that has placed me in the company of many others saying similar things.

[jumboragncajun]

_Oh, people must think i know a little, since i have been offered over 5 head coaching jobs around the area... Once lee is gone and i will get on staff, and work my way up to the head, we shall have great interviews, i like you, just dont understand how you back the coach on anything, look at performance and wins, that should establish whos side you should be on.... _

Six months ago if I heard you say you wanted to be the coach at UL, I would have said "Great! Seems like a nice guy, with some decent experience." I'm not happy with Lee, I'd like to see what someone else can do. But since then, I have changed my opinion DRASTICALLY. You have gotten on this message board exposed your immaturity freely for all to see. You have A LOT of growing up to do before I would want you to represent this university in ANY fashion. A head coach represents MUCH more than X's and O's, it represents an image. You need to learn how to present yourself in a respectable fashion. I also am a student of the game, and have played at the college level and actually agree philosophically with almost everything you post 'about the GAME', coaching styles and techniques etc. But your lack of maturity far outwieghs your basketball intellect. Taunting fans and calling them nothing more than 'hand-clappers', getting in arguments with the freaking BEAT WRITER is NOT the way to go about telling people you want to be the head coach. GROW UP FIRST! BTW, you getting in an argument with a professional writer ON A MESSAGE BOARD is not a fair fight. As you further expose your immaturity, he will expose your IQ. That's another point, learn some stinking grammar before you represent my university. Consistently interchanging the words are/or, then/than, there/their....etc..you can't blame that on your phone keypad. We do not need to discuss this too much, it is very evident to anyone that reads this board and covered sufficiently. The horrible image you created for yourself seemed to be fading in your time away from the board, but it seems you picked up right where you left off. STILL IMMATURE AND STILL NOT DOING ANYTHING TO HELP YOURSELF GET A COACHING JOB AT UL.

[Boomer]

_ I never mentioned nothing about being more qualified, its everyones opinion, i just wanna know when did you start coming around the program and when did you come to lafayette. I also did not say u dont know what you are talking about... Playing Division 1 basketball and pro ball does make me more qualified then a rec player like yourself, or a sports writer, when we talking basketball, i think im more qualified then you my friend... Not knocking your work or what you do, but when it comes down to the game of basketball, im pretty sure i have more experience in that department...


It works both ways, i feel you on that... But theres a pattern growing here with past players, i just dont believe its been more of the players fault... _

BBJ----I have read your posts over ther years and beleive a lot of what you say---but I think that you are on drugs, have serious a-d-d problems, or really got cheated out of a college degree---your posts are like that of a non-educated person on writing---nobody on this board claims to be perfect in all these skills---but you can be better!!!! -------Again on the content of your ideas--I've been there and know exactly what you mean!!! You will never get a job until you correct your lacking skills but you have a very perceptive mind about Cajun bball!!!

[CajunT]

_ Both sides were at fault with Elijah and that situation. But I know enough about what happened behind the scenes. Some of his teammates didn't like him and thought he was selfish. He specifically did what the coaches told him not to do offensively.

He would have been an all-conference player at this level if he focused on playing great defense, rebounding and slashing to the basket. Instead he ocassionally buckled down on d, did a solid job rebounding but played out of control offensively too often when he wasn't jacking up off-balanced and ill-timed shots.

Blame the coaches all you want, which we know you will, but the player had a big part in the problem.
igeaux.mobi _

Your analysis is right on Josh. I liked Elijah, but his maturity level was his problem. He refused to pass to ball to certain players while they were on the court together and problems spilled over in the locker room. I would have loved to see Elijah finish his career here at UL, but his departure was the best decision for him and the program.

[Hammer58]

_ 2 years baby full time assistant under lee, i did more in practice then the paid coaches, i had more influenze on players in game situations and timeouts, just ask the players... This is not a ____ing match, im was just curious on how many years you have been with the program... Oh, people must think i know a little, since i have been offered over 5 head coaching jobs around the area... Once lee is gone and i will get on staff, and work my way up to the head, we shall have great interviews, i like you, just dont understand how you back the coach on anything, look at performance and wins, that should establish whos side you should be on.... _

So you've turned down 5 head coaching jobs that could have given you the opportunity to show what you can do as a coach and mentor? Honestly, can you understand how hard that makes it to take your quest to be a coach at UL seriously?

Josh, when you have those great interviews please be sure to quote Brad verbatim. That will make for some very entertaining reading. Of course, at that time we may find ourselves in deep APR trouble as the English grades plummet.

[Turbine]

Of course, at that time we may find ourselves in deep APR trouble as the English grades plummet. _

No to worry bad APR is a reason to keep a coach these days. Want of stability reigns.

[shof]

JP,

I for one enjoy the work you do reporting on UL sports. You come across very level-headed and fair. And the fact that you are willing to come onto this website and interact with us fans is huge. From someone far from Lafayette, THANKS!

Shof