That was a team that was going to NCAAs no matter who was coaching it. A decent coach would have that team as at least an 8 seed in the tourney. They finally figured out how to kind of coach themselves by the end of the season. Lee's coaching ability showed early in their 40 point or so blow out at Kansas. That team almost beat Louisville because their talent on the court was that good and lots of veteran leadership.
The next year, with still decent talent, Lee drove that team into the ground (after he proclaimed sweet 16 at minimum at start of season).
Why perhaps the worst coach in NCAA history? Can you think of another that single handedly took a proud program and reversed all its winning tradition and set it back indefinitely (maybe for a decade or more in the future), all while trying to figure out how to be a head coach, with first going after high schoolers, then switching to transfers, then back to high schoolers, with some of the best of the recruits being run out of town by said coach.
Sure, there may be 10 coaches in history that are worse, but I think Lee ranks right up there with the worst college head coaches of all time. Of course, UL keeping him as head coach for so many years helps him make such dubious history.
Man.reading this made me really sad actually. It wasn't that long ago at all that we were good and the excitement around the program was huge, then in the 05-06 season that all changed, and we haven't had even a single iota of excitement surrounding the program since. I knew it was bad when I haven't even felt the will or want to go to a single game this year. Heck, I've only watched one game and it was the FAU game and I happened to be flipping through the channels when I saw it. Sheesh, baseball season can not get here fast enough.
Miami -
You are coldblooded. Obvioulsy, no one is happy with how Robert Lee is performing, but to declare him the worst coach in NCAA history is pretty ridiculous. No one is happy about the way his tenure has turned out. I don't think you can name anyone with a conference championship as the worst coach in NCAA history.
Also, fact, it would be tough to get an 8 seed, when one of your better players was injured for the non-conference schedule. Orien broke his leg against Kansas in the first half, and a lot of their losses fell during that time frame. They also, beat Southern Illinois withouth Orien during that time frame.
I think Robert's downfall has not been his ability to recruit, but rather not having a clear system on the floor. The talent level of the players if more than adequate. Also, the program is not set back a decade or more. Basketball programs can be rebuilt in two years. If a coach can recruit and have a play, they will start seeing results in year 2. I know you are passionate about this program, and you dislike Robert, but I think accusing him of being one of the worst coach in NCAA history is a bit much.
If you want to talk about guys who are bad think about this
1) Dave Bliss from Baylor
2) Kevin Broadus as Binghamton. He had players dealing crack cocaine, and just got fired mid year.
3) Kelvin Sampson at Indiana.He totally imploded that program
Robert has turned out not to be a good fit. However, to his credit, he has run a clean program, his kids have had good grades, and I actually belive that he loves this University more than anyone gives him credit for. While, I can agree that the program neees improving, and it starts at the top. He is not, nor will ever be considered the worst coach in NCAA history.
Also, you have to give him credit for 04-05. He won a league championship. You want to say it was with Jessie's players fine. But those guys didn't coach themselves.
Was Dave Bliss the Baylor coach before or after they shut the program down for a year?
igeaux.mobi
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