Why not Barbee at UMass?

It's obvious why Memphis Coach John Calipari would push his guy Derek Kellogg instead of his guy Tony Barbee for the head basketball job at UMass.

Just about all good coaches help their assistants get head coaching jobs. It's a mark of honor to have your guys all over NCAA Division I.

Barbee left Calipari for UTEP. Now Calipari can use his considerable influence to promote another of his Memphis assistants for a head job.

This means Barbee stays at UTEP as long as he doesn't get too good (having a perennial NCAA Tournament program) or too bad (sent to Got the Boot Hill).

I don't think Barbee is on the short list of any schools who think they may need a new coach after next season.

Some here say they're tired of coaches coming and leaving quickly at UTEP. Barbee is going to be here a while.

Comments

[RJ]

So everything appears to be back to normal in Minerland...Barbee's staying for at least another year and I doubt DJ leaves after his arrest.

I haven't commented on his arrest, but I hope all the charges are dropped and El Paso sheriff's learn their lesson. Not because I think Jackson is innocent, but because sheriff's were morons for allowing the public so much information, which i truly believe was fot their benefit. Plus it seems they have made every attempt to get one the radio or TV and discuss the story...IDIOTS.
I know there is a freedom of information act, but sheriffs didnt need to disclose everything. They hurt their owne case by doing that.
It made them seem like they had an agenda the moment Dj's name was even involved.
Look, the kid should get probation, but he should not be kicked off the team, and anyone who says they will not support Utep if he is still on the team needs to get into the 2000's...even Pac-man Jones still gets a fourth or fifth chance to play with America's team next year.

[Vic]

Why not?
32-31 record, that's why. He's got to have a "Keitha Adams" type year to be considered.

[just a thought]

Tired of all the conjecture about coaches departing/staying yet? What about whether or not stars Braxton Amy and Stefon Jackson will ever help the Miners win games again?

Anyone want to give their best Mel Kiper impression before the draft this weekend?

I don't believe any Miners or Aggies will be taken on the first day this year. I wonder where Darren McFadden and Matt Ryan will end up and if they will be impact players this year. Not often do players tear it up their first year as did Adrian Peterson.

[CLEOFITZWITZ]

Don Haskins gave Miner fans a false sense of security with his dedication to UTEP and the city of El Paso. He was a rarity that is likely a thing of the past. Coach Barbee, Coach Adams, and Coach Price may all be gone in the next year. Who knows. That is life these days at UTEP and every other school not playing in a "BCS" conference. By no means do we give up the fight to retain the coaches that we want. As complicated as it might be, we need to claw our way out of the middle with better facilities, better recruits, and better pay for coaches. In the mean time, I'm not going to rack my brain as to why Adams or Barbee might be leaving. I think the answers are pretty clear.

As far as the draft goes, Quinton Demps and Oniel Cousins are projected 2nd and 3rd round picks respectively. They may drop out of sight as many often do. Quarterbacks and running backs are great, but I would tend to place greater value on D and O linemen. Matt Ryan looks like he's for real though.

[Who's your Mumme]

Enough Barbee talk!

The best player in this years draft is Darren McFadden. Unfortunately, he has some character issues.
He will also have the biggest impact next year. Most running backs do.

Quentin Demps will go on the second day of the draft.
The other local players will sign free agent contracts.

[Lu]

Fact is even BCS schools lose their coaches. What UTEP does need is a huge upgrade in what they pay their coaches. Not at BCS levels. I understand that would be difficult. But it would be nice to pay them enough to not have to take the first open job that becomes available.

[Maven]

I have been thinking that this mess that Jackson is in should make the odds of him staying at UTEP instead of going pro this year much better.

If he decides to go pro, there won't be any "special" help with his situation from the university or boosters.

There really is a silver lining.