Simon Introduces Himself

So they had the introductory presser for Simon....it was good.  They are always good.

A few of us were remembering that we were excited with the Orr, Jans and Huger hires...and all those came to ruin.

So, yeah, Simon made a favorable impression.  They almost always do.  I hope we can cash in the ticket this time...which is a long way from here, but let's get it going. 

A few thoughts:

First, I was shocked to hear that van der Merwe say that he did not ever meet Simon at CMU.  That was a wow.  He first became aware of Simon earlier this year when he saw USU battle Kansas to the death on television this year.  He kind of filed it away and then when Huger was let go, he was pleased to see Simon on the list.

Second, though the search seemed fast, van der Merwe said that he did an extensive set of interviews...guys from P5 and G5 and DII.  That would dispell the idea he settled quickly on Simon.  There was a search committee involved, which speeds things up because presumably they have a list of guys who are looking and what they are interested in, which eliminate the early part of the process.

Third, I am going to note that Simon said he was going to create a Golden Era for Falcon Basketball.  I'm just going to note that this program had a real Golden Era, from the 40s to the early 60s.  It's going to take a lot to eclipse that. (Simon noted that he doesn't know much about our history, so I get it.  Just for the record).

Simon said one thing I think is absolutely right, and that is that you want to have a team that is perenially good.  To me, the key to getting to the tournament is to be in the hunt every year.  Sooner of later, the tumblers will click.  Also, from a program and fan building standpoint, this is the best way to go.

So, we shall see.  Watch and see what happens with assistants.  He is recruiting now, including guys he was recruiting at USU.  We will need bodies, so let's buckle in and hope that the vision of a packed Stroh Center with 2,000 students there and winning 90% at home comes to fruition.  The only direction we have is up.