An Opportunity for LSU Basketball - Part II

Coach Brown was the LSU basketball coach for 25 years. His mark on the program is indelible. During that time he not only won more games than any other league coach except legend Adolph Rupp, he helped many young men become successful in life. He did this by giving. He gave his time. He gave his attention. He gave his money. He gave his love. Because of all that he gave, LSU basketball is better nationally known, and the Baton Rouge community where he coached and still lives, is a better place, because Coach Brown gave not only to his players—but to anyone who asked for his help. Further, he is still helping others. Call him and see. He still loves helping people as much as he does LSU.

I spoke to Coach Brown a few days ago about Johnny Jones, asking him to give me reasons--outside of the fact that Jones played for him, why he should replace Trent Johnson. Coach Brown responded, “Chris, you know that I would not recommend Johnny Jones if I didn’t think he was up to the challenge. I have been asked before to recommend former players and have declined. Johnny Jones has what it takes.”

Coach Brown told me that Johnny Jones will have immediate credibility with three of the top high school coaches in Louisiana history: Kenny Almond, Gary Duhe and Bernard Griffith, and that he is from Louisiana, is an LSU guy, knows the state well having recruited it extensively in the past (Shaq & Chris Jackson), and is a proven winner.

Jones’ record as a head coach is impressive. At North Texas, a program that averaged just five wins per season in the four years prior to his arrival, Jones has led the Mean Green an average 21 wins per year over the last six seasons, including a school-record 24-wins in 2010 and a pair of Sun Belt Conference titles and NCAA Tournament trips.

Coach Dale Brown is not the only coach who has recommended that Joe Alleva hire Jones. John Brady and Trent Johnson—the two men who followed Coach Brown at LSU, have also recommended him. This lone fact leads me to believe that there is genuinely no “good ole boy” maneuvering behind the scenes. Instead, I believe there is simply a movement amongst a group of former LSU coaches and players who genuinely want to see LSU’s winning basketball tradition continued, as Shaquille O’Neal, Ricky Blanton, Rudy Macklin and Clarence Ceasar, among others, have also publicly endorsed Jones.

What is Best for LSU Basketball

I work in Pensacola, Florida. I swim two or three times a week in the morning at the local YMCA in downtown Pensacola so I don’t die young of heart disease like my father unfortunately did. I also enjoy exercise. Further, I enjoy the sauna and the hot tub each time, as well as my regular laps. In doing so I made a new friend, West Florida Head Basketball Coach Bob Stinett. Coach Bob shares my morning workout regimen, and he always asks about Coach Brown, his former boss.

Bob Stinett was an assistant coach at LSU from 1975 to 1978. He told me that Coach Brown gave him a chance at a job he never dreamed he would get, and that it proved to be a turning point in his lengthy career.

Last week when I mentioned to him that Trent Johnson resigned, he asked who was on the short list to replace him. At this point, I had not yet spoken to Coach Brown. I had only read early reports on Tigerdroppings. I answered, “Johnny Jones, but I don’t know if he’ll make it.”

Much to my surprise, Coach Stinett answered, “Jones would be perfect. They should hire him now. End of story.”

Scott McKay will like this. I said, “Well, Coach, hiring coaches at LSU is always a political exercise. I don’t know if they will or not.”

Coach Bob, on his way out of the hot tub, left me with, “How about they do what is best for LSU Basketball?”

I had no answer.

Opportunity Knocking

So, Joe Alleva has a decision to make. Hopefully his decision will be guided by truly what is best for LSU Basketball, as there are many fans, like myself, who would love to once again see LSU as a serious conference contender of Kentucky and as a regular participant in the NCAA Tournament.

With this hire LSU Basketball has the opportunity to regain its former greatness; the greatness that was stolen by a sanctimonious, self-serving and unjustifiable NCAA.

*Chris Warner is a double graduate of LSU. He is the author/publisher of 15 different books, including “A Tailgater’s Guide to SEC Football,” “The Tiger Among Us,” “The Wagon to Disaster,” “The Ulysses Long Story” and “Bushwhacked at the Flora-Bama,” released at the 24th annual Interstate Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama Lounge & Package Store later this month, April 27, 28 and 29. Contact him on facebook or twitter @cdubayou.