Drake Nation / Specific Sports Topic Forums / Bulldog Men's Basketball

NEW Associate Head coach

Dawg_tired — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:04:20 GMT

Anybody heard any rumors?

Time for KCCI to put a sock in it

puttheDbackinDrake — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:53:45 GMT

I can't believe a station that prides itself on journalistic integrity, allows the mouth to go on. He had Andy Garman on the radio with him today.

For a station with such storied tradition, I'm disappointed they have sunk so low as to think they need to put MT on once a week.

I still watch the news portion of KCCI, but as soon as the weather is over, I switch to WHO to watch the sports.

I'm guessing they'll never put a sock in it, but then again it doesn't matter because I've switched my sports viewing. Too bad because Andy and John are very nice guys.

Toyota of Des Moines

Dawg_tired — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:37:31 GMT

This will be interesting. They have the power of the microphone. We have the power of the check book.

Chat with Emmenecker today @ 12:30

Mecha_Bulldog — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:40:58 GMT

Drake's Adam Emmenecker joins Sean Keeler for a live chat at 12:30 Friday afternoon.

Tom Davis retires

DUBulldog — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:27:36 GMT

No surprise here.

link

I'm glad Drake doesn't have problems like this

DUBulldog — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:06:03 GMT

KU starter had grades changes in high school to keep/make him eligible.

link

SIU

cgdcreek — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:31:06 GMT

as far as stories go ...

Nick

Whatever.

-----------

News on P'Allen or Osiris ....

None that I know of. Dang.

BU

cgdcreek — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:44:00 GMT

Cole-Scott is passing up his last year of school at Bradley.

Guess he couldn't stand to go to class with Dodie????

C-S

Dodie

This combination

cgdcreek — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:59:38 GMT

of academics and basketball talent is not something you'll see very often in big-time college basketball.

MVCac

Great job ... Adam, Brent, Klayton, Tyson, Josh.

p.s. Not to mention Drake women's basketball ... wow.

Hey Sandy! Update the website

Dawg_tired — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:36:45 GMT

Time for Drake to step up and update the web site. Rodell is gone. The web site should reflect that. Come on. Get on top of it.

Scheduling

PubGuy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:14:44 GMT

Hey All:

There's a lot of talk on the Bluejay Cafe about trying to land decent games with BCS schools. Looks like Indiana State just got a game with Louisville and is pursuing a game in Indianapolis against Michigan State to recognize the 30th anniversary of the Bird-Magic NCAA Championship match (see ValleyTalk).

Anyway, if there were some way to actually put together the UCLA-UNC-Purdue tournament in Des Moines (or maybe even completely neutral site like Chicago or Kansas City) for the upcoming season, would you pull the trigger?

Building confidence with light non-conference schedule versus toughening up versus the best?

While I recognize that it is pretty unrealistic, I can't seem to let it go because it would be so totally COOL! Imagine lowering some banners and honoring Dolph and Willie McCarter in that atmosphere! On national TV! Des Moines would be the center of the basketball world that weekend.

Would UNC and UCLA be interested in getting a shot at each other early in the season on a neutral court?

What would it take to make it happen? Money? More money? More than just money?

How would you like Drake to schedule the non-conference in the upcoming season?

Kanaskie Wants to Be a Head Coach Again

Mecha_Bulldog — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:13:42 GMT

http://www.tribune-democrat.com/sports/local_story_127001022.html

This says that Kurt Kanaskie has inquired about the head coaching vacancy at St Francis (PA). It doesn't say he got an interview.

Early 08-09 MVC Preview

Mecha_Bulldog — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:58:13 GMT

The Bloomington Pantagraph has a very early preview of next year's MVC. It predicts Drake will finish third, mostly because of questions about the point guard.

A random blogger also does an early preview of next year's MVC.

Right time for Drake

Dawg_tired — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:05:44 GMT

I've been thinking the last few days that this change in coaching might be one of the best things that ever happened to Drake Basketball. Think of it this way.

We had a great season with two unrecruited walk ons. Keno and Chris Davis can't take credit for that. Only Bucky and Adam deserve that credit. keno and Chris weren't good enough prognositcators to see the talent in high school and give them a scholly. However, they have handed out schollies to players who turned out to be huge busts. I won't name them but we know who they are. So in my view, Keno got lucky. Perfect storm lucky.

Enter Mark Phelps. Proven recruiter. Assistant from successful BCS programs. Comes into a higher profile Drake job. He recruits, talent improves, Drake continues to go dancing.

Meanwhile, Providence lurks at the bottom of the Big East with two star recruits, losing records, luck runs out.

Tony Freeman

MadTownDrakeFan — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:09:28 GMT

I see that Tony Freeman is going to be transferring from Iowa:

[url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080502/SPORTS020504/80502036#pluckcomments][/url]

I think this would be a great get for the Bulldogs. A starting lineup in '09-'10 that includes Parker, Young, and Freeman would be tough to beat in the MVC. He seems to clash with Lickliter's coaching style, so I don't think there is necessarily a character problem. Plus, Josh Young appears to be the new leader of the team, so I wouldn't worry about this guy being a cancer.

Emmenecker to Europe

Really Big Bulldog — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:30:38 GMT

I am told that Principal has been notified that Adam has (or soon will have) signed an agent, and has intentions of hoopin' it up in Europe...as opposed to hanging out with us in Des Moines.

Good luck Adam!

Wish I lived in Des Moines again

dj1946 — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:17:58 GMT

What an exciting time for Drake basketball. Sure wish I lived in Des Moines again and could experience it firsthand. Certainly don't expect a repeat of '07-08, but it would be fun to attend games and feel the excitement of Drake hoops once again.
I was at 'Drake from '65 to '68 and again from '71 to '74, pretty good years for Bulldogs basketball. I recall fondly lining up outside vets to race inside and grab good seats before the freshmen games. I recall sitting in the faculty/staff section in the '70s when I scored tickets there because I worked as the all-night receptionist/security guy at Morehouse while finishing school as a part-timer. I remember traveling to Peoria, Ames and Iowa City for road games. I also remember experiencing the tourney run in '69 at Fort Polk, Louisiana, via mailed copies of the Big Peach!
I truly hope Des Moines will stay on the Drake bandwagon regardless of how the team fares in the future. That population base should fill the arena for even a .500 club.
By the way, my son-in-law just landed on a Web site's Top 20 D-I assistant coaches list. Sure wish I could have interested him in the Drake job, because we sure would like having the family back in Iowa! Not saying he'd have been a shoo-in for the job, or course. Just engaging in some wishful thinking!
I've been enjoying reading all of your posts. Keep the enthusiasm up for Drake basketball -- and Drake in general.
Oh, one more thing: when did "man" become "one" in the fight song? I remember when freshmen had to wear beanies and got lipsticked with big red D's if they couldn't sing that song! I think that was the deal, anyway.

May 11 Article in Rag

MadTownDrakeFan — Sun, 11 May 2008 07:54:18 GMT

Hopefully the link works:

[url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080511/SPORTS020403/805110350/1097/sports0204][/url]

A few interesting things in this article:

1. Justin Ohl is coming back according to Keno, which would make sense since he is not going to Providence and has not been rumored to be going anywhere else

2. Keno offered Dr. Tom an assistant job and he said that Dr. Tom "thought he was joking," which I find difficult to believe

3. The story about Emmenecker going to Europe was reported

4. Phelps said he will announce his staff "real soon"

Nothing seemed to be a real blockbuster story here. The closest to it would be that Dr. Tom has been offered an assistant job at Providence, but that's not really news. This "thought he was joking" comment is not believable to me.

If Dr. Tom is actually being pushed out as I have theorized, Keno is doing what he can to combat it by slyly suggesting that this opportunity is out there. If Dr. Tom actually wants to stay and the athletic department wants him to go, the only way to fight back is through the media to get the Dr. Tom fans on Hatfield-Clubb's back. If Dr. Tom actually wants to go, this will help cushion the blow when he is announced as an assistant in a couple of weeks.

Do not read this

cgdcreek — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:04:32 GMT

unless you crave a Drake basketball fix.
Could not ever get enough.

Whatever about coaches ... bring it on, Young and Cox.

Forget Keno? .. see ya

Mc Bulldog — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:26:15 GMT

I honestly wish Keno the best, in a private kind of way. I'm sick and tired of reading about the guy. He had one great season with us (the fans) and moved on. I wish we could all move on too. The program has some momentum, the returning players and Coach Phelps deserve nothing but positive vibes from the fans and this message board. So ... I'm hoping through a poll that we can vote and encourage them to ban the use of the word "Keno". I'm not mad at the guy but I certainly don't want to read about him and the Providence program everytime I log on to the board either. He didn't do us any favors that I'm aware of and I don't want to give him any either. As far as I'm concerned he is a none factor to Drake and the future of Drake basketball. So in a nice way ... f him and feed him beans.

The Elite Three Tour

Mecha_Bulldog — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:46:38 GMT

Keeler posted this e-mail from Emmenecker on his blog:

With "The Elite Three Tour," we are going out to some area high schools and playing against a team they select. We are trying to get out in the community and give back a little bit for all the support we received this season. It cannot officially be affiliated with Drake and is kind of our side project. We went to Woodward Granger yesterday and had a decent crowd of about 250. We have three dates coming up next week — May 9 (at) DSM Christian, May 10 (at) Van Meter, and May 11 (at) SE Polk — which we would like to draw larger crowds. At the events we will be selling T-shirts and shorts and just try to have a good time with the crowd ..

The information is provided below ...

Locations:

· Woodward Granger - May 3 @ 7:00 pm
· DM Christian - May 9 @ 7:00 pm
· Van Meter -May 10 @ 7:00 pm
· Southeast Polk -May 11 @ 6:00 pm
· Pella -May 16 @ 7:00 pm

o All games will be played at the high school gyms.
o Admission is cheap. $5 per person
o Fun, exciting environment
o There will be a lot of crowd interaction
o Both shirts and shorts will be available to purchase

We are also planning on doing some camps in June, but have not finalized all the dates/locations yet. Let me know if you need any more info and we will talk soon. Oh, and if people are interested in adding more dates to our calendar, they can contact us at the.elite.three@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Adam Emmenecker"

Phelps must be inundated with applications for the assistant jobs

Way Back Dawg — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:22:02 GMT

He said he would be methodical about assembling a staff. He's certainly a man of his word on that point. I hope that stack of apps includes some good people and good recruiters.

Keno never really wanted to be (or stay) at Drake

SoCalBulldog — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:43:13 GMT

Here's a link to an article out today on Rivals.com : Link

Read it and you get the idea that Drake was just a place for Keno to start his career. The article even mentions how Keno talked with Bruce Pearl this year, during the final four, about moving up.

Moving up?

This from a guy who never even coached high school? Did he consider Drake that far down? I can't see his face without thinking bad thoughts. He's not a loyal guy, nor is he a decent person. Standing the Drake players up at the capital tells what kind of guy he really is, and I don't care what B.S. excuse he has for missing that event.

He's seems pretty smug about his newfound success, but I think that will make his fall even more painfull. Best wishes Keno - NOT.

Keno's tenure at PU

Big Bull — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:33:33 GMT

Tired of the latest Keno Sucks thread so all of you recent posters lets hear how long you think Keno Makes it at Providence College(PU), or College of Providence Rhode Island (CPR) if you prefer.

Hoopsters at the Relays

PubGuy — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:28:47 GMT

Hey All:

I was wondering what kind of presence the basketball team had at the Relays? Any official autograph signings that kind of thing?

Jumping over to the ever-present style of play questions. I know Dolph used to tell a story about how Coach John would watch them in pick-up games during the off-season and design plays based on where they liked to get there shots in those games. Of course, that's an NCAA violation now, but hope Phelps can pick up some stuff by watching the game tapes from the past season to get shots for JY and BC and the rest of the crew.

Also, anybody plan on attending any College World Series games? Consider this an invitation.

Worner no longer on roster?

DUBulldog — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:30:20 GMT

I know this has been discussed on the 20-win season thread, but I thought it needed a thread of it's own.

As Gordon Gottschalk has pointed out, Keith Worner is no longer listed on the roster. Now we know where the third scholarship will come from.

Keno Reflections

Dawg_tired — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:56:21 GMT

I can't blame him for going for $7 million.
I thought he handled the leaving like a richardhead.
If he recruits players to PC that he recruited on Drake's dollar, my opinion of him will sink even lower.
I think PC got a $250K coach for a million dollars.
How can you claim credit for recruiting walkons while the scholarship players you touted sat on the bench? Great judge of talent.
I was all in favor of Dr. Tom, now I can't wait for the Davis era to be over.
Keno, you got lucky.
PC, you got unlucky because it's like going down on Madonna at age 30. Life is shat from there on out. Too soon. To soon.
Keno, you didn't have class in the way you handled it and some day you'll look back and regret it. Granted you'll be $7 mill richer. Prolly will ease the pain.
Now Keno, you're under the spot light of the Big East. Fans are already asking what in the F did they do. Good luck son. You'll need it if you keep recruiting scholly players that walk ons beat out.
Bucky, Adam, I love ya.
Brent, Josh, Jake, and all the others...you trusted somebody who let you down.
Coach Phelps is the new way. Life's hard. The fans on this board are with you. We'll be in the stands next season screaming our heads off. Hoping you rock.
Coach Phelps...treasure what you have in your team. Men of character. Players. Winners.

Okay, I'm sappy enough. I just had to post after I heard the Ch 13 news that all the Davises are headed to the garden spot of PC.

Funny, I've just...for the first time in my life...become a Syracuse and Georgetown fan.

"Dream big dreams"

Grandpa — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:04:26 GMT

There is nothing new in this aticle. (link) It was just issued today, but with all the disrespect, smack talk, rumors, and just plain garbage that has been floating around, I found it a refreshing read. As coach Phelps said, "We're going to work hard, dream big dreams, respect the game, and have some fun." I think I'd probably add "kick some butt" in there someplace. With our shooters and Coach Phelps' attitude, I fully expect to set several new 3-point shooting records next year.

I'm trading in my Believe button for one that reads Dream Big Dreams.

USBWA Coach of the Year

Drakey — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:47:23 GMT

I was doing some research to see how many schools had multiple coaches of the year award, thinking Keno being Drake's second would put Drake in pretty elite company. I had a hard time finding anything on Maury Johns's award, and went to the USBWA website. Acording to them their award in 1969 was given to John Wooden. I found it hard to believe that I had imagined this award, so I contiued researching. I found the site for the Association for Professional Basketball Research, which indiacates that Maury John won the USBWA award for Coach of the Year in 1969. I'm certain they are right, and tried to figure out some way to contact the USBWA to advise them that they are wrong about their own award. I could not find any way to contact them unless I was a member. There has to be some way to get this corrected.

Keno/Maxwell New contract negotiation

Dawg_tired — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:58:01 GMT

Actual video of the affiar.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oeHSr6VNvoc&feature=related

Update on hiring assistants?

Way Back Dawg — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:40:14 GMT

Has anyone else been hired yet?

It's something of a concern, as each school is permitted to have three people on the road recruiting, it's an open evaluation period right now if I'm not mistaken, and as far as I know Drake has no more than two people available to hit the recruiting trail.

Adam and Larry

cgdcreek — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:41:47 GMT

Anybody know what Adam and Larry talked about this morning? (Darn work always gets in the way of more important things.)

I'd like to hear from Klayton and Leonard, too.

p.s. I'll be in Tampa next week, if anybody has any suggestions. What was the Drake hangout there? Close to the St. Pete Times arena whatever it's called. Maybe just sit and stare at the place.

Chris and Rodell Davis

friarfan — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:21:24 GMT

I attended the JamFest in Providence today and saw both Chris and Rodell Davis, both dressed in Friar garb, recruiting for PC. I am assuming that this means that both coaches are joining Keno for his staff in Providence.

Can anyone give opinions on both of these gentlemen...and what can be expected from them?

Good luck to you folks on defending the MVC championship.

Keno absent from another event

Grandpa — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:45:06 GMT

This is from a blog of some small-town newspaper named the New York Daily News.

"First impressions can be long-lasting and new Providence coach Keno Davis was nowhere to be found last weekend during the Hoop Group’s Jam Fest, held on his campus. There were a lot of Big East caliber underclassmen at this high-powered event and Davis has six rides to give next year. We’d feel better if the two assistants Davis brought with him from Drake had stronger ties with the power brokers in our area. You can’t win in this league with walk-ons."

It seems that this Hoops Group's Jam Fest is a pretty big deal. There must have been some sort of miscommunication. Here is what Keno's new fans are saying.

Dr. Tom's job

Really Big Bulldog — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:20:47 GMT

I don't read the Register...but my mother-in-law just popped by, and said that the Register intimated that Dr. Tom "isn't sure about the status of his job" ??? That seems contradictory to things I had heard said by either him or Sandy in the last few days.

Can anybody comment on the context of these comments? Something new brewing??

So What Went Wrong

mid-major fan — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 10:33:10 GMT

Everyone was so hopeful three years ago when Davis took the job. What happened? I know the rest of the league got better. Did Drake stay the same or get a little better? Because there is no AD, Davis has to come back for a 4th season but something has to be done about the players Drake recruits. How many scholarships are available? Walk-ons won't do it. Maybe a heavy push on finding jucos? Maybe new assistant coaches. How does Davis' three year record compare to Kanaskie's? I think it's better but not by much. Season ticket sales are going to tank next year. At least we'll have Korver. 19 years and counting.

Status of recruits and assistants?

Way Back Dawg — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:19:23 GMT

Phelps said Monday he was going to be "methodical" in putting together a staff, but that even as he spoke recruits were being contacted to try to keep them in the fold. Has there been any news on either front yet?

Where should phelps buy his groceries?

Drakey — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:47:40 GMT

Where should coach Phelps buy his groceries?

SHC had better have some damn good reasons...

Way Back Dawg — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:53:44 GMT

...that aren't apparent to those who don't know this guy--if it's Phelps.

Evidently there were no coaches who might have been available to Drake who had any ties to the area, any established recruiting contacts in the Midwest, let alone any contacts with Iowa high school basketball which in the next three years or so could have presented a tremendous opportunity for Drake in recruiting.

I look forward with great anticipation to the answer to that question:

WHY?

She had better be right, because if she isn't the greatest opportunity Drake athletics has had in the last 30 years will be wasted--finishing the job they began by not making the best possible effort with Keno.

Unbelievable.

Settles on the money

DrakeBBFan8 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:02:51 GMT

Nice article by Keely. Gary Close has a tremendous resume. It doesn't take much basketball sense to realize that when you watch the Wisconsin Badgers over the past several seasons, they are playing at a different level in the Big 10. Bo Ryan is a tremendous coach. Not just a solid recruiter, but an excellent X and O coach. Close has been his assistant for 5 years. Then take into consideration Tom Davis. Another extremely good X and O coach. A coach that had the ability to take players that other programs often did not recruit (aside from a few, such as Settles, Kingsbury, etc.) and win with them. He was especially talented at finding role players and developing them, as we have seen here at Drake. Close spent 16 years with Davis as his lead assistant. Dr. Tom is an intelligent man. He wouldn't keep someone around as his lead assistant for 16 years if they weren't outstanding. Gary Williams of Maryland (national champion), Bruce Pearl, and Keno are pretty strong examples of the Davis coaching tree.

Close was the strongest applicant. No question. An X and O coach who can uncover and develop talent here in Iowa. The top level players just aren't coming to the Valley. Bo Ryan, Tom Davis, and yes, Gary Close can find the undiscovered talent and develop it. They have a proven it over many years.

Also, if not Gary Close, why not Chris Davis? And why an assistant from Arizona State, aside from the obvious fact that the AD has ties to the school. How many Sweet 16 appearances has Arizona State made in the recent past? How many conference championships? This is not a basketball powerhouse. And this is the first choice? Questionable at best.

Drake is a great school, but they missed it on this one. Good article. I am really hoping that the program remains strong, but it's hard to imagine passing up Close. It's almost like passing up a mature assistant of Roy Williams or Mike Krzyzewski. A member of the Bo Ryan and Tom Davis coaching tree would have been tremendous. Settles and Keely are on the money.