Say something!
There is more to the story, right?
There has to be more to the story.
When a guy navigates a program from self-sanctions to 22 victories — one away from a berth in the Big Dance — and then becomes unemployed, there has to be story, right? Benjy Taylor seems like a nice guy and, obviously, he has love for the program and his players. When former coach Riley Wallace was hospitalized on Maui, Taylor showed up with a gift and heart-felt well-wishes. After victories, Taylor credited the players, and after losses, he pointed the finger at himself.
Eran Ganot is very qualified to be the head coach. He’s smart. He cares about the program. He works hard. In his four years at UH, he was either in the gym or the office. Often, it seemed, the gym was his office. He studied basketball videos the way sportswriters study menus. Ganot is a very good choice.
Still, with Taylor, there has to be a story, right? If it were only about change, then why did he bother to apply?
Often, there are legal and personal limitations that prevent explanations. Maybe that’s the case here. Maybe not. Maybe there is no story. UH has as much a right to silence as choosing whomever it wants to pick. But when it does not testify at its own trial, then it opens itself to more questions.
Foist! Good morning Stephen!
Sad that the day the coach hired some are already looking for him to fail.
80 kapakahi April 8, 2015 at 11:29 pm
UH still apparently in the recruiting mix to land this JC NG/DT prospect……with 2 left to play 2……
https://twitter.com/ScottEklund/status/585837352746004480
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1743283/highlights/80771405/v2
…time to look forward.
Great post – very well stated, Stephen!
Mahalo BT !!!!!
Basketball play brought back to
me and friends that Fab 5 feelings
of 70’s
I think you identify the problem ST. The decision to not retain a coach who has proven performance on the court is puzzling without the “whole story.” And I guess we will not be privy to the whole story. So then we are left to trust in the wisdom of UH admin to make good hiring decisions (insert a loud and agonized scream here). Dave Reardon’s article today suggested that fans who favor the retention of Benjy are “pea brained.” At least Reardon is consistent in being a major d-bag. Reardon misses the point you are making ST. That without enough information the public is left to “fill in the blanks” themselves. And it will get filled in many different ways. This is not a matter of fans being “pea brained.” Rather fans (through long and painful experience) do not have a lot of confidence in UH admin’s capacity to do intelligent things with regard to their athletic programs.
Perhaps Matlin has and will add some sanity to the process. If the BB team has a great season (I agree with Reardon that we should consistently dominate the big west) then this hire will look wise. If we are the same old boring and under-performing team that we have been over recent years then it will be another piece of data that helps to locate the “pea brain.” And it will not be with the fan base but with UH admin and Reardon. I hope for the best and think the new hire has promise. As for Reardon I think he best go back to kindergarten and learn some simple manners.
Bonne Coach Matin Ganot. Félicitations et bonne chance! Allons Arcs!
If there are improprieties behind Taylor’s personal life that was a reason for UH to head in different direction then it shouldn’t be made public. No sense smearing the man given what he accomplished this past season. However, I’m glad UH decided to make a change. I think salary had a lot to do with who UH could or was willing to hire.
I think Ganot is a good choice in leading the men’s basketball program.
Is the Star-Advertiser doing a live stream of the Ganot’s presser?
Feel bad for BT. Really like this coach. Unfortunately, I was afraid that his child support problems that came to forefront, along with the Pakalolo incident on the road would come back to hurt him. Thank you and best of luck to BT.
On the other hand, I don’t blame the new AD for going for a clean slate and choosing his own guy. JMHI.
As a reporter(being kind), it is Tsai’s responsibility to report something if he knows about it. It is NOT his job to opine “maybe, maybe not” when he’s in the dark thus joining the ranks of “pea brains” that Dave so appropriately pointed out.
Go with Dave Matlin. Keep it on the court with Eran Ganot. Wait & see. UH AD and UH MBB. Stick with Travel industry. It works.
It may not have played a significant role, but UH hired the guy they knew. And hopefully it will be a great choice. It wasn’t last time for MBB, and so far does not appear to have been for football. The wisdom of terminating Arnold without cause will hopefully be proven as sound too.
Another DT still uncommitted: http://247sports.com/Player/John-Williams-33131
For those tsaikos that “just need to know”–what we should all be cognizant that UH, like most any institution, by legal necessity, as well as internal HR controls, are required to adhere to a host of privacy laws during and after a hiring process. These laws are set-up to protect not only the entity involved, but also the applicant himself/herself.
But, Boola we really want to know—too bad–you are not suppose to know, move on.
Hope we have a Bryce Drew/Shaka Smart in the making. I think Ganot will recruit just as good or better than Gib. Of course we hope within the NCAA rules. I also hope most of the current players stick around.
Guud Morning Tsaikos…bootiful day.
Coach Taylor will get with a program somewhere. He’s a good coach. Timing, situation didn’t work out here.
Story is we have a new Warrior basketball coach. He got some shoes to fill. Get behind and support.
ST writes and reports. (see his story in todays paper)
he has his own blog where he post his observations and comments. two different venues.
IMUA WARRIORS!
bouncingball – #12
This is a blog. It is not a hard news article. Thus if Tsai wishes to offer his opinion on this or any other subject, that’s perfectly acceptable. Same with Reardon’s column.
Further if Tsai were to do a hard news story on BT’s removal, he would need to have legitimate sources to confirm the “story”. That info has to come from UHAD. He’s simply asking for more info on their part.
Taylor was my choice. On court and in practice, there were issues of discipline and Dave mentions these. Another area of weakness was– we are told– academic– players were not doing well in school. The most mysterious issue with Benji was what he was personally doing off court which reached the attention of the administration and the athletic department and were considered serious- Dave and other media have mentioned this, but no one is saying anything about what it was. Privacy laws prohibit the release of this information by UH, but more damage may be done by the hints and rumors now going around. We will never know.
Here we go with that (who you know ) mentality. The way they treated BT is so full of sh!t!
Opinions welcomed here.
“Say Something” reminds me of A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera duet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2U0Ivkn2Ds
BigWave – #3
Thanks for the re-post! I hope we have a shot at him. Nice, big strong body with a great motor.
I like Taylor a lot, I would have kept him. Best of luck to him where ever he lands and thanks to him and the players for a very exciting season!
Good luck to the new coach!
That’s just how society rolls, not just at UH or the State of Hawaii.
When people are layed off, fired, not rehired , leaving to spend more time with the family, leaving for personal reasons, unexpectedly retires, reassigned to an unrelated position, etc Niele people whine and cry, “We have the right to know why”
Get over it, you don’t.. Move on with life.
Sometimes dishing out the actual reason will tarnish the individual more than garnish sympathy.
We preach to our kids (and players) that it is important to take care of business both on and off the court…
Thank you Benjy for the great season! You achieved beyond anyone’s expectations.
Amd welcome Eran!
And*
Presser is on ESPN 1420 now.
Just because people are shaking their heads at Benjy Taylor not getting the job, doesn’t mean they want Ganot to fail. Just because people anticipate players to jump ship, doesn’t mean they want the team to lose.
Don’t put too much stock in what you hear random guys rant about on the radio.
While I am disappointed that Taylor won’t be around (although I do think he could have “coached” a bit more in certain areas), I am interested and excited to see what Ganot has to offer.
Great posts today.
#2
I don’t think anyone said that they want Ganot to fail. Just questioning what and why Benjy was not retained.
#20
Often mentioned Privacy laws give the administration a pretty big smoke screen especially when it is used so frequently.
#7
Aecumfortis,
I am in agreement with you however IMO whether or not Ganot does well in his stint will not affect my opinion that we may have not treated Benjy fairly.
But like you say I don’t know the “whole story”. However without ever being able to know the whole story, my mind will not be changed. Some actions require an explanation for clarity.
Reardon irritates!
Good morning Tsaikos!!!
Right on ST….
I have second thoughts about donating $$$ to the UH Athletic Department. Will I be “back stabbed” like Benjy Taylor after doing some good (i.e. donating $$$); can’t trust this new AD.
Not rehiring Benjy is a clean house situation nothing on Benjy. Thank Gib for that.
Benjy Taylor Rumors…………………..
kicked out of university housing
smoking mary jane
gambling……………………if you listen close enough you can hear it
#34
If true then they should of said it. Benjy rallied the troops when he was called on.
Then they clean house? “Nothing on Benjy.” Not even a job…………..
From the stories I’ve heard about Taylor, UH is doing him a favor not saying anything about his character issues. I hope nobody finds out about my character issues either!
But if the theme is to “say something” then can anyone tell me why there has been no formal announcement on the departure of Jordan Wynn? I mean he was in many ways the OC last year right behind Chow.
He gone and it’s like he disappeared in the wind. Say something, indeed.
#36 … RE: Wynn: say something indeed.
Well Stephen according your counter part at Star Advertiser anyone who supported Benjy being named Head Coach and is questioning the hire of Ganot is according to him peabrained…Is winning everything certainly not but for a financially strapped athletic department like UH it’s very important my guess is this past season Hawaii men’s basketball saw a spike in attendance and walk up ticket sales…why? Because this brand of basketball was exciting and fun to watch much like the R&S offense people pay to be entertained and watching paint dry does not count as enterainment…
I believe the wheels were already set in motion for Ganot to be hired long before the season was over…Politics as usual in Manoa…the last time we let go of a winning coach we ended up with a program that has suffered 3 consecutive losing seasons,,,hopefully history doesn’t repeat itself
Am a Benji proponent and fan and will always have aloha for him for the excitement and love he brought for MBB. However, decision made and time to move on and support the new coach. Heard the interview on 1420 and impressed with Gonot’s passion for the islands and for the game. Apparently Ganot doesn’t have a life, being consumed with basketball 24/7. I like that.
Matlin doesn’t fool around. Can’t remember a faster hire in a long time. Bodes well for turning the UH athletic ship around. Don’t think he will hem and haw about making a coaching decision if UH football doesn’t significant improve in upcoming season.
#40, just confirmed you’re part of the “pea brain” crowd.
Well there is a little feistiness on the blog today. As I consider the comments today I think I go back to the simplicity of my perspective. There have been so many missteps and mistakes in athletic dept hiring over the last decade that it is hard to be overly optimistic. Obviously there are exceptions to this (Laura Beeman for instance……though she did have to apply twice). As a fan and a tax payer I simply want good stewardship of programs that I care about. It is possible the current hires (AD and men’s BB coach) will be great. I hope so. But I think I am like many fans and cannot be quickly optimistic. Too much has happened in the past that suggests poor decision making.
I agree with everyone who has underscored that personal information should remain personal and that the “right to know” has limits (here pertaining to coach Taylor). But when a public insitituion bungles so many things repeatedly I don’t think that anyone should be surprised at skepticism. I think this skeptiscism is very poorly characterized as a lack of intellegence (“pea brain”). Much more it is a natural outcome of the disapointments we have faced, regarding personnel issues in the athletic dept, over the last decade or so. I hope this time is different. If it is I will delighted and give credit where credit is due.
At least its confirmed that coach Beeman is staying, was getting pretty worried there.
Beeman will leave sooner rather than later. She obviously didn’t get Utah job. Anyone would leave for triple the salary.
44.
Not necessarily , maybe she did not feel Utah was the right fit for her. Sure it’s more money but if she did not see eye to eye with the AD or something else program related, she could end up with a short career there and while the pay is better, in the long run it could be a mistake.
The job might have looked attractive on the outside but during the interview process her view could have changed.
UH not disclosing the details behind not going with BT is a given. However, given UH’s history of opaqueness as opposed to transparency when under scrutiny, lack of the public’s trust surfaces time and time again. At the very least, it turns fans off (myself included) when the athletic dept needs fan support the most. If personal/off court factors were involved in not hiring BT, perhaps we should have gone the Louisville BB program route in overlooking these areas as Pitino got a free pass with his indiscretion….just saying.
Well, I do get up at least once a night because of my diabetes.
Oh, wait, that’s “pee.”
Never mind.
Another thought – UH athletics, especially the football program has a history of giving athletes a second chance; notably Colt Brennan and I think Davone Bess if I’m not mistaken. I guess the same criteria does not apply to coaches. Understandably coaches are held to a higher standard and rightly so, but is there no room for leeway and personal growth in this process? If I were to ask the UH administration, I surmise that the answer is NO.
au’we, espn in dc said that mariota and redskins couldn’t agree on a time for him to come up and visit, so not happening..HTTR!
Good noonish everyone!
Time for another episode of “As the [Warrior]World Turns…”
Beeman says she is happy here and not driven by money.
I don’t think people that are lashing out about Benjy not getting the job are pea-brains. That’s kind of strong. They are rightfully upset. I for one was hoping Benjy would get it. However, I”m not surprised that he didn’t.
I am choosing, though, to move on. I am actually excited about Eron Ganot, and my opinion (and it’s just my opinion) is that he is the right guy. From what I hear, he’s not looking for a stepping stone. If he’s successful (and I THINK he will be), I’m guessing he’s in it for the long haul.
Like a previous poster said, maybe we have a Shaka Smart (or Brad Stevens) in the making. Imua!
My 16-year old Beagle has a pea-brain.
He doesn’t do anything I tell him to.
Dogs have selective hearing, too.
He will respond to “mum-mum”.
But for those of you that are upset about UH not letting Benjy know first-
Well, obviously someone “close to the situation” can’t keep a secret. And in this day and age, once that cat’s out, all the mice know. UH didn’t mean for it to happen that way. It’s just the way of the world now. Get over it.
Great news the Coach Beeman is staying.
I think Benjy will find a new HC job. It probably will be at a lower profile school than UH, but his navigation of the 2014-15 season will get him a job. His personal off the court issues and apparent lack of off court player discipline issues, will likely be his downfall in finding a better job than UH.
808Warriorfan #33
Well, you could donate $$ to specific programs – see https://www.crowdrise.com/uhcoacheschoice
Some of the programs have not met their goals.
55. Gib Arnold wasn’t anywhere near the first to be notified of him being relieved of his duties… So Benjy not being the first to hear about it is just par for the course for UH.
Media leaks are the normal now.
Tiger finishes the first day at Masters one over. Not bad, all things considering, could have easily gone -2 or -3, but not shabby.
58… Yikes, the three areas that need funds the most (Training Room, Weight room and Equipment room) have barely anything.
All three are great guys and long time Warriors.
If in fact it is time to replace the Aloha Stadium, I would suggest building a world class stadium on the Ali Wai golf course property this would include adequate parking but also several walkway bridges across the Ali Wai canal so Waikiki hotel guest can walk across to the stadium for special events or bowl games. My original idea included a stop at the stadium for HART. A new stadium in that location would be perfect venue for many major events and concerts. As many cities have done, sponsorship by a major corporation could cover much of the costs! Although I now live in Colorado, I lived in Honolulu for over 40 years and during that time had season tickets for UH football and as I sat there in Aloha stadium, I realized how far it was from our fans the of a major stadium in Waikiki came to mind for all reasons I have stated above! If in fact my idea is the cause for a new stadium to be built on the existing Ali Wai properity and I want nothing for the idea except that I will always be a UH fan!
It was fun watching spring football practice
today. Kemp is a load to cover. #23 shows some
flashes. Offense is learning new offensive
plays that’s why defense dominated. Enjoy it.
Current coaching vacancies (2 days ago):
http://www.midmajormadness.com/pages/coaching-carousel-2015-job-market-for-mid-major-college-basketball
Re: #3 – BW
He just committed to K-State: http://jcfootball.scout.com/story/1535991-settles-commits-to-kansas-state?s=87
Benjy and the boys were a feel good story. Too bad it didn’t have the happy ending many were anticipating. A winning record and public opinion just wasn’t enough for him to get the job. The reasons why will be left to speculation and rumors. Of which I’ve heard my share.
Matlin made the call that much is clear. It takes some guts to go with who you think is the right fit rather than to give into public opinion. It is my gut feeling that Matlin sees a lot of the same qualities that he sees in himself that he sees in Ganot. When I read the narratives of their pursuit of their”dream jobs” I see two driven hard working individuals. People given to introspection, self evaluation and goal oriented. Two people use to working their way up.
I wish Benjy well and the same for Ganot.
boo: sounded like his short game actually saved him today.
Howzit Tsaikos!
Welcome back, Coach Ganot.
Best wishes to Coach Taylor in his future endeavors.
Traffic alert for Windward drivers: Pali Hwy will be closed Kailua-bound Sat night. Guess I gotta find another way home after Senior Night.
3prong, yup, his short game was tight and Bruddha can still grind. Let’s see what he has in store for tomorrow….
Hellloooo 808 how you
Woods doesn’t look comfortable with his game often showing displeasure with his long swings. Wish him well.
Glad Beeman staying and welcome to new men’s ball coach.
Condolences to an old blogger Gigi, her mother passed-she was 99.
lattas
Just like Dr. Phil, discussing some sports. Matlin should spend it on advertising. While coaches concentrate on making plays. Who to look to? Matlin for the whole show and national. It’s his job.
aloha everyone !! nice store ST show that you have a lot of class !! unlike a other guy !!pea-brains calling the people that wanted BT as b.ball coach !!
just like to take this time to tank BT for putting back the love of basketball game into me !! it been a while that i enjoy uh style of game play!! best of luck to you and your family!!
#60 – You think this only happens at UH? I’m thinking it’s far worse in other places. Do you think Matlin or Bley-Vroman leaked that info.? Like I said, they didn’t mean for it to happen that way.
10 schools in thirteen years. A losing record as a head coach both in programs I am more than familiar with, issues whether personal in nature or not does not bode well and says it all. Winning record against what kind of competition. That says everything without having to say anything. Let Mr. Matlin do his job and I certainly love the new coaches sincere and honest approach as to why he wants this job. I for one do not see him failing—only a few and very few should not be ecstatic over this move. Go Warriors!!!!
ch 26, pg 189-193 HAWAII WARRIOR FOOTBALL,
BY J. David Miller
Afatia Thompson, FB
For some reason this guy is popular.
Who were you? #5, but I don’t know them.
Beauty in Paradise. Or Magic show at
Magic Of Polynesia at same location as
Don Ho was. Don Ho died several year
ago. Singing Tiny bubbles since 74′. Same
Hotel in Waikiki. Nice hotel.
I guess I saw Tupu AluuAluu #5 first. Same deal.
Great show. Been there in 1997 show. Manager then
was a man named Loren. Don’t know now. Funny
heh?
Every coach that is hired at Manoa says, “its for the love of Hawaii. ” And even ADs,too. Some people are better at hiding their true intentions, we’ll how the next basketball season plays out.
Oh, and by the way I have lost all respect for Dave Reardon. Being a bully is easy when all you do is kick people when their down, more so when others have knocked
them for you. Although, I understand the format of the sport section where Taylor is point for point refuting his articule.
Still, so elementary school.
Welcome coach Ganot.
Thankyou coach Taylor for the fun ride. I wish you well.
Coach Beeman returns so all is good. Don’t know why people need to know the reason why. Just be glad that she is here. I know I am.
62. Yup I agree.
Per kgmb news Utah called Beeman, she never interviewed, and she took herself out of consideration for the job….wow! Gotta love that.
HAWAII WARRIOR FOOTBALL
BY J. David Miller
pg. 242 Timmy Chang and Chad Owens
Hawai’i’s most known HHSAA players to
have ever played at UH football. 2000-2004
Timmy Chang, Quarterback, Chad Owens, WR
Winning the Hawai’i bowl as Quarterback.
Triple overtime win 54-48
What else can they say? Winning 2003 Hawaii
Bowl MVP off the bench.
I remember this guy. It was all
a hype. But then again, what else can
they make it into, when many people
you know already played some form
of football and taller? Just luck or
life. Either way, Timmy’s the man
to beat. It was a great season.
2015 Let’s see Beau Reilly. Bring one
for Hawai’i. Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl
My vote will go to Beau Reilly to start
in the fall 2015. I want to see them win
and go to a bowl game.
Still thinking of a new stadium? How about cresting the “pearl” in pearl harbour. How about a floating filed like they built here in singapore?
http://images.travelpod.com/tw_slides/ta01/229/210/the-floating-soccer-field-and-stand-singapore.jpg
80.
Respect her that even much more now. I think she knows and sees the potential of what really could be built here.
creating…not cresting
field…not filed
huhu wea da kopi
#63 Huthchings it is the Ala Wai and not the Ali Wai. I guess being away 40 years has clouded your memor.
Sorry misread you lived in Hawaii for 40 years so you should have known the correct spelling.
I admit I am a “pea brain”. What does that make Rear…hole? I wish our new coach well and that our current players move on and play hard for him. I would think furthering a players education on different strategies can only help to grow their basketball IQ. So current players don’t be a “pea brain”.
To Fleming if you read this blog, hang in there and be part of the island experience and don’t let your emotions dictate your decision. You are young and impulsive and this is the perfect place for you to grow as a man and an individual and not be influenced with old habits from back home.
Beau Reilly doesn’t have the greatest arm but he seems relax and poised
in the pocket. Maybe a taller version of Sean shroeder but 20# lighter. I
He’s a legit contender when fall camp begins.
Luke Del Rio just left Oregon state is there a chance we can pick him up.
just was thinking if that person that gave UH so much money to help out !! if read about the people been call pea-brains ? for liking a coach !! and if that naming calling might make the money stop coming in because of one person ?
oldtimer808 #88: Agree with you on the Fleming iissue. Coach Ganot said today that he favors uptempo play and pressure defense. Hey, that’s what they did this year! Add in some bangers for the inside and we can go dancing!!
Let’s Go Bows!
The Arnold contract fiasco makes me very interested to see what protective clauses UH is going to insert into Coach Ganot’s contract (and those of future hires/renewals). Termination clauses related to NCAA investigations would seem obvious. And hopefully UH learned their lesson with Coach Chow’s contract that 5 years without any sort of poor performance ejection clause is way too much to give a first time head coach. With the UH General Counsel job open, hopefully some very sharp legal folks are helping. It would likely help restore fan confidence and fundraising if UH posted redacted copies of all their head coach contracts. In my book anyway, integrity starts with transparency.
Does he have food money? Talent? clothing? fees on hand? All in one building lower campus Manoa. Send him to Hawaii.
#59 “TOM” … I agree w/ you …BUT… at the end of the day you are still donating $$$ to UH … I don’t mind giving … Benjy Taylor gave it his all … and this is his “MAHALO” … WATCH YOUR BACK WITH “ALEXANDER KALAKAUA” …
Dave Reardon demonstrated his wit and wisdom in today’s article. Or lack thereof. But I was also disappointed in Coach Taylor’s parting shots at UH: regrets that he remained “loyal” during the hiring process? What does that mean? He was offered an extension and turned it down because he (and his agent) said he deserved a long term contract. He changes course and says he will take the extension. But no extension is offered and the school opens up the application process. Is anyone (except maybe his agent) really surprised that he didn’t get the job?
steve m…can you send me please a copy of the tsaiko logo…whitey wants me to make sumthing 4 him…
jocko7874atyahoo….thanks…
As fir BT…he needs to find a new agent….in our day it was called ‘big head’…
Aloha and mahalo coach Taylor for an exciting season, I hope you find success in your next endeavor. Take care.
Coach Beeman,
Congrats on a great season and mahalo for staying at UH.
Aloha and mahalo Coach Taylor for an exciting season and I wish the very best in your next endeavor.
hitmam #91
It is the University Athletics that is important; it is not the the Coaches or the ADs – they come and go – but Hawaii’s Team, today and tomorrow and in the years to come that is important.
Great Morning All!
Best wishes to the new MBB HC.
Glad the WBB HC is staying (for the moment 😉 ).
Any FB news?
Was watching the toob while eating yesterday….changed to ESPN…golf…changed to the Deuce…Frozen Four…turned off TV and finished lunch.
Hmmm…maybe Iolani Fair.
Watchu say 3-Prong? 😈
Hopefully some spring training news next.
Any word on basketball recruiting?
Cheeehoo Tiger currently has 5 birdies…at 2 under so far through 14.
RE: boolakanaka #106
Hah! Great to see him shooting under again. But man, Spieth is running from the field.
Yup, Jordan is golfing out of this world at the moment.
Spieth reminds me of the Zippy commercial where
Napoleon says Let them eat pies…
or those pies are too good for them spies…
Something like that.
Getting hungry again.
🙂
New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=29920