So a buddy just called me, having scouted PJ Hall last night. In addition for averaging 15ppg/5 rpg and shooting over 40% from the arc… my friend described him as having a tireless work ethic, endless motor and incredible leadership. And oh yeah… he is a 6’10/240lb power forward. Ya think we could use a guy like that? ARRRRGGGHH …. MIKE!!!
I have no problem offering I am happy to see coach White having a measure of success at UGA, even if they are a bitter rival. Good and classy man. Some say he quit on UF, I don't necessarily agree with that, he saw the handwritting on the wall and we didn't want him anymore as expressed on a daily basis on this board. I don't blame him one bit for moving on, just wish it had been another program. But I will not be pissed if he has sucess. For those hating on him, look in the mirror and ask yourself if you would not have taken another great job considering the fan base hated you.
Mike was raising a family in Gainesville and I’ve often wondered how you insulate your family from the negativity when the fan base starts spitting toxic comments. I realize coaches at the university level today make a lot of money. That never seems like rationale to me to get down and dirty. I was frustrated with MW as a coach. I confess I was glad to see him go, but I hope he experiences success. Moderate success.
I agree, obviously it would not be a good look for UGA to spring ahead of UF at this time. I was as frustrated as everyone else about being decent - what a .625 winning %, and first round win, most seasons. I thought we were on our way when we reached the great 8 but UF never came close to sniffing that rarified air thereafter. But to summarize, I think most hear agree Mike is a high character man and wish him no ill will. We just don't want UGA catching up to the Gators. I am optimistic that coach Golden and staff have gained valuable experience in the rugged SEC and in future, looking at Mike White, and UGA, through a rear view mirror.
PJ cooled on the Gators. UF really liked him. He chose Clemson. This was not a John Moody-like Miss, which was totally on the previous staff (but also their first year).
PJ Hall is from here in my hometown of Spartanburg SC- further he played for my daughter's alma mater. (Dorman High.) So I followed his recruitment closer than usual. I thought we would get PJ because his sister Thayer was a top player for us in volleyball. I was really excited about it. But I thought he visited us and just didn't feel it- so to speak. He didn't feel at home in our program- for whatever reason. I was devastated- but understood. So he went to Clemson which is about an hour from here. Makes sense if a kid isn't ready to leave home. And yes I've been following him at Clemson- very solid player, team leader, etc. We definitely could have used him and IMO he would have made a huge difference in the last few years. He is strong in the exact spot we've been weak, so IMO we win a lot more games if he had come here. (Assuming he would have even stayed.) So did we actually cool on him and he just said "he didn't feel at home" as cover? This is the first I've heard of this, but I'm definitely no insider.
I wouldn't be surprised if his family wasn't the reason for the move. I can't imagine the yack from the gallery affected CMW but I sure can see how his wife and kids could have heard enough for a lifetime.
If we all grade our basketball coaches as compared to Billy D, we'll never have another great coach. Gator fans drive coaches away and subsequently drive recruits away as well.
I am not posting about UGA. I am posting about my respect for Mike White. I dislike UGA sports teams, always have, always will. I'm Gator, through and through. But being a Gator fan does not mean it's a prerequisite to hate everyone and everything associated with that University.
I forget how that went down. Were we trying to land PJ but he decided to go elsewhere, or we didn't really try? His sister was on the volleyball team so I thought we had the inside angle. I watched a little video on him and he looked definitely high a high-major guy. Height, athleticism, and skills.
I am confused. I thought this thread was about how badly Mike White blew it in recruiting PJ Hall who is playing very well, not about whether Mike White is a nice guy, or how badly UGA sucks- which they do. Did I read the original post wrong?
The original post was about whether we could use a player like PJ Hall. Then the original poster swallowed his microphone.