“ALL THINGS BASKETBALL BLOG”

Posted By Coach Greg Haskell

I was on the SOCALHOOPS.COM website reading a very Interesting exchange regarding the legitimacy or lack thereof for hiring a parent. The Ware twins of Mater Dei were mentioned as a prime example. Michael Beasley and the hiring of his AAU coach at Kansas State University, Danny Manning had it happen with his father at University of Kansas in the 1980’s, and there are countless other examples. Personally I think there could be conflict of interest, but in all fairness these decisions could be case by case. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not i.e Steve Alford played for his father in high school, and Patrick Knight played for his father. Having said that, it is pretty obvious when a new assistant comes in and two of his sons happen to be 6 foot ten inch twins. It is possible that the father has much to contribute to other players on the team as a result of past college and professional overseas experience. Who knows. What do you think? The exact exchange is posted below.

i touched on this the other day, in regards to the twins dad coaching at md, and some people got upset. what do all you folks think about private schools hiring parents to coach in order to get their kids to the school? i understand the dad at md has basketball knowledge but lets be honest he was hired to get his kids. at jserra there are numerous dads coaching in the football and baseball programs. to me i actually don’t care i’m a public school fan but is it legit? do the administrations at these private schools try to convince themselves it is not to get the kids that the parents are hired? is this not another form of recruitting? md and jserra with parents coaching, smhs the transfer capital of socal, something tells me winning is very important at these private institutions. now finally before you get pissed at me i say it is the right of the institutions to hire whomever they want i’m just wondering what others think. and if you do hire a dad do certain conditions come with the hiring? have a fabulous day and please keep your responses short, to the point, intellectually stimulating and readable for the girls next door.

: : : : : :I guess you were present during every household conversation as to were the twins were going right? I would make sure I have all teh info before posting something like that

: : : : come on bob, are you saying the dad just happened to decide to coach at md out of the blue? your right the twins going there had nothing to do with the dad deciding to coach there, what was i thinking? i say its ok you let the dad coach to get his kids, but why can’t you admit what is absolutely obvious? i say the school has the right to hire whoever they want, much like kansas state hired beasleys aau coach, but at least own up to what your doing. its great your an md fan but admit what your coach and administration are willing to do to help the program succeed. i know md really needed that 6th coach, my bad. i hear the new assistant coach has a kid who is 5′4″ with no skills, however is a 4.00 student. maybe not.

: : : : Seriously… Lets see 1) Dad has played D-1 and professional ball here and in europe 2) Has twin sons that he wants to play for the best program in OC. You think maybe he has some knowledge to impart on other kids besides his own and his credentials actually stack up. The kids have been there since their freshman year, so nothing was promised to bring them in..

: : Also, what dont you ask what EVERY major southland program is willing to do to help the program, I am sure Fairfax didnt want anything to do with Sidney, or Dominguez with Hamilton when he transferred in…You asking about a coahces credentials, I gave them to you, if you dont believe me do the research..

: my dearest buddy bob, your coming at me with intelligence, knowledge and passion, just what i asked for. a question was put to you and you gave a detailed smart response, what are you doing? i believe the bottom line is it was a good hire. tell “fan” this is how you respond and support a position. i don’t want to hurt your reputation with your buddies but the helper says on this one you win the day. you hired a knowledgable coach at what i’m sure was a great price and you get 2 unselfish very good players at the same time. now don’t get a big head, have a fabulous day.

Let’s see if dad is coaching after next season.