Ed Cooley cut down the net in the Garden in PC's 65-58 win:
Ed Cooley helps rekindle Providence history with Big East title win over Creighton The dramatic victory assured Providence of a automati in the NCAA Tournament. That was a fitting reward for third-year coach Ed Cooley, who is no stranger to overcoming adversity.
Article quote: Cotton spent a year as a little-used sub for Davis, and his career could have drifted when there was a coaching change the spring of his freshman year. But instead of tossing him aside, Cooley turned Cotton into one of the best players in the league
Now, can Sydney develop at least one of our players?
Last Edit: Mar 16, 2014 7:47:37 GMT -5 by stagparty
According to anyone who means anything in the business, the win last night absolutely clinched a spot. This is huge for Ed and the program because it validates what his hiring promised for the Friars, a team that would be competing for more than just NIT championships, the fate of the team the last decade or so. And quite frankly with the loss of Kris Dunn this season, not to mention a great freshman player (Austin) who was kicked off the team, this has been quite a magical season for them, as he has had to depend basically on only 6 players to carry most of the load. Of course it didn't hurt that he has Bryce Cotton on his team, one of the best players in the country for sure.
One more comment. Yes Ed has delivered on his promise and brought this team back to prominence. But, the Big East that Ed competed in when he got there and today's Big East are two different conferences. Timing of realignment was perfect for Ed. Still a major accomplishment.
So true Paulie, so true. But like in life sometimes you are lucky and sometimes you are not. And in this case with the formation of the new league, the cards fell the proper way for Ed, a man who had to overcome tremendous hardship and bad luck growing up just to get to where he is. So in this case, truly the man deserves everything he has achieved!
Cooley certainly has brought Providence back. Winning the Big East is a tremendous accomplishment, and proof that that he not only resurrected his 2nd straight program, but was also able to win the Championship..... one of the Main goals of the season. Agree that the Big East is not as strong as it once was, and this is not the NCAA title, but he has won at the level that he is competing at ..... which is still one of the best leagues in Division I.
Sorry for the language, I had been celebrating St Paddys all day so the lips were a little loose.
As for Ed, I will never forgive him for the loss to Saint Peters at home in MAAC tourney. And then within days he runs away. Ed accomplished nothing here other than an NIT win which frankly im shocked he stayed around for. So im sorry if it irks me to see him succeed without finishing the job here.
stags10, the rose-colored naiveté on here regarding Ed never ceases to amaze me. Congrats to Ed and PC, but, I really don't give a crap either.
Yup. Once a coach has achieved sainthood, how dare anybody blaspheme (see Jim Calhoun). Congrats to Ed and Providence. I'll be pulling for them. But he ain't coming back and it's time to move on.
stags10, the rose-colored naiveté on here regarding Ed never ceases to amaze me. Congrats to Ed and PC, but, I really don't give a crap either.
Yup. Once a coach has achieved sainthood, how dare anybody blaspheme (see Jim Calhoun). Congrats to Ed and Providence. I'll be pulling for them. But he ain't coming back and it's time to move on.
We have moved on, but it's ok to give Ed some kudos. Talk about moaners and groaners. We can acknowledge this. It's ok. Fairfield is usually brought up when the media talks of him. I know we haven't been used to that the last 3 years. Geesh...
Last Edit: Mar 16, 2014 12:20:57 GMT -5 by tmaac71
Post by Stagophile on Mar 16, 2014 14:02:14 GMT -5
It is a pleasure watching the A10 Championship and two coaches loyal and dedicated to the institutions they represent and not with one foot out the door! Coach Martelli is someone that I can root for. Go Hawks!!!
It is a pleasure watching the A10 Championship and two coaches loyal and dedicated to the institutions they represent and not with one foot out the door! Coach Martelli is someone that I can root for. Go Hawks!!!
Keep getting that last word in. Keep making digs on Cooley. True Stag fan! Nice job!!!
It is a pleasure watching the A10 Championship and two coaches loyal and dedicated to the institutions they represent and not with one foot out the door! Coach Martelli is someone that I can root for. Go Hawks!!!
Stago we are all disappointed that Ed couldn't stay and "finish the job" as it were. But I have a mind exercize for you. BE HONEST. Substitute your own name for Ed here. Same upbringing, same location. You grew up rooting for the Friars. You are offered a multiple year contract worth 12 million dollars. Be honest. What would YOU do?
Post by Stagophile on Mar 16, 2014 14:39:00 GMT -5
I would focus on the job at hand and not conduct an all out lobbying campaign for the next job. Once I am done with the job that that I am paid handsomely for and the season is over, then and only then do I start my all out pursuit for my next opportunity. Pretty simple!
Ed lost me when he traveled up to Providence during the week of the MAAC Tournament. The most important week in recent Fairfield basketball history, one that would have forever sealed his place as our most beloved coach, and he is off meeting with the PC administration. The timing of his actions are what makes them unforgivable in my mind. If he had just waited a week, we would not be having this discussion and I would be joining you in singing his praises and happy for his new found wealth off the back of Derek Needham (but that's another broader discussion about the hypocrisy of college sports).