AD's support for Pelphrey 'has not changed'
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey has the full support of his athletics director as he leads the Razorbacks to the SEC Tournament this week.
Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long told WholeHogSports.com on Tuesday he was standing behind the third-year Razorbacks coach, who takes a five-game losing streak to Nashville for the SEC Tournament this week.
The athletic department's support of the coach "has not changed" since the beginning of the season, Long said.
"I'm excited about the prospects of the tournament and looking forward to going to Nashville," Long told WholeHogSports.com on Tuesday. "That's one of the great things about the postseason tournament is you start anew, so we've got a chance Thursday night to win an SEC game and move to the next round and see what happens."
Fan e-mails to the athletic director concerning the basketball program have met form-letter responses, according to a report.
In the form letter, Long asks fans to be patient with the coaching staff.
"There are many factors that make a successful program and many of them are educational in nature and cannot be seen simply by the play on the court," the e-mail reads. "We are working hard to build a successful program on and off the court and I believe Coach Pelphrey will ultimately be successful in all areas of our program."
Arkansas lost a double-digit lead in an eventual loss at home to Ole Miss in the regular season finale at Bud Walton Arena on Saturday. It was the fifth straight loss, a school record for consecutive losses to end a season.
Arkansas finished the regular season 14-17 overall and 7-9 in the SEC. The Razorbacks play Georgia at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday in the SEC Tournament.
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kenecret_aol.com says...
maybe we could use a new ad as well as a basketball coach, long seems satisfied with the way the hogs have been playing. isn't long the one who hired pelfry to beghin with ??
March 9, 2010 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dwp007 says...
I think PEL was hired on Broyles' watch. Under the circumstances, I am okay with Long's position, for now - though things need to improve drastically next year. Otherwise, I'm out.
March 9, 2010 at 6:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hogfan1509 says...
Long needs to take care to protect his support from the fan base! In my opinion he is almost as short in support from the fan base as Pel. We support and pay for a top program and no one has the authority to make us take a back seat to their personal opinions. Hog basketball is in trouble and both Long an Pel need to step up quick!
March 9, 2010 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dad4cc says...
2008-2009 Record=14/15
2009-2010 Record=14/17
Speaks for itself
March 10, 2010 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hogintexas says...
Well, Mr. Long, since you are satisfied with Pel as your bb head coach, you've put something on the table - Your career at Arkansas.
Pel apparently depends on the players to coach themselves. Maybe that's why you like him. You do not want to make hard decisions, that are obvious to others. So, step up big guy - if you keep Pel another year and he loses again, "YOU" leave with him.
Razorback fans don't want to keep around those that don't see and don't understand. You've got the job and the responsibility - if you can't act to correct this problem - get out - don't make the fans demand for you to leave, as well.
March 10, 2010 at 10:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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