Providence College Fires Tim Welsh... Finally
The Dunkin Donuts Center echoed with the cries of "FIRE WELSH" all season long as the Providence faithful watched their team suffer another losing season. On Saturday, they finally got their wish.
The AP reported yesterday that Providence College has fired head coach Tim Welsh after his third losing season in four years.
Being a PC alum all I have to say is that it is about time. Welsh's 1-9 showing in the Big East tournament and 0-2 record in the NCAA tournament demonstrate his inability to effectively lead his team in the spotlight.
Providence College athletic director Bob Driscoll stated that Welsh represented the college with "dignity and class" but felt that it was in "best interest of the program and Providence College to make a change in leadership."
Certain Providence College students and alumni responded to Driscoll's statement by saying that he should stop "sugar-coating what Welsh has done and get him the hell out of there."
If Welsh spent as much time on game preparation as he did on his hair, the Friars would have enjoyed several winning seasons, but unfortunately his failure to hold on to top recruits and his inability to rally from late season slides ultimately led to his demise. Here is a glimpse at a couple of the recruits who left because of their poor relationships with Welsh:
Driscoll's search for a replacement has already begun with possibilities including George Mason coach Jim Larranaga, a Providence graduate who led the Patriots to the Final Four in 2006, and Brown coach Craig Robinson, a former Princeton player who led the Bears to a 19-9 record this season, good for second place in the Ivy League.
Cordially,
The Ignorant Bostonian
The Ignorant Bostonian is a co-creator and senior writer for Boston Sports Buzz.
The AP reported yesterday that Providence College has fired head coach Tim Welsh after his third losing season in four years.
Being a PC alum all I have to say is that it is about time. Welsh's 1-9 showing in the Big East tournament and 0-2 record in the NCAA tournament demonstrate his inability to effectively lead his team in the spotlight.
Providence College athletic director Bob Driscoll stated that Welsh represented the college with "dignity and class" but felt that it was in "best interest of the program and Providence College to make a change in leadership."
Certain Providence College students and alumni responded to Driscoll's statement by saying that he should stop "sugar-coating what Welsh has done and get him the hell out of there."
If Welsh spent as much time on game preparation as he did on his hair, the Friars would have enjoyed several winning seasons, but unfortunately his failure to hold on to top recruits and his inability to rally from late season slides ultimately led to his demise. Here is a glimpse at a couple of the recruits who left because of their poor relationships with Welsh:
Gerald Brown, G - Brown was a top 50 recruit coming out of high school. He clashed with Welsh over his coaching style and eventually left the school in 2005. After sitting out the 2005-2006 season, he joined Loyola MD. This season he averaged 18.8 PPG and recorded 51 steals while averaging 22.2 PPG in 06-07. A large guard at 6-4/195lbs, Brown brought a level of speed, defense and athleticism that was sorely missed this season.
Robert McKiver, G - McKiver saw minimal playing time with the Friars during the 2004-2005 season and only averaged 3.2 PPG. After playing in junior college, McKiver transferred to the University of Houston and recorded 23.1 PPG this season. Last year he avereged 19.2 PPG and was an All-Conference USA First-Team selection.
Robert McKiver, G - McKiver saw minimal playing time with the Friars during the 2004-2005 season and only averaged 3.2 PPG. After playing in junior college, McKiver transferred to the University of Houston and recorded 23.1 PPG this season. Last year he avereged 19.2 PPG and was an All-Conference USA First-Team selection.
Driscoll's search for a replacement has already begun with possibilities including George Mason coach Jim Larranaga, a Providence graduate who led the Patriots to the Final Four in 2006, and Brown coach Craig Robinson, a former Princeton player who led the Bears to a 19-9 record this season, good for second place in the Ivy League.
Cordially,
The Ignorant Bostonian
The Ignorant Bostonian is a co-creator and senior writer for Boston Sports Buzz.
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