I am here. I will post salient information.
- Jay Jacobs: "It's remarkable how he's been able to build them in all three ways of life. As you sat with Tony Barbee, you heard his passion, his vision and his plan for Auburn basketball."
- Barbee: ``War Eagle! I learn quickly. It's a great day to be an Auburn Tiger."
- "It was a very difficult decision to leave UTEP and the players because of how I do it -- it's all about relationships and family. When I looked at Auburn and I looked at this wonderful university ... first class ... and looked at this wonderful community ... first class ... when I looked at this beautiful arena ... that decision because easy to make."
- Referred to Auburn as "the best university in the state of Alabama ... and making it one of the best programs in this conference."
- "Jay, I won't disappoint."
- "I'm a guy that's very thorough and a guy who does his homework."
- "It is my responsibility to live up to that bar that's been raised by all those great athletic programs at this university."
- "There is a precedent ... it has been done before. Why can't it be done again? That's why I'm here. There is noone who is going to out-work my staff and I. I'll work every day to make these players proud, the former players proud, the fans proud."
- He referred to Auburn Arena as the nicest arena in the league ... "and maybe in the country."
- ``The commitment has been made. My commitment to you is to take the program to heights it's never seen before."
- On his style: ``It will be fun. It'll do one thing. I've been to postseason play in 18 of 19 years. I'm madder than heck about that one year. We were starting over at UTEP. This style is built to win in March. It's a team you're going to be seeing play deep into March."
- To former players: "My office, my house and my phone will always be open to you."
- To current players: ``Your idea of fun and my idea of fun might be a little different. It's going to take a lot of hard work, but I've never been afraid of working hard."
- To the incoming recruiting class: ``I'll be getting in touch with you very soon to remind you why Auburn is such a special place."
- "Let's all get on the train."
- "We're going to go after and attract the best players in the country that fit with me, that fit with Auburn University, that fit for what Auburn stands for. We're not going to be afraid to go after the best players in the country."
- "We're going to be recruiting the media for exposure for support, recruiting the community, I'll recruit the student. My responsibility is to rekindle that love affair between the community and this basketball program."
- Scheduling: ``It's built on one thing -- getting into the NCAA Tournament."
- ``I've known John Calipari since I was 14 years old. He was my coach at camp. He's my mentor, he's my friend, he'll always be my coach."
- ``We're going right after Kentucky and we're going right after Coach Calipari. It's not an easy thing to do. Once we catch him, guess where we'll be. We'll be on top."
- "This is the second job in a row that I've taken without visiting. For me -- it's not about bricks and mortar. It's about people. There is a passion here."
- "We're going to apply pressure for 40 minutes. We'll play an up-tempo game ... but it's not helter-skelter. It's not run-and-gun. We'll be disciplined."
- "Everything is in place for you to ... sustain a championship-level program."
- "The success football has had here can only help with basketball."
- "I'm challenging our students. I'm challenging our fan base. We need you. We need each and every one of you there -- every night. It's my job to get the students engaged."
- THAT'S A WRAP
Thank you Jay!
ReplyDeleteso close to a triple play....
ReplyDeleteI spoke with Jimmy Dykes earlier and he was very impressed with Auburn's choice. Quite impressed.
ReplyDeleteSorry Scottie, didn't mean to jump in.
ReplyDeleteI'm becoming more impressed with everything I've read.
ReplyDeleteit's all good Kathy. it's my fault for working too hard. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited.
ReplyDeleteJay, how's the arena looking??
Found the live streaming online.
ReplyDeleteWhy not share the link, K?
ReplyDeleteThe arena looks great. Small ... but great.
http://auburntigers.cstv.com/allaccess/
ReplyDeleteCBS College Sports All-Access
Under Free Events
ReplyDeletegracias Kathy, and Jay.
ReplyDeleteAsk if he'll run with the Barbeerians theme.
ReplyDeleteA stream would be great. This guy does seem like a great choice.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to head to the new arena next year. Basketball is already looking much better.
ReplyDeleteI hear clapping
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the live blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm lovin this guy more with every word he says.
ReplyDeleteHe definitely did his homework.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping we see immediate improvement, but with 4 starters graduating, we should be patient with Barbee.
ReplyDeleteI think he can bring in better players than those lost. I'm not expecting great things next year, but I honestly think it will be better.
ReplyDeleteWork - hard work
ReplyDeleteHe better have us in the tournament in two years or be fired.
ReplyDeleteMichael- Those demands is why Eurasia is in the shape it is in.
ReplyDelete"If you look at my wife, you can tell I'm a good recruiter."
ReplyDeleteSounds like Chizik!
ReplyDeleteJGT, what does his wife look like!
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Eddie. I have looked for the down side of Barbee and really haven't found anything. You can't knock the guy for leaving UTEP with that kind of salary boost.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice of him to acknowledge how hard it was to leave UTEP and the relationships with players, which reminds me of ChizCo.
His wife is very pretty ... reminds me of Holly Robinson-Peete.
ReplyDeleteI would say the shape of Eurasia has more to do with plate tectonics than with the standards I levy on Auburn bball coaches.
ReplyDeleteHolly Robinson Peete.... man, I was so in love with her on Hanging with Mr Cooper. But it was the south, and I was only 10, so I never tried to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteJAY! GET IT GET IT!
ReplyDeleteJay!
ReplyDeleteFinally hearing the presser. Jox was running late with the feed. He sounds like he will be fun to follow.
ReplyDeleteI have questions!
ReplyDeleteIt was well asked, and a great question.
ReplyDeleteI like the defense wins championships mantra.
ReplyDeleteTaking a job without visiting seems strange, but to each his own.
ReplyDeleteNICE.
ReplyDeleteI may get season tickets this coming year. If nothing else, he seems to have given a good presser.
I like the talk of challenging for the top spot in the league. Gunning for UK. Not many coaches will say that.
Good luck coach.
Did he say "There is a passion here"? Did he mean "money"?
ReplyDeleteI chose Auburn before visiting. So I'm with Barbee on that one!
It sure sounds like Barbee is going for a lot more than I have ever seen from Auburn basketball. This could get very fun.
ReplyDeleteHow many coaches actually visit anymore before they are hired? If they don't get the job or turn it down, it hurts them in recruiting, so I think the day of coaches visiting are over.
ReplyDeleteOK it's official "I have a man crush"!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis could be a very interesting hire!!!
ReplyDeleteWDE!!!
Nothing wrong with a healthy bromance. Barbee is exciting to listen too. He seems like the anti-Lebo.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for basketball now!!!
ReplyDeleteHow would you define success for an Auburn basketball coach? To me, regular trips to the NCAA tournament would be it.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, with this hire, the Chizik hire, the CJPaws hire, Swimming rocking, Equestrian?!?! rocking, and so much else on the upswing, I think Jay Jacobs will have his name permanently stamped on this University (in a good way) before he leaves. Needless to say, he'll have a square on the Auburn walk downtown if this all pans out like it looks right now.
ReplyDeleteI may just be drinking the Kool-Aid big time, but it seems like athletics at Auburn are on the climb to a position to compete for championships every year. I am extremely excited.
Hey, I too chose Auburn without visiting it also....just knew it was right.
ReplyDeleteSounds like he already has part of the AU creed down pat.....work, hard work.
Welcome to the family, Coach Barbee,and WAR EAGLE!!!!
That's nothing, I graduated from Auburn without ever visiting there!
ReplyDeleteCoach Barbee is a quick study and media savvy. He's saying everything that the AU BBall fans want to hear. He's got me believing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats AU and coach Barbee.
Anybody heard anything from RK today?
ReplyDeleteHope everything went will with his Dad.
salient... I like that. Thanks, JGT! Great reporting!
ReplyDeleteI don't like that it's well after midnight and I have to get up in less than 4 hours.
So, will all the frat boys dress up as Ken for the basketball games?
ReplyDeleteLooks like y'all have all gone to bed. I guess I will, too.
ReplyDeleteWARRRRRRRRRR EAGLE and Sweet AU dreams!!!
I thought all the frat boys dressed as Ken anyway.
ReplyDeleterimshot
ReplyDeleteGood work G. I am very happy with this hire. If his walk is as good as his talk we will have a very good program in short order. Football, baseball and now basketball all on the upswing.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for reading!
ReplyDeleteThis dude talks a good talk. Here are my expectations:
ReplyDeleteYear 1: No less that a NIT #1 seed. NCAA preferable.
First Signing Class:Wall and Cousins taking Auburn to the sweet 16, losing to Cornell, then both bolting for the NBA
Year 3: NCAA Investigations
Year 4: Sanctions and Probation, Barbee bolting for UMASS
Oh, and a final four appearance in year 3. Preferably a championship, but it's difficult to focus on those when you're under investigation and formulating an exit plan.
ReplyDeleteMake us proud, Barbee. Meet my 3 year expectations.
Hatin' in the morning?
ReplyDeleteBest! Players! Money! Can! Buy!
ReplyDeleteJust because we didn't get a ginger for a coach doesn't mean they don't have good ideas. Right on e-bro.
ReplyDeleteThe last team I had in the final 4 is going down in flames as we speak.
ReplyDeleteLoving the Butler Game and the 33 year old coach!
ReplyDeleteI just got a call from Auburn University and when I answered the phone there was a taped message from Coach Barbee invited me to A-Day game and to the new arena and asking me to purchase season tickets. Pretty impressive. And of course he started and ended the recording with War Eagle!
ReplyDeleteWell, it's official, I have no teams left in the final 4 :(
ReplyDeleteDown goes Syracuse!!
ReplyDeleteWow kathy....I just got mine, too! Pretty impressive! Makes me want to buy season tickets!! Wait that's basketball.
ReplyDeleteI've been in the evil empire town all day for a meeting so that was a refreshing call.
I would like to respectfully apologize to Jay Jacobs for all of the things I said about him prior to the Chizik era beginning. I think he's made some excellent staffing decisions since taking over. I don't agree with him on everything, but I think he's earned some respect from the Auburn family.
ReplyDeleteWe got the robo call @ the Hangar. Unfortunately, I was eating homemade guac in Denver.
ReplyDeleteCoach Barbee said he will not be outworked!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading through all the comments, I thought for sure that Eddie would already be on the train!
ReplyDeleteJet sorry you missed the call...it was actually refreshing considerin g the guy was just formally announced tonight.
He said everything correctly... I just want to see him do it now.
ReplyDeleteI want him to put together a stellar staff.
I liked Barbee's challenge to the fans and students.
ReplyDeleteThat's something I've been wanting to see for a while now.
Well, as you may recall, I don't follow basketball but I like what I read about the press conference. He seems like a good hire. I may even begin to follow it. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteBusiness in Napa area next week so Hot Wife and I are flying out early tomorrow to spend a few days enjoying ourselves then she'll come back and I'll work my tail off Monday - Friday taking a redeye back Friday night. So, I may not see much of you next week but y'all have fun.
Well....AU signee, JuCo PG Anthony Salter, has requested to be released from his LOI due to "academic reasons"
ReplyDeleteSo... who's gonna be the PG next year?
Ebro ... I'm @ Tamayo in downtown Denver.
ReplyDeleteThis guy is extremely impressive. I would like to see him and football coaching staff form a bond and use it to benefit both sports for the long haul.
ReplyDeleteNorm ...there's lots of nice stuff in the SFO/NoCal area. Napa to the north or Monterrey/Carmel to the south are each outstanding. You can easily spend 3 days just in SFO. The little Italy area in SFO is not advertised and is a local's secret. Ask around for a seafood bar named something like "Little Joes" where they cook at the bar.
ReplyDeleteGood read. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSounds good Jet. Downtown Denver is a happening place.
ReplyDeleteIs there any snow left? I know they got about a foot of it yesterday.
Hoopie - we'll fly into SFO and I'd imagine have lunch and knock around there for the afternoon/evening. My hospital business is in Santa Rosa and that's where we're staying. Hot Wife has done some research and come up with a few things for us to do. I'm leaving it pretty much up to her and only offering one or two suggestions of some things I'd like to see.
ReplyDeleteNorm,
ReplyDeleteTylerson has a conference call with HR at a company he interviewed with in Huntsville tomorrow at 10:30. This mama is loving the Huntsville location vs the Cincinnati one. Maybe he can get a little experience and then come work for you!
Norm, pick me up a shot glass to go with my collection.
ReplyDeleteWassup up hotties. Saw where our Juco point guard wants out. Hope Barbee has a line on a PG.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Barbee can't get one. What's the scoop on why the kid wants out?
ReplyDeleteCincy - good luck to Tyler, he'll be fine.
ReplyDeleteCH=B - sho nuf I will.
I'm predicting Cornell to drain 3s all night...beat Kentucky and finish off my bracket.
ReplyDeleteNorm if you plan to go to A-Day I could pay you back.
ReplyDeleteI see all the NY folks fed tix to the Cornell crowd. Ky fans aren't outnumbered often.
ReplyDeleteCh. I haven't read why he wants out. Someone said academics. If that were it, he automatically would be out, so that doesn't sound right. Perhaps if Barbee really wants him, he can talk him in to staying.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, if I were AU, I'm not sure I would let anyone out of the scholly. I would make em show up and play. if after a year they wanted to go, hit the road.
I just read that he had plans to graduate in May, but that may not happen.
ReplyDeleteKU turning up the head. Cornell is considerably out match when it comes to athleticism, but 3's can keep them close.
ReplyDeleteDude's gonna have to find a PG... and find one fast.
ReplyDeleteDude will be fine.
ReplyDeleteNo point guard, no team. Thats the way it is in bball. However, the kid out of Tennessee is a pg, true freshman, assuming he sticks to his committment. We have to walk on, Wallace I think, who did a pretty good job this year. Troube is trying to find someone this late that's a good player.
ReplyDeleteWe have an ok PG on the team who was a true freshman that played a lot down the stretch.
ReplyDeleteWallace is a walk on.... he was better than Reed.... but that's not saying much...
ReplyDeleteIs Jalen Steele a PG too?
Ebro ... There was still a lot pushed up on the sideline of the road, but it was almost 50 today.
ReplyDeleteI could play Point Guard. I'm 6'2" so I have the size for it. I'm not a terrible shot. I'm not all that good at dribbling so I guess that could be a problem.
ReplyDeleteIf AU works their offense off pressure defense, the PG becomes less important. More important in half court sets. With such a young team, Barbee will have his share of problems next year. We will need a couple of real impact players soon. Only need a couple and he can turn it around quickly.
ReplyDeleteKentucky too athletic for Cornell. Cinderella stops here tonight.
Wake, I could still play point. That is, if it weren't for the extra 30 lbs. And the bum achillies tendon. And the change from the ability to dunk to a current 6" vertical. Also, I seem to be shrinking with age. Other than that, I could play....That and some other things.
ReplyDeleteBarbee is gonna have to find some size too... He may be taller than any of our players.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a typical Spring in Denver, Jet.
ReplyDeleteLast week, it was 66 one day and 5-10 inches of snow the next. March and April are the snowiest months there.
Jet, Just got back from utah skiing. Perfect weather.
ReplyDeleteNite fella's. Going to sleep w/ the tv on tonight. Wife outta town. Tonight, I can just be me...HA
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Hotties! Time to rise and shine!
ReplyDeleteWARRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!
This Xavier/K-State game is pretty good.... crowd is living and dying with every shot right now... tied with less than 1 to play.
ReplyDeleteThis game may never end...
ReplyDeleteHOLY COW!
I want to go to bed.... but this game is too good.
ReplyDeleteThis game is indeed great
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember that Cuse-Uconn game from last years big east tourney?
ReplyDeleteWake...I don't know if I can handle six OT's here.
ReplyDeleteBut I'll do it if I have to.
Times out?
ReplyDeletehow about time outs?
Now, I need Duke to lose!
ReplyDeleteBoiler Up, Miller.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Hotties.
ReplyDeleteGreat article in the MA, Jay. I am excited for Auburn.
I only have one more possible win in my bracket - Duke. Oh, well.
My son has an interview with HR at the company he hopes to work for at 10:30 this morning. We are going to Auburn this afternoon, so hopefully we are celebrating tonight.
Good morning and Happy Friday, Hotties! I'm very impressed with the hiring of Barbee. Let's hope he can deliver.
ReplyDeleteCincy, after Kansas lost, my bracket went in the recycle bin and I started rooting for the underdogs!
I hope RK's Dad is doing well. Anyone heard from him?
ReplyDeleteIn Shocking News, Ronnie Brown gets DUI
ReplyDeleteAfter a long day yesterday, I got home to find the message from Coach Barbee on our answering machine.
ReplyDeleteImpressive, most impressive.
Very good article JGT. I'm excited for Auburn basketball (don't think I've said that in years)!
ReplyDeleteCan't read the whole article, but Satan is on the front of ESPN college page today titled Hidden In Plain Sight. The teaser states "BCS powers have a secret weapon. It's a bunch of hidden guys in golf shirts. Stuffed staffing is now the norm. And it's a headache for the NCAA."
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/ncf/index
Kathy, $atan has a jump on other schools with this trend. Right now it's not against the rules. Other teams are scrambling to catch up. I'm couldn't read the entire article, but my guess is the NCAA will look for ways to curtail this. So will the NCAA get the rules in place before this becomes the norm in CFB? Once it is in place, it will be hard to remove.
ReplyDeleteThis tactic obviously benefits large, wealthy schools over smaller schools and the NCAA wants parity.
Are we in for another $aban Rule? This is almost worth crawling down onto AL.com just to poke at the Bammers.
Has anyone checked football season ticket prices? Apparently, they went up again this year - from $330-$445. We just can't keep doing this. It puts a huge financial strain on us as it is. We may have to start watching the games at home. :(
ReplyDeleteLuv what are the donation levels to be able to shell out $445 for the tickets?
ReplyDeleteFSJ- they were $220 per season ticket. So it was $440 for me and my wife
ReplyDeleteFSJ, the minimum is $220 per seat.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Hotties and JGT this has been a bad week for the old War Eagle.
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say all of this great substance was enjoyed by the dig. I can not find this type of straight forward honest reporting anywhere else.
I have not been on this week due to illness, A Bladder infection and passing a Kidney Stone. To make matters worse the pain Med made me so nauseous that I couldn't eat anything Tues. or Wed. got off that stuff.
Feeling better with the stone gone and the infection almost cleared up.
Hope you get well soon digger...
ReplyDeleteI think Kentucky and WVU (especially if their guard was healthy) are the two best teams left.
ReplyDeleteI like Ky and Ohio State but we will see about them tonight.
ReplyDeleteThanks FSJ I do feel better today.
I had to chuckle at some of the T-shirt ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe Barbee Dolls with wet T-shirt contest had the half would bring in a crowd while Tony gets things straihtened out.
ohio state is a one man show to me, they will lose...soon
ReplyDeleteYou may be right Harrison that's why I said tonight is watch and see.
ReplyDeleteI need Duke and all the lower seeds to win tonight.
ReplyDeleteDon't sleep on Baylor... They are essentially suing a home game this weekend down in Houston.
ReplyDeleteOhio St will have a tough matchup tonight vs UT.
Kentucky is playing the best of everyone right now. I'm not sure WVU can stop Wall and Bledsoe with their best guard on the shelf.
Noting Jay G's early comment regarding Jimmy Dykes' blessing of the hire: the analyst, as you may recall, defended Lebo to the end, chastising Auburn for making a change.
ReplyDeleteHe wouldn't dare answer such a question, but I wonder which one of the two he'd want his school to go to battle with next year.
Once again, an ESPN analyst pimps for the coaches.
I had a one man show on broadway once. Was that you who showed up every night to tell me I would lose soon, Harrison?
ReplyDeleteHearing rumors that Barbee may already have a few things up his sleeve recruiting-wise that could have a major impact on next year's team. The next couple of months should be interesting.
ReplyDeletei need Purdue to take out Duke & Tennessee to take out Ohio State & i may be able to overtake DMiller in the bracket challenge. just maybe. ;)
ReplyDeleteI need to fill out a new bracket.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know if Barkley has made any comments on the hire?
ReplyDeleteLuv, I e-mailed the Ticket Office in January asking what the cost would be and they didn't know yet. This was their response: "We do not know the cost of the 2010 football season tickets at this time. They were $395 last year so will probably be around that same amount, maybe a little more or maybe a little less."
ReplyDeleteI've sent another e-mail request.
I took a look at the scenario projector and the best I could do if everything went the way I needed it to (thanks again Kansas), is 2nd place
ReplyDeleteJust heard back from the ticket office: "The season tickets are $445 this year."
ReplyDeleteThey will cost me an additional $200 this year. :(
Same here. I need Kentucky, Baylor, Northern Iowa, and Butler in the final 4, Kentucky and Butler/Norther Iowa in the championship game, and Butler/Northern Iowa to win it all for me to finish second.. Can't catch Miller.
ReplyDeleteI could still win, but I need St. Mary's to go to the final 4. Somewhere in the 3-5 range looks like where I am goin to finish.
ReplyDeleteLast night was not kind to me. I had 'Cuse in my final 4
i can catch Miller if UK wins out, with KSt and Duke in final 4. I have a pretty good shot. What doi get if i win??
ReplyDeleteYou get a bunch of slaves Harrison. I'm not sure if its been made public yet but the winner gets to enslave all of the losers. Its a pretty cool deal.
ReplyDeleteI'm still pissed at Syracuse, that was one of the sloppiest games I've seen.
ReplyDeleteGood, you slaves have to take care of my temporarily one legged wife. It's getting old
ReplyDeleteHow are you people expecting to catch me if you have the same picks I do in the final 4?
ReplyDeleteI have Kentucky, Baylor, K-State all still in play as my final 4 teams...
Unless you have K-state in the championship game....
Winner gets lunch on me at the Hamburger King... we were stumping for others to ante up prizes, but no one else stepped to the plate.
Miller- I ran the "scenario generator" and it had me winning if above scenario playes out. I am looking forward to that burger
ReplyDeleteThe bracket that says Miller Vitale is really me.
ReplyDeleteI need 3 things to happen...
ReplyDeleteUT to beat Ohio State tonight...
Duke to lose either tonight or Sunday to Baylor...
Baylor to keep winning and make it to the final 4.
Miller if you win, will you still buy me that burger for doing so well. I really want that HK burger
ReplyDeleteI'm going to lunch, you guys better pick it up
ReplyDeleteIf all of my remaining picks are correct, and all of everybody else's are wrong, then I can still win.
ReplyDeleteNew thread UPZ.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete