The State of the Charlotte Program

This off-season has been very turbulent to say the least. With players leaving, teammates fighting (post-season there) coaches leaving, and conference realignments. I am concerned about the program.

I understand about Coach Nick leaving for more money, but I don't understand all the backlash/negativity around the situation as to his character. The same character issues go for some of our players, which have resulted in fights, bad attitudes, transferring, etc. Why are we bringing in these people if they have character issues? Talent is always outshined by chemistry, which was why our team had a poor season.

Say what you want about Coach Lutz, I have heard great things about him and I have heard not so great things about him. I truly believe this is the year things need to be straightened out. I believe the pressure on him to produce a very good successful product on and off the court this season is tremendous.

That being said, there is much more to all of this that meets the eye. If the program is having its issues and it is because Coach Lutz has no control, why would he keep receiving extensions on his contract?

I am no insider, but I have some contacts to inside information, but I have not really talked with them in over a year about the basketball program. I think there is more to all of this and I would like for it to be cleared up.

I want my school to succeed as much as the next alum, but when it comes time to ante up my hard earned money I want to know what is going on and make sure I agree with what is going on. That time hasn't come for me yet, but it isn't far away. Hopefully by then this whole situation is cleared up and this type of thing is no longer an issue.

 

2002,
Lutz needs to make a "state of the union address." Way too much has happened since the end of the season and too many rumors are swirling. He needs to give an honest interview to the Observer, or on the MSP on 610 to make everyone rest easier.

 

You know that's not going to happen metro. Confidentially rules for students will prohibit Lutz or media relations to say too much about all this. Plain and simple, they didn't fit in, wanted more playing time, poor grades, change of scenery. Take your pick there.

 

Sure a lot of this off season needs to kept confidential.......but I agree that Lutz needs to make himself more visible/accountable.

Stories reported by beat writers with indirect quotes or press releases with quotes will make people wonder if he's got firm control.

 

Give him a call or write a letter. He's plenty accessible. If the local media would contact him, he would tell all he could.

 

People are staring at me cause I'm laughing so fucking hard.

 

Even though this offseason has given me some reasons to 2nd guess the actions of the program, I'm still a 49er Club member and season ticket holder.

IMO its about perception of the program..........in other words, those people in Charlotte who know only what they read in the Observer. Those people on the fringe are going to stay out there longer if they just hear "Best transfers", "Johnson to transfer", "Grier to transfer"......

Bobby been around here long enough that I'm sure he knows the local press won't contact him (I'm afraid I'll go to my grave wondering why). He most likely wouldn't say anything of substance to us fans that float around these boards....but to simply hear/see something like "Lutz still optimistic in spite of changes" could get the attention of some of the fringe people who always like to find ways to bash Charlotte.

 

I have been a Lutz fan, and still am, but the final straw will be if he takes someone back like Johnson........

I understand these young kids don't always fit in, and we can't let the inmates run the asylum, but I do hope for a little more chemistry this year.

 

Good point. I would love to see that story as well. Before Grier left, it was an example of re-building quickly...the "new" way to do it with three JUCO types, one transfer, and one stud freshman. Grier leaving adds a new wrinkle.

I'm sure we'll get something in the pre-season feature. Winning will get the fringers, though.