Black Monday

By Mark Buckets

While it might not be as publicized or dramatic as the NFL's "Black Monday," a couple of NCAA basketball programs severed ties with head coaches in college hoops's version of the "Day of the Dead."

The day after conference tournaments end and the brackets are announced, the proverbial axe falls on some sideline generals.

Today was no exception.

Toledo parted ways with coach Stan Joplin, who was expected to come into Toledo and recruit as he had as an assistant at Michigan State. Though Joplin gathered some, he was never able to push them over the top. I would not be surprised to see him back on the bench with Coach Izzo in the years to come.

Despite all of this, Coach "Jop" was named MAC Coach of the year just a season ago.

Coach Neil Dougherty was canned at Texas Christian. This is a classic case of limited production with a limited budget.

TCU has had success in the past - recall the high flying Billy Tubbs teams of the mid to late 90's - but their facilities have always been archaic and the lack of administrative support has hurt this program.


**Mark Buckets adds**

I guess Black Monday is a two-day event.

Today, Idaho bought out Head Coach George Pfeifer after two unsuccessful years.

It all depends on how you define success (12-48 record during his stint) at Idaho, since they are easily the worst program in the Western Athletic Conference.

As has been stated here before - facilities, support from the right people and general fan awareness trump all - and Idaho has none of these key components.

Athletic Director Rob Spear has a quick trigger finger - he let go of football coach Tom Cable after only three years on the job earlier this decade - along with Nick Holt, who coached only two seasons.

Memo to Mr.Spear: Give these people a fighting chance before you take their jobs away. The people of Moscow, Idaho would appreciate it.