Comments on: Off-Season Dixon Affection http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/ The rantings and commentary on Pitt football and basketball ... and anything else from a distracted mind Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:51:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Jeff http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102059 Jeff Tue, 13 May 2008 00:22:06 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102059 It's still very disappointing that an otherwise very positive and uplifting story was devolved into something negative. That's a shame. It’s still very disappointing that an otherwise very positive and uplifting story was devolved into something negative. That’s a shame.

]]> By: Jeff http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102058 Jeff Tue, 13 May 2008 00:17:47 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102058 Prowler, I agree, that's why I always thought there was more to the Diggs story than met the eye. Nobody is sure what happened exactly. The only quotes we have are from Diggs, and he would never bash himself if he had done something wrong. And it would have served no purpose for Dixon to air that type of stuff. That's why, given that we know close to nothing about the situation, I find it ludicrous that someone just assumes it *must be the coach*, when everything you read and hear about the coach is exemplary. It could just as easily, or more liekly, been the kid. I would have had no problem had they kept Diggs on as well. Jamie does have a record of keeping underperforming players. That's more precedence to base things on, and even moreso why I get perplexed by those who say "Dixon didn't handle it well." I'm not entirely sure he didn't handle it perfectly (or as perfectly as a messy situation can be handled), absent any facts. Prowler, I agree, that’s why I always thought there was more to the Diggs story than met the eye. Nobody is sure what happened exactly. The only quotes we have are from Diggs, and he would never bash himself if he had done something wrong. And it would have served no purpose for Dixon to air that type of stuff. That’s why, given that we know close to nothing about the situation, I find it ludicrous that someone just assumes it *must be the coach*, when everything you read and hear about the coach is exemplary. It could just as easily, or more liekly, been the kid.

I would have had no problem had they kept Diggs on as well. Jamie does have a record of keeping underperforming players. That’s more precedence to base things on, and even moreso why I get perplexed by those who say “Dixon didn’t handle it well.” I’m not entirely sure he didn’t handle it perfectly (or as perfectly as a messy situation can be handled), absent any facts.

]]> By: The Prowler http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102053 The Prowler Mon, 12 May 2008 23:54:35 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102053 I do agree with you, Dave, about being willing to dole out criticism when it is due. While I love Jamie Dixon as a coach and am very happy that he has been loyal to Pitt, I am not a Dixon 'shill'. I have been critical of aspects of what he does as a coach when I think it is necessary. And I think we all need to be willing to look at both the faults and the good qualities. The Cassin Diggs situation was a good example of that. While I ultimately think it was both necessary and a good thing to do, I am not sure whether or not Dixon handled it properly (I have no idea how it was handled). And while I think dead weight needs released, I would have accepted keeping Diggs on just because Dixon is too classy to cut him loose. I do agree with you, Dave, about being willing to dole out criticism when it is due. While I love Jamie Dixon as a coach and am very happy that he has been loyal to Pitt, I am not a Dixon ’shill’. I have been critical of aspects of what he does as a coach when I think it is necessary. And I think we all need to be willing to look at both the faults and the good qualities.

The Cassin Diggs situation was a good example of that. While I ultimately think it was both necessary and a good thing to do, I am not sure whether or not Dixon handled it properly (I have no idea how it was handled). And while I think dead weight needs released, I would have accepted keeping Diggs on just because Dixon is too classy to cut him loose.

]]> By: The Prowler http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102052 The Prowler Mon, 12 May 2008 23:49:25 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102052 Two points about the Arizona St. opening... 1. He didn't take it. So whatever his feelings towards it, it wasn't alluring enough to him. 2. If he used it to get a raise at Pitt, that suggests that he wanted to be at Pitt, and was hoping Pitt would respond by keeping him with a nicer contract. Dixon is still underpaid as a head coach, especially given what he has done at Pitt. So being willing to bolt a few years ago if he was going to be stuck working for nothing here at Pitt is understandable. Pitt needs to step up the cash to keep that from being an issue. But if it was just about cash, he would already be gone. Ok St. was willing to pay big cash, and apparently so was TCU. I also think it is a significant factor in accepting a job that you would be forced to play someone you don't want to play. Roy Williams has said he will never schedule Kansas, and it seems like he intends to keep that word. Sometimes it can be hard playing against people you are emotionally involved with or attached to. Don't get me wrong in that I am not suggesting that Dixon won't leave for USC, Arizona, or some other job should it come along. I guess my thing is that this story is about Dixon being loyal to Pitt. Dixon has shown that loyalty already. Every coaching job that comes open, the rumors get going about Dixon taking it, and he never does. So I am just not going to worry about him leaving when all things point to him liking Pitt and not wanting to go back west. If he were to leave, I wouldn't be upset with him like I was with Howland, because Howland couldn't wait to leave. Dixon has made it very clear that he really likes being here. If he felt he needed to move on, I wouldn't feel like it was because he couldn't wait to find something better, but instead that circumstances here changed, or that someone made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two points about the Arizona St. opening…

1. He didn’t take it. So whatever his feelings towards it, it wasn’t alluring enough to him.
2. If he used it to get a raise at Pitt, that suggests that he wanted to be at Pitt, and was hoping Pitt would respond by keeping him with a nicer contract. Dixon is still underpaid as a head coach, especially given what he has done at Pitt. So being willing to bolt a few years ago if he was going to be stuck working for nothing here at Pitt is understandable. Pitt needs to step up the cash to keep that from being an issue. But if it was just about cash, he would already be gone. Ok St. was willing to pay big cash, and apparently so was TCU.

I also think it is a significant factor in accepting a job that you would be forced to play someone you don’t want to play. Roy Williams has said he will never schedule Kansas, and it seems like he intends to keep that word. Sometimes it can be hard playing against people you are emotionally involved with or attached to.

Don’t get me wrong in that I am not suggesting that Dixon won’t leave for USC, Arizona, or some other job should it come along. I guess my thing is that this story is about Dixon being loyal to Pitt. Dixon has shown that loyalty already. Every coaching job that comes open, the rumors get going about Dixon taking it, and he never does. So I am just not going to worry about him leaving when all things point to him liking Pitt and not wanting to go back west.

If he were to leave, I wouldn’t be upset with him like I was with Howland, because Howland couldn’t wait to leave. Dixon has made it very clear that he really likes being here. If he felt he needed to move on, I wouldn’t feel like it was because he couldn’t wait to find something better, but instead that circumstances here changed, or that someone made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

]]> By: Jeff http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102036 Jeff Mon, 12 May 2008 21:13:18 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102036 OK, I guess we're ok Dave (for whatever that's worth). Sometimes the written media is sometimes difficult to decipher, at best, as you don't get the mood or emotion of the "speaker". We don't really disagree on major points. I still don't "know" if how the Diggs thing was handled well or not well. Dixon never gave the reasons for the dismissal. Which further may imply he is a stand up guy. For all we know (if we are allowed to jump to conclusions, or conversely go solely on Digg's testimony) perhaps Diggs did something wrong, Dixon didn't drag it out in public, and they just let him go. If you are asking us to go along with your what ifs - you have to at least grant Dixon that what-if. A bluff can work without intent. But if it doesn't work out, you may be stuck with the circumstances. Otherwise, we are in total agreement. :-) OK, I guess we’re ok Dave (for whatever that’s worth). Sometimes the written media is sometimes difficult to decipher, at best, as you don’t get the mood or emotion of the “speaker”. We don’t really disagree on major points. I still don’t “know” if how the Diggs thing was handled well or not well. Dixon never gave the reasons for the dismissal. Which further may imply he is a stand up guy. For all we know (if we are allowed to jump to conclusions, or conversely go solely on Digg’s testimony) perhaps Diggs did something wrong, Dixon didn’t drag it out in public, and they just let him go. If you are asking us to go along with your what ifs - you have to at least grant Dixon that what-if.

A bluff can work without intent. But if it doesn’t work out, you may be stuck with the circumstances.

Otherwise, we are in total agreement. :-)

]]> By: Dave in Orlando http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102035 Dave in Orlando Mon, 12 May 2008 21:04:56 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102035 Jeff, I never wrote any of the things you suggest above. I'll clarify for you... again. 1) I think Dixon is a great coach, but I thought the way he handled the Diggs dismissal was bullshit. One blemish on an otherwise sterling record. I'm willing to offer praise when it's due and dole out criticism if I feel it has been earned. 2) I never said Dixon would leave for USC immediately. The fact is, Floyd hasn't even been dismissed yet. If you recall, I wrote: "If available, I wonder if Dixon would jump at the USC position?" Only when dismissed out of hand as impossible, did I attempt to illustrate that it's entirely possible. 3) Dixon did use the Arizona State (and Missouri) job as leverage to get himself a better deal. That bluff only works if you're willing to go. If Pitt felt he wasn't going to go, they would have called his bluff and forced him to honor his existing contract. Finally, my comments about being "very smart" were made in jest (although, I'm certainly no dolt). Sorry you didn't pick up the sarcasm. It obviously doesn't convey well on-line. Jeff,
I never wrote any of the things you suggest above. I’ll clarify for you… again.
1) I think Dixon is a great coach, but I thought the way he handled the Diggs dismissal was bullshit. One blemish on an otherwise sterling record. I’m willing to offer praise when it’s due and dole out criticism if I feel it has been earned.
2) I never said Dixon would leave for USC immediately. The fact is, Floyd hasn’t even been dismissed yet. If you recall, I wrote:
“If available, I wonder if Dixon would jump at the USC position?”
Only when dismissed out of hand as impossible, did I attempt to illustrate that it’s entirely possible.
3) Dixon did use the Arizona State (and Missouri) job as leverage to get himself a better deal. That bluff only works if you’re willing to go. If Pitt felt he wasn’t going to go, they would have called his bluff and forced him to honor his existing contract.
Finally, my comments about being “very smart” were made in jest (although, I’m certainly no dolt). Sorry you didn’t pick up the sarcasm. It obviously doesn’t convey well on-line.

]]> By: Jeff http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102030 Jeff Mon, 12 May 2008 20:00:48 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102030 Sigh... Dude, how you manage to keep adding up 2+2 and getting five is remarkable. You dis Dixon, calling him unethical, without proof, and then say you didn't impugn him. You suggest he may go to USC, then you try to qualify by saying not until "some future date", when your first post clearly implies sooner than later. Then you say he used the Arizona St scenario to get himself a better deal, but use that as evidence that he would move. Either you are in politics and you arw working on your flip flopping, or you aren't as smart as you think you are... Sigh…
Dude, how you manage to keep adding up 2+2 and getting five is remarkable.

You dis Dixon, calling him unethical, without proof, and then say you didn’t impugn him.

You suggest he may go to USC, then you try to qualify by saying not until “some future date”, when your first post clearly implies sooner than later.

Then you say he used the Arizona St scenario to get himself a better deal, but use that as evidence that he would move.

Either you are in politics and you arw working on your flip flopping, or you aren’t as smart as you think you are…

]]> By: Dave in Orlando http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102028 Dave in Orlando Mon, 12 May 2008 19:42:44 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102028 I have also heard/read that Dixon and Howland don't like to play each other, but I doubt that would keep him from taking a job in the same conference as his old boss/friend. In 2006, Dixon used the Arizona State job opening that Herb Sendek eventually took to squeeze a raise out of the Pitt administration. He would have played UCLA twice a year with the Sun Devils. I have also heard/read that Dixon and Howland don’t like to play each other, but I doubt that would keep him from taking a job in the same conference as his old boss/friend.
In 2006, Dixon used the Arizona State job opening that Herb Sendek eventually took to squeeze a raise out of the Pitt administration. He would have played UCLA twice a year with the Sun Devils.

]]> By: The Prowler http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102027 The Prowler Mon, 12 May 2008 19:13:57 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102027 The reason the west coast ties are a smoke screen is because he said that he didn't enjoy playing against Ben Howland, and he refuses to put UCLA on Pitt's schedule because of that. If he hated it so much, why would he go and take a job that would pit him against Howland a minimum of 2 times a year. Just because he was born on the west coast doesn't mean he loves it there. Lots of people move to new homes that they like better than their roots. For example, my wife and I moved from Pittsburgh (me) and Morgantown (her) when we got married, and now live in Kansas. My wife loves it here and never talks about finding jobs back 'home'. We love the life we have here. Our kids were born here. I have been offered jobs back in Pittsburgh and turned them down out of hand. Sure, Dixon may leave at some point. But all this trumped up stuff about him just waiting for a job on the west coast... he says he doesn't want to go back there. I see no reason to believe otherwise. When (if) he leaves for another job, we can blow the forums up about it then. Why are we doing it now? I agree with HbgFrank about the smoke screen with Howland, though. How come a coach leaves for a new school and then says, "This is the only school I would have left that school for." We really can't prove him otherwise, but the fact remains, he left our school for theirs. And if another, better situation came along, I am sure it would be the 'only' school he would leave UCLA for. I guess the reason I like Dixon is that he doesn't give that Ben Howland, Roy Williams feeling of just trying to build a resume. If he does leave us some day, it won't leave me feeling that he used and abused Pitt just to get a better job elsewhere. He has proven that, even if he doesn't stay here forever, he is committed to this team and this city now. How many people ever felt Howland would really stay long term? He seemed like he had one foot out the door pretty much from his NIT appearance with Pitt. The reason the west coast ties are a smoke screen is because he said that he didn’t enjoy playing against Ben Howland, and he refuses to put UCLA on Pitt’s schedule because of that. If he hated it so much, why would he go and take a job that would pit him against Howland a minimum of 2 times a year.

Just because he was born on the west coast doesn’t mean he loves it there. Lots of people move to new homes that they like better than their roots. For example, my wife and I moved from Pittsburgh (me) and Morgantown (her) when we got married, and now live in Kansas. My wife loves it here and never talks about finding jobs back ‘home’. We love the life we have here. Our kids were born here. I have been offered jobs back in Pittsburgh and turned them down out of hand.

Sure, Dixon may leave at some point. But all this trumped up stuff about him just waiting for a job on the west coast… he says he doesn’t want to go back there. I see no reason to believe otherwise. When (if) he leaves for another job, we can blow the forums up about it then. Why are we doing it now?

I agree with HbgFrank about the smoke screen with Howland, though. How come a coach leaves for a new school and then says, “This is the only school I would have left that school for.” We really can’t prove him otherwise, but the fact remains, he left our school for theirs. And if another, better situation came along, I am sure it would be the ‘only’ school he would leave UCLA for.

I guess the reason I like Dixon is that he doesn’t give that Ben Howland, Roy Williams feeling of just trying to build a resume. If he does leave us some day, it won’t leave me feeling that he used and abused Pitt just to get a better job elsewhere. He has proven that, even if he doesn’t stay here forever, he is committed to this team and this city now. How many people ever felt Howland would really stay long term? He seemed like he had one foot out the door pretty much from his NIT appearance with Pitt.

]]> By: HbgFrank http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102014 HbgFrank Mon, 12 May 2008 16:47:01 +0000 http://www.pittblather.com/2008/05/11/off-season-dixon-affection/#comment-102014 The west coast "ties" stuff is a smoke screen, just as it was for Howland. It makes a shady move seem more acceptable (Howland left Pitt less than one year after signing a six year contract extension...Did he not miss the west coast and his familiy as he was signing the extension?). Dixon will not leave Pitt for USC, that is a lateral move at best, but he will leave for another SoCal school as soon as that coach leaves for the NBA which I predict will happen in the next 2 or 3 years. By that time, Howland will have his NCAA Championship and the definition of his "dream job" will $hift to the profe$$ional arena...And it will not matter if that arena is in Los Angele$, or Dalla$, or Bo$ton! The west coast “ties” stuff is a smoke screen, just as it was for Howland. It makes a shady move seem more acceptable (Howland left Pitt less than one year after signing a six year contract extension…Did he not miss the west coast and his familiy as he was signing the extension?). Dixon will not leave Pitt for USC, that is a lateral move at best, but he will leave for another SoCal school as soon as that coach leaves for the NBA which I predict will happen in the next 2 or 3 years. By that time, Howland will have his NCAA Championship and the definition of his “dream job” will $hift to the profe$$ional arena…And it will not matter if that arena is in Los Angele$, or Dalla$, or Bo$ton!

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