The Phenom

[Wayne23]

3/19: 68-65. Close for a long time. Tied at the half. Jason Bree hit a half court shot at the buzzer for the win. Frankly, we didn't deserve to win; we were lucky. 16 lead changes, 10 ties. No one ever led by more than 7.

+8 RBs but a terrible 20 TOs. 54.2% from the line, 13-24. Our outside D was good but we let them score too easily inside. Fortunately they didn't go inside all that often.

15, 9 for Toma, 13, 3, 5 for Howe.

Post Game Press Conference:

Q: Well, Coach, at least you're moving on.

Coach: I said before the tournament that you need some luck. We got more than our share tonight; we were outplayed.

Q: The team was flat against Rider and certainly weren't inspired against Texas A & M. What's going on?

Coach: It's always hard to say. My troubles may be part of it. And I was away from the team for awhile which never helps. Randy and the rest of the staff were awesome but kids look to the leader, and i wasn't there. And maybe that's not even it. During the course of a long season teams hit highs and lows. It's possible we just hit a low. If that's the case we need to snap out of it right now. Michigan State is a tough, tough team, and we need to be at our best to have a shot at beating them.

Q: Speaking of Michigan State, what do you need to do to beat them?

Coach: Actually showing up would help... But seriously, we don't know much about them yet. The staff will be looking at the stat sheet and looking at video pretty intensely. We'll form a plan based on that.

The women are in the Sweet Sixteen after two routs.

3/20: Yaph King: On paper we're in a lot of trouble. The odds makers agree; they have us as 4 1/2 point underdogs.

On O Michigan ST runs a deliberate game. They score inside and out with their go to guy being SF Kelly Roy, who is hard to defend, and who is also their leading rebounder; containing him is key. They pass a lot, and because of that they can be turned over and we're going to need to fill the passing lanes and turn them over often. Rebounding stats are about even but we'd better work at it.

On D they only press when they need to. They run man most of the time with a little 1-3-1.

If we're going to have a shot we need to work it inside on most possessions, as well as doing the stuff on D that I mentioned, and we absolutely need to take care of the ball.

[Wayne23]

3/24 53-81. They jumped all over us, opening a big early lead. Down 18 at the half. In desperation we decided to press every time in the 2nd, and to go with max D. Didn't help at all. We were embarrassed in this one.

-10 RBs, 18 TOs, we shot 31.7%, 6-23 on threes. They shot 52.5%.

Post Game Press Conference:

Q: Tough one, Coach. What happened.

Coach: We were flat all week in practice. No energy. That continued in the game. I think that even at our best this one would have been difficult but we weren't anywhere near at our best. Listen, I love my guys and I just told them that. And I'm very proud of what we accomplished this season and I told them that, too. Sometimes it's just not meant to be.

Q: Coach, you put in a pressure defense to start the 2nd and really seemed to be trying hard to defend. It didn't work. What goes through your mind at a time like that?

Coach: You try to come with something else, but really, at that point, there isn't anything else. I called my third Time Out, tried to settle them down, and sent them back out, and watched them get their asses kicked yet again. We don't lose like this very often, thankfully.

Q: Everyone is back next year except for one little used sub. You have a great looking recruit and maybe an even greater looking transfer joining. So how are you feeling about next season?

Coach: I think the Minutemen will be able to play with anyone in the country next year. I'm not saying we'll win them all, because no has done that in 50 years in NCAA hoops, but I think we'll be in every game.

Q: Will you be here to lead them?

Coach: I think I will be, but frankly, I have a lot to think about. I'm in a lot of pain and I don't know whether that would be worse if I stayed or if I left. No follow ups on this topic, please.

3/25: I flew to Tampa to watch the women demolish a decent LSU team in the Sweet Sixteen. I'm staying for the Elite Eight game against Southern Cal.

3/27: The women beat Southern Cal 99-64. Della Bates was unstoppable with 52, 18, and 10. Getting a triple double in the Elite Eight has never been done in either the men's or the women's tourney.

I have so much to think about. Do I stay or do i go? If I stay there are reminders everywhere- at work, at home, all around Western Massachusetts. And every memory is a heartache. One decision is made though. If I stay I'm going to sell the house and buy a condo. I need at least that much of a new start.

If I go everything that's familiar is gone and I am utterly alone. While there's some good in that there's also some bad. I'm an introvert, but I need some people. And yes, I know I'll make friends, I'll have the staff and the team wherever I am, but still. It's an incredibly difficult decision and I have no idea what I'm going to do. Of course a lot depends on who wants me, if anyone.

[Wayne23]

3/31: Temple, from here in the AAC, won the WOL tourney. Georgia Tech won the NIT.

4/1: In a shocker #17 ranked Georgetown upset Michigan ST. They face #1 in the nation Indiana for the title.

4/2: Our women beat Stanford, 76-67. They played really well. As always, Stanford is big and deep. Our two bigs, Smith and Wirz, outplayed Stanford's bigs, and Della had 25, 9, 6; another great game.

We play #1 UConn for the title.

4/3: Indian won by 12 to win the men's title.

4/4: Awards: Sam Toma is AAC POY and 1st team, for the 2nd year in a row. Nice! I get COY, which is also nice. Jason Bree joins Toma on the 1st team. Abe Hawk made the 2nd team, so our entire front court was honored. I guess that means we need to upgrade the backcourt, which we do...

67-68. The women lost by one to UConn. The winning shot was a 27 footer with Della's hand in the player's face. You can't do more than that. I am so proud of these kids, and next year Della, Smith and Wirz are all seniors, and all of our starters are back, as are the first three off the bench.

4/5: I'm back home and time is weighing heavy on my hands. I still don't know whether I'm staying or going. The phone calls have started and a couple are definitely worth thinking about.

4/8: Hm... Oregon...clear across the country, which is appealing except for being so far from my parents...

Kentucky... Nope. Not going back to the stifling heat of the South.

North Carolina... Nope the heat.

Oklahoma State... Too big a rebuilding job.

Kansas State... hm...

4/10: On a plane. Going to visit Kansas State and then Oregon.

4/11: No to Kansas State. Not crazy about the A. D. He was very abrupt, seemed humorless. I told him no thanks.

4/12: Still in a hotel in Eugene. They're losing 4 starters and the recruiting class isn't that impressive.

4/13: Back home. I said no to Oregon.

Press Conference:

Coach: I called this press conference to make an announcement... I will be returning to the University of Massachusetts (Roar of applause). I seriously considered offers from some other schools but UMass is home. I love my players, I love my staff, I love the women's team which has become like family, and Western Massachusetts is a beautiful place... I know that at times there will be pain... But I think that will be far outweighed by joy. Thank you. No questions.

4/23: While I'd like to ask for a facilities upgrade we truly do not have enough money to compete regarding recruiting. So I'm asking for a budget increase.

Got $10,500. It helps. We still can't compete with the top schools in the country, but it helps.

The house is for sale. There are some really nice condos within jogging distance of my office on campus. I'm negotiating a purchase.

32-5, AAC champs, Sweet Sixteen. After 6 seasons, the last three here, I am 167-39, .811. I would LOVE to get to a Final Four and I may never have a better chance than this coming season. We'll see what happens.

[Wayne23]

8/7: PG Brian Ward is #18, Sam Toma #38 on the Norton list.

I'm settling in here in the condo. It feels just as empty as the house did. I decided to only have one photo of Midge here, in my living room. It's a picture of the two of us that we both loved.

This whole thing doesn't seem to be getting any easier. I'm still seeing Ruth, still doing all the things she tells me to do. She says it takes time and the amount of time cannot be predicted. She also says that as I get busier that will help. That's really not until Oct. 2 when practices start.

8/21: We offer to 3 PGs, a PF, 2 Cs.

8/24: The six month anniversary of Midge's death. Not a good day.

9/3: So I went to the cafeteria alone for lunch today. I usually go with an assistant or a plyer or group of players, so that was unusual. After I got my food and sat down, this happened:

"Is this seat taken?"

"No. Go ahead."

"HI, Coach, I'm Brandi Reed. I teach Shakespeare to Juniors and Seniors."

"You seem to already know who I am. Please call me Phee."

"Hi Phee. I've actually seen you in here a few times and wanted to sit with you, but you were always with other people."

"Oh?"

"First, I'm so sorry for your loss. I guess it's been about six months now but I'm sure it's still fresh."

"Thanks. Sometimes it feels like it happened yesterday."

"I'm sure it does. Coach, you need a kitten!"

"A kitten?"

"As you're probably thinking, yes, my cat just had kittens and I need to find all four of them homes in about six weeks."

"You know, I actually like cats, but it's impossible. There are times when I'm away for fairly long periods of time."

"I can see where that could be a problem, but what if this cat mama said she'd come in and feed the kitty and play with it while you're away?"

"Thanks, but I don't think so."

"Coach, a good English teacher is part psychologist. I'm pretty sure you're not ready for a relationship, and I'm guessing you don't have any friends who aren't involved with the team, and maybe the women's team. So I'm also guessing your home and your life feel pretty empty right now."

"Uh..."

"You know I'm right. A kitten would give you a living thing in the house. I guarantee it would give you a laugh now and then and a smile often, and it would give you something to care for. Sounds like good therapy to me!"

"... Look, I don't even know you."

"That's true. Here's my card. Look me up on the UMass website. Check me out on 'Rate My Professor,' check out my FaceTime page."

"I really am a little confused..."

"Trying to help, Coach. Everything I've ever read or heard about you tells me your a good man. I'm just trying to help a good man who's going through a bad time. Anyway, check me out. I'll leave now, and hope to hear from you."

And she left. A kitten? I have to say she's a stunner. Tall and lean, long dark hair, deep brown eyes, and a lovely smile. But no, I'm not ready for a relationship and I don't know if I ever will be. I can't believe that's not what she's after. I mean, a kitten?

[Wayne23]

9/8: So I broke down and checked her out- Brandi Reed, I mean. And yes, I've been thinking about her way too much. Anyway, she's been here two years, this is the start of year three, seems to be about my age; I'm 29 now. She is HIGHLY rated by her students, and has already won a teaching award. Her research is on King Lear, Lear's Fool. I read one of her published articles. She's clearly very intelligent and is a really good writer with a sense of humor. Turns out she lives in the same condo complex I'm in. I don't know anyone here, and just come in, park in the garage attached to my kitchen, leave the same way, and have never met a single person here.

Oh, her bio mentions that she "lives with her cat, Cleo, and four beautiful new kittens who will need homes soon."

... I don't need any complications in my life right now...

9/9: "What a surprise, it's Coach Phee!"

"Hello, Brandi."

"May I?"

"Of course. How are you?"

"I'm fine. I'm always fine. I try to keep an upbeat outlook. Hey, I'm down to one male dark tiger kitten. I'm saving it for you."

(Laughs) "I don't think so, Brandi."

"Come on, Coach."

"I don't know if I'm up to taking on that responsibility."

"Cats aren't like dogs; they're easy. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you come over and meet the kitten? I'm actually just three units up the hill from you, same side of the street."

"I... I don't-"

"I think you're afraid you'll fall in love with the little guy..."

(Smiles) "Maybe I would."

"So when can you come over?"

"Let me think about it."

"You know I'm just going to keep bugging you."

It sounds like this would be really annoying but she had a light, friendly, mildly flirtatious manner, and it was very attractive.

Later that day I met with Ruth, my therapist. She told me I was being very foolish if I didn't go and visit Brandi and the kitten.

"Coach, this is just what you need right now."

"A kitten?"

"Well yes, but I meant a new friend."

"Ruth, I'm nowhere near ready for a relationship."

"Not even a friendship?"

"... Suppose she wants more than that? She's not exactly shy..."

"That's up to you. You can keep control of hope the relationship develops. A very positive thing is being offered to you. I think you need to accept the offer."

"I... I..."

"Coach, just do it. Isn't that what you athletic people say? Next time you see her in the cafeteria set up a time to visit the kitten. Don't make it more than it is, and don't lock yourself into or out of anything. Just be curious about possibilities."

So, yeah.

9/13: "Hi Brandi."

"Will wonders never cease! The world famous Coach Phee has come to my table! I am honored, kind sir!"

"So, is the kitten still available?"

"Of course YOUR kitten is still available!"

"Good, good... Can we set up a time for me to come over to see it."

"Him. Yes we can! I'm guessing your free time is more limited than mine. I teach on Tuesday evenings but I'm usually at home on the other nights."

"Tomorrow's Wednesday. 8:00 okay?"

"That would be lovely!"

"Which unit is yours?"

"I'm at #23."

"Okay, I'll see you then."

"YAY!!!"

9/14: I have to say the kitten was very cool. I expressed the concern about sometimes being gone for several days at a time, occasionally, a week or more.

"Phee, let's exchange numbers. Text me when you're going to be away, give me a spare key, and I'll come in and take care of food, water, litter, and spend time with the kitten. What are you going to name him?"

"Hadn't thought about it."

"I have. How about 'PG?'"

"PG?"

"You know, as in Point Guard, the key to any good college team."

"Sounds like you know a little about hoops."

"Season ticket holder, men's and women's team. Haven't missed a home game for either team in the last two seasons, and I watch the away games when their on,
listen when they're not."

"How about that!"

She offered me a glass of wine and seemed a little disappointed when I told her I don't drink. We had herbal tea and talked for, actually, a lot longer than I realized, as PG fought for my attention. When my phone beeped that I had a message it was 10:30.

"Oh wow! I didn't realize it was so late. I'm sorry. I'd better go now."

"PG should be ready to leave his mom by October 15. In the meantime I think you should come over to visit him so that you two can start to form a relationship."

I smiled... "Okay, Brandi. I think I just may."

****! Complications.

[Wayne23]

9/18: Got a PF, #14!!! Also got a C, #72. Lost a PG.

Invited to the Las Vegas Winter Jam, vs. Colorado ST. Definitely a stronger schedule.

9/25: Got a C, #77, a PG, #99. Lost a PG.

9/29: So I've visited PG a few times... well, every 2nd or 3rd night, actually. PG and I have bonded, and I've bought everything I need for when he's ready to move in. Brandi and I ... yeah... that's just messing with my mind. I really like her but I don't have much of anything to give. To her credit she seems to understand that. I sense that she wants a relationship, you know, like a romance, but she knows I can't... at least not yet...

10/2: First day of practice. I really like this team. We're good and we're 10 deep.

Lost a PG. Not sure I'll be able to fill the last 2 scholarships.

We're picked to win the AAC. I still can't believe we're not in the top 25...

The women are preseason #1 in the nation.

10/16: PG is now living in my condo.

10/23: PG is a lot of fun. Kittens are a laugh a minute when they're awake. Unfortunately the time they are awake is usually the middle of the night. And yes, now Brandi is visiting PG here.

11/13: The season starts tomorrow. Here's the lineup:

Frosh Brian Ward, a potential All American, is at the Point.

Soph Mike Wins is at SG, subs at PG.

Junior Sila Gazu is the first guard off the bench, and seniors Arvid Biel and Hec Howe are behind him. We have 5 guards who would start for lots of teams.

Senior Jay Bree is back at SF.

Senior Sam Toma is back at PF.

Junior Abe Hawk is back at C.

Soph Deke Juli is the first big man off the bench. Senior Chris Burr is also available up front.

[Wayne23]

11/14: 66-51 vs. Clemson here. Back and forth. Then we took over. Up by 19 at the half. Great D, 32.1%, 3-18 on threes. +7 RBs, 11 TOs.

Our bigs overpowered theirs. Toma had 18 and 16. 17, 6 for Hawk, 14, 4 for Bree. We didn't get much production from our guards but it was a low scoring game, and pushing it into the middle was working so well that we stayed with that.

[Wayne23]

11/17: 99-69 with Miami (FL) here. They're tough inside and our big guys have their work cut out. We took an early lead, then expanded it. Up 15 at the half. Looks like we're going to be an excellent defensive team. We held them to 41.9%, 5-21 on threes.

Balanced scoring- 14, 11, 3 for Hawk, 17, 3, 8 for Wins, 18, 5, 3 for Ward, 17, 9 for Toma, 15, 8, 3 for Bree.

The bench gave us 18, 10, 6 to 24, 9, 5. +12 RBs, 10 TOs.

It's early but it looks like these guys can play!

Brandi and I are getting closer and closer. It's still only a friendship but it's a close one. She's over here often, and we eat lunch together most weekdays. I've found that this gives me a short break from work and it turns out I'm actually more productive when I get back to it. I guess just working all the time has its drawbacks. Who knew!

Brandi and I also got to events on campus and in the area. We try to support the arts here at UMass, particularly student arts- plays, concerts, art exhibits...

[Wayne23]

11/21: 83-76. vs. 2-0 South Carolina here. They seem to be very good inside. We'll see... Up 10 after 8 1/2 minutes. Up 6 at the half. They WERE very good inside but our bigs, include our big subs, matched them, and our guards were terrific.

18 for Ward, 13, 6, 3 for Toma, 14, 7 for Wins, 9, 8 for Burr from the bench.

12 TOs to their 21. The D wasn't as good tonight; they shot 53.1%. But we took 15 more shots.

The women won the preseason NIT. None of the games were close although they faced the #5 and then the #3 teams in the country in the last two games.

[Wayne23]

11/28: 96-71 vs. 4-0 Georgia here. This one could be a real test. They're excellent inside and their SG is a big time scorer. We took an early lead. They kept coming back but up 14 at the half. We played really well. Mike Wins shut down their big scorer; Mike had 18, 3, 7, and the other guy had only 10, 1, 2.

19, 6, 4 for Bree, 18, 5 for Toma, 14, 5 for Hawk, 12, 3 for Juli. Only 5 TOs.

They shot 53.3% but we shot 50% and took 25 more shots.

Deke Juli sprained his left wrist. Out for 2 weeks. Chris Burr will get his minutes.

Off on a brief road trip. We'll only be gone 2 days. And Brandi will take care of PG.