Coach S. couldn't believe the email he just received from Martin Duncan. CC'd were all members of the board and significant members of the coaching staff, including Amy Oliver. He read it one more time:
"Dear Board and Coaches of the Fordham Men's Basketball Team,
I am here to argue that it is evident that Coach S. is not capable of leading the Fordham Rams Basketball Team to their full potential. We have been patient in giving him many years with the program, yet we have not seen any immensely positive results, barring last year's anomaly. As you are well aware, it was I who pushed for Coach S. to come here in the first place, but now I believe his time as a Fordham Ram is done. I have even gone the extra effort to appoint Amy Oliver, a post-graduate assistant, who is now being looked at by several major schools as an assistant coaching candidate mind you, and still the team struggled to succeed despite her extra help. In her reports to me, Ms. Oliver has mentioned that the atmosphere was chaotic, lacked organization and consistency, and was facing constant aggression from Coach S. I think her report coupled by my close analysis shows that Coach S. cannot be trusted to run this program any further. Another immediate conference loss to an inferior team has proven this. My proposal would be selecting an external coach to take over what Coach S. has started. Attached is a list of candidates. Thank you all for your time.
Regards,
Martin Duncan"
The series of emotions Coach S. felt were hard to describe. There was anger, sorrow, and disappointment. He had his suspicions, but this was extreme. Not only that, but Amy had really begun to win him over and seemed to be putting in a significant amount of work for the team, particularly as it came to developing tactics. In fact, he was not sure if they would have finish 9-9 in the Conference if it wasn't for her efforts. Jonathan entered his office carrying a box full of office supplies before dropping it on the floor.
"I'm out Coach, I can't say I'm not disappointed, but I waited awhile to accept a renewal and nothing seemed to pan out." Coach S. looked up in surprise before getting out of his seat.
"Jonathan, what are you talking about? I had a renewal deal on the table, it just needed final approval."
"Yea well it didn't pan out. Best of luck with everything coach."
"Wait, please, there is still time. You've been vital to this program and I'm not sure we can do as well without you!"
"I'm sorry Coach, but its too late. Between this and the drama with the Board, I just can't do it anymore. Best of luck with everything."
He picked up the box and left as Coach S. went back to his desk and placed his head in his hands. How did this all go so wrong so fast he thought. He had it in his mind that Martin had been his champion on the board and his friend. It seemed like now he didn't have a friend in the world. He heard a faint knock on his door and looked up with his eyes only half open.
"Hey coach I was hoping we could talk for a bit," it was Amy, standing there leaning with her side on the door frame.
"I don't have anything to say to you."
"Listen if this is about the email that's what I am here to expl-"
"The email?! This is much more than an email. This is about you raking me through the mud so that Martin Duncan could elevate you to a position of power at another school. You were nothing more than a pawn doing his dirty work. I used to think Martin was mind friend too, but he is incredibly self-interested. He'll use you and brandish you like a trophy or toss you aside if you don't shine the way he wants you to!" Coach S. heaved, now standing over his desk. Amy stared at him with a hint of sorrow in her eyes before beginning to speak. Her voice sounded strained.
"Do you really think so low of me? I came here to tell you that was a serious misclassification of my reports. I've felt nothing but excitement in being able to work with you and on this team coach. I did point out things that could be improved but only because Mr. Duncan said that I had to because of my job! Now that I saw what he was actually doing with that information, I feel icky and used, not to mention he omitted all of the positive aspects of my reports. I came to you because I wanted you to know I support you, your goals, and this program. Not Martin's agenda."
"Then why did you gather information? You're telling me he's making all that up? Why didn't you send an email to fix it?" Coach S. snapped.

"Do you really think they'd believe me over Martin? He told me just to listen and I wouldn't get fired, that he would 'get me a good job somewhere' and that I just had to go along with his plan. I'm just a post-grad assistant coach, there was a pretty big power disparity. I'm here now though to tell you the truth and to hopefully have your support in the event something does happen. Martin wants you out. He was using me to get information, it seems, to further that goal. As to the negative information in the email, I did say you have the tendency to get frustrated after close games and that the team wasn't as consistent as it could be, but I would never phrase it or intended for it to be conveyed the way Martin did and like I said, there were many more positives aspects highlighted that went unidentified in his email."
Coach S. stood over his desk before slumping down in his chair again. "Well, my fate is out of my hands at this point, the board is considering a vote right now in their meeting to remove me and if it goes through I am done."
"That's where you're wrong coach, your fate is in your hands. All we need to do is start winning games. The board is already supportive of you, I've seen how they view you at all the alumni events. You're the jewel of this program after last year. I don't think Martin has as much power as he thinks, but you're right in that he is trying to get more, although I have an idea... He doesn't know that I'm working with you and still might view me as his pawn. If we can get some dirt on him we can really turn things around fast and maybe get him removed."
"Man, I just miss the days when I was coaching a basketball team..."
"Coach, we just need to let the wins talk and everything will fall into place. Trust me."
"Alright, I do. What other choice do I have? Anyway I'm just about to review this season, feel free to join me if you wish"
She sits across from the Coach and smiles as they chat about the program and its development. Martin was slimy, it was going to take one helluva season to uproot him outright, but Coach S. figured he had time and if Amy was telling the truth, there was no way he could stand against the two of them.
Final Record: 13-17 (9-9)
72.3 PPG, 72.1 OPPG, 17.4 APG, 32.3 RPG, NET 183


An asterisk denotes a starter.
Coach S. and Amy then turned over to the reports about to the incoming recruits. Baki Tavukcu was coming in on a transfer from Michigan. Coach S. wasn't known for bringing in too many transfers, but he was excited for what this kid had to offer. He had been one of top International Prospects during his recruiting year and could hopefully carry the torch and lead this team back to some post-season success. Melvin Baker was an amazing talent and fortunate capture. Committing immediately after a home-visit pitching location, he was a Top 5 at the Big Apple Show Case and a highly touted prospect. Antoine Brown should provide a solid depth and rotational option for him and the SF position.

Fordham Men's Basketball Recruit Class 2030
Right as they were about to wrap up Coach S. received another email, titled "Board's Decision of Coach S.'s Future." Which stated the following:
"The Board held a meeting to discuss the future of Coach S. with the Fordham Rams. Despite some dissent, the Board is overwhelmingly happy with the way in which Coach S. had led the Rams thus far and the majority have voted against removal. Coach S. is permitted to continue in his position pursuant to the terms of his contract.
Regards,
Chairman Michael McNeely"
Other Notable Facts From the Season:
NCAA Final: Texas (94) over Arizona (77). Texas claims their second NCAA Tournament Title in School History. Arizona missed out on what would have been their first title.
ATL-10 Championship Game: VCU (76) over St. Josephs (62)
Team MVP[s]: Chase Frechette
Best Win: 74-63 v.s. Davidson Wildcats
Worst Loss: 66-68 @ George Mason
Notable Graduates: T.J. Kirklin
This was Coach S.'s 8th season and 5th with Fordham. His overall record sits at 128-147.
Rupert Robinson out of Texas won the Norton Award, Most Outstanding Player, Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Freshman of the Year. This was the first time I've seen this happen. His Stats: 29.7 PPG, 2.6 APG, 5.9 RPG, 4.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG.