by PointGuard » Sat Jun 25, 2022 8:36 pm
Jason Braxton, Athletic Director meeting with Coach Fred Aura
JB: I know you’ve been getting pats on the back from nearly everyone after winning the National Championship. I knew when I hired you that you’d take us from the bottom into serious competition with the bigger names in the ACC. But to be honest, I never ever imagined us winning the NCAA Tournament. So not only did you exceed all the goals I set for you and your team this season (No academic ineligibility; Winning 20+ games; Finish in the Top 3 in the ACC standings; Qualify for the NCAA Tourney; Improve school prestige), you took Boston College all the way to the top! Just fantastic. Congratulations, Fred.
FA: Thanks, Jason. I have to admit after not winning the ACC Tourney, I didn’t anticipate going all the way either. But my guys exceeded MY expectations. Like a dog, they got a bone in their teeth and just wouldn’t let go. I’m proud of them. And every one of my 13 scholarship players scored points in the NCAA Tournament. That’s something they’ll all be able to talk about the rest of their lives as well as being part of a very small group of players who have been on a national championship team.
JB: It’s about time for me to talk with BC’s Board of Directors. What do you want to have me request this year?
FA: I’d sure like to see our facilities improved. That would be a big benefit to our team and also help our recruiting.
JB: Fred, even though this should be a year when the board acquiesces and I’d sure like a facility uupgrade also, I just don’t see the board buying off on that. They absolutely think we have great facilities and even when I’ve shown them comparisons with some of what other ACC teams have, they’re still resistant. What else would be good, Fred? A budget increase? Or better yet, how about a longer contract for you at a higher salary?
FA: We can always use a budget increase. That helps both with recruiting and getting better assistant coaches. How about a $25,000 increase?
JB: Yeah, I can take that to them and make a good case for it. But what about some more money for you also?
FA: Obviously I’d be a fool to turn down a bigger salary. But Jason, I have to be honest with you. I’m in a real quandary right now. This has been a very rough year for me here. Janeka’s mother had a real hard time the past 6 months before she passed away and that was hard…obviously harder on Janeka, but tough for me also. Then there’s Malik who has had such a rough time at Georgetown this season. Janeka and I are really worried about him. Also there was a lot of negativity from elements of the media and some of our fans about our team and how it has been handled…well, at least there was before we won it all. Then there was the police investigation. Janeka and I have been talking about maybe stepping back a bit. Taking some of the pressure off. So there’s a real possibility that it’s time for me to move on.
JB: WHAT? Fred, you just won it all and you have almost the entire team coming back. And you have three 4-star recruits coming to the team. Hell, the Eagles will be a much better team next season. How could you possibly pass that up?
FA: You’re right, Jason. I agree that the team’s poised to be even better this coming year. And I love the team and our players so even thinking about leaving is difficult. But however this works out, I need to do what’s best for my family…as well as for me.
JB: I certainly would never keep you from looking at any and all options and talking to anyone you want to, but I sure as hell hope you and Janeka decide to stay here. I’ve jotted down an offer for a new contract for you and am putting it in this envelope. Take a look at it and share it with Janeka before you get much deeper into thinking about leaving us.
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