I’m sure I will get crucified here but the consistent comparisons between Barry and Kim are tough for me to take.
I understand they are both alums of the University and I understand that, to date, both haven’t proven they can consistently win at a major level. However, to say they are the same is a major misrepresentation.
For one, Barry can actually recruit. Yes, he’s losing recruits right now with the sub par season he’s had thus far. But the fact is he was able to convince these young men, with multiple other major D1 options, that Mizzou was the place for them to be with really not a whole hell of a lot to sell. We can argue about his ability to close but I believe the guys he’s lost thus far are likely to come back into the fold if we can put together a solid second half of the season. I also believe, if the ship gets righted, Barry will be a force on the recruiting trail down the line.
Also, he was able to recruit coaches that at the time of their hires were considered to be studs. I know we are all captives to the moment but coaches Walters, Ellerby, Heuple, Haley and others all had quality options when they joined the staff. Again, I know it’s up to Barry to produce but he was able to sell these guys on his vision and they clearly believe(d) in him.
Two, Barry had and continues to have upside. When we brought Kim on this was his absolute pinnacle. He was 60+ years old and didn’t have any other D1 opportunities. Barry had the Memphis head coaching job, and possibly the Alabama D Coordinator job when we brought him on. I understand that he may have been given the keys to the castle a little too early but he had other options and he has/had a ton of potential. Again, I know people will say potential doesn’t produce wins but he is far from Kim in that area as well.
I know I’m going to be called an Odom apologist (or Mrs. Odom) but I actually believe he can turn it around. Barry has the fire and the drive. If he can close out the season with another 3-4 wins I think he deserves another year. Is it ideal? Absolutely not. I guarantee Barry would say he’s disappointed in the results to date. But, he’s not a guy to roll over. I believe he can turn it around. If he loses the majority of the games the rest of the year I understand if he’s fired but, for now, I’m going to bet on coach and hope like hell he proves the majority wrong.
(End rant)
I understand they are both alums of the University and I understand that, to date, both haven’t proven they can consistently win at a major level. However, to say they are the same is a major misrepresentation.
For one, Barry can actually recruit. Yes, he’s losing recruits right now with the sub par season he’s had thus far. But the fact is he was able to convince these young men, with multiple other major D1 options, that Mizzou was the place for them to be with really not a whole hell of a lot to sell. We can argue about his ability to close but I believe the guys he’s lost thus far are likely to come back into the fold if we can put together a solid second half of the season. I also believe, if the ship gets righted, Barry will be a force on the recruiting trail down the line.
Also, he was able to recruit coaches that at the time of their hires were considered to be studs. I know we are all captives to the moment but coaches Walters, Ellerby, Heuple, Haley and others all had quality options when they joined the staff. Again, I know it’s up to Barry to produce but he was able to sell these guys on his vision and they clearly believe(d) in him.
Two, Barry had and continues to have upside. When we brought Kim on this was his absolute pinnacle. He was 60+ years old and didn’t have any other D1 opportunities. Barry had the Memphis head coaching job, and possibly the Alabama D Coordinator job when we brought him on. I understand that he may have been given the keys to the castle a little too early but he had other options and he has/had a ton of potential. Again, I know people will say potential doesn’t produce wins but he is far from Kim in that area as well.
I know I’m going to be called an Odom apologist (or Mrs. Odom) but I actually believe he can turn it around. Barry has the fire and the drive. If he can close out the season with another 3-4 wins I think he deserves another year. Is it ideal? Absolutely not. I guarantee Barry would say he’s disappointed in the results to date. But, he’s not a guy to roll over. I believe he can turn it around. If he loses the majority of the games the rest of the year I understand if he’s fired but, for now, I’m going to bet on coach and hope like hell he proves the majority wrong.
(End rant)
