WVU and Bob Huggins: Hey Coach! How About Smiling Every Now and Then

While contemplating the whole Bleacher Report Bracketbreaker Challenge, I thought to myself and out loud to my two rat terriers, about the best route to take if I were to join the fun.  We decided that I should not turn my back on the Mountaineers of WVU.

I suppose one might call me old school when it comes to my view of the recent coaching changes in the WVU athletic department.  Yeah, I like to see W's instead of L's but, I would much more prefer respect. 

My mind wanders back to my Grandfather's garage and a small radio, amidst the Gale Catlett/Don Nehlen era, when things were not always a celebration in Morgantown.  However, as a young boy I was proud to be a Mountaineer. 

While growing in stature, age, wisdom and a little around the waist, I also grew to respect WVU coaches Catlett and Nehlen.  I really enjoyed the way they presented themselves and the manner in which both promoted West Virginia, not just themselves.

So, it goes without saying that the college sports scene has changed since that those "good ol' days".  Therefore, we must all accept it and go with the flow.

We all know the continuing saga with former WVU football coach Rich Rodriguez and we have also seen how a hoops coach can use a Big East ball team as a stepping stone and then make a "bee line" to the Big Ten.  However, we have yet to see our head basketball coach get arrested for DUI.  Well, at least since he's been in Morgantown anyway.

West Virginia head basketball coach Bob Huggins was born in Morgantown, moved to Ohio and began his college B-ball career at Ohio University, before transferring to WVU in 1975.  "Huggs" played for WVU through the 1977 season and then tried out for the Philadelphia 76ers but, was cut.

After a couple years as an assistant, Huggins began his head coaching career in 1980.  He eventually landed the head position at the University of Cincinnati in 1989.  The Bearcats did very well under his guidance.  This helped convince the sports world that Bob Huggins can coach basketball.

The fact is, he can coach.  Look at his record.  He definitely has more W's than L's.  However, I was disappointed when he was named the coach of the Mountaineers.  For those of you who may not know, Bob Huggins was arrested for DUI during his tenure at Cincinnati.  This is not the kind of guy I want coaching at WVU. 

Huggins may be an awesome coach but, just not the legacy I care to, care about. 

OK, so in his first season at WVU, I must admit he exceeded my expectations and I applaud him for his success.  The point is:  WVU has great players and a good coach. 

As long as Joe Alexander, Alex Ruoff, Darris Nichols, Jamie Smalligan, Da'Sean Butler, Joe Mazzulla and the rest of the bench can keep doing what they are doing on the court and Bob Huggins can put down the bottle and maybe even crack a smile in public, the Mountaineers will prevail to the Sweet 16, slipper or no slipper...