Around the Horned With Brian Estridge
Feb. 21, 2003
With the season winding down and opinions being developed, it only seemed appropriate that I chime in on the subject of our men's basketball team. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this basketball family of Coach Dougherty's for the last four months and I'll tell you this much - we're lucky to have him.
The recent one-game suspensions of two of his players inspired me. That had to be one of the most difficult decisions (and he has had his share) that Coach Dougherty has had to make this year. But in this houshold, rules are rules, and if you don't abide by them, you pay the price.
Consistency may be one of the most outstanding attributes that Coach Dougherty possesses. And I am not just talking about consistency when handing down punishment, but consistency in how he handles every aspect of the job. Through this tough stretch of C-USA games when the over-matched Frogs have fought mightily only to come up short, he could have been different. He could have easily gone into a shell, he could have refused to join us courtside after the game, he could have given up on this group that, for the most part was inherited, but he hasn't and he won't.
You see, what Neil Dougherty is building at TCU is more than about hoops. Sure he wants to win as bad as anyone, and he will in due time, but this is bigger. It's about building players into men, leading by example, how to operate off the court as much as on, and providing a detailed regimen for them to follow to help them manage their time. And in the process creating a sense of self-discipline so in the future you don't have players suspended for games.
Oh don't worry, he and his staff are going to win a bunch of games here at TCU and we'll be talking post-season around here in time. But don't think for a second that they aren't winning right now. They're wining recruits and their families, winning fans one at a time, winning the respect of their current roster daily, and not that it matters, they've won over this broadcaster. "It's a team thing." That's what it is going to take to get this basketball program where it needs to be. Coach D - you can count on me!
From the streets and avenues of Nort Texas to the information superhighway, I'm Brian Estridge. We'll see you on the radio!
