David Cox

[DigB]

Help me out oh rabid Rhody fans. When has Coach Cox won a game from the bench, or overachiever expectations for his team?

I must admit, the kids have continued to fight back and seldom laid down in a blowout. Then again we had few blowouts so we definately play to the level of the competition.

[theblueram]

I expect Fatts and Shep to not be here next year. That's almost 40% of scoring on a 10-14 team. Who is going to make that up + points needed to actually win games? I do not anticipate a good year next year.

[DeanDome88]

Never hire from within AGAIN.

It worked with Al Skinner. Since then not so much.

[ramster]

If Morey can.see this, why can't Dave?

The guy taking the ball the length of the court for the easy layup is Mike Bekelja, a 6'1" Freshman from Solon Ohio
He only had 6 assists all season yet against URI he had 5 last night
He only had 11 points all season.

Score is 65-56 with 8 minutes to go - lots of time to get back in this game

On the floor are Russell, Leggett, Walker, Johnson and Martin.

Leggett gives some effort at the start of Bekelja's length of court drive, Russell gives a matador lazy effort in the backcourt while Walker, Martin and Johnson basically do nothing as Bekelja goes the length of the floor and goes in for an easy, uncontested layup. This is a low minutes played, freshman sub taking it the length of the court against starters Russell, Leggett and Walker and defensive minded Martin and Johnson. Not good at all.

Watch Walker do absolutely nothing then shake his head. At least Johnson was somewhat covering his man in case Bekelja dished off.

Russell seems either hurt or not wanting to take any chances of getting further injured on defense.

Morey posting this play exemplifies the lack of defensive effort, energy and IQ the team has been displaying.

[ATPTourFan]

Very poor answer from Coach.

[PeteRI]

If Morey can.see this, why can't Dave?

The guy taking the ball the length of the court for the easy layup is Mike Bekelja, a 6'1" Freshman from Solon Ohio
He only had 6 assists all season yet against URI he had 5 last night
He only had 11 points all season.

That right there is a fireable offense.

[PeteRI]

Kid's a sharpshooter too. .235 overall and a blistering .200 from 3. He'd fit right in here.

[DeanDome88]

Very poor answer from Coach.

Let's Jeopardy that answer: No, not right now. Should Coach Cox receive an extension?

[Jersey77]

Never hire from within AGAIN.

It worked with Al Skinner. Since then not so much.

Seems to be working well with Wichita State and Isaac Brown. Almost as important, they were smart enough to bring in Billy Kennedy, who as a head coach went to multiple NCAAT, and two Sweet 16’s. The youth and inexperience of our staff is showing and not sure they can find the answers to turn it around.

[Rhody15]

Very poor answer from Coach.

...did he really just give that as an answer?

[ramster]

Very poor answer from Coach.

Let's Jeopardy that answer: No, not right now. Should Coach Cox receive an extension?

I'd say that Cox is not happy with what Morey has been reporting about him and his team. Morey has called him out over the past couple of weeks unlike other press. Cox is not used to that and he just gives Morey the cold shoulder. Good for Morey to press with challenging questions. Not good to respond like this.

[eli#10]

After that court length drive for an uncontested layup Cox should have called a time out and got in the face of each player and maybe put in another 5 players. That is replacing every one of them. Walker and Martin (the first team defense player from Conference USA) were awful defending Weathers and made him look like MJ especially when he dunked it on Martin.
I did not watch the first half but the refs in the second half were awful. Mitchell's third foul was a flop and cost us a basket and his fourth foul was a joke. Harris' offensive foul was also a terrible call and cost us a hoop.
We gave up 86 points to a team that averages 67 points a game which is beyond awful.
Most college bball teams take on the personality of their coach. For us that is a HUGE problem.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Very poor answer from Coach.

It's too bad on a couple levels...the basketball level, of course, but...this also kinda makes him seem like a doosh, and I don't know that he is.

[PeteRI]

Very poor answer from Coach.

Let's Jeopardy that answer: No, not right now. Should Coach Cox receive an extension?

I'd say that Cox is not happy with what Morey has been reporting about him and his team. Morey has called him out over the past couple of weeks unlike other press. Cox is not used to that and he just gives Morey the cold shoulder. Good for Morey to press with challenging questions. Not good to respond like this.

DING DING DING Sorry Coach, but when your team plays this poorly for an entire season you can't expect the Steve and Don kid gloves treatment - and you sure as he'll don't deserve it.

[ramster]

After that court length drive for an uncontested layup Cox should have called a time out and got in the face of each player and maybe put in another 5 players. That is replacing every one of them. Walker and Martin (the first team defense player from Conference USA) were awful defending Weathers and made him look like MJ especially when he dunked it on Martin.
I did not watch the first half but the refs in the second half were awful. Mitchell's third foul was a flop and cost us a basket and his fourth foul was a joke. Harris' offensive foul was also a terrible call and cost us a hoop.
We gave up 86 points to a team that averages 67 points a game which is beyond awful.
Most college bball teams take on the personality of their coach. For us that is a HUGE problem.

Excellent point and suggestion Eli.
That basket by the Duquesne Freshman Mike Bekelja put Duquesne up by 67-56 with 8 minutes to go. Inexcusable to have any player go the length of the court unchallenged but a Freshman reserve????
Cox should have called timeout right then and there and pulled Russell, Leggett, Walker, Johnson and Martin. I don't know about getting in each players face but he could also just let them sit there on the bench and reflect.

He could have put in Mitchell, Harris and Carey (Sheppard was hurt), Betrand and Brusadin. What's to lose at this point?

[Blue Man]

Very poor answer from Coach.

This is where I say you need to seriously consider moving on.

The press conferences have opened a window into DC’s thinking process, which as it refers to basketball, is using a very liberal interpretation of the phrase “thinking process.”

Coach speak is one thing, but to be pressed on it and not have any real answers is concerning.

It could just mean that he doesn’t care any more and he hasn’t cared down the stretch - can’t have that guy coaching your team.

It could mean that he literally has no answers- can’t have that guy coaching your team.

It could mean he really can’t make adjustments - can’t have that guy coaching your team.

It could mean that he doesn’t actually know what is wrong - can’t have that guy coaching your team.

Whatever the explanation, nothing points to this being the guy you want running your team.

[RhowdyRam02]

I miss going to the RC so much I was planning on getting season tickets next year. I usually go to 8 or 9 games a year. I changed my mind. I'll go to one to see the RC and get it out of my system. I can't pay to watch this crap.

Spend the time and money on the women's team instead

[Billyboy78]

If fans would have been allowed at 100% capacity at the RC and we were drawing 3000 per game and no student interest, would that get Thor to make a move sooner?

[RhowdyRam02]

Never hire from within AGAIN.

Is there something deficient with this program that makes it difficult to successfully elevate assistants here or have we just been unlucky with who we've elevated?

[RhowdyRam02]

"Dave, you mentioned lessons learned this year. Can you rattle off a couple? Any big things that stand out for you this regular season?"

"No, not at this point. No."

Come on, Morey. Don't be so hard on the guy. We've only played 24 games this year.

This is damning. Either he actually can't identify any lessons (bad) or he knows that the biggest lesson of all is that his entire strategy of assembling a team of me-first transfers and promising everyone playing time has failed miserably (also bad).

The Cox gamble has failed. I'm not sad that we tried it. But I'll be sad if we don't move on quickly.

Well said. Hiring Cox was both completely defensible and probably the smart move at the time. The problem is he's obviously way over his head with no signs of improvement. You can't give a hire with no experience a long leash if they're not showing improvement

[RhowdyRam02]

Very poor answer from Coach.

And then the glare he gives toward Morey's portion of the chat after answering the question, like how dare you ask me a completely reasonable follow up question on something I said. Completely unprofessional on every level

[McRam]

If Morey can.see this, why can't Dave?

The guy taking the ball the length of the court for the easy layup is Mike Bekelja, a 6'1" Freshman from Solon Ohio
He only had 6 assists all season yet against URI he had 5 last night
He only had 11 points all season.

Score is 65-56 with 8 minutes to go - lots of time to get back in this game

On the floor are Russell, Leggett, Walker, Johnson and Martin.

Leggett gives some effort at the start of Bekelja's length of court drive, Russell gives a matador lazy effort in the backcourt while Walker, Martin and Johnson basically do nothing as Bekelja goes the length of the floor and goes in for an easy, uncontested layup. This is a low minutes played, freshman sub taking it the length of the court against starters Russell, Leggett and Walker and defensive minded Martin and Johnson. Not good at all.

Watch Walker do absolutely nothing then shake his head. At least Johnson was somewhat covering his man in case Bekelja dished off.

Russell seems either hurt or not wanting to take any chances of getting further injured on defense.

Morey posting this play exemplifies the lack of defensive effort, energy and IQ the team has been displaying.

Amen. This play is embarrassing !! Obviously , this team was once again not prepared to compete.

[SmartyBarrett]

Very poor answer from Coach.

Let's Jeopardy that answer: No, not right now. Should Coach Cox receive an extension?

I'd say that Cox is not happy with what Morey has been reporting about him and his team. Morey has called him out over the past couple of weeks unlike other press. Cox is not used to that and he just gives Morey the cold shoulder. Good for Morey to press with challenging questions. Not good to respond like this.

I had the same thought. I think if Koch or someone else had asked the same question the answer would have been different.

[RhowdyRam02]

Cox now has a 7-12 record (.368 winning percentage) in the month of February, he's over .500 in every other month. As the season goes on, teams should get better. Ours either gets worse under Cox or can't keep pace with other teams as they improve. That's bad coaching. That's the kind of track record that will keep you out of the tournament. That's Baronesque

[Rhodyhooopz]

If I was at the press conference here is what I would have asked.

Coach do you think with this year’s performance that you deserve an extension?

Coach how would you answer all of you detractors out there about how you are going to fix it?

[RI_Bred]

Let's Jeopardy that answer: No, not right now. Should Coach Cox receive an extension?

I'd say that Cox is not happy with what Morey has been reporting about him and his team. Morey has called him out over the past couple of weeks unlike other press. Cox is not used to that and he just gives Morey the cold shoulder. Good for Morey to press with challenging questions. Not good to respond like this.

I had the same thought. I think if Koch or someone else had asked the same question the answer would have been different.

At the very least, you remain professional and come up with a coach-speak generalized answer to the question. To flat out say "no" - can't think of a specific example or doesn't want to answer because he's pissed at Morey - is a really bad look. Very unprofessional and quite frankly off-putting. Bizarre.

[NC_Ram]

We may have to get creative with our recruiting efforts.

"Forget having your basketball career squandered .... we have Quahogs"!!!

[eli#10]

Watching Villanova vs Butler which reminds me of somethings like do we ever run a pick and roll, do we ever set an effective screen to open up a player, do we ever set an effective pick, do we ever play zone to mix things up little? Do we do too much dribbling near the 3point line against a zone? Do we play with enthusiasm and intensity? Do we show any togetherness on the court?
I guess the real question is why???????????

[Blue Man]

"Dave, you mentioned lessons learned this year. Can you rattle off a couple? Any big things that stand out for you this regular season?"

"No, not at this point. No."

Come on, Morey. Don't be so hard on the guy. We've only played 24 games this year.

This is damning. Either he actually can't identify any lessons (bad) or he knows that the biggest lesson of all is that his entire strategy of assembling a team of me-first transfers and promising everyone playing time has failed miserably (also bad).

The Cox gamble has failed. I'm not sad that we tried it. But I'll be sad if we don't move on quickly.

Well said. Hiring Cox was both completely defensible and probably the smart move at the time. The problem is he's obviously way over his head with no signs of improvement. You can't give a hire with no experience a long leash if they're not showing improvement

This is where I am. It was a worthwhile gamble at the time. It was also in his associate HC contract that we owed DC a buyout if he wasn’t named the next HC.

He was the established coach in waiting. The reasons were fine at the time. The experiment was one you could begin based on the state of the program.

But you have to recognize where we are and where Cox is as a coach. It’s not working out, the improvements are not happening. You should have seen enough to make a reasonable projection on Cox.

This program is now at a crossroads and any additional years of Cox not getting it done can do a baron level of damage to this program that you will need to get lucky and find your next Hurley to pull you out of.

[Blue Man]

Not hyperbole - is Tammi Reiss a better coach than DC?

Watching them their offense is in constant motion and their defense is significantly more active and communicates better than ours.

Don’t really care for the women’s game as much as men’s, but there’s a noticeable difference in effort and execution even if the speed and skill isn’t the same.

[RhowdyRam02]

Not hyperbole - is Tammi Reiss a better coach than DC?

Watching them their offense is in constant motion and their defense is significantly more active and communicates better than ours.

Don’t really care for the women’s game as much as men’s, but there’s a noticeable difference in effort and execution even if the speed and skill isn’t the same.

Not only is it not hyperbole, it's a 100% dead honest fact. We need to sign her to an extension

[reef]

There was one other defensive play that was awful too not sure if you guys remember but somebody got beat off the dribble and Twan wasn’t watching the ball and had his back turned to the ball just following his man and the guy just followed Twan down the lane for a layup just poor fundamental defense , this team has become a joke

[rambone 78]

Cox has lost the team, it's obvious.

There isn't just one issue, there are many.

It's past the point of no return, it's not doable or fixable.

It's also past the point of pointing any particular problems. It's everything, simple as that.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Cox has lost the team, it's obvious.

There isn't just one issue, there are many.

It's past the point of no return, it's not doable or fixable.

It's also past the point of pointing any particular problems. It's everything, simple as that.

Not "all" of 'everything', just a little bit..

[rambone 78]

Wonder if Dooley leaving in June will affect a decision on Cox?

Dooley had a big hand in the hiring of Dan.

Anyway, if Cox goes, it will likely happen within a few weeks at most.

There may not be as many coaches fired as usual after this season, due to the pandemic.

Including us.

[ace]

Let's Jeopardy that answer: No, not right now. Should Coach Cox receive an extension?

I'd say that Cox is not happy with what Morey has been reporting about him and his team. Morey has called him out over the past couple of weeks unlike other press. Cox is not used to that and he just gives Morey the cold shoulder. Good for Morey to press with challenging questions. Not good to respond like this.

I had the same thought. I think if Koch or someone else had asked the same question the answer would have been different.

Yeah, there definitely might be something to that. Conflict between coaches and the people that cover their teams is nothing new. Coaches can get prickly and defensive, especially when things are not going well. Some people in the media can take what may seem like cheap shots in their work. I’m talking in generalities, not specifically about this.

I do think it’s even harder this year because there is so little, if any, face-to-face contact. Sometimes issues can get hashed out off the record. With closed practices and almost everything being done virtually, it’s even tougher to get a feel for the team you’re supposed to cover, especially when it doesn’t seem like the coach is giving you much in interviews.

[SmartyBarrett]

Cox now has a 7-12 record (.368 winning percentage) in the month of February, he's over .500 in every other month. As the season goes on, teams should get better. Ours either gets worse under Cox or can't keep pace with other teams as they improve. That's bad coaching. That's the kind of track record that will keep you out of the tournament. That's Baronesque

It’s slightly different from Baron for this reason: Baron would play Eastern Illinois A&M School For The Deaf in non-conference, so the decline as the team entered A-10 play was completely expected and predicable. URI has played a very solid non-conference slate under Cox. So while Baron was a bad coach from Nov-Mar and was able to hide the results for a while, Cox hits the ground running when the season starts. But then things slowly fade.

[theblueram]

Cox now has a 7-12 record (.368 winning percentage) in the month of February, he's over .500 in every other month. As the season goes on, teams should get better. Ours either gets worse under Cox or can't keep pace with other teams as they improve. That's bad coaching. That's the kind of track record that will keep you out of the tournament. That's Baronesque

It’s slightly different from Baron for this reason: Baron would play Eastern Illinois A&M School For The Deaf in non-conference, so the decline as the team entered A-10 play was completely expected and predicable. URI has played a very solid non-conference slate under Cox. So while Baron was a bad coach from Nov-Mar and was able to hide the results for a while, Cox hits the ground running when the season starts. But then things slowly fade.

I wouldn't call 1-6 in the last 7 games a slow fade. More like a crash and burn.

[SmartyBarrett]

Things were already fading prior to the last seven games, though.

[theblueram]

True Smarty, but fading is a polite term. This team crashed and burned.

[theblueram]

I think it would be so much nicer if DC comes to an agreement with the admin and steps down rather than getting fired next year. This is a disaster and needs to end quietly.

[RI_Bred]

I think it would be so much nicer if DC comes to an agreement with the admin and steps down rather than getting fired next year. This is a disaster and needs to end quietly.

I just don't see that happening. I don't think we can underestimate the "breaks" that a lot of these coaches are going to be afforded due to this unique Covid-altered season.

Most coaches, including Cox, that are on the proverbial "hot seat" will be given a pass for this year. And he's be crazy to walk away from such a lucrative salary.

The administration is not firing David Cox this year. No way.

[theblueram]

I think it would be so much nicer if DC comes to an agreement with the admin and steps down rather than getting fired next year. This is a disaster and needs to end quietly.

I just don't see that happening. I don't think we can underestimate the "breaks" that a lot of these coaches are going to be afforded due to this unique Covid-altered season.

Most coaches, including Cox, that are on the proverbial "hot seat" will be given a pass for this year. And he's be crazy to walk away from such a lucrative salary.

The administration is not firing David Cox this year. No way.

Lucrative salary? I think he is only guaranteed $300K a year. The rest is incentives and gate receipts.

[RI_Bred]

I think it would be so much nicer if DC comes to an agreement with the admin and steps down rather than getting fired next year. This is a disaster and needs to end quietly.

I just don't see that happening. I don't think we can underestimate the "breaks" that a lot of these coaches are going to be afforded due to this unique Covid-altered season.

Most coaches, including Cox, that are on the proverbial "hot seat" will be given a pass for this year. And he's be crazy to walk away from such a lucrative salary.

The administration is not firing David Cox this year. No way.

Lucrative salary? I think he is only guaranteed $300K a year. The rest is incentives and gate receipts.

So he just voluntarily walks away from it, for what?

[theblueram]

I just don't see that happening. I don't think we can underestimate the "breaks" that a lot of these coaches are going to be afforded due to this unique Covid-altered season.

Most coaches, including Cox, that are on the proverbial "hot seat" will be given a pass for this year. And he's be crazy to walk away from such a lucrative salary.

The administration is not firing David Cox this year. No way.

Lucrative salary? I think he is only guaranteed $300K a year. The rest is incentives and gate receipts.

So he just voluntarily walks away from it, for what?

$600K

[reef]

Yeah I don’t see him walking away either , he either gets fired or walks out sideline again next year

[theblueram]

Yeah I don’t see him walking away either , he either gets fired or walks out sideline again next year

The RC, if fans in the stands, next year won't be pretty. Cause we have no players making up 26 points a game. And that's on a team that sucks.

[rambone 78]

We could bring in Gonzaga quality players, and Cox still won't know how to coach them.

The problems here stem from much more than a talent issue.

You would think that we would have to be better with much more talent...but really how much better?

Good enough to dance? I doubt it big time.

[theblueram]

We could bring in Gonzaga quality players, and Cox still won't know how to coach them.

The problems here stem from much more than a talent issue.

You would think that we would have to be better with much more talent...but really how much better?

Good enough to dance? I doubt it big time.

Bone it's beyond that. The in game is shit. This is CYO basketball.

[rambone 78]

That's what I mean.

Cox can't coach his way out of a paper bag, regardless of the talent level.