The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(03-17-2019 08:30 AM)Sirloin Burger Wrote:  JJ has taken 3 programs to the NCAA Tournament, Virginia, American and now Old Dominion. Congrat's Coach Jones!

All from Virginia. JJ is at 497 total wins, would be nice to get 500 in the NCAA.

(03-17-2019 12:07 PM)DaBigBlue Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 08:30 AM)Sirloin Burger Wrote:  JJ has taken 3 programs to the NCAA Tournament, Virginia, American and now Old Dominion. Congrat's Coach Jones!

All from Virginia. JJ is at 497 total wins, would be nice to get 500 in the NCAA.

Technically....American is here in DC. But he may have lived in VA during his tenure so....it counts?

Well done Coach Jones! Virtuoso coaching job this season! Thoroughly enjoyed your comments after the game.

And as Ahmad put it: WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO SAY NOW!!!

(03-17-2019 11:22 AM)AdoptedMonarch Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 10:58 AM)mac Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 08:55 AM)AdoptedMonarch Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 08:23 AM)ODU AGGIE Wrote:  Good article here.

http://www.odusports.com/ViewArticle.dbm...=211795940

Hmm -- I wonder which internet poster(s) he had in mind?

I actually (and unfortunately, since I really like Harry Minium) think that this is a crappy article. It reads like it was written by a smitten cheerleader, not a reporter. He's much better than that.

A couple of examples:

==> "Blaine Taylor was well-thought of coach, but for whatever reason, when Jones replaced him, the program was in disarray." Is there some mystery about the reason for the program's disarray post-B.T.? What kind of reporter leaves unanswered that question, which is most pertinent to the expectations and promises made to the ODU community at the time of J.J.'s hiring?

==> "Incredibly, prior to this season, some fans were grumbling about Jones." I was not one of them, but I do not find it at all incredible that some of our fans were grumbling. The promise was made that Coach Jones knew what was needed to get us back to an at-large level program. He's not delivered on that promise. Yes, winning the tournament is big-time redemption. But it is not close to fair to suggest that fan criticism is incredible.

==> How does Minium square these two sentences, written within just a few paragraphs of one another: "I think the cumulative effect of having good seasons and falling short was another reason" with "What I will say for the tournament or nothing crowd is ... [t]hat’s still a bunch of garbage". A less credulous reporter might see the inconsistency in these two statements. If he's not going to acknowledge it, he could at least attempt to offer a plausible spin.



Bottom line: my opinion of J.J. (of whom I am generally a fan) has increased immeasurably after watching the job he as done with this year's team. Thanks to this gushy article, my opinion of H.M. as a serious reporter has decreased at least slightly.

But this is a small gripe on my part. Much more important: Congratulations to Coach Jones and to the 2018-2019 Monarchs! You guys have made the entire community proud.

Have to laugh at this one my friend. Harry Minium is now a public relations writer whose job it now is, is to make the school look good. Just what he’s doing. David Teel would be the reporter type now. Just like CHKD and Sentara who has scooped up all types of local EX reporters to write for them.

"What you should not expect is cheerleading.

Ted Alexander, the associate athletic director for external relations, is my boss in athletics. I was heartened to hear him tell me that my columns should be honest and at times have an edge."

Taken from H.M.'s inaugural article with ODUsports: http://www.odusports.com/ViewArticle.dbm...M_ID=31100

I'll admit, dishing on fans who care deeply about ODU qualifies as having "an edge". But I wouldn't go so far as to call H.M.'s latest as a particularly honest portrayal of what has been a core point of debate among our most loyal fans this season. It strikes me instead as pretty dismissive. Harry is better than that.

So about that quote, "Ted Alexander, the associate athletic director for external relations, is my boss in athletics. I was heartened to hear him tell me that my columns should be honest and at times have an edge." What other quote would Ted A. give him to write? How about, "Ted A. expects me to be a shameless shill for the University and was honest and upfront about it." Harry is doing his job, promoting the University and my impression is they think he is doing a great job. Money is pouring in to ODU (records set) the new stadium is being built and progress is being made on other fronts as well. Finally, for all the mountains of criticism on this MB about Coach Jones to date, we have won the Conf. Regular Season along with 2 players on the 1st team and picked up POY & COY. Now we have won the Tournament and picked up the Tournament MVP. Finally, Harry having fought the same cancer as Coach Jones probably has more empathy than the rest of us and that may also have come into play. You don't have to read it, but I did and I liked it.

To be clear, I think Harry is doing a fantastic job. It pleases me to know he reads some of these posts even if he wants to generalize us as a group of people who were NCAAT or bust. "Message board people" are the toughest group of any fanbase and we are most critical of our program when it is not achieving what we feel as success. We message board people tend to hold things to higher standards and when we don't achieve those standards we vent it out on here. That doesn't mean message board people hate the coach or the team. We are just going to be the most passionate part of the fanbase, both when times are great as well as bad. End rant! Go Monarchs!

(03-17-2019 02:39 PM)odu09 Wrote:  To be clear, I think Harry is doing a fantastic job. It pleases me to know he reads some of these posts even if he wants to generalize us as a group of people who were NCAAT or bust. "Message board people" are the toughest group of any fanbase and we are most critical of our program when it is not achieving what we feel as success. We message board people tend to hold things to higher standards and when we don't achieve those standards we vent it out on here. That doesn't mean message board people hate the coach or the team. We are just going to be the most passionate part of the fanbase, both when times are great as well as bad. End rant! Go Monarchs!

I, as you know, work hard to respect everyone on this message board but that certainly is not the case for others who use personal invectives all the time. AND, it seems obvious to me that some people on here do hate Coach Jones. Couch/phrase it any way you want but it not just holding him or ODU to higher standards. Some folks have been nasty in hundreds of posts over multiple years. (even if they do switch sides occasionally when the wind blows STRONGLY in JJ's favor) I am very passionate and have been a fan for exactly 50 years (to be precise, as of this Fall) and it is possible for adults to criticize or whatever without being insulting or attacking a fellow human being. Many who think my way have given up, moved on or like me seldom post anymore. So play on and this is not a rant but an opinion and I managed to express it without any insults.

I do not hate JJ and it is a gross mischaracterization to intimate as much.

(03-17-2019 05:22 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  I do not hate JJ and it is a gross mischaracterization to intimate as much.

Read it carefully (as you always tell others to do) no names were used. Since you profess innocence I have no idea why you would feel it was about you. Now go back to calling someone "Princess" elsewhere on the MB (which I am sure is not an insult) and ignore what you believe does not apply to you. Frankly your reply might make one assume you have some self-doubt to think it does.

(03-17-2019 06:33 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 05:22 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  I do not hate JJ and it is a gross mischaracterization to intimate as much.

Read it carefully (as you always tell others to do) no names were used. Since you profess innocence I have no idea why you would feel it was about you. Now go back to calling someone "Princess" elsewhere on the MB (which I am sure is not an insult) and ignore what you believe does not apply to you. Frankly your reply might make one assume you have some self-doubt to think it does.

I’ve seen no hate for Jeff jones on this board.

People questioning is ability at his job is what this board exists for. He shut everyone up for the most part with this successful season.

No one has ever stated they hate the man despite these ridiculous assertions to the contrary.

It was a poorly written and poorly worded article.

(03-17-2019 06:48 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 06:33 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 05:22 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  I do not hate JJ and it is a gross mischaracterization to intimate as much.

Read it carefully (as you always tell others to do) no names were used. Since you profess innocence I have no idea why you would feel it was about you. Now go back to calling someone "Princess" elsewhere on the MB (which I am sure is not an insult) and ignore what you believe does not apply to you. Frankly your reply might make one assume you have some self-doubt to think it does.

I’ve seen no hate for Jeff jones on this board.

People questioning is ability at his job is what this board exists for. He shut everyone up for the most part with this successful season.

No one has ever stated they hate the man despite these ridiculous assertions to the contrary.

It was a poorly written and poorly worded article.

Well everyone has a right to an opinion even Harry M. He just gets payed very well to write it. Also, I think in America (at least so far) folks can agree or disagree with it as they want. Again, if as you say none of it applied to you just move along and ignore it. (or) Write a protest letter to the University (Although all his stuff is approved by the 3 levels of folks so not sure how much satisfaction you will get there.)

(03-17-2019 07:00 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 06:48 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 06:33 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 05:22 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  I do not hate JJ and it is a gross mischaracterization to intimate as much.

Read it carefully (as you always tell others to do) no names were used. Since you profess innocence I have no idea why you would feel it was about you. Now go back to calling someone "Princess" elsewhere on the MB (which I am sure is not an insult) and ignore what you believe does not apply to you. Frankly your reply might make one assume you have some self-doubt to think it does.

I’ve seen no hate for Jeff jones on this board.

People questioning is ability at his job is what this board exists for. He shut everyone up for the most part with this successful season.

No one has ever stated they hate the man despite these ridiculous assertions to the contrary.

It was a poorly written and poorly worded article.

Well everyone has a right to an opinion even Harry M. He just gets payed very well to write it. Also, I think in America (at least so far) folks can agree or disagree with it as they want. Again, if as you say none of it applied to you just move along and ignore it. (or) Write a protest letter to the University (Although all his stuff is approved by the 3 levels of folks so not sure how much satisfaction you will get there.)

I don’t read his articles or care about them, I’m just stating for the record that anyone who claims people “hate Jeff” are wildly exaggerating.

Thinking we could get a better coach is not even remotely the same as hating someone on a personal level.

Quite to the contrary, I wish Jeff nothing but the best, I hope his health improves and I hope he continues this incredible run and continues to shut his critics (myself included) up!

(03-17-2019 01:21 PM)ODUDJ96 Wrote:  Well done Coach Jones! Virtuoso coaching job this season! Thoroughly enjoyed your comments after the game.

And as Ahmad put it: WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO SAY NOW!!!

Yes sir Coach Jones and Ahmad!!!

Got to thank Jeff in person tonight for all he's done for the program and school. Really happy I got to do that.

(03-17-2019 07:22 PM)ODUDrunkard13 Wrote:  Got to thank Jeff in person tonight for all he's done for the program and school. Really happy I got to do that.

Same here - as well as BJ with the net hanging around his neck! Moments I will cherish until the next time!

What are the chances that Coach JJ passes the reigns of this program to Stith and gracefully retires next season for his fight of the big C?

Man, I hope he goes out on top! Cutting the nets down for the FF!!!

(03-17-2019 07:12 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 07:00 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 06:48 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 06:33 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 05:22 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  I do not hate JJ and it is a gross mischaracterization to intimate as much.

Read it carefully (as you always tell others to do) no names were used. Since you profess innocence I have no idea why you would feel it was about you. Now go back to calling someone "Princess" elsewhere on the MB (which I am sure is not an insult) and ignore what you believe does not apply to you. Frankly your reply might make one assume you have some self-doubt to think it does.

I’ve seen no hate for Jeff jones on this board.

People questioning is ability at his job is what this board exists for. He shut everyone up for the most part with this successful season.

No one has ever stated they hate the man despite these ridiculous assertions to the contrary.

It was a poorly written and poorly worded article.

Well everyone has a right to an opinion even Harry M. He just gets payed very well to write it. Also, I think in America (at least so far) folks can agree or disagree with it as they want. Again, if as you say none of it applied to you just move along and ignore it. (or) Write a protest letter to the University (Although all his stuff is approved by the 3 levels of folks so not sure how much satisfaction you will get there.)

I don’t read his articles or care about them, I’m just stating for the record that anyone who claims people “hate Jeff” are wildly exaggerating.

Thinking we could get a better coach is not even remotely the same as hating someone on a personal level.

Quite to the contrary, I wish Jeff nothing but the best, I hope his health improves and I hope he continues this incredible run and continues to shut his critics (myself included) up!

Interesting and good for you on wishing his health improves, very kind. Also nice of you to acknowledge his current success and offer the thought it has 'shut you up for the moment.' That said, you formed the opinion 6 years ago that Jones was a bad hire and have spent 6 years (at least until recent days) pushing that point over and over. You have also done it with gusto and invectives (usually about lack of intelligence) directed at those who disagreed with you. Of course it is just a Message Board and such comments should be accepted. The thing is during those 6 years others were also forming opinions from what you and a few others wrote on the MB and some sensed hatred. I know people who have left this MB and others who simply stopped contributing because they thought some comments went to far. Now you want those folks who think you (or others) hate Coach Jones to accept that they are wrong. Alas, for years many on here wanted you to know Jones was a very good man and even a good coach. *(even before he hit year 3 battling cancer or won CUSA.) I am pretty sure I/we never swayed you one bit. So I have no idea how your saying the folks who believe they see hatred for him on this MB are wrong, will work out. Maybe after 6 years they will see the light. Maybe sooner.

(03-17-2019 06:33 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 05:22 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  I do not hate JJ and it is a gross mischaracterization to intimate as much.

Read it carefully (as you always tell others to do) no names were used. Since you profess innocence I have no idea why you would feel it was about you. Now go back to calling someone "Princess" elsewhere on the MB (which I am sure is not an insult) and ignore what you believe does not apply to you. Frankly your reply might make one assume you have some self-doubt to think it does.

This amuses me.

Signed, The Clown.

As so many have said, Jeff has done one Hell of a Job this year. My heart goes out to him and his family. He most certainly has a big fight still to overcome with this cancer battle. My prayer is that he will have the biggest WIN of his life in the upcoming future. I look forward to him proudly sharing with us all that.. he is in remission and God be willing cancer free.

God be with you Jeff. Congratulations on an incredible year and Thank you for taking me and all of us ODU fans on fantastic and exciting journey. I hope this miraculous season continues, but remember you have made us all proud with your courage, eloquence and class.

Hail Coach Jeff Jones and Old Dominion

(03-17-2019 08:26 PM)Petey Hodge Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 06:33 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 05:22 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  I do not hate JJ and it is a gross mischaracterization to intimate as much.

Read it carefully (as you always tell others to do) no names were used. Since you profess innocence I have no idea why you would feel it was about you. Now go back to calling someone "Princess" elsewhere on the MB (which I am sure is not an insult) and ignore what you believe does not apply to you. Frankly your reply might make one assume you have some self-doubt to think it does.

This amuses me.

Signed, The Clown.

...but I’m the clown or maybe the princess? Can’t keep track my Brother. Today is a GREAT day to be a Monarch!

(03-17-2019 08:23 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 07:12 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 07:00 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 06:48 PM)Razor Ramon Monarch Wrote:  

(03-17-2019 06:33 PM)ETSUDB8-79 Wrote:  Read it carefully (as you always tell others to do) no names were used. Since you profess innocence I have no idea why you would feel it was about you. Now go back to calling someone "Princess" elsewhere on the MB (which I am sure is not an insult) and ignore what you believe does not apply to you. Frankly your reply might make one assume you have some self-doubt to think it does.

I’ve seen no hate for Jeff jones on this board.

People questioning is ability at his job is what this board exists for. He shut everyone up for the most part with this successful season.

No one has ever stated they hate the man despite these ridiculous assertions to the contrary.

It was a poorly written and poorly worded article.

Well everyone has a right to an opinion even Harry M. He just gets payed very well to write it. Also, I think in America (at least so far) folks can agree or disagree with it as they want. Again, if as you say none of it applied to you just move along and ignore it. (or) Write a protest letter to the University (Although all his stuff is approved by the 3 levels of folks so not sure how much satisfaction you will get there.)

I don’t read his articles or care about them, I’m just stating for the record that anyone who claims people “hate Jeff” are wildly exaggerating.

Thinking we could get a better coach is not even remotely the same as hating someone on a personal level.

Quite to the contrary, I wish Jeff nothing but the best, I hope his health improves and I hope he continues this incredible run and continues to shut his critics (myself included) up!

Interesting and good for you on wishing his health improves, very kind. Also nice of you to acknowledge his current success and offer the thought it has 'shut you up for the moment.' That said, you formed the opinion 6 years ago that Jones was a bad hire and have spent 6 years (at least until recent days) pushing that point over and over. You have also done it with gusto and invectives (usually about lack of intelligence) directed at those who disagreed with you. Of course it is just a Message Board and such comments should be accepted. The thing is during those 6 years others were also forming opinions from what you and a few others wrote on the MB and some sensed hatred. I know people who have left this MB and others who simply stopped contributing because they thought some comments went to far. Now you want those folks who think you (or others) hate Coach Jones to accept that they are wrong. Alas, for years many on here wanted you to know Jones was a very good man and even a good coach. *(even before he hit year 3 battling cancer or won CUSA.) I am pretty sure I/we never swayed you one bit. So I have no idea how your saying the folks who believe they see hatred for him on this MB are wrong, will work out. Maybe after 6 years they will see the light. Maybe sooner.

Here’s the weird thing about sports.

If la tech makes either of two ft’s Down the stretch or Ahmad doesn’t hit a lucky off balance 3 pointer, we could be talking about yet another quarterfinal exit and my 6 years of “not good enough” would still be valid for myself and a lot of others would have been signing up on that.

But with a couple of breaks here we are handing out mea culpas and kudos all around.

It’s like the giants, tyree doesn’t make the helmet catch, the patriots would be 19-0 and the greatest team in history.

Jones is a good coach. He deserves this moment in the sun.

But we’re a 14 seed who got some very fortunate breaks so don’t act like my previous 6 years of criticism are now totally and completely invalid because that’s just an absolutely absurd notion.

Almost as absurd as the notion that demanding and expecting more is equal to hatred.