Gator Updates

[floridatennisdude]

Originally Posted by bluetrain4

Nice how the Florida womens coach recommended Shelton.

Wouldn't you ask the 3-time national champion coach his input on the other team's coach?

[bluetrain4]

Originally Posted by floridatennisdude

Wouldn't you ask the 3-time national champion coach his input on the other team's coach?

Absolutely. I'm glad that the AD was smart enough to ask.

[floridatennisdude]

Originally Posted by bluetrain4

Absolutely. I'm glad that the AD was smart enough to ask.

Yea, Jeremy Foley is fairly well known for being smart

[Art Rust Jr]

Classy guy. I suspect he'll be very successful in Gainesville. He learned from one of the best. Bill Tym, the old Vandy coach, was his coach when he was a junior. Lots of knowledge there.

[TopDawg]

Originally Posted by floridatennisdude

Tell him to stay, my candidate was leaving campus with a big smile on his face. From what I understand an agreement was made verbally and a contract is being drafted. Should be in Gainesville full time in the next couple weeks.

So was Shelton the one you were referring to?

[floridatennisdude]

Originally Posted by TopDawg

So was Shelton the one you were referring to?

Absolutely!!!

[Satsuma Illini]

From what I've seen, Shelton is not hard to like. It seems like I remember him playing Jimmy Connors at the US Open way back when.

[Gatorluver]

Originally Posted by floridatennisdude

haha, yea currently that is true. Look at his incoming class though:

http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/w...052912aab.html

All are Americans and 2 from in-state.

Okay- now I like EVERYTHING about him. Heard a couple of the guys on the team met him already and really like him.

[floridatennisdude]

Originally Posted by Gatorluver

Okay- now I like EVERYTHING about him. Heard a couple of the guys on the team met him already and really like him.

Yea, I think that what will be crucial for him is:

1) lock down the state of Florida every year by getting the top 1 or 2 players to commit
2) supplement the roster with other southeast kids before looking abroad
3) prove that he can develop guys as well as he did with females like Miller, McDowell, O'Neil and Falconi
4) consistently finish top 2 in the SEC and be a national contender every year

I think he can do this within 5 years

[bluetrain4]

Originally Posted by floridatennisdude

Yea, I think that what will be crucial for him is:

1) lock down the state of Florida every year by getting the top 1 or 2 players to commit
2) supplement the roster with other southeast kids before looking abroad
3) prove that he can develop guys as well as he did with females like Miller, McDowell, O'Neil and Falconi
4) consistently finish top 2 in the SEC and be a national contender every year

I think he can do this within 5 years

Is No. 1 on your list really possible? (I'm asking seriously, not being snarky). Florida is a true "tennis state" and whoever is No. 1 and 2. coming out of the state each year will have multiple offers from top programs. While in-state talent often is attracted to their home state's university, there are always the kids who want to get away or who are mesmerized by one of the elite programs.

Obviously, that shouldn't change the goal of getting the top 1 or 2 players, and even if it doesn't happen every year, it still might happen often enough. Furthermore, if Florida does have success relatively quickly and consistently, that could obviously change the recuriting dynamic as it becomes an even more attractive destination.

I've always wondered why Florida, while a very good program, hasn't been able to get to that next level. Great recruiting base, great weather, great facilities, and even though the first thing I think of when I think of the University of Florida is football and sports in general, it's actually a very, very good school (with a nice campus to boot).

[floridatennisdude]

^^^bluetrain, your 3rd paragraph is why #1 is possible.

I'm not saying that it's easy, but it should be much more common. Every year might be a stretch, but if it happens consistently then success will breed more success.

Schnellenberger did this at Miami in the 80s for football. Different dynamic, but a good model.

[Gatorluver]

[quote=floridatennisdude;6625341]Yea, I think that what will be crucial for him is:

1) lock down the state of Florida every year by getting the top 1 or 2 players to commit
2) supplement the roster with other southeast kids before looking abroad
3) prove that he can develop guys as well as he did with females like Miller, McDowell, O'Neil and Falconi
4) consistently finish top 2 in the SEC and be a national contender every year

I think he can do this within 5 years[/QUOT

If Coach Shelton can accomplish 2,3(most important), and 4 then #1 will follow.

[cali_tennis_machine]

Bryan can coach and do a lot with the talent they already have.. I'm saying National Title within 4 years

[floridatennisdude]

Not the greatest news here....
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-tenn...062212aaa.html

[kme5150]

Originally Posted by floridatennisdude

Not the greatest news here....
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-tenn...062212aaa.html

I think Spencer had his mind made up that he was leaving long before Coach Sheldon was in the picture. Once a player decides that he doesn't want to be on a certain team anymore it is hard to change their mind.

[Gatorluver]

[quote=kme5150;6657661]I think Spencer had his mind made up that he was leaving long before Coach Sheldon was in the picture. Once a player decides that he doesn't want to be on a certain team anymore it is hard to change their mind.[/QUOT


You're right- there wasn't much Shelton could do or say to change his mind- and he did try. He will be missed but we still have a great group of guys and a couple talented redshirts that will be eligible this year.

[Kirijax]

Should be an interesting year for the Gators.

[ssgator80]

Kirijax,

I also get some limited news at Gator Country

[Kirijax]

Originally Posted by ssgator80

Kirijax,

I also get some limited news at Gator Country

Thanks much.

[Kirijax]

Now Newman is gone.