It is no secret that I have a great disdain for the way many college presidents hide behind their all mighty cloak of purity and proclaim their student athletes to be amateurs, all the while exploiting them to further fatten their coffers with the billions of dollars thrown at them by television networks.
However, there are still a few stories in college sports that are not deplorable and one of them is right here in Indianapolis quietly tucked away at 4600 Sunset Avenue. The head coach there is arguably as talented as any coach you can name and despite two Final Four trips he still labors in obscurity at Butler University.
Yes, Brad Stevens is a big time general when it comes to guiding his troops, and I for one am going to miss him when the first big time college basketball program that is searching for a hoops savior swoops in and lures him away with a huge dollar offer, one that he will have to accept for his family and his future.
Stevens gave us yet another display of his coaching prowess this past Saturday when he calmly orchestrated an improbable victory over heavily favored and at the time No. 1 ranked Indiana University, adding yet another alleged superior opponent to the list that have tasted defeat at the hands of his Bulldogs.
He did it again by masterfully exposing the opposition’s weaknesses, without falling prey to the “David vs. Goliath” mentality that so many declared.
Obviously, Butler is no longer the “Little Engine That Could” and they proved it by playing a brand of basketball that would make any old-school enthusiast smile. By virtue of a rock solid game plan, Stevens also forced his will upon the “bullies” from Bloomington and quickly showed they would battle the Hoosiers toe to toe for each and every rebound and loose ball. Through it all he was as cool as a cucumber and not once did his calm and concise manner go unnoticed by his players, who themselves demonstrated a similar confidence and bravado on the court, one that is clearly instilled by a coach who could easily be cast for the leading role in a “Cool Hand Luke” sequel.
However, those of us enjoying the superb accomplishments of Stevens aren’t the only ones admiring his efforts, and it is only a matter of time before he is jettisoned to a bigger stage in the same way former Butler coach Thad Matta was to Ohio State. Sure, there are those who say he is happy right where he is, but realistically how can anyone turn down financial independence for their family?
Yes the hand the giveth, certainly will taketh away in this case, as the next stop for Stevens will be funded by the aforementioned big bucks derived from network television. That said, who can blame any athletic director in the nation at a top flight basketball school who needs a coach for not having this splendid tactician on their radar? In fact, anyone that wouldn’t could be classified as grossly incompetent in their job duties.
It is just that simple folks. Stevens has done everything right at Butler and is a prime time acquisition in the waiting for a program looking to regain or maintain their position among the college basketball heavyweights. Do not let his boyish looks fool you, as he possesses one of the brightest hoops mentalities in the country and a killer instinct to go along with it.
For those of you who aren’t buying that, simply ask the numerous dragons he has slain to date.
So as we pause as a nation to reflect this holiday season, perhaps all of you who cherish the Butler program can ask Santa for a contract extension for this incredible coach, one that gives him a well deserved substantial raise, and a huge buyout clause. More than likely even all that won’t stop some perennial juggernaut program from swooping him up, but at least it would make it more challenging.
Yes, enjoy this splendid leader of young men, one that is a phenomenal coach and an individual that also happens to be one of the nicest and most down to earth people you would ever meet, as you will not have him much longer. Blame the system if you want to, or simply enjoy what this ride has left to offer, but do not blame Stevens. He has provided us with much more than expected, and will be sorely missed His zip code will change, but his legacy will continue to grow.
Danny Bridges, who thinks Brad Stevens is as good as any coach in the game today, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
Danny Bridges is an award-winning journalist and a longtime sports columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. He covers college, professional sports and especially all things IndyCar racing. He can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
