HJS {l Wrote}:I see that Rick Brunson's kid is a Mickey Ds AA after winning Mr. BB for Illinois and is committed to Jay Wright.
It got me thinking... what ever happened to Rick Brunson transferring to BC? He was a Mickey Ds AA out of Salem who picked Temple over everyone. He was supposed to transfer to BC after his frosh season (would have been eligible a RS Soph the year Danya made Dean Smith cry by killing Derrick Phelps). Anyone remember what happened there and why it never went forward?
http://articles.philly.com/1992-04-01/s ... ck-brunson
his philly based massage therapist must have changed her mind and allowed him to continue as a patient.
http://www.dailyprogress.com/sports/men ... ae071.htmlIn 1992, Rick Brunson had a knee-jerk reaction that nearly changed the course of his life.
Brunson, who had just completed his first year as a Temple basketball player, was suffering from a typical case of freshman-itis when he walked into John Chaney's office and told the legendary coach that he wanted to transfer.
Brunson, who had been one of the most sought-after high school players in the country just a year before, expected Chaney to soothe him - convince him things were going to be better the next season.
Chaney's reaction, however, was just the opposite.
The demonstrative coach immediately shouted at his secretary to bring him the necessary transfer forms.
"I was looking for like a lifeline," recalled Brunson, smiling, "and this guy just throws me out of there."
Brunson had all but transferred to Boston College when, at the last second, he had a change of heart. Brunson came to realize that Chaney's tough-love approach was the best thing for him.
In the end, it was Brunson who was begging Chaney for a chance to come back.
The decision to stay at Temple wound up being one of the biggest of Brunson's life. Brunson flourished at the school - on and off the court - and became joined at the hip with Chaney, a man whom he now considers as close as a blood relative.
The 35-year-old Brunson laughs when he tells the story about Chaney - but it's exactly that kind of real-life experience that has made him such a valuable addition to coach Dave Leitao's staff. In his first season as Director of Basketball Operations, Brunson has been the ideal sounding board for players - especially the younger ones who may not always be able to comprehend where the fiery Leitao is coming from.
"He has a lot of knowledge," said senior captain Sean Singletary of Brunson. "If you don't understand something, you can always go to him."
Brunson, who was co-MVP at the McDonald's All-America game with Chris Webber in 1991, is certainly a guy who can garner kids' attention. His resume speaks for itself.
At Temple, Brunson helped lead the Owls to the NCAA Tournament in each of his four years, teaming with future NBA players Eddie Jones and Aaron McKie.
Brunson wasn't blessed with tremendous athletic ability or talent - he just knew how to ball. He went on to play for eight teams in a nine-year NBA career before retiring in 2006 to work as a player development coach for the Denver Nuggets.
He was considered a coach on the floor by the likes of former New York Knicks and Houston Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy.
"His status alone - knowing that he's been successful at a high level - that just makes you listen a lot more," said sophomore Calvin Baker. "You always listen to coaches, but when he says something you tend to really listen."
One of Brunson's fondest NBA memories was being part of the 1999 New York Knicks team that went to the NBA finals. That year, the Knicks were in turmoil most of the season before squeaking into the playoffs as a No. 8 seed.
Latrell Sprewell was unhappy that he wasn't starting. Marcus Camby was ticked that he was barely playing. And Van Gundy and Ernie Grunfield, the team's general manager, had a falling out.
But somehow the team came together at just the right time, upsetting the Miami Heat in the first round before going on its run to the finals.
"Some guys resented Jeff Van Gundy," Brunson said, "but everybody respected him, and the most important thing was that we got along as a team. We fought for each other, cheered for each other, cared for each other.
"That's the thing I try and relate to these kids. I say no matter what's going on between you and Coach Leitao, remember those are your teammates and guys you go into battle with everyday."
Per NCAA rules, Brunson isn't allowed to do any actual coaching in his role as Director of Basketball Operations. At practice, he can be seen standing on the sidelines taking notes. Brunson's duties include making travel and meal arrangements, organizing summer camps and coordinating recruiting contacts for the Virginia coaching staff.
One of Brunson's biggest contributions is serving as a liaison of sorts between the players and Leitao.
"My job is to build a relationship with these young men so that they come to me whether they're having problems on the court or off the court," Brunson said. "I got a call from one kid at 12 o'clock at night who said, 'Why am I not playing- Why am I not playing [well]-'
"I'm there for them. I always leave my phone on."
Because of his pedigree and connections within basketball circles, Brunson - who interviewed for the head-coaching position at Temple in 2006 - doesn't seem like a guy who would remain at the bottom of the totem pole with the Virginia program for very long. His goal is to be a college head coach and he'll likely have assistant offers pouring in before long.
But Brunson is no rush.
"I'm a patient guy; I'm a secure guy," Brunson said. "I played at the highest level and made some money.
"I don't want to just jump in the water. I like to know what I'm doing and this is the perfect job for me. I like the kids. I'm comfortable with Dave. I'm a loyal guy. I'm not going to be one of these coaches who jumps around."
Brunson's mentor and father figure certainly didn't. Chaney - who coached for 24 years at Temple - and Brunson talk at least once a week.
Chaney and Leitao have a lot in common, according to Brunson.
"The similarities are the passion that they have for winning and the passion they have to improve each day," Brunson said. "The biggest thing that I've learned from Dave is that he allows his assistant coaches to be themselves and coach, which is hard for a head coach sometimes.
"I've been around a lot of head coaches where you never heard their assistant coaches talk or giving input. Here it's more of a team trying to work as one."