Capel's biggest mistakes as OU's coach

[jmizzy4ou]

You're not the only one who took the bait. The thing is, I don't disagree with any of those poll options, and was never under any kind of impression that the Coach Capel era was a success. Still, it's sad (in a pathetic kind of way) to read all of this venom nonsense as if the man lost games on purpose or was the worst coach in school history (which is factually incorrect).

Just as sad, many act as if not one good thing transpired over the past 5 years. I, for one, am glad we will have (barring injury) our first NBA legend whose name in and of itself will draw future recruits to OU. I also have great memories of an Elite Eight season (only three other OU coaches can make that claim), and simultaneously, see us crawling away from the top spot of being one of the ten worst NCAA tournament teams (by seed) since 1985. Coach Capel's refreshing 4-0 record in games he was supposed to win have helped OU move closer to #10 than #1.

So, while I don't argue any of those poll choices, and could even add a few more reasons why his era wasn't successful, I'm sure glad it wasn't the national disaster some have made it out to be. Now, onto the Lon Kruger era. Let's hope it will be every bit as rewarding as the Billy Tubbs and Kelvin Sampson eras.

You said exactly what I feel. Like I said earlier, I understand the disappointment, but the hatred points to a far greater personal problem some have, thanwhat the coach did. I will never hate a coach for losing, even if he loses so bad my favorite program stops competing in sports. That's just me. JC didn't owe me anything,nor did KS or Tubbs. Many would argue that KS's cheating hurt us far more than JC losing the last 2 yrs.

I'm more a let by gones be by gones type, and I have already moved on from JC. People thought OU football would never recover, and Mr. Stoops proved that thought process to be dead wrong. LK has a great history of winning, couple that with OUr pedigree and history of being a top 15-20 program in hoops, and I believe we will be fine in due time.

Capel did not work out as a coach, but I see that as no reason to develop a personal hatred, or even dislike for the guy. If I ever allow college athletics to become that important in my life, then I really need to step away and re-evaluate my life, IMO. Like I said, the Capel Era was full of disappointment for me, mixed with some great memories of the Blake years. I will never hold any contempt or bitterness towards a man simply because he was not a good coach, or his tenure did not work out.

I still believe the OU job will one day serve JC as a great learning tool, and he will one day be a fine coach somewhere else. I have not one ounce of problem with that. Again, had the guy pulled a John Blake or Dave Bliss type infraction, I would not like him. Instead I add him in with Gibbs, Schnelly, and others who simply didn't win enough to remain as the coach at my favorite University.

 

[WTSooner]

Many would argue that KS's cheating hurt us far more than JC losing the last 2 yrs.

Those people are fools.

 

[Sooner04]

Many would argue that KS's cheating hurt us far more than JC losing the last 2 yrs.

I'm afraid they'd be very wrong.

 

[WTSooner]

Other than that, he did not do anything to generate the hate he gets,

And for the record, not one person above used the word "hate", until this line that I quoted. Not one person that was "ragging on" Capel used the word hate.

 

[jmizzy4ou]

I'm afraid they'd be very wrong.

I agree, but that doesn't change the fact that a large part of our fanbase felt that way, and they blasted KS even before we knew the extent of what he did or didn't do. It just locks in with my main point in all of this, is losing at a school, and not being the coach we hoped, enough to generate the personal attacks that JC or KS got?? I'm not talking about those who rip on his coaching, I'm talking about the personal stuff. I know that you are mature enough, and rational enough to understand what I'm talking about.

I also wonder does anyone truly believe that JC wanted to lose, and he felt good about losing?? Thoughts 04, please.....

 

[euphguy]

Oh god, give it a rest!!!!!!

 

[BigTime]

I think not having a back up plan with local/regional 3/4 star players when we struck out on the Jai Lucas, Patrick Patterson, Harrison Barnes, and Terrence Jones' of the world is what really hurt Capel the most.

Not surrounding himself with experienced Xs and Os staff hurt as well (other than when he had Barnes - which that year one could make a strong case was his best coaching year due to Neal being injured.

That said, Capel will due an unbelievable recruiting job at a blue blood school like Duke. I also think his coaching will improve with age and experience.

 

[SoonerBounce13]

Tay Tay brought in his little brother, not Blake.

He also lost Kelvin's top recruiting class... to teams that were on our schedule that year. You let Scottie go to Villanova and Dameon go to Texas?! Really??! Tell em what schools you'll release their scholarships to, don't let THEM dictate that!

this is full of ignorance. calling taylor griffin tay tay doesn't help.
He still got crocker to come in.
I believe you don't hold a kid to their intent if they aren't going to be happy b/c of a coaching change. I would have preferred for James not to have stayed int he big 12 but just let them go. And its not just up to Capel.

He brought in good talent even if you take away blake

 

[badger]

this is full of ignorance. calling taylor griffin tay tay doesn't help.

Forgive me, I always found those Griffin boys to be cute brothers (I'm a girl) and sometimes slip in the cute names that I might have called them by at one point or another.

I loved watching Taylor watch over his "little" brother like a hawk... seeing him swoop in after that USC thug nut-punched him, or that first-round exit dude judo threw him... I was kind of like "awwww" after initially wanting to kill the thugs myself.

After seeing brotherly love like that, it totally made sense that Blake would want to spend his college years on the same team as his big bro.

But I really, really do fault Felton J. (not a cute pet name) for letting those top two guys go to teams on our schedule. We have heard of coaches limiting where they release scholarships to and I don't see how this situation would have been any different... and at least threatening to do it probably would have gotten James' cousin off the phone and real James back on in a hurry

 

[Big Old Booger]

I love revisionist history by neophyte fans with no knowledge of OU's basketball tradition whatsoever.

First things first. Even though I supported Coach Capel (like I did every other OU coach), I was frustrated by the fact he never seemed to grasp the "Plan B" option with recruits. I really thought he would have learned from the Jai Lucas debacle, and with the recruiting budget he had, should have learned from it.

As for the worst men's basketball coach in OU history, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to come up with the correct answer. After succeeeding Hall of Famer Bruce Drake, here were Bob Stevens records in his five years as head coach from '63 - '67: 12-13, 7-18, 8-17, 11-14 and 8-17. However, I'm sure Mr. Stevens appreciates what little knowledge this fan base has on basketball coaches, so he doesn't mind that the neophytes keep calling Jeff Capel "the worst in OU history."

Purely based on records, you are right that Stevens is the worst coach in OU history. However, when you throw in the fact that what each coach inherited, it is no argument that the previous coach is the "worst coach in OU basketball history".

Capel inherited the following, of which Stevens did not:

1.) top 25 program, top 2 program in conference (12 team conference no doubt)
2.) best or 2nd best facilities in conference
3.) best incoming recruiting class in conference and maybe in the country.
4.) Thanks to Kelvin recruiting Taylor Griffin, he also inherited the best basketball player on the planet not named Jordan.

You throw all of those together and it's really no argument.

Case closed. Book him, Danno.

 

[Big Old Booger]

You said exactly what I feel. Like I said earlier, I understand the disappointment, but the hatred points to a far greater personal problem some have, thanwhat the coach did. I will never hate a coach for losing, even if he loses so bad my favorite program stops competing in sports. That's just me. JC didn't owe me anything,nor did KS or Tubbs. Many would argue that KS's cheating hurt us far more than JC losing the last 2 yrs.

I'm more a let by gones be by gones type, and I have already moved on from JC. People thought OU football would never recover, and Mr. Stoops proved that thought process to be dead wrong. LK has a great history of winning, couple that with OUr pedigree and history of being a top 15-20 program in hoops, and I believe we will be fine in due time.

Capel did not work out as a coach, but I see that as no reason to develop a personal hatred, or even dislike for the guy. If I ever allow college athletics to become that important in my life, then I really need to step away and re-evaluate my life, IMO. Like I said, the Capel Era was full of disappointment for me, mixed with some great memories of the Blake years. I will never hold any contempt or bitterness towards a man simply because he was not a good coach, or his tenure did not work out.

I still believe the OU job will one day serve JC as a great learning tool, and he will one day be a fine coach somewhere else. I have not one ounce of problem with that. Again, had the guy pulled a John Blake or Dave Bliss type infraction, I would not like him. Instead I add him in with Gibbs, Schnelly, and others who simply didn't win enough to remain as the coach at my favorite University.

Not sure who you are talking to here, but I have no hate for "the worst coach in OU basketball history". He's a nice man, and a good family man and should be lauded for that, however, he's a terrible basketball coach and that was proven by his time in Norman. He took a program in the penthouse of the conference and left it in the outhouse.

We would all be better served if he took his settlement and gave it to a local charity instead of putting it in his pocket because he did nothing to earn it.

I hope he has success from this point forward, but I don't want him back in Norman. I'd love for OSU, Texas, or Kansas to hire him though.

 

[SoonerBounce13]

Purely based on records, you are right that Stevens is the worst coach in OU history. However, when you throw in the fact that what each coach inherited, it is no argument that the previous coach is the "worst coach in OU basketball history".

Capel inherited the following, of which Stevens did not:

1.) top 25 program, top 2 program in conference (12 team conference no doubt)
2.) best or 2nd best facilities in conference
3.) best incoming recruiting class in conference and maybe in the country.
4.) Thanks to Kelvin recruiting Taylor Griffin, he also inherited the best basketball player on the planet not named Jordan.

You throw all of those together and it's really no argument.

Case closed. Book him, Danno.

yeah the worst coach in OUs history got picked up by duke. he must suck

 

[WTSooner]

yeah the worst coach in OUs history got picked up by duke. he must suck

That is a terrible argument. He stunk as a HC. He probably stinks less as an assistant coach.

 

[Big Old Booger]

yeah the worst coach in OUs history got picked up by duke. he must suck

The only place he could go was Duke because that's the only place that wanted him and that's his alma mater. I think that speaks volumes to how poor a coach he is.

Papa Krzyzewski is looking out for his boys. Let's see where the worst coach in OU basketball history goes from Duke. I would be shocked if he landed a BCS level program as a head coach in his next job. If he gets another head coaching job in college basketball it will be at a mid-major.

 

[jmizzy4ou]

The only place he could go was Duke because that's the only place that wanted him and that's his alma mater. I think that speaks volumes to how poor a coach he is.

Papa Krzyzewski is looking out for his boys. Let's see where the worst coach in OU basketball history goes from Duke. I would be shocked if he landed a BCS level program as a head coach in his next job. If he gets another head coaching job in college basketball it will be at a mid-major.

Which probably wouldn't be a bad thing for him. A mid major job at the right program could provide the perfect setting for him, and if he grows while there, his shot at another big time program could still be a possibility. Obviously he didn't get it done here, but that does not seal his fate, IMO......

 

[badger]

'Twas a mid-major job that got him into a BCS level program in the first place and 'twill be the route he has to take again.

Papa K isn't looking out for all of his boys. What ever happened to the ex-Mizzy coach? Didn't he go D-League or something?

 

[WaymanFan]

Purely based on records, you are right that Stevens is the worst coach in OU history. However, when you throw in the fact that what each coach inherited, it is no argument that the previous coach is the "worst coach in OU basketball history".

Capel inherited the following, of which Stevens did not:

1.) top 25 program, top 2 program in conference (12 team conference no doubt)
2.) best or 2nd best facilities in conference
3.) best incoming recruiting class in conference and maybe in the country.
4.) Thanks to Kelvin recruiting Taylor Griffin, he also inherited the best basketball player on the planet not named Jordan.

You throw all of those together and it's really no argument.

Case closed. Book him, Danno.

That's the only argument I need - a won-loss record...Try as you may, it's awfully difficult to change facts. If their records were almost identical, then I would concede your point...but not with that crater-sized difference in won-loss records.

You lose the argunment on not only something called FACTS, but for countless other reasons. For one, Bob Stevens took over for Oklahoma's ONLY Basketball Hall of Fame head coach - Bruce Drake...maybe you heard of him - he took OU to two Final Four appearances. Also, how many banners are hanging in the Lloyd Noble rafters from Bob Stevens tenure? I'm guessingbased on his W-L record, he didn't win 4 NCAA tournament games and make an Elite Eight appearance...just a guess.

I won't rain on your parade any more. If you want to fantasize that Jeff Capel was the worst head coach in OU history, I'll let you have your fantasy from this point forward...feel free to live in whatever world you want.

Book-em Danno.

 

[garyeb2]

That's the only argument I need - a won-loss record...Try as you may, it's awfully difficult to change facts. If their records were almost identical, then I would concede your point...but not with that crater-sized difference in won-loss records.

You lose the argunment on not only something called FACTS, but for countless other reasons. For one, Bob Stevens took over for Oklahoma's ONLY Basketball Hall of Fame head coach - Bruce Drake...maybe you heard of him - he took OU to two Final Four appearances. Also, how many banners are hanging in the Lloyd Noble rafters from Bob Stevens tenure? I'm guessingbased on his W-L record, he didn't win 4 NCAA tournament games and make an Elite Eight appearance...just a guess.

I won't rain on your parade any more. If you want to fantasize that Jeff Capel was the worst head coach in OU history, I'll let you have your fantasy from this point forward...feel free to live in whatever world you want.

Book-em Danno.

If you insist on taking the wrong side of an issue, at least try to get your facts right.

Bruce Drake had a lifetime .524 win pct at Oklahoma. Over the course of time OU had some success, but, was considered by no one as a top basketball school.

He was then followed by Doyle Parrack for 6 yrs. Over that period of time the Sooners won just over 40% of their games. By the time Bob Stevens arrived on the scene, the program was in a downward spiral. He wasn't the guy to get it turned around. But, he started in a bad place.

It took the next coach, John McCloud to get things started back to respectability. Of course, he had Alvin Adams.

Now, for your boy Caple, the worst coach in the history of OU Basketball. He took a program that had been entrenched as a top 20 national program for two decades right straight to the bar ditch. To the very lowest ebb in a generation. Arrogant to the end he ignorantly disenfranchised and demoralised the students,alumni, and doners.

Defending Capel's performance while he was here is dumbfounding.

 

[WTSooner]

If you insist on taking the wrong side of an issue, at least try to get your facts right.

Bruce Drake had a lifetime .524 win pct at Oklahoma. Over the course of time OU had some success, but, was considered by no one as a top basketball school.

He was then followed by Doyle Parrack for 6 yrs. Over that period of time the Sooners won just over 40% of their games. By the time Bob Stevens arrived on the scene, the program was in a downward spiral. He wasn't the guy to get it turned around. But, he started in a bad place.

It took the next coach, John McCloud to get things started back to respectability. Of course, he had Alvin Adams.

Now, for your boy Caple, the worst coach in the history of OU Basketball. He took a program that had been entrenched as a top 20 national program for two decades right straight to the bar ditch. To the very lowest ebb in a generation. Arrogant to the end he ignorantly disenfranchised and demoralised the students,alumni, and doners.

Defending Capel's performance while he was here is dumbfounding.

Something we agree on. :clap

 

[Big Old Booger]

If you insist on taking the wrong side of an issue, at least try to get your facts right.

Bruce Drake had a lifetime .524 win pct at Oklahoma. Over the course of time OU had some success, but, was considered by no one as a top basketball school.

He was then followed by Doyle Parrack for 6 yrs. Over that period of time the Sooners won just over 40% of their games. By the time Bob Stevens arrived on the scene, the program was in a downward spiral. He wasn't the guy to get it turned around. But, he started in a bad place.

It took the next coach, John McCloud to get things started back to respectability. Of course, he had Alvin Adams.

Now, for your boy Caple, the worst coach in the history of OU Basketball. He took a program that had been entrenched as a top 20 national program for two decades right straight to the bar ditch. To the very lowest ebb in a generation. Arrogant to the end he ignorantly disenfranchised and demoralised the students,alumni, and doners.

Defending Capel's performance while he was here is dumbfounding.

Exactly.:clap

Hey WaymanFan...who is using revisionist history?

Also, if it weren't for BG who only chose OU because his brother was already on the team, the worst coach in OU basketball history wouldn't have lasted 3 years in Norman. The worst coach in OU basketball history had very little to do with the success from the 2008 and 2009 seasons.