Welcome to the Friday Feedback, which transferred today’s plans to talk about stadium walls. Moving in? Bob Huggins losing another player.

The latest transaction sees promising, oft injured and apparently homesick freshman center Pat Forsythe packing his belongings for Akron. Yesterday’s brief news release doesn’t mention the Zips, but it is the Zips, per Huggins.

I spoke with him last night and it occurred to me he and I haven’t had a normal conversation in a while. No, “How’s your family?” or “Great job with the charity!” or “That wasn’t me with an Equinox full of people idling outside your mansion last night.”

Instead, it’s been Tommie McCune and Jerrod Calhoun and Elijah Macon and then more Elijah Macon and Kevin Jones and now Forsythe. Offseasons aren’t easy for coaches because more often than not bad things happen when people are out of sight and prone to be out of their minds, but this one seems especially … I don’t know … sad? Sad seems too strong, but it’s at least pulling me in that direction.

(Aside: We did talk about the Twitter expose of Denver Allen. Huggins enjoys it exactly as much as you think he does and has no plans of stopping, especially as strangers begin to recognize Mr. Allen as “The guy who’s always sleeping.” So I take back some of the aforementioned. Huggins and I have had a light moment. Actually, that one was great. I can’t get enough of that Twitter meme.)

Anyhow, if we’re being honest, I don’t think the Forsythe move is entirely shocking. The timing could be better, sure, but Huggins said he’d been talking with Forsythe’s high school coach recently and that makes me think this wasn’t sudden, and that makes me think there’s something to the whispers many heard last semester and then throughout this summer.

Nevertheless, he expressed a desire to be closer to home and whether you believe that or not, Forsythe has, at the very least, a close and unique relationship with his family.

And maybe you believe someone or something else, which leads me to this: There is and there will be more chatter about Huggins and recruiting. I’m still not sure how to embrace this, but I do think it’s open to discussion because I think it can be examined and explained.

Forsythe is the sixth Huggins recruit to leave the team in five seasons — Will Thomas, Dee Proby, Dan Jennings, Dalton Pepper, Tommie McCune and Forsythe. Add to that the entire 2010 recruiting class — Noah Cottrill, David Nyarsuk and Darrious Curry — that never played.

That’s nine of 16 recruits that either didn’t play or didn’t stay. That’s a big number — and yet WVU remains pretty safe with regard to the APR.

So what to think about this? Well, not to disregard a person, but you can kind of brush aside Thomas and Proby. Thomas was the first Huggins recruit and Huggins really needed a point guard and he knew and trusted the people who recommended Thomas. It still didn’t work and his most memorable contribution remains the bumbling conclusion to the 2009 game at Cincinnati.

Proby? WVU needed a big body and Proby, once a fairly well-liked prospect bound for Oklahoma State, he was available late in the process. He didn’t really detract all that much and, in fact, he really did help WVU win a road game once — no, really, I was there — but his exit was expected at the end of his one season. I don’t know, but when I listen to Huggins say he’s not going to just add someone now to fill Forsythe’s spot, I think you thank Proby.

Dan Jennings? A really nice kid, though one with some baggage he could not help, and for one-plus years he never got it together like he or his coaches wanted. And then he literally left the team in the middle of a game and posted a farewell message on a dry erase board in the locker room before deserting. Said Huggins afterward, “I don’t want to get into the history of things, but it’s time.”

Curry? Medical disqualification.

Nyarsuk? Never academically qualified. That one doesn’t look good, but he never enrolled, so he never dented the APR.

Cottrill? This one is complicated and divisive. Understand this: WVU was aware of things, if for no other reason than a long relationship with the player that preceded his commitment prior to his freshman year, and tried really, really hard. Sometimes it’s out of your hands. I guess my basic defense of the strategy of sticking with Cottrill as long as WVU did is that the rewards of getting Cottrill right as a person, but also as a player, far outweigh the risk involved. We’re in a weird and uncomfortable place when we’re angry about trying to help someone.

Pepper? This one reads like a whiff because he was seemingly never comfortable in his two seasons, but if that’s on WVU for not knowing or anticipating it, then doesn’t the kid himself have some burden of responsibility? I guess the jury is out on this one because if he fizzles at Temple, so, too, does the frustrations left behind at WVU.

McCune? Well, he had two legal issues and was suspended once in his time at WVU. Equal blame, I suppose, because WVU could have done a better job projecting the kid, but the kid could have done a better job, too. I always wondered if this one was as mutual as it seemed — I don’t think Huggins has any room for a thief on his team … and remember who was also involved in that credit card incident. Pat Forsythe.

To review, you can dismiss a few of those, you can understand, perhaps grudgingly, a few others and you can point a finger at a few more. The one thing I never fully grasp about this discussion is that rarely do we see a comparison to football recruiting.

I honestly don’t believe football recruiting is (dramatically) different from basketball recruiting. You’re dealing with the same adolescent issues, the same entitlement issues, the same entourage issues, the same issues all the way down the line. You’re even seeing 7-0n-7 football turning into a the same systemic issue AAU basketball was and is.

Football, though, has 85 scholarships and 25 in a year. Basketball has 13 and, maybe, four or five in a year. Clearly the net above which football works is far bigger and safer. Lose two football recruits — and when doesn’t that happen? — and you’re safe. Lose two basketball recruits and you’ve got a beat writer compelled to pen 1,300 words on the topic.

We’ve done this dance before: Huggins knows the score. He was a transfer in his days, he doesn’t like losing kids and he hates the suggestion he runs off kids.

Now, if you want to calibrate your gripes to target the lack of NBA players Huggins recruits, I surrender. Yes, he wants that talent and, yes, he tries and, yes, he loses some of those recruiting battles.

But then again, he did mold Joe Alexander, and it was out of his hands after that. He recruited Devin Ebanks, who just inked a nice deal with the Los Angeles Lakers — and don’t you think Ebanks rises to first-round status with another year or two?

He mentored Da’Sean Butler, who would have been drafted far higher if not for the ACL injury in his final college game. He did recruit Kevin Jones, who seems on the cusp. He recruited Aaric Murray (twice) and everyone tells me Murray is a pro. It’s not that bad. Is it?

Onto the Feedback. As always, comments appear as posted. In other words, Ich bin kein Berliner.

Sheik Ybuti:

Don McLean might have started off writing “American Pie” about the Pillsbury Bake-Off (we’ll never know), but by the time it was all over, it was a lasting tribute to Buddy Holly and a wistful account of the sea changes to our society in the 1960s in general and popular music in particular. “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” in its finished form, is no less about West Virginia. When one considers the emotions and visions it evokes (melodically as much as lyrically), and the context in which the song is often performed, it seems merely a niggling detail that the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River are barely within the State’s borders. The song transcends its origins, much as the “Star-Spangled Banner” transcends that Key’s words were set to an English drinking tune.

And our fight song has not been forgotten. Except for maybe the rarely performed first verse, which serves to remind us that “others may be black or crimson, but for us it’s Gold and Blue.” No mention of gray.

And the defense, your honor, rests.

Jeff in Akron said:

The ring tone on my phone is “Take me Home… It was free. The WVU fight song was not. I am certain that there is much that could be read into that, be my guest. Trust me when I say, there are people that know me far better that have called me far worse.

The nice thing about music, and being an American, is that you are born with choices. No one song will be all everything to everyone, that’s the nice thing about choices.

For me, “Country Roads” took on its significant meaning after another loss to Penn St. in the early eighties, the specific year is lost in a cobweb infested corner of my brain. The group I was with were at a wing place (Yep, the name of the place is gone too) in Morgantown and had just put away an inordinate amount of hot wings along with an excessive amount of Nesteas to wash them down. Two Penn St. fans walked in and were being typical “we are Penn St.” fans. As chance would have it, John Denver began singing over the stereo in the joint. The entire bar began singing along and yours truly decided to stand next to the invaders and sing the song at the top of my lungs (no I can’t carry a tune to save my life, Nesteas or no). They left! For the longest time I took pride in the fact that I ran them out of that joint. In reality, it was probably the other 200 or so people standing over both my shoulders.

At that moment, and for the rest of my life, “Take me Home” became a WVU song to me. Is it politically correct, probably not. However, nothing about that night was politically correct so there is a degree of simitry to it all, at least in JiA world.

/Picturing a vacation to JiA World. Non-Dick’s sporting goods store there, non-descript wing joint there, jukebox in the corner, long line to get on the emotional roller coaster, kids wearing WVU hats with mouse ears, tots three deep at the game where they shoot water guns at Ohio State and Penn State targets, fans riding the log flume and people standing on the bridge getting splashed with Nestea… 

Mack said:

West Virginia gets called “western Virginia” a million times.

Virginia was only called “West Virginia” once, but in a song that gets played a million times over.

Fair?

Fair!

Rugger said:

I live in VA and I checked w my neighbors……..they said “Country Roads” is ours, they will take “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”.

There. It’s settled.

The 25314 said:

Did we discuss the Devin Ebanks – Kim Kardashian rumors while I was gone?

Not really. It broke on the weekend and I promised Perez Hilton I’d stay off his beat. That said, I shared this anecdote on Twitter so I better share it here. Prior to the 2010 draft, I had a couple of NBA teams contact me to talk about Devin. The questions are never about a player’s technique or skill, which is a great relief to me, but usually about things beat writers are prone to know — and Devin had some, um, sidebars in his two seasons. One team asked me, in essence, if Ebanks was ready to handle the NBA. Not the size or the speed or the schedule, but the things on and from the periphery that test and frequently flunk a kid’s maturity. I thought about it and I said yes. I’m so proud. And how about this for the young Mr. Ebanks: He left school early, banked two years in hyper-hyped Los Angeles, played with Kobe and Ron Artest Metta World Peace, witnessed Andrew Bynum, allegedly recruited a Kardashian and just signed a contract for $1,085,000 million. Had he played all four years at WVU, he would have been a rookie for the coming season. The No. 21 pick in June’s draft, Jared Sullinger, will be paid $1,089,100. Would Ebanks have been above, at or below No. 21 in that draft?

JP said:

If KJ develops a consistent 17-20 foot jumper in the pros, that plus his effort and hustle will take him a long way.

If he develops five more inches he’s be good, too. Numbers say neither is happening. His shooting percentages slipped and he actually went from 6-foot-8 to 6-foot-6! I get your point, though, and, sure, in the NBA and as a role player he can focus on smaller things and hammer out a niche. And he’ll be asked to do that. You can find your shot or add a spot on the floor. You can’t suddenly learn to play hard. He’s got that in his corner.  

Shoot 4show said:

Gansey’s staff infection, Alexander’s hamstring, Butler’s knee, KJ’s foot… Mr. Ebanks, you are looking smarter by the minute. What a tightrope these guys walk when your livelihood — heck, your dream — hinges upon avoiding injury while going all out to prove your ability and worth.

Excellent bookend right there.

Spatial Angel said:

Is it just me? I’ve had the sugar rush of the B12 hype. Now the post hype crash. Will it ever be time for football again?

They’re vacationing and recharging batteries and buying generators. Fear not, for they are due back in town for a meeting July 23. Ten days!

ffejbocc said:

Speaking of football…can I say again how disappointed (pi$$ed off) I am that Ryan *ahem*Mike*cough* Switzer chose to play football at UNC instead of his home state University?

The kid apparently tore it up at the Nike “Beginning” 7on7 event in Beaverton Ore over the weekend. Only 150 kids were invited to the camp from all across the country. Switzer teamed up with a QB who has committed to Alabama to catch 12 TDs over the course of the entire event and win the title.

Heady stuff.

Which makes it all the more frustrating. This state produces so few real top level college athletes, that when one gets away, it kills me.

I would have loved to have seen what Ryan could have done stepping into Tavon’s shoes next year.

Serious question: Do you believe he’s absolutely going to UNC and/or absolutely closed to the idea of going to WVU? I think there comes a point where certain things are impossible to ignore. Switzer’s performance, and that it came from one of the rare Division I studs in this state, is one of those things. I think Tavon Austin would be another. Mike Switzer would not be an obstacle if both player and school decided they were meant to be together.

overtheSEC said:

Love the blog post.
Love the diagram.
Love the love you’re getting from @smartfootball
Love that football season is just around the corner
Love hearing Alston talk like the coaches

I really wish I could devote time to doing things like this more consistently. How about this? I’ll try. It was pretty fun for me. Also, if you haven’t read The Essential Smart Football, you’re missing out on a rather simplified education in some rather complex parts of the game.

JP said:

This reminds me why I read Casazza-san. Classic.

Keep it up and I’m going to re-evaluate my career goals … or how I prefer people refer to me.

AnxiousEER97 said:

W.Va. needs more BBQ – if you smoke it, they will come.

It’s coming. New spot, I believe operated by the owner of what was once Dragon Fly, in between Yama and United Bank on Fayette Street. I have sources all over the grid.

Jeff in Akron said:

At last we have found the true reason for 70-33, bbq! South Carolina has the worst bbq I have ever eaten, on top of that they boil peanuts instead of roasting them for eating. Plus, they don’t shower the peanuts before they boil them. That’s just plain lazy!

/ … non-South Carolina BBQ restaurant in the food court. … But seriously, rank these five barbeques. Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Kansas City. I say Tennessee, Kansas City, Texas, North Carolina, Burger King, South Carolina.

Sheik Ybuti said:

“If you smoke it, they will come.” Yes, and usually armed with arrest warrants.

Super.

glibglub said:

I showered this morning. Right now I’m reading a sports blog, snacking on Kroger brand sourdough pretzel nuggets, and contemplating the mystery of why my productivity is on the low side. #banality

#Iseewhatyoudidthere

Wesmo said:

Love the shades of gray book reference in your article. Now we know why you took a week of work awhile back; you had to re-hydrate.

Enjoy the — wait, what?

 The Artist Formerly Known As EERS96 said:

figures…as soon as I trashed my spare 400 yards of “Big East Conference” vinyl, WVU decides to change conferences and spruce up the stadium walls. Alas, I still have my “Cheer if you are against the BCS and for a 4 team playoff” vinyl in the attic…

Serendipity!

Dann White said:

Hmm, if we are eliminating gray walls, and the potential advantage of gray uniforms; will we now scrub the uniforms? Huh? I thought not!

DW

OK, I’ve seen the essence of this comment mentioned elsewhere … we’re clear that Dana was joking about the competitive advantage, right?

glibglub said:

> That could be kinda fun – any other ideas for classic images?

A still from that animated gif of Holgs on a BMX bike, hurtling through the air with his hair on fire.

Hmm, couldn’t find one. Will this work?

robert e tennant said:

i can see garnering some revenue from lcd boards installed on walls to sell to those companies who want to have their logos streamed in the stadium. watch any european football(soccer)and every stadium uses this vehicle to generate revenues.
what i’d hate to see are more flashy and noisy spectacles that will distract from the event that is happening on the field.
as the mountaineers steadily improve, i begin to find more and more of the “opera” types sitting in the stands . chatting away , oblivious to what was happening on the field. only reacting to the “tolling of the bells” or the firing of the musket. please build more private boxes for this crowd .

I’d be stunned if that wasn’t part of the Tier 3 contract. The ribbon boards aren’t exactly maximizing their earning potential.

Jeff in Akron said:

Speaking of retired numbers, has anyone asked our current AD if he has looked into changing the ridiculous rules governing such a thing. New colors for the stadium is nice and all, but having names on the walls that have played in the stadium they are renovating should fall on the list somewhere. WVU has played football since 1891 and two names, none since the 50′s, is all that the football program can muster!

Nothing against those two players, they were great in their era, still, there are more names that have played in the last 50/60 years that are deserving. I could care less about the number they wore, they deserve recognition for having worn the uniform regardless of what color gold that uniform was. It seems to me the walls wouldn’t be so bland to begin with if more names were printed on them.

It’s going to be addressed. Soon even, I think. In past conversations on this, it’s seemed to me that Oliver Luck is shocked and/or offended Pat White can’t get a jersey retired. Again, Pink Floyd never cared this much about walls …

Josh24601 said:

Bless you, Casazza, for putting in your half on moving July along. This is the perfect July story: I don’t have to hide caring about this as much as I do, because it’s July and there’s no water until September; MOAR SAND TO DRANK PLEEEZ!

You’re welcome? (Apologies to your bride!)

SheikYbuti said:

We don’t need no education. (Someone had to say it.)

But we’ll take all the dark sarcasm we can muster.

And away we go!

Sheik Ybuti said:

Josh is saying that, more or less, he has become comfortably numb.

I’m here all week.

He’s not lying.

 Clarence Oveur said:

All in all it’s all just pix(els) in the Wall.

This is true.

MontaneEER said:

Mother, do you think they’ll throw the bomb?

Yes.

Oh, indeed.

Sheik Ybuti said:

Mother, do you think they’ll like this song (CEJ)?

No.

Never!

Sheik Ybuti said:

Ooooooh, I need a dirty woman. That’s appropos of nothing; it’s just one of my favorite lyrics on that particular album.

Noted.

Dave said:

I met a dirty woman at the Grant Street block party. Was one of the best times of my life. … yes, I admit it … no, I would not do it again.

Dave!

Spatial Angel said:

That PMS 124c gives me the cramps.

Eh, it’s not that — never mind. I get it.

Karl said:

Great move. I love the stadium to death, but it is so Stalinist-looking — just a big pile of gray concrete and metal. I found it ironic, though, that while the athletic dept. is excited about sprucing up these “barren” gray walls, they’re also convinced they’re going to excite recruits and fans with barren gray uniforms.

Yes! So glad someone else pointed out that odd paradox.

Sheik Ybuti said:

Karl, you were predestined for those sorts of things the moment your parents named you.

Oh, no doubt. When it comes to that sort of stuff, impossible not to give him passing marx.

glibglub said:

> I love the stadium to death, but it is so Stalinist-looking

This is why fans should be allowed to bring signage into MPS – who wouldn’t enjoy a life size cardboard likeness of Josef Stalin waving stiffly from atop the wall, as if reviewing a May Day parade at the Kremlin? Throw in a few cut outs of obscure Central Committee members and it’s a Party!

Enjoy the weekend!