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Vitale Approves

http://espn.go.com/dic…0417-Doherty-returns.html


A great hire for Florida Atlantic
By Dick Vitale
SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM


April 17, 2005


Matt Doherty will be back on the sidelines, coaching Florida Atlantic of Boca Raton, Fla. That's right, the Division I school is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference with an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Think about how long it has been since Doherty coached. He was last on North Carolina's sidelines in 2002-03. Now he is ready to return and develop a program into a big winner.


Doherty


I firmly believe he has the full package and I don't think we saw what the real Matt Doherty is all about. The pressure in Tar Heel country was insurmountable. It was especially tough when he was following the likes of Dean Smith and Bill Guthridge.

North Carolina basketball, much like Notre Dame football, is about a lot more than just getting into the big dance or a bowl game. Those are programs with special expectations, wanting to be among the elite in America. This season proved it in Chapel Hill as the Tar Heels met those expectations and cut down the nets.

A new guy on the block with limited head coaching experience like Doherty had a difficult time. He did a brilliant job rejuvenating the program at Notre Dame. Athletic director Kevin White talked about a lengthy extension, hoping Doherty would not leave for North Carolina.

A solid second lieutenant with Roy Williams at Kansas, and a solid player on a Tar Heels champion with a teammate named Michael Jordan are also aspects on the impressive Doherty r?sum?.

I am so happy for Matt and his family that he has this new opportunity. Some will say this is a major step down. The bottom line is he is doing something he loves, working with young people.

Doherty is back on the sidelines at a school that can win. The sunshine in Boca Raton isn't bad, baby! Don't be shocked when you see what he is capable of. Sidney Green led FAU to the NCAA Tournament in 2002.

It is a happy moment for Doherty. Athletic director Craig Angelos made the right move and there were a number of quality candidates interested in that job.

Doherty is back on the sidelines. It is a great moment for the people at Florida Atlantic.

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Vitale Approves

He is right, that it's a great time in Owl Land, Doherty has something to prove and should make his statement made here at FAU. If this guy has the same type of magnatism & charisma as Schnellenberger, look out. Heck, look at all the national attention FAU is getting from this hire alone, it may not be long before FAU basketball gets some nice TV exposure as well.

Hey, Dicky how about some ESPN prime time baby!!
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Vitale Approves

OH I can smell the 2005/06 ESPN plugs now!!!!

Football have the Corso-Schnellingberger love fest and now Baskeball have the Vitale-Doherty caper!!! ;D
Now all we need is for ESPN Baseball's Harold Reynolds to get behind FAU's Coach K.. :D


Gotta Love It Baby!!!!!!
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Vitale Approves

Who would've thought, FAU off-season basketball getting more local pub than the baseball team while they are in season. ??? :o 8-)
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Vitale Approves

No more sunshine network, hopefully its on to big time tv.
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