72topper

There is an overwhelming support amoung WKU fans for Ray Harper to be named head coach. I have followed Topper basketball for +45 years and have never seen this much support for an individual for this position. What you may not know is that Coach Harper is from this area of KY and in fact received his Masters degree from WKU. He coached at Kentucky Wesleyan in Owensboro, Ky and won two NCAA Division 2 national championships while he was there. In addition, his teams were in the final four several other times. He was named Division 2 "Coach of the Year" I believe twice. He also coached at Oklahoma City and won either one or two NAIA National Championships. Since being named interim Head Coach our style of play has completely changed. We now have more of a running offense and more agressive defence. For all indications the players love playing for Coach Harper. Coach McDonalds last home game attendance was around 1800. The last home game we had last week there was +6400. Remember, we have three players out for the year with injuries, including two who have started. We all realize that a turn around will not happen over night but may take 2-3 years. At our last home game a local business had from what I was told about a 1,000 Harper heads printed and handed out to fans. Each game when pregame introductions are made, Coach Harper receives the biggest cheer. Some of our former haed coaches are also publicly endorsing Harper for the job. In my opinion, it is to the point that if he is not named head coach there may be more dissatisfaction with the powers that be than there was for not firing McDonald sooner. On a different subject, I attended the SBC basketball tournament the last time that it was at North Texas. My family had a great time and was impressed with your campus and the hospitality of everyone from North Texas!

from a Hilltopper fan. You all certainly played a great game. Good luck tomorrow night!

Great game Mean Green. You guys have a program on the rise. Jones is doing a great job. I was in Denton a few years ago for the Sun Belt tournament and was impressed with your facilities and how we were treated. Congratulations on a good year!!