The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/12/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Daniel Shirey Sophomore Ricky McPhee celebrates with interim head coach Pete Herrmann after the Bulldogs' 61-57 victory over Vanderbilt earlier this season.. [Click to enlarge]

TAMPA - Former Georgia coach Dennis Felton was relieved of his duties Jan. 29, following an 83-57 loss to Florida, but his interest in the Georgia men's basketball team still exists.

Interim coach Pete Herrmann, who came to Georgia from Western Kentucky with Felton, indicated the former coach still follows the team closely, and hopes for success.

"I talk to Dennis a lot," Herrmann said. "We still talk all the time about how we're preparing and what we're going to do in regards to the next opponent."

The season has been difficult for Herrmann and players alike, having to cope with the mid-season change.

"You know, it's a very emotional roller coaster when you go through this," Herrmann said. "I was with Dennis Felton every day in practice and games for 11 years in a row. And to take over as the head coach was very difficult."

Felton was let go following a seven-game skid, which included a 0-5 start in the SEC. Herrmann took over a team who could have packed it in, but instead the team displayed heart and fire.

The Bulldogs got their first win under Herrmann, ironically over Florida, on Valentine's Day. Georgia went 3-4 over its final seven games to finish the season on a positive note.

"Coach Herrmann stepped in, did an excellent job getting the guys together, playing together, and just playing more freely," said senior Corey Butler. "You have to give credit to coach Herrmann stepping into an awkward or weird situation and doing the job that he's done thus far. Hopefully he can continue to lead us until Sunday."

Felton also contacted senior Terrance Woodbury, instructing the 4-year starter to step up, and help lead. Woodbury has reached 19 or more points five times since Felton's firing.

"I mean, it was very tough," Woodbury said. "I'm sure it was tough for me and tough for everybody else on the team. But as I talked to Coach Felton later in the weeks, he just told me keep my head up. Try to keep the team together and lead with Coach Herrmann."

Continued...

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