The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/24/09 Section: Sports

Fletcher Page

Yes, at times it wasn't pretty.

And there were embarrassing moments - dumbfounding even. But when Pete Herrmann took over the Georgia men's basketball team, the mood shifted light years to the good.

It took only one conversation with Herrmann to understand just how much he loves basketball. At times Herrmann's eyes would light up, discussing even the simplest questions concerning rotations, terminology and generic give-and-take.

In the two months I spent covering Herrmann's Bulldogs, I realized the intensity and tenacity the man had for the game.

But above all, Herrmann respects basketball, and that, to me, was special to ascertain. All coaches surely respect the game, but not all convey it to the media.

Herrmann took over following an 83-57 thumping to Florida. The loss was an exclamation point on a sentence including a seven-game skid, and a team which had quit on Dennis Felton. The losses were bad, but the atmosphere was ugly.

When Herrmann assumed the role of interim coach, the players gave the supportive coach-speak quotes, leaving followers of the program skeptical. And yes, Georgia dropped the next four games. But then a change occurred: a win against Florida.

Herrmann guided Georgia to a 3-4 finish in the SEC.

People took notice. Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury noticed in preparation for the SEC Tournament.

"Well, No. 1, give coach Herrmann a lot of credit for what he's done with this Georgia basketball team since taking over," said Stansbury following State's 79-60 win over Georgia. "He stepped into a very difficult situation. I think they were 0-9 at the time. He found a way in his last seven games to go 3-4, beat Florida, beat Vanderbilt, and go to Kentucky and win. That's not easy."

Herrmann's formula for the turnaround was simple. He asked of his players only to bring effort and unselfishness. And he wanted the game to be fun again. Certain key players bought in.

"I think it's one of the greatest growing experiences that any collegiate athlete could have," said guard Corey Butler. "So I thank coach Herrmann for stepping in and transitioning us into this season, and for the six-plus weeks he had with us. It's been tremendous, and I love you, coach."

Herrmann, like the Georgia program, is in a state of uncertainty. At this point there is no telling where the 27-year coaching veteran could end up next season.

"I want to coach," Herrmann said. "I think I want to coach. I can probably go into a number of different things in regards to college basketball. I know I can help a program as an associate head coach, as an assistant, as a head coach. I'll look forward to being in the profession."

This past season I looked forward to seeing Herrmann come out of the locker room to speak to the media. His informal approach to addressing questions was a breath of fresh air in a stagnant sports quote world.

Herrmann let us know the relationship was a two-way street.

"I also am very grateful to many of you out there who have been very good to me in this time period and over the years have been very good to me," Herrmann said to the media.

It's just another reason to respect Herrmann.

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