Sorry- "Drama" .................. Mike Ellis has been one of the most integral, and consistent components of VCU basketball, over the past 24 years. So I thought this issue deserved a separate thread. This issue needs some clarification, and I don't want this post to get burried. So I'm posting it again. Sorry if I tick some of you off. But I want this to be up top. Not asking everyone to agree either. It's an open forum. But this subject is key for me, and I need to say this. So sorry for this "re-post," in advance. There is a hell of a lot of pure speculation in this thread, which is expected, and which always happens with big news like this. But I know Mike pretty well, and I like him a lot. So maybe I am biased. But I've spoken to Mike, and I've talked to a couple of others that I'm tight with down in the Athletic Dept. And I can assure you of a few things: First, Mike was intricately involved with the A-D search- right to the end. And this had absolutely NOTHING to do with that hire. If anything, it might have even shown up on the list of reasons why to stay here. Second, we are going to be in good hands. Things are not falling apart, as many of you are prognosticating here. We do not need to freak out. The fact is- we are rolling, and the most ABSOLUTE thing on every member of the athletic staff's mind right now, is to maintain the positive momentum. Period. And that goes for our President's office as well. That is on everybody's mind, and the guys in the admin are talking about things like "The Crash of 1986" and "The George Mason Situation" (where they blew their momentum, and did not capitalize). And third and final- this was about Mike Ellis, and Mike's family. This is about life. Not about you and me. This decision has nearly ripped Mike in half, and he does love VCU. If anyone does not believe that, then you just don't know Mike. But the fact is, life will present a man with interesting possibilities, from time to time. And more importantly, there are pivotal points in a person's life. Decisions sometimes have to be made that are difficult. And saying goodbye is always tough when you love a place- and the people there. But when the career opportunity presents itself, that could be a life-changer, you have to think family. And sometimes, you jump on it. Oh- one last thing: Mike has a green light to come back to VCU. I know that for fact. And that alone should tell you a LOT about the man, and what he has done to build our program. He's a good one, and he has my respect. So good luck Mike Ellis. You will be missed, my man.
Great post, Ram Bo! Like us, they are going to love Mike out there in Minnesota. Our loss is their gain!
Mike has had a very successful 19 years at VCU. He was heavily involved with the recruitment of Kendrick Warren. I wish him the best.
I wish Mike the best, but don't count on the green light for him to be back. That will be in large part a decison of the new AD. I remember Sanders was removed and given the explanation they needed him in the Sports Management department. He felt all safe and sound there ( as he did an equally good amount for the school) till Nogood came around and had to hook up Thomasmeanie, his bud. Out the door went Sanders... I am on board with Ellis always able to return and I hope the new guy has more scruples than Nogood.
Thanks fellas-for all of your support in this post. I know it was a redundant thread- but like I said earlier..... I just needed to clarify a few things, form my perspective, and I was fearful that my earlier post would get "buried" in the other thread. So thanks again for the awesome comments. I appreciate it, and this is a bit of a sensitive topic right now- for a lot of us. And for a lot of different reasons. VCU basketball will always be different now- on some levels. And we are embarking on some brand new, and very exciting territory. And we're going to be doing this without a few of our long-time Pals. That's life! And that is what makes the world go around. It's tough to see big changes- and tough to say goodbye to friends. But we are in GREAT shape right now. GO RAMS!!! Also- thanks a lot rammed. We need to get together soon. Big things happening Bro!!
Also- for the record..... this situation can be compared to the Dick Sander situation- on ZERO levels. Not even remotely close enough to garner any sort of analogy. But I also understand that "coming back" does not happen very often. Still- this would be one case where it could potentially happen one day. And the new AD would absolutely NOT stand in Mike's way. There could be other reasons. But not that one.
Great Post! I was really bummed out when I heard that Mike was leaving. Thanks for putting me at ease! Godspeed Mike. You will be missed!
