Patton’s departure, Bzdelik’s arrival both bode well for CU’s future
This column originally ran in April.
Ricardo Patton recently left CU after coaching men’s basketball for 11 seasons, and I could not be happier to see him go.
When new coach Jeff Bzdelik left Boulder following last week’s press conference, I also could not have been happier to see him go.
Patton’s farewell deserved a succinct “sayonara,” while Bzdelik’s departure from campus proved rather promising.
The new coach’s first priority – one shared with Athletic Director Mike Bohn – was to establish support throughout parts of the Boulder-Denver metro area. The tour began following the official public announcement of Bzdelik’s hiring.
Bzdelik tossed out the ceremonial first pitch at a Colorado Rockies home game and attended a pep rally at Smiley Middle School. The CU athletic department wasted no time introducing its new coach to the Colorado public. Throw in some radio interviews and other meet-and-greet events, and now more people are aware of Bzdelik’s presence – and that was only on April 4.
It’s no secret that a transition was vital in order for the basketball program to progress appropriately. That transition brought a glimpse of fulfillment.
While most people are concerned with what Bzdelik can accomplish on the court, it is very important he develop a stout game plan when outside the Coors Events Center. Bzdelik has already proven his effectiveness on the court. Now we begin to witness his capabilities off the court.
Community support is a big component of ensured success for the basketball program. The bottom line is Patton’s lack of appearances stunted the program’s growth. Obviously, this factor alone cannot be attributed to the Buffs’ recent struggles, but Patton’s public relations were sub-par. His face and commitment were habitually absent from the public.
It is essential that Bzdelik and the CU Athletic Department make a strong attempt to build spirit and morale. This will help attract outside interest and support.
These efforts will help address two big challenges that the program currently faces.
Poor attendance at recent home games is a valid concern. The good news: Community exposure will inevitably parallel ticket sales.
Effective public relations techniques entail publicizing and promoting CU men’s basketball in a dynamic fashion. Fortunately, it is already apparent Bzdelik and Bohn have agreed on the importance of exposure.
The second issue is the report that CU is not able to offer any scholarships for the spring signing period – talk about discouraging. This is just another fragment of the transition. By establishing a positive image, external support should bring more money and resources into this program.
Realistically, the team’s image and resources eventually need to feed off of one another. It is just a matter of launching the process and allowing it to cultivate by taking an active approach.
Boulder is not Lawrence, Kan., but a decently occupied Coors Events Center still has the potential to boost CU’s performance on the court and shake the play of any visiting opponent. And an increase in attendance will open the doors for other critical resources.
Bohn seems committed to facility and program improvements. Bzdelik has a lot of passion for his new team. Together they can generate considerable support. A goal that appears to have already made its way into the agenda.
So I’ll wave goodbye with a smile on my face every time coach Bzdelik leaves the Boulder campus to enter the wild realm known as the community.
