June 20th, 2007
Somewhere in Virginia along I-64
I was driving along enjoying the exciting drive to DC getting ready to teach a youth basketball camp when the call came.
"Hello coach, this is Eddie Payne with the University of South Carolina-Upstate, I am currently the Head Coach of the basketball team and we are moving to Division 1 this year. I have prepared the team for the move but I am stepping down effective July 1st to take over as the Athletic Director. I'll keep this short, I would like to interview you for the head coach opening on the 25th there in Richmond, are you interested?"
Instantly I said yes, and began to celebrate on the inside, I thanked Coach Payne for the opportunity and continued the drive....Let's just say the next few days were whirlwind. On July 1st I took Spartanburg and began the process of moving myself to South Carolina.
July 4th, 2007
Spartanburg, SC
I arrived on Campus and met with the entire team, they started to show me around, brought me to my small office, and introduced me to each and every player. As I met them I noticed one player, a huge (7' 2") French center, his name was Nick Scheinders and although undeveloped Coach Payne told me he had HUGE potential. Later on I had a private meeting with the teams two seniors (including the coaches son Luke Payne), and promised them that although I was only 27, I was the right man for this job...AND SO THE JOURNEY BEGAN...
Somewhere in Virginia along I-64
I was driving along enjoying the exciting drive to DC getting ready to teach a youth basketball camp when the call came.
"Hello coach, this is Eddie Payne with the University of South Carolina-Upstate, I am currently the Head Coach of the basketball team and we are moving to Division 1 this year. I have prepared the team for the move but I am stepping down effective July 1st to take over as the Athletic Director. I'll keep this short, I would like to interview you for the head coach opening on the 25th there in Richmond, are you interested?"
Instantly I said yes, and began to celebrate on the inside, I thanked Coach Payne for the opportunity and continued the drive....Let's just say the next few days were whirlwind. On July 1st I took Spartanburg and began the process of moving myself to South Carolina.
July 4th, 2007
Spartanburg, SC
I arrived on Campus and met with the entire team, they started to show me around, brought me to my small office, and introduced me to each and every player. As I met them I noticed one player, a huge (7' 2") French center, his name was Nick Scheinders and although undeveloped Coach Payne told me he had HUGE potential. Later on I had a private meeting with the teams two seniors (including the coaches son Luke Payne), and promised them that although I was only 27, I was the right man for this job...AND SO THE JOURNEY BEGAN...
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