It's been a long time since Troy Walter was on the sidelines of a college basketball game. 11 years to be precise. His college career seemed like it was over before it began. Walter was a young, ambitious 23 year old hired by Furman in 1999. In 3 games Furman was 0-3 with an average losing margin of 32 points. The third game was against Division 2 foe, Pfeiffer. Expected to win handily, Furman came out flat and got thumped by 28. Even worse than the loss itself was Walter's demeanor. Towards the end of the game fans witnessed what is considered to be the worst college basketball tantrum ever. Coach Walter lost his temper had a heated argument with the lead official. The tension peaked when Troy Walter hit the ref on the head with his clipboard and was ejected, shouting curses on the way out. But the real tantrum began in the locker room afterwards. Only those who were there know what really happened, but rumor has it that Walter hit his star shooting guard and knocked him out cold. He was escorted out of the arena and fired on the spot.
Troy Walter has done a lot of soul searching since that point. 10 years later Walter was given the opportunity to coach the High School that he once starred for, West Central High. West Central went on a historic run going 32-0 and winning the South Carolina State Championship. 3 days later, Troy Walter received the shock of his life. The Athletic Director of Elon University was on the phone. Walter was offered a contract to be the head coach of the Elon Phoenix. He was sure it was a joke, but the AD was persistent. The catch was that if anything goes wrong at any time, Elon has the right to terminate Walter's contract immediately. Walter gleefully accepted. He was finally back in the College ranks.
Coach Walter's take: "We have very good Point Guards this year. I decided to start Long over Bonney because of his height and Bonney will provide a great spark off the bench. Constantin looks to be our most talented player. We could be at a disadvantage at the SG and C positions."
Walter's take: "Preseason Polls aren't very important in my opinion. I think this group is talented enough to finish in the top 4."
Key games on the schedule: 11/5/09: vs Robert Morris (Season Opener)
11/24/09: vs Vanderbilt (We welcome an SEC foe)
1/30/10: vs UNC Greensboro (Fierce Rivalry)
2/19/10: vs Furman (We meet again)
Recruiting needs: C, PF, SF, SG. 10 scholarships open.
Walter's take: "This will be crazy!"
Coach Walter thanks you if you read all this and he'll see you after the season opener.
Troy Walter has done a lot of soul searching since that point. 10 years later Walter was given the opportunity to coach the High School that he once starred for, West Central High. West Central went on a historic run going 32-0 and winning the South Carolina State Championship. 3 days later, Troy Walter received the shock of his life. The Athletic Director of Elon University was on the phone. Walter was offered a contract to be the head coach of the Elon Phoenix. He was sure it was a joke, but the AD was persistent. The catch was that if anything goes wrong at any time, Elon has the right to terminate Walter's contract immediately. Walter gleefully accepted. He was finally back in the College ranks.
| Elon Phoenix Depth Chart - 2009-10 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Chis Long (71) | Josh Bonney (74) | Devan Carter (69) | |
| SG | Terrance Birdette (64) | Jon Ogolo (64) | ||
| SF | TJ Douglas (68) | Drew Spadlin (69) | ||
| PF | Adam Constantin (76) | Scott Grable (64) | ||
| C | Daniel Watts (65) | |||
Coach Walter's take: "We have very good Point Guards this year. I decided to start Long over Bonney because of his height and Bonney will provide a great spark off the bench. Constantin looks to be our most talented player. We could be at a disadvantage at the SG and C positions."
| SoCon Preseason Poll Conference Standings - Updated: Nov 1, 2009 | ||||
| TEAM | REC | PCT | CONF | GB |
| 1. Wofford | ||||
| 2. Davidson | ||||
| 3. College of Charleston | ||||
| 4. Western Carolina | ||||
| 5. Georgia Southern | ||||
| 6. UNC Greensboro | ||||
| 7. Appalachian State | ||||
| 8. Elon | ||||
| 9. Chattanooga | ||||
| 10. Samford | ||||
| 11. The Citadel | ||||
| 12. Furman | ||||
Walter's take: "Preseason Polls aren't very important in my opinion. I think this group is talented enough to finish in the top 4."
Key games on the schedule: 11/5/09: vs Robert Morris (Season Opener)
11/24/09: vs Vanderbilt (We welcome an SEC foe)
1/30/10: vs UNC Greensboro (Fierce Rivalry)
2/19/10: vs Furman (We meet again)
Recruiting needs: C, PF, SF, SG. 10 scholarships open.
Walter's take: "This will be crazy!"
Coach Walter thanks you if you read all this and he'll see you after the season opener.
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