Aiken's New Coach

[BusinessEnd]

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Leon Ellison is the man .... don't know if its for 1 year or permanent after reading the blog.

Good luck to Coach Ellison and Aiken.

[carolina]

You have got to be joking! I guess keeping Chane at Aiken means more to them than getting a qualified coach.

[T-Bred]

Congrats. Good luck Leon.

[freshmenbballer21]

Congrates Coach Leon Ellison, :clap: I am so proud of you and I know your the right man for the job.:Party:


Now add 30 more before Basketball season the rest will fall in line real soon!

[BusinessEnd]

Has anyone heard if it is a 1 year interim thing or is it a permanent move???

I guess I don't really know CPS's regulations regarding coaches qualifications. I also wonder about the influence that Eric Thomas will try to have over a first time varsity coach with a high profile player.

I would like to see Aiken do well this season.

[voice_of_reason]

I for one look forward to this Cincinnati team doing well. They are going to be one of the best in the city. Can they compete for the state? Let's see!

Good Luck Leon.

What other CPS teams will be strong?
Do CPS schools have freshman teams?
Who are the assistant coaches at Aiken?

[Eezy as 123]

You have got to be joking! I guess keeping Chane at Aiken means more to them than getting a qualified coach.

Oh yeah. They gave away, or, I mean they did all they could to keep him there. :angel: They knew someone wouldn't be dumb enough to keep their bball star son there so they "did all they could". ;)

Remember when LeBron "bought" that Hummer at SVSM?

[Eezy as 123]

Now add 30 more before Basketball season the rest will fall in line real soon!

You really want 30 more thousand dollars? Haven't you received enough?

[Eezy as 123]

Has anyone heard if it is a 1 year interim thing or is it a permanent move???

It's only for 3yrs. (Chane's sophomore, junior, and senior years). ;) Just playing. But I wouldn't put it past them.

[RoundballOZ11]

I have never heard of this man. Is he a relative of Chane? Please list his qualifications if any. Any truth that Cronin (Dan) was in running for this position.

[benindow07]

Any truth that Cronin (Dan) was in running for this position.

Ask poster GCLSouth, he can tell you the answer to that question.

[Eezy as 123]

Whoever wants the "scoop", just private message me.

[Eagle Eyes]

It's only for 3yrs. (Chane's sophomore, junior, and senior years). ;) Just playing. But I wouldn't put it past them.

You are closer to the truth than you think. Leon has been a "mentor" to Chane since at least the second grade and has controlled his playing career ever since. Ellison is not much on x's and o's when it comes to coaching. He depends on having better athletes to win games (which should not be much a problem at Aiken) but can easily be out-coached during crunch time against teams with lesser talent. I've seen it happen many times on the AAU courts.

[bignate]

Not only is Ellison a first time Varsity coach, I think (correct me if I'm wrong) last year was Ellison's first year as an assistant coach. Probably was given the assistant's job only because he could deliver Chane. He better hire some good assistants because I also think he is weak in the X's and O's.

[HoopHound]

I don't want to read another word about money, or even a reference to it.

It's one thing to question an individual's qualifications to be a head coach. That goes with the territory when coaching high school sports. I encourage that freedom of speech when taking part in a public forum.

It's quite another to spread innuendo regarding player payoffs, bribes, inducements, etc. without any evidence other than "I heard", "Someone told me", "It's obvious to me...", etc.

These are ugly rumors that are impossible to prove or deny by all involved. If you want to discuss them, use PM's to discuss their credibility. Keep unproven info and hear/say OFF the threads until they are PROVEN by the school system and/or conference and/or OHSAA... and published in a CREDIBLE media source (include a link for verification).

I keep thinking that some of you are smart enough to realize that you injure the reputations of innocent bystanders when you sling this type stuff. And you continue to prove my thinking wrong. :wallbang:

[Eezy as 123]

I keep thinking that some of you are smart enough to realize that you injure the reputations of innocent bystanders when you sling this type stuff. And you continue to prove my thinking wrong. :wallbang:

Maybe some people's reputation deserve to be ruined when they're ruining the very same thing they love, UN-NOTICED. :shrug:

But you're right Hoop'. You have to draw a line SOMEWHERE in a public forum. I just hate it when these people get away with grimey unnoticed things, and then get praised for the noticed. Know what I mean? That's why I've been "beating around the bush" with this, instead of saying it flat-out. If anyone wants the "flat-out", private message me.

[HoopHound]

Maybe some people's reputation deserve to be ruined when they're ruining the very same thing they love, UN-NOTICED. :shrug: ....

In certain situations, people's reps DO deserve to be sullied... but ONLY when there is rock-solid irrefutable evidence. We've gotta be sensitive to everything we publicly state in our lives, that can effect the lives of others... many of which don't deserve it. :blush:

That is called being mature and responsible for our actions and words.

Let's get back on-topic and discuss the on-court issues this new coach is gonna face, shall we?

I'm tiring quickly patrolling this thread.

[voice_of_reason]

As I read the comments about Leon, I disagree with many comments. I have seen Leon grow and mature as a coach. I agree in the beginning he was something else.

He has coached young players and that is not high schoolers, but he has coached in some pressure cooker games.

He will have a lot of talent on that team, and I for one look forward to watching the coach and players grow.

[bignate]

Big difference in coaching 3rd and 4th grade AAU ball where a marginal coach can win with better talent. As the kids get older the talent level evens out and coaching ability/inability is exposed. I hope for the sake of the Aiken players that Ellison has developed some ability to coach and he is not in the head coach position due to the "coat tail riding" of young Chane. Seems he'll have a 3 year window to prove himself. Good luck Ellison. This is sure to be a closely watched decision.

[MWEBER]

For the situation Aiken was in he was the only answer. I can tell you the rumor I heard from a teacher at LS is that Cronin (Dan) told Leon he would help him in any way. Not sure if that means coaching or what but I know the offer was made.

He would def bring some structure and disclpline to help Leon.

[voice_of_reason]

I am like most of you, outsiders lookin in, but from what I have been seeing, the players have the respect of their coach, so this Dan guy would have to earn the respect of the players.

And in the beginning Leon would have to vouch for him to the players.

[Eezy as 123]

Cronin (Dan) told Leon he would help him in any way.

:laugh: He sure did.

[lancersroll]

I can tell you as a former player at LS , Cronin would need no help getting respect. He is the sole reason Bobby Austin, and Danny McElroy, and many other minority players made it through LS. Danny Mac and Cronin are tighter then a drum. Leon and Cronin are also very cool. I think it would be a great thing for everyone at Aiken if he did come over there.

I can tell you from experience he was a great scout. He would know everything the other team was going to do and always had a plan to give Fleming. Now, trust me Fleming didnt always listen, but he always had the other players habits and he told us on the bench what to look for each game. The only reason he is not a head coach is he is not a teacher, he runs his own business and cant get to practice all the time.

But as far as respect, shoot, Dan knew about Chane 4 yrs ago. He had that kid up at SL in the 6th grade summer. He knows his stuff.

And he is great with the minority players, we used to joke with him that he belonged at Woodward. The kids really respect him just ask Bob Austin senior.

[GCLSOUTH]

Ellison was the right guy , and I have investigated and heard he is making progress towards being certified. He has a 2 yr degree and is getting a 4yr degree as we speak so good for him.

As far as Cronin joining him, I spoke with him last week and he said if Leon gets the job , and he wants me their, I am their.

So we will see.

I agree with Roll the kids respect Cronin and I know Aiken kids respect Leon. I think Chane respect both and that goes a long way. I think some GCl coaching on a staff could only help, especially tourney time in front of the big crowds when public league teams seem to lose close games to GCL schools on 1 or 2 coaching moves. It could only help

Congrats to Leon Ellison he is a good man.

[RoundballOZ11]

What about the Falcon's big man?

[rackball21]

Stop it! When did he graduate from cincy state? He was seen on campus going to class.???so your information is not credible on the degree issue. furthermore he was not and is not the best candidate for the job. He did not have any of the qualifications that was listed on the job posting. Ok my bad he knows Chane I guess that qualification supercedes a person with coaching experience playing experience teaching experience.. Aiken and anyone who allowed this crap to go down should be ashamed of themselves and trust this is just the beginning of big can of worms...ie (eric thomas and cronies better come up with some very strong legal reasons why this man was more qualified than candidates who already had the credentials. The problem with CPS too many politics. What did Aiken get scared that Chane would leave? are you kidding me ? It means that much to try to have a winning season based on the back one kid? What is Eric Thomas showing the rest of team and the school for that matter about how you handle business. If my child was at this school I would have pulled he or she out immediately. I smell a rat and please believe none of this was handled appropriately ... This was underhanded and conniving to say the least. Keep your ears open there will be more to follow behind this fiasco:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

To anyone who applied for this position and you know you were more qualified to coach how did that slap in your face feel?

Ellison was the right guy , and I have investigated and heard he is making progress towards being certified. He has a 2 yr degree and is getting a 4yr degree as we speak so good for him.

As far as Cronin joining him, I spoke with him last week and he said if Leon gets the job , and he wants me their, I am their.

So we will see.

I agree with Roll the kids respect Cronin and I know Aiken kids respect Leon. I think Chane respect both and that goes a long way. I think some GCl coaching on a staff could only help, especially tourney time in front of the big crowds when public league teams seem to lose close games to GCL schools on 1 or 2 coaching moves. It could only help

Congrats to Leon Ellison he is a good man.

[carolina]

Rackball 21 I Am So Glad Someone Else Knows The Truth About The New "coach". He Has Not Graduated From Cincinnati State And Is Not Working On A Four Year Degree. He Is Also Not Highly Qualified To Be A High School Basketball Coach. Every Body Knows This Was Done To Keep Chane At Aiken.

[Eezy as 123]

Stop it! When did he graduate from cincy state? He was seen on campus going to class.???so your information is not credible on the degree issue. furthermore he was not and is not the best candidate for the job. He did not have any of the qualifications that was listed on the job posting. Ok my bad he knows Chane I guess that qualification supercedes a person with coaching experience playing experience teaching experience.. Aiken and anyone who allowed this crap to go down should be ashamed of themselves and trust this is just the beginning of big can of worms...ie (eric thomas and cronies better come up with some very strong legal reasons why this man was more qualified than candidates who already had the credentials. The problem with CPS too many politics. What did Aiken get scared that Chane would leave? are you kidding me ? It means that much to try to have a winning season based on the back one kid? What is Eric Thomas showing the rest of team and the school for that matter about how you handle business. If my child was at this school I would have pulled he or she out immediately. I smell a rat and please believe none of this was handled appropriately ... This was underhanded and conniving to say the least. Keep your ears open there will be more to follow behind this fiasco:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

To anyone who applied for this position and you know you were more qualified to coach how did that slap in your face feel?

:clap: This is a FANTABULOUS post, rackball! :clap: :crush:

I heard this whole thing is getting CLOSER and CLOSER to being "looked at", OFFICIALLY and LEGALLY. I have a feeling this Aiken basketball team is going to crumble HARD to the ground sooner rather than later.

WAAAYYY too many people know what's going on in the dark shadows.

Bottom line: Aiken (and everyone else in between) is money hungry. :shrug: Who in the world can disagree? And if you do, you must be one of the people "receiving". :wallbang:

[voice_of_reason]

It appears to me that someone has had very close knowledge to this situation. Maybe even applied themselves. So you may have more knowledge and actual facts to the situation. But from my perspective, at this point and this late in the process, I would think an assistant that was in the program would be a better fit. That is from the players and team perspective. And I understand your point if he does not have the credentials that the job posting says, then he does not get the job permanently. But the interim job should go to him.

I just hope the team does not get punished this season because the coach that was a solid choice decided to turn down the job. Maybe CPS does need to look into how things were handled, but it sounds like the school administration and the AD need to be reviewed first.

[rackball21]

I disagree with you 100percent you do not make an assistant who is only in the school because of Chane the interim coach when you had qualified candidates that weren't even called to advise they had made a choice when they gave it to the coach from clark. Your next option is to pull from your interview pool or you repost the position!!!! this was a set up from the get up and if administrators at cps or at aiken was okay with this ...they should be nervous. ? ET sat on his decision forever because he didnt have any real reason why he didnt repost or look at the other qualified candidates and leon feels he deserves a say because of his connection to Chane this is sick and for anyone that can't see the issues with this take your blinders off!!!
for the record I am not a coach but you are correct... plenty of knowledge... both cps and legal :cool:


It appears to me that someone has had very close knowledge to this situation. Maybe even applied themselves. So you may have more knowledge and actual facts to the situation. But from my perspective, at this point and this late in the process, I would think an assistant that was in the program would be a better fit. That is from the players and team perspective. And I understand your point if he does not have the credentials that the job posting says, then he does not get the job permanently. But the interim job should go to him.

I just hope the team does not get punished this season because the coach that was a solid choice decided to turn down the job. Maybe CPS does need to look into how things were handled, but it sounds like the school administration and the AD need to be reviewed first.

[cphslFan]

Interesting situation indeed!

[TreyOcho]

I absolutely have no connection to Aiken other than they tried to "attract" a kid that I am very close with last year and the year before. The kid would have made a tremendous difference for that school the last two years. However, I do know quite a bit about Leon and his relationship with Chane, from his time when he first took Chane "under his wing" at the Friars club, before the knights (AAU) were formed with mainly ex-friars players. And let me say this, I am not a friars backer, I took my son from that program because it was not beneficial. However it was kind of crazy how the knights took so many players and coaches from the Friars club. If Chane was not at Aiken Leon would not be the coach, period. He would still just be an AAU coach. That is not an assumption that is a fact. Chane wasn't even a big fan of Aiken for real, but he does take the advice of his "mentor" Leon. I won't get personal with this post, and give fact on situation that I know about how committed Leon is to seeing Chane "succeed". But Leon is in no way the best choice for the job, if we are talking basketball. This hiring is the most blatant, since McBride was selected at Withrow, then let go right after Yancy and Muggs left.

[voice_of_reason]

I do not know what candidates applied for the job, but in hirings across the country, no matter the type of job, people are always getting hired because of who they knew. At the time Cronin got the UC job, was he the best prospect for the job, I really do not think so. Look all across the country at people getting hired because of the recruit. I think XU has an assistant that was a former AAU coach. And yes this is high school. But the similarities are still there.

I have seen Leon develop young players, he may not be the best X & O guy, but he is a solid skill developer. I have also watched him grow and improve his character. He still talks a bunch of Sh*t, but I have no doubt that those players will play hard for him, and with that sort of desire along with the skills the players have, I believe, and to a degree hope, that he and the team do very well.

And then after the season he can work on attaining whatever he needs to become the full time coach of Aiken, even if that is only for one more year while Shane is there.

[Eezy as 123]

even if that is only for one more year while Shane is there.

Chane's a sophomore this year.