Commentary
The sports staff weighs in with its impressions on new head coach Brad Soderberg.
“I’m not completely sold on Soderberg yet, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t the right pick for the job. He seems to be a man of great integrity and faith, something that SLU should be associated with. He has the confidence of his players, which may have been his greatest assest in getting the job. Short term this should work out very well for SLU, Soderberg knows all the players, so there won’t be an awkward adjustment period. Plus, in his only previous coaching experience, Soderberg took his team to the NCAA Tournament, so as far as I’m concerned, he’s one for one.”-Ryan Noonan
“To me, in the past two years, it seemed like SLU basketball was in a real rut. Attendance was down and nothing was really clicking besides a few notable wins. Now is a great time for a coaching change here. It will give the Billikens a new look and a fresh start.
“SLU needs to set its sights on a conference championship, that will lead to a berth in the NCAA tournament. Coach Soderberg knows how to coach in the big game. Hopefully that experience can take the Bills to the tourney, a place they should be every year.”-Josh Brewster
“The loss of Coach Romar left a hole in the basketball program. But Coach Soderberg will more than fill that void. He brings a devotion to the program that is contagious. His spirituality reflects the tradition and vision of the University and will impact the team.
“SLU needed to hire someone who will bring energy, enthusiasm and a knowledge of the game. Soderberg does all this. And he brings a vast amount of knowledge and big-game experience.
“Soderberg will also provide stability and consistency to the program. He knows the players and he was their first choice as a replacement. He also knows the Midwest from his years of coaching.”-Mark Sloan
“He’s not just a good guy, but he knows how to coach and recruit as well. He’s a coach’s son who brings an immense amount of work ethic and commitment to the job.
“And if you think he can’t handle the St. Louis media, you couldn’t be more wrong. He handled more adversity and public prodding in less than one season leading Wisconsin’s program than he will ever face in St. Louis. Following in Lorenzo Romar’s footsteps will be pale in comparison to that of the legendary Dick Bennett. He’s a grounded and humble individual who will be honest, even in defeat. He may not be a household name, but SLU’s program is in good hands.”-Brian Reardon
“It’s about respect. I respect Lorenzo Romar. He would talk with anyone who wanted to talk, and he sincerely listened to every word that you said. But that time has passed. It is now time for Brad Soderberg. Even without talking to our new coach, there is one thing that I can tell you. He is respected and liked by his players. And to win in college basketball you have to be respected and liked by your players. If there has ever been a coach who has had a more ringing endorsement from a group of players, I have yet to see it.
“Coach, they respect you, which means I respect you, and I wish you all the best.”-Derek Johannsen
“I’ll admit that when I first heard rumors of Romar leaving, I didn’t want him to go. I didn’t think it was possible to find an individual who fit in more perfectly with SLU, and I certainly didn’t think it was possible to find a more personable and warm person.
“I was wrong. I’ve learned that the impossible is possible . all you have to do is believe. Coach Soderberg believes in his team, and maybe even more importantly, they believe in him.
“Some people feel that Romar made magic with the Billikens, and that may be true. But Soderberg has the ability to make magic as well. He took a group of confused and hurt men who lost not merely a coach, but a close friend and made them believe that they will succeed no matter who their leader may be because of the talents and leadership within the team. I don’t care what anyone else may think, to me, that’s magic.”
-Sharon Turlek
