Jamie Pollard Quotes (27 Quotes)

It was hard. He's an outstanding coach, and he's going to have many outstanding opportunities ahead of him. I just feel coach McDermott was a better fit for Iowa State.

Greg McDermott is a rising star in the profession. He's absolutely committed to bringing Hilton Magic back to this building.

We want kids that want to be here. If they choose that they want to be at another place, then that's better for them, and that's better for us. We made the decision a long time ago that we're running a marathon, we're not running a sprint.

I am honored to have been chosen as the next director of athletics at Iowa State University. Iowa State's athletic program has a rich tradition, a solid foundation and tremendous potential for growth and even greater success. The opportunity to lead the athletic program at this time is very exciting.

Right now, his contract is probably 10th or 11th in the Big 12 Conference. We're not asking him to be 10th or 11th in the Big 12, so there are some things we have to look at.

As a competitor, he is unmatched. I know he'll bring the same level of enthusiasm, dedication and focus to the head coaching position. He is the ultimate winner and young wrestlers around the nation will be anxious to learn from him.

I hope not. I would anticipate that we're in. We're one of the top 100 best teams in the country.

We need basketball to be a marquee program. We need to get the right person for Iowa State, and that is not just about money.

I can assure you I did not take this decision lightly.

The fact that we didn't make the NCAA Tournament or the NIT contributed to the decision, but I want to emphasize it's clearly not the only reason we're making the decision.

Although the events of this week concerning basketball scheduling is not the reason we are making this change, the timing of that situation and the negative national publicity that Iowa State has received as a result ... has contributed to the timing of our decision.

I made a personal commitment to myself that when the opportunity came it would need to be at the right place and the right time. The job is just too demanding to want to be an athletic director. I wanted to be an athletic director where I knew it was the right place and the right time.

To cement the legacy of coach Douglas, I'm pleased to announce publicly the creation of the Bobby Douglas Endowed Scholarship. One Cyclone wrestler will receive his scholarship aid under the name of Bobby Douglas forever. I must thank John Allen for his generous financial contribution to endow this scholarship and guarantee that Coach Douglas is celebrated annually through this endowment.

We're making a change in the leadership of the men's basketball program effective immediately.

I wanted an individual who had a sincere passion for being the next Cyclone men's basketball coach. One coach emerged as the clear cut favorite . . . (and that's) Greg McDermott.

It was more convenient. We could watch the women's game, then go back into the office and work when we needed to. Mac and I agreed to talk again at 930 after the game.

It came down to giving a guy from Iowa a chance to prove that his formula works at the big-time level. What's important to me is that we build this overall athletic program the right way.

Other than the Anthony Davis piece, I don't think (Iowa State) did anything wrong. But the fact that we're associated with something that certainly has the appearance that is less than desirable ... that's a concern.

President Geoffroy is committed to having a first-class, highly successful athletic program, as I am. But we also have a fan base that clearly supports that goal and wants us to do what is necessary to make that happen. That is what begins now.

By then, it was hard to remember what day it was, let alone what time I made the phone call. I told him to talk to his family and that we'd talk again very shortly.

To me, this was really a decision about a head coach, a mentor and his pupil and our strong desire that we would do everything possible to make sure that vision happened.

We had to be a little creative in order to be competitive.

We're extremely disappointed that our institution has been cast in a negative light as a result of our men's basketball scheduling practices the past three years. I honestly believe that Iowa State University did not knowingly do anything wrong as it relates to scheduling these non-conference games.

I can assure you that I didn't take this decision lightly.

We'll have a big discussion about it. And my guess is there will be other discussions around the country after you write your story.

We're looking to make Cyclone basketball the center of the state, the Midwest and the NCAA.

Bo was asleep when we got there, but his wife had (Bud Light) and crackers ready for us. There weren't a lot of what people would consider to be wholesome meals during the search.