Peterson’s move to UNCW caught ASU by surprise

By: Steve Behr Sports Editor, Watauga Democrat

No doubt, most who follow Appalachian State basketball felt head coach Buzz Peterson would eventually leave the program for greener pastures. They didn’t think it would be so abrupt.

After a triumphant return that saw Peterson lead the Mountaineers to the brink of the NCAA tournament, Buzz has flown the coup, this time to the beach and UNC Wilmington. It was not easy getting Peterson to come here. He was offered the job, but turned it down.

That didn’t stop the ASU athletic department from trying. A compensation package that was around $225,000 was put together. His annual salary of $177,500 was worth the cost of doing business. Soon, everybody was saying “The Buzz is Back.”

Now they’re saying “The Buzz is gone.” The same rumors that circulated when Peterson first guided the Mountaineers to the NCAAs back in 2000 started to generate again. First it was Peterson going to Charlotte. It made sense. He has a home just over the Mecklenburg-Union County line that is really nice and one I’m sure he’d like to keep.
However, Charlotte never came calling and those rumors died down. Then there was an offer from Marshall that Peterson turned down because he and the school could not agree to final contract terms.

The move to Wilmington felt like a trap door to Appalachian faithful. According to ASU athletic director Charlie Cobb, he was told the news around 8:30 Friday morning. A few hours later, all you-know-what broke loose around the athletic offices at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

Some may say good riddance to a coach who always seemed to have one eye on the court and another in the classified ads. Most are no doubt saying “I told you so.” Personally, I wish Peterson the best and I can’t say I blame him for taking a compensation package worth nearly double ($435,000) what he was getting at Appalachian State.

Think about it. Somebody offers you nearly twice what you’re making from a place you really haven’t set down any roots at, and you’re not leaving? Where do I sign?
Personally, I’ve always liked Peterson. He’s laid back, friendly and has plenty of charisma. Once you meet Peterson, and if you can put any ill will to the side, it’s hard not to like him.

But this is a punch in the gut to the athletic department because they had a good basketball coach and suddenly they’ve got to go through the process of finding another one.

So now the search begins and Cobb faces an interesting decision. Should he find a power conference retread? Recently fired Wake Forest coach Dino Gaudio and Charlotte’s Bobby Lutz (I know the Atlantic 10 is not a power conference, but it is stronger than the Southern Conference) immediately come to mind.

And just how much will the university pay for an experienced coach like Gaudio or a Lutz. Will Peterson’s former salary be enough? Or does Cobb turn to somebody who might be climbing Jacob’s ladder, possibly a hot Division II prospect such as Darcie Vincent was when Cobb replaced Adrienne Shuler in the women’s program? Or does he turn to top assistant Matt McMahon, a loyal company man who played for Peterson from 1996-2000? McMahon has paid plenty of dues as an assistant for Houston Fancher and for Peterson. McMahon is smart, works hard and deserves a shot at a head coaching position if not at Appalachian State, then for somebody.

He’s been an assistant coach for 10 years and will be 32 in a week. If he wants it, he at least deserves an interview. There should be plenty of interest in the position. An experienced team that reached the semifinals of the Collegeinsider.com Invitational returns, including the top free-throw shooter in the nation in guard Donald Sims.
The Holmes Center is still the top mid-major facility I’ve seen in my travels, though it wouldn’t hurt if more than 2,000 would show up for the games. Maybe a new coach would have a plan to do just that. My hunch is this: If the new coach stays for more than one season, chances are he’ll be welcomed at Holmes.

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