After news broke of top assistant coaches Ross Hodge and Leonard Perry leaving Colorado State’s men’s basketball coaching staff, here are the first statements from the two coaches, head coach Eustachy and some of the players as well.
It’s been a day of mixed emotions for all parties involved as there’s both pride and happiness for Perry and Hodge moving forward with their careers, but obvious disappointment for the loss CSU just endured.
Head coach Larry Eustachy had this to say regarding the departure of this two top coaches and recruiters:
“I’m sad to see Leonard and Ross leave but I am excited for them to take the next step in their careers to pursue their dreams and goals of again being a college head coach. I have two guys who I love like my sons and think they are making the right decisions for themselves to better their careers. It’s tough for Colorado State, as they are going to be dearly missed and irreplaceable, as they are the major reason why we have had the most successful four-year span in CSU men’s basketball history. But we will move on.”
“Again are they going to be missed? Irreplaceable, as they made my job so much easier, but you have to let them go. Leonard was my first point guard (at Idaho), my first everything. And Ross – I’ve never respected a guy more. They are great family men, great coaches and great friends. It is a big hit for Colorado State, but I stamp it because it is what is best for them. I will look forward to working with them through the end of April until they start the next phases of their careers.”
The loss is a big one for sure, but Eustachy also put to rest any murmurs that these moves might indicate an imminent departure from him as well.
“I am going to fulfill my five years that is left on this contract, as I have made it clear that I am not leaving Colorado State. I have had opportunities every year. They (Perry and Hodge) know that I am going to finish those five years, and these two want to be head coaches. It is as simple as that.”
The decision was not an easy one for either men and especially Ross Hodge, men’s basketball’s top recruiter and one of the best in the country, made it clear how torn he was in taking this next step in his career.
“For the last five years, every day I woke up thankful for the opportunity that Coach gave me, and gave my family. Like I told him, I’ll wake up every day the rest of my life thankful for the opportunity he’s given me and what we were able to do in the five-year time that I was with him. Everything he’s done for my family, not just within the game of basketball, but the things that people aren’t able to see: The conversations on the road, the things that people don’t know. It was an incredibly difficult decision. I shed a lot of tears and prayed a lot about it with my wife Shelly, and it was very, very difficult. I’ve had opportunities in the past, and it was going to take a special situation for me, personally, to leave.”
Hodge also talked about how important Colorado State and the city of Fort Collins have been to him and his family.
“The city of Fort Collins and Colorado State have been so phenomenal to my family, and we would not have had the opportunity without Coach Eustachy. I’m really looking forward to following the team next year. I think they’re set up to have a big year. One of my only regrets is that I won’t be around for (Coach Eustachy’s) win No. 500 and, most importantly, No. 518.”
Leonard Perry sounded quite torn himself, especially in leaving Eustachy, a man who’s meant everything to his basketball career to this point.
“This was the most difficult decision that my wife and I have ever made. When the University of Idaho couldn’t afford for their student-athletes to attend summer school, leaving them short at the end of their playing career, Coach and his wife personally made sure that I graduated and got my degree. Shortly after that, he gave me my break in the business and hired me as an assistant at Utah State. The things that he has taught me throughout the years have been invaluable, both as a basketball coach and in my personal life – how to be a man and how to get through tough times. Every success that I have had in this business, he has been a part of. I’ve been associate head coach for him for longer than I can remember. We have done the unthinkable in terms of winning wherever we were and cutting down nets and doing things those schools have never done before and I am super proud of that. I don’t think I would be making the move without Coach’s blessing. The guy is responsible for everything good that has happened in my career, so it is a tough day, but excited for the future.”
Perry went on to speak very highly about the university he’s leaving and the city of Fort Collins.
“What a special place for a student-athlete to go to school here at Colorado State. CSU is one of the best places you could ever choose to go to school. This community, the way they’ve been accepting of our family is outstanding. Friends that we’ve made have made it just an outstanding experience. We’ve loved every minute of it, and we are certainly going to miss that. This team is a group of special kids. I love them all, and I think Coach Eustachy’s 500th win will come very soon (currently at 487). It’s going to sting not being there for it, but I know the kids and this program are in great hands.”
Senior guard Gian Clavell wished the coaches well but didn’t hide his disappointment either.
“Hearing this news is sad because I had a father-son relationship with them. I’m happy for them as I know wherever they go, they are going to do great things. They are great at what they do and that’s going to be missed around here and I wish them the best. We are in good hands with Coach Eustachy and the goal for next year hasn’t changed. We are trying to build a championship team here and that’s what we will continue to do.”
Junior guard John Gillon mentioned how hard Perry and Hodge will be to replace,
“I’m happy for Coach Hodge and Coach Perry as they were both great coaches, as both are very smart and insightful. I’m appreciative for how they helped me develop as a basketball player and a person. It’s extremely difficult to replace coaches with that type of basketball IQ and knowledge for the game. But I know Coach Eustachy is a good coach and will have the team ready for next year.”
Junior forward Emmanuel Omogbo gave a more optimistic view of the future.
“I am really happy for Coach Hodge and Coach Perry and getting the opportunities they deserve. They were so supportive of me on and off the court, especially during this past year, and I can’t say enough great things about them. I love Colorado State University and Fort Collins and I am really excited about the future.”
The four year run that Perry and Hodge were a part of is the winningest in program history with 87 wins. The CSU Coaching staff ranked among the top 10, according to Sports Illustrated, at in-season development and optimal usage in-game. Without two of the top assistants that will be hard to replicate in the next season. While at CSU Perry and Hodge made three postseason invitations in four years, including 2013 NCAA Tournament and 2015 NIT.
Stay tuned to BSNDenver.com for more up to date news and developments on the story.
