Dear Joe Lunardi,
We all saw your tweet about Buzz Williams and Texas A&M basketball. With all due respect, you’re so incredibly wrong with this take, it isn’t funny. Where do I start?
Well, I guess it’s best to start with being transparent (the theme of the day) – I’m a proud graduate of Texas A&M and have been working in sports PR for over 30 years now. I may not know what I am talking about, but I’ll take my chances. So let’s dive in.
You say this is “wrong on so many levels. It’s terrible PR, for one.”
Strike one.
Terrible PR? How in the world is this terrible PR? If you did a quick national poll of fans on what they “think” of Buzz’s rant, I guarantee you that 85 percent-or-more support what he’s saying. Is that bad PR? Now, of course, the common man hates any committee where there is no transparency in the process of an inexact science, so of course the numbers will be skewed (in Buzz’s favor). But coming out in strong defense of your kids and program is far from bad PR. In fact, I argue the opposite.
Buzz’s statement is 100 percent about his players, as well it should be. This isn’t about me or any other Texas A&M alum or supporter. It’s about the young men that is his FAMILY. He’s going to bat (and he’s chosen to wield a big stick).
Guess where this “PR” is going to pay off – the transfer portal and recruiting. Kids LOVE playing for a coach like Buzz. This statement was an infomercial on what Buzz is all about and his players’ reactions on Twitter only magnified the message.
Look, A&M is a football school; always will be. Recruiting top basketball talent to Aggieland has its challenges. But it is a fantastic place and we love our Aggies. We are behind Buzz 100 percent when it comes to protecting our own.
Next, you claim his statement “sorely misrepresents an imperfect process.” Oh really?
Strike two.
Well thank you for calling out the imperfection, which we can all appreciate. That’s the point, isn’t it? The process can be imperfect but also improved. Where’s that transparency that would help everyone understand how A&M’s body of work (especially the last few games of it) were ignored?
Now, I will admit – losing eight games in a row in the middle of your season doesn’t help. But that and “getting hosed” in the selection process can both be true.
I am of the opinion that A&M was a victim of a process in which a lion’s share of the field was selected and set prior to the conference tournaments. If I’m right, then why are we playing them? It can’t be only for automatic berths.
The Aggies won a competitive game with Florida in overtime, then went on to knock out the No. 1 seed in the SEC in Auburn, then smacked a talented Arkansas team, only to lose in the final vs. a very good Tennessee team. By the way, that Tennessee team deserved better than a three-seed in the NCAA, more proof that selections and slotting were made prior to the conference tournaments.
How about the NCAA does a better job in representing its imperfect process? Make the selection committee part of a more transparent exercise. How in the world can you unconditionally defend the committee? (Don’t answer that. We all know why; they’re all on speed-dial).
“Shame on A&M? “Where’s the adult in the room? What’s the upside?”
More people have noticed Buzz Williams and Texas A&M basketball in the last 72 hours than if we had made the darn tournament. There’s your upside. Basketball players have taken notice. They want to play for a man who has their backs. Texas A&M alums have noticed. We want a coach that stands up for Texas Aggies.
A better question for you – what’s the down side? Are less people going to support A&M or something? No.
Strike three.
You’re out, Joe. We can agree to disagree. But if Buzz just told the college basketball world that he will always stand up for our players, I’m all in.
One last thing Joe – thank you for helping spread the word about the Ags and what Buzz’s program is all about. Even if you think that’s “bad PR.”
