Statements from Athletic Director Paul Dee
June 15, 2000
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) –
“We are very sorry to have lost Leonard Hamilton. He’s been a tremendous asset to the program and brought tremendous players to the University. All of us here at the University are extraordinarily proud of the quality of people he has brought here. We thank him for all he has done for the past ten years.
“The University of Miami is saddened by his leaving but thank him for all he did and wish him the very best in the NBA.
“Leonard took us to a level of being in the Sweet 16 this year, three times to the NCAA Tournament, each year progressing one step further. We’re looking for a coach who can take the reins at that place and take us to the next level.
“That leaves the University of Miami in a position to begin the search to replace a head coach. We will begin that right away. I’ve been asked by President (Edward) Foote, along with several people from the administration, to conduct this search which we will do, beginning today.
“We don’t have a time frame although we will do it in a way as soon as practical. We’ll do it deliberately so that we don’t miss any opportunities.
“We’re looking for a coach who can take us to the next level, who can help us continually and annually to compete on a national basis.
“I will tell you that we don’t have a new coach behind magic door number one. This will be a full open search. We change coaches around here infrequently enough to be able to attract good people.
“It’s a challenge – we look forward to the challenge. We’re prepared to do what we need to do to undertake the search for a successor.
“We’re going to look for the best person for the position.”
Player Quotes
Senior Center Dwayne Wimbley“I’m disappointed because I wanted him to be my coach, but I’m not disappointed he took the job because it’s a good opportunity for him, and we can’t be mad at him for that.”
Sophomore Guard Leroy Hurd“Any normal human would take the opportunity. I use the example of, he recruited me to come here for four years to graduate as a Hurricane but if the NBA was calling me in two or three (years) I would go. I think it’s a smart and good move on his part.”
