Howland’s departure would kill the dream

Last weekend, Ben Howland met with UCLA athletics director Dan Guerrero to interview for the… Last weekend, Ben Howland met with UCLA athletics director Dan Guerrero to interview for the Bruins’ coaching position. Pitt interim athletics director Marc Boehm was reportedly disappointed by this meeting, noting that it took place without Pitt’s permission. Now, amid widespread rumors and frequent media word games, Howland may need to finally make a solid decision – will he leave for California to live in John Wooden’s shadow, or will he stay in Pittsburgh and become John Wooden himself.

Sports writers from around the nation have been commenting on the potential move since former UCLA coach Steve Lavin was fired last month. Given Howland’s success at Pitt and his family ties to southern California, he seemed the ideal man for the job. But Howland frequently dismissed the rumors, insisting that he was intent on staying with the Panthers. Throughout the weeks and subsequent interviews, however, Howland’s position began to waver. A stance that was once undeniably pro-Pitt has become much more ambiguous.

Pitt released a statement on Monday in which Howland announced his meeting with UCLA. After mentioning his interview, Howland stressed his loyalty to Pitt: “I want to emphasize that I have a tremendous situation at the University of Pittsburgh. We are building something very special here and it would take an extraordinary set of circumstances for me to leave.”

So, in one paragraph, Howland takes a major step toward leaving and pledges his desire to stay.

If UCLA presents an offer and Howland decides to leave, everyone at Pitt will have reason to feel betrayed. This school has offered its coach everything – a great contract, brand new facilities, excited fans and the opportunity to claim top notch recruits. Pitt has supported Howland whole-heartedly as he did great things for the basketball program, taking it to new heights and building the foundation for a brilliant future. His efforts have won the respect of an entire city, but if he leaves now, he will be throwing it all away.

The last four years under coach Howland have been like a fairy tale for Pitt basketball, going from consistent losing seasons to consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearances. But in the past week, with a loss to Marquette, controversy around Donatas Zavackas, and Howland’s meeting with UCLA, a team that has been heralded for its unselfishness seems torn by individual interests.

When interviewed by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, several Pitt players insisted that Howland will not be leaving for UCLA. After a private meeting with him on Monday, they emerged with disappointed expressions and no comments. Let’s hope their initial responses were right. Otherwise, the fairy tale team may just end up with a pumpkin at midnight.