Obviously the news of the day in college basketball was Brad Stevens’ decision to accept the Boston Celtics’ offer to become their new head coach. Stevens agreed to terms on a six-year, $22 million contract, meaning that he’ll receive quite the salary to rebuild a franchise that traded veterans Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn last Thursday.
With that news there was no shortage of opinions on the move on various social media sites, one of which being Twitter. Here are some of the tweets that stood out on Wednesday, beginning with thoughts from Butler AD Barry Collier.
"We have every confidence that our program and our student athletes will carry on without skipping a beat." - Barry Collier
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) July 4, 2013
"We'll move as quickly as we can in the right way, which is not necessarily tied to any calendar date." - Barry Collier on a new hire
— Butler Basketball (@ButlerMBB) July 4, 2013
Obviously there’s a belief that “The Butler Way” will allow the program to continue to enjoy success in the Big East. How long will it take for Collier to find a new leader for the program? The wait may not be long at all, apparently.
What comes next for Butler? Khyle Marshall: "(Barry Coller) told us 'Don't be surprised if we get a new guy this Friday,' actually."
— Kyle Neddenriep (@KyleNeddenriep) July 4, 2013
Reactions from former players Shelvin Mack and Gordon Hayward, who will now face their college coach in the NBA.
Congrats to my guy Coach Stevens.....#bulldogsintheNBA
— Shelvin Mack (@ShelvinMack) July 4, 2013
Huge congrats to @BUCoachStevens!!! Will be missed at butler for sure...does this mean I can call you rook now, coach? Haha
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) July 3, 2013
As for the current players, while they certainly were surprised by the move they all wished their former coach the best.
😳 Shocked
— elijah brown (@_eb4_) July 3, 2013
I would like to thank Coach Stevens for the time he invested in me and the care he showed. I wish him and his family luck with the Celtics..
— elijah brown (@_eb4_) July 3, 2013
While it was stated that all four freshmen who signed on to attend Butler have enrolled in summer classes, freshman forward Nolan Berry had an interesting quote in regards to the coaching change.
Nolan Berry to the Indy Star: "I’m just going to take my time and see who they hire and see what happens. I’ll keep my options open.”
— Nate Latsch (@NateLatsch) July 4, 2013
As for the school mascot? He had a short message for the Celtics’ mascot:
You owe me one, Leprechaun.
— Butler Blue III (@ButlerBlue3) July 3, 2013
Now for some thoughts (and Vegas odds, of course) from those not affiliated with the Butler program:
Just talked to coach K (more to come) on Brad Stevens to the Celtics: "Forget about young coaches, I think he's one of the best coaches."
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) July 4, 2013
#Celtics still 100/1 to win #NBA title after Brad Stevens hire. #Butler drops from 60/1 to 100/1 (@LVSuperbook via @RJinVegas)
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) July 3, 2013
I talked with Larry Brown, who had not heard the Brad Stevens news. "Brad Stevens is going to the celtics!?!? ... You just blew me away."
— Eric Prisbell (@EricPrisbell) July 3, 2013
Congrats to Brad Stevens! Great Coach and an even better guy! I guess I have to be Celtics fan now.#doyourthing
— Kevin Sumlin (@CoachSumlin) July 3, 2013
In April of 2012, Brad Stevens was the head coach of an 11-7 Horizon League team that was CBI bound. 15 months later ... the Celtics. Wow.
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) July 3, 2013
Whoa! Brad Stevens leaving Butler for the Celtics! Man, I'm a little bummed, not gonna lie. Was looking fwd to dealing w/him in the Big East
— Justin Kutcher (@JustinKutcher) July 3, 2013
Congrats to our friend Brad Stevens named head coach of Boston Celtics
— Belmont Basketball (@BelmontMBB) July 3, 2013
And lastly, a few words from coach Stevens himself:
h/t Indianapolis Star, Eye on College Basketball
Raphielle can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.