In the Agora: The end of an era

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February 22, 2005

The end of an era

Tonight, Purdue men's basketball coach Gene Keady will take his Boilermakers to face the Indiana Hoosiers for the last time (unless the two teams meet in the conference tournament). For twenty seasons (1981-2000), Keady was a fitting opponent to Indiana Coach Bob Knight--his trademark combover and scowl just as reliable as the infamous antics of "the General."

And although Keady's departure is planned and he can thus be given a proper farewell on the court, his career is ending with a regrettably dismal season. Purdue fans will no doubt be hoping for things to improve next year under coach Matt Painter, just as Indiana fans will be looking for a new coach to get the Hoosiers back on their feet. A re-invigorated Indiana-Purdue rivalry is a key part of restoring the game of basketball in the state of Indiana.

Fare thee well, worthy adversary.

Posted by Eric Seymour at February 22, 2005 01:26 PM

Comments

For what it's worth, Davis will be the coach next year. Sources close to President Herbert say that the new president believes he deserves at least another year.

Posted by: Joshua Claybourn at February 22, 2005 02:01 PM | permalink

Well, then, I will expect IU to be a contender for the conference title next year, since nobody on this year's lineup will be graduating (although Bracey will most likely head to the NBA).

Posted by: Eric Seymour at February 22, 2005 02:36 PM | permalink

Seems wrong to have the legend live out such a bad season as this. He can still coach I believe, but his staff seems unable to recruit for whatever reason.

Being in Mackey watching Gene and Knight do their game were highlights of my undergrad years.

Posted by: Brian D. at February 22, 2005 02:36 PM | permalink

I hope Keady gets a standing ovation tonight from the IU crowd.

Posted by: Matthew at February 22, 2005 04:05 PM | permalink

As an alumnus of Illinois, I respect Gene Keady a whole heck of a lot. No respect for Davis; won't be sad to see him go in the least.

Posted by: Josh M. at February 22, 2005 04:35 PM | permalink

As a fellow K-State alum, I'm proud of what Keady's done, and sad to see it end with such a dismal season...but he's got a legacy, to be sure. If only he'd come back to the ol' alma mater for a few seasons...

Posted by: Bobby A-G at February 22, 2005 10:03 PM | permalink

as one that has never been a fan of the combover, i am glad that Gene held on long enough for former assistant Bruce Weber to take over the Fighting Illini rather than Purdue :)

Posted by: jason at February 23, 2005 01:15 AM | permalink

Did anyone see the Texas v. Texas Tech game last night? Both teams played 40 minutes of solid basketball against a quality opponent; there were even coaching adjustments made at halftime. Is that still legal at Indiana's Big Ten schools?

Posted by: J. P. at February 23, 2005 01:21 PM | permalink