Some fans' thoughts on Miller

I'll be posting my thoughts on today's news in a bit, but for now, here are some comments the DP Sports staff has gathered from various current students and Penn basketball fans. Keep in mind these are solely the thoughts of the individuals identified and not anybody at the DP (whether we agree or not). We just thought it would be interesting to get their reactions, which you'll find after the jump.

Pete Becker, a Wharton junior and Red and Blue Crew leader: "I definitely think this is a good move for the program. We obviously need to move in a new direction after the lack of success over the past 2+ seasons. I don't think the issue has been recruiting — I think it has been a combination of keeping the talent with the program, and in-game strategy. I think these are Miller's weak points, and hopefully will be improved with the next coach (whether Allen remains at coach, or he is replaced by a new permanent coach). There is no question that we have not had our full roster this year, especially with injuries to 2 starters, but this can't be an excuse. If we didn't have players leave the team we would be deeper and better able to withstand these injuries. Also, we have been in so many close games where the other team makes an adjustment we cannot counter. For instance, we couldn't stop Delaware's guards. Whether it was a lack of know-how, or a lack of communication, Miller was unable to make the in-game changes we needed to win the close games. As a person, we really liked dealing with Miller on events like The Line, and hope that the next coach will continue the relationship he formed with the RBC."

Jayson Weingarten, College sophomore and RBC line leader: "I can't say that I am surprised he was fired. If they were going to fire Miller, now would be the best time. We have plenty of time to regroup before the majority of Big 5 play and all of Ivy League play. It really is like having a whole new season of play. ... Hopefully, we can win a game before we return home versus Temple. This would certainly revamp student support, and our team and Jerome Allen certainly need support during the transition. ... I was planning on breaking out the brown bag again, but I am going to put it back in my desk drawer and see how the rest of the season will be." [I think he wears a brown paper bag over his head at games sometimes]. ... This is certainly what I wanted for Hannukah."

Brendan Glackin, a Wharton senior and four-time line participant: "I definitely think this move is for the best. Ever since his hiring, Miller has been disappointing, and he has never been able to win with his players. The many transfers and players quitting was part of Miller's history, and no one can be surprised by that, but it ruined team chemistry and left a bad taste in my mouth. I can only hope that Penn learns from their mistakes and hires a coach with much more appreciation for Philadelphia, and the Big 5. Miller never took advantage of all the tremendous talent in his backyard, players who had dreams of playing in the Big 5 and for Penn. Hopefully our next coach will help return Penn to its prominence and the packed Palestra of my freshmen year."

Michael Plis, Engineering freshman and RBC member: I think that it was a move that had to be made. I've been to every home game so far this year and the talent is definitely there. I feel ike we should have won a couple games so far, but inconsistent and undisciplined play have really hurt us. Hopefully the new coach can inject some life into this team and start getting them to play with more motivation and consistency.

We're still gathering more comments and I'll update this post as they come in. And stay tuned for an upcoming post on my take on all of this.