Brandenburg’s Dismissal Eases the Tension for the Aztecs

Jim Brandenburg’s players were a lot kinder to him after his dismissal than they were on the court, but they clearly were relieved Tuesday when the San Diego State coach was replaced by assistant Jim Harrick Jr.

The SDSU basketball players described themselves as “stunned” and “shocked” when they met with Brandenburg Tuesday afternoon and were told he was being relieved of coaching duties with seven regular-season games left.

But by the time Harrick was introduced at a 5 p.m. news conference, the team’s mood was lighter and there were even smiles.

“I was shocked at the timing,” said senior Keith Balzer, who will return next season after missing most of this one with an injury. “A lot of people thought (firing) was inevitable and I guess it was, but I thought it would come at the end of the season. It’s a relief . . . in that it’s over, the wondering when it would happen is over.”

Terrence Hamilton, a sophomore from Patrick Henry High, said, “I’ve known Coach Brandenburg since high school. He really helped me with my game. I have mixed emotions, myself. You don’t like to see anybody dismissed, especially someone who’s been around as long as Coach Brandenburg.”

However, Hamilton said, with the tension that has followed the Aztecs in their 14-game losing streak, the change “will be a difference, for the better.”

And he suggested Brandenburg’s half-court system might not have fit the talent on the team. “A lot of players on this team are good athletes and can run,” Hamilton said, carefully weighing his words. “A lot of those players didn’t have a chance to use those skills. . . . I would say everybody wasn’t in their best position for success.”

Nelson Stewart, the only senior in the lineup, said, “I was shocked it happened during the season. Asked if things could be easier under Harrick, he answered, “I hope it will. They’re two different kinds of coaches. All the teammates relate real well (to Harrick).”

Sophomore Joe McNaull, the focus of Brandenburg’s offense, seemed among the most light-hearted Tuesday but said, “Really, I’m just shocked. I really don’t want to talk about what happened, I just want to talk about the future and how we’re going to play under Coach Harrick.”

Junior Ray Barefield said the pressure on Brandenburg might have made him unknowingly distant from the team. “It’s unfortunate,” Barefield said. “I wouldn’t say he lost touch, I’d say he dealt with his problems. It had to be hard on him. It’s impossible to deal with so much negativity right. He probably neglected some of the players. I believe he didn’t know he was doing it. Jim Brandenburg is a great coach.”

Barefield also acknowledged a sense of relief. “It’s a feeling--you know there’s gonna be a change, so you’re ready to accept the next challenge,” he said. “There’s a lot of confusion in the air. They made a decision, we’ve got to make the best of it. A lot (positive) can happen from this.”

Every player who was questioned termed Harrick “a motivator.” The 27-year-old interim coach met with the team after Brandenburg had just dropped his bombshell, so there wasn’t much to say.

“The team was numb. I was numb,” Harrick said. “I asked ‘em to be part of the program. I didn’t ask ‘em to cut off anything that won’t grow back. Just be part of the team and have fun.”

Hamilton said, “He knows a lot of basketball, he’s fun, he’s positive to be around. He’s real motivational. He’s been motivating me all year.

Balzer added, “I’m happy with who they selected. He’s in touch with the players.”

Said Barefield, “We have a very good coach in Coach Harrick. He’s a motivator. He’s been a player himself, he knows what we go through.”

The players were also aware of rumors suggesting SDSU was courting Jerry Tarkanian, who is leaving Nevada Las Vegas after this season. Harrick is only assured of finishing the season.

Barefield, for one, suggested he was going to see who was hired before deciding his own future. “I think Coach Tarkanian is a very great coach,” he said. “That would be nice.”