Some People Are Happy About Raveling Decision

Is is true that upon learning that George Raveling might leave for Seton Hall, the other Pac-10 coaches quickly put together funds to keep overrated George from leaving USC?

BOB TAYLOR

Glendale

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After reading The Times’ July 12 article that George Raveling cites love for L.A. in staying as USC’s coach, I found nothing to get excited about. However, if USC basketball fans think that Raveling’s decision to stay is great news, then jump for joy, and brace yourselves for another average season. I will be pulling for UCLA.

TOM DAVIDSON

Pasadena

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Raveling stated in his announcement to stay at USC that, “I’ve placed the best effort on integrity and academic commitment and put an emphasis on making the program a winning one. I think we’ve made progress here. Few would deny we’ve met these obligations.”

Well, George, I am one of the few to deny.

In the previous eight seasons before Raveling’s arrival, the Trojan basketball squads compiled a 123-104 record. In the eight years under Raveling, the record stands at 115-118. My USC education tells me that this is not progress in the winning department.

GARRY PASKWIETZ

Huntington Beach

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Being around your kid is a noble reason for staying put, all right, but closeness in the family goes only so far. As the son of a USC coach or professor, George Raveling’s son (and thus George) is exempt from having to pay USC’s exorbitant tuition.

If Raveling had taken the Seton Hall job, even at $500,000 per year, having to fork over all that cash to put Mark through another year at USC would have wiped out the family finances. Instead, he has opted for the “I’ll let those other students who actually have to pay tuition subsidize my son’s education” strategy. I guess when you get a free education, though, you get what you pay for.

GENE MILLER

Huntington Beach

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George Raveling’s decision to remain at USC was critical to the continued growth of this program. One would hope that Seton Hall’s aggressive pursuit of Raveling would serve as a wake-up call to Athletic Director Mike Garrett and his alumni cronies.

Raveling came to USC with a reputation as a recruiter. But it is very difficult to sell the local kids on a school whose facilities date to the Bob Boyd era.

If Garrett wants a Pac-10 basketball champion, he has to realize the obvious. If you were a local blue-chipper and could chose among Pauley Pavilion, McKale Center in Tucson or the glamorous Sports Arena, where would you go?

Bill Walsh likes to refer to USC as “Yesterday U.” The basketball facilities certainly live up to this nickname.

DOUG WHITHORNE

Agoura Hills