For the first time, basketball fans were in the stands at Auburn Arena. They cheered as Auburn's new men's basketball head coach Tony Barbee walked across the new floor of the new arena with Athletic Director Jay Jacobs.
Jacobs introduced Barbee to the media and fans and presented Barbee with a blue Auburn jersey. "It was apparent right in the first few minutes of the interview with
Tony Barbee that he was the right guy for Auburn," Jacobs said. Barbee then took the podium and gave a big "War eagle" to the enjoyment of fans in attendance.
Barbee, the 20th men's head coach, spoke of his decision to leave the University of Texas-El Paso and his vision for the future of Auburn basketball. "My style is based around one word, that's pressure," Barbee said. "We'll play an up-tempo style that's fun and exciting for the team to play, fun and exciting for the fans to watch, but it's not helter-skelter."
Barbee also said he will work to bring the student body into the family aspect of his team. "I'm going to make the students a part of this program just like I'm going to make this community a part of this program," Barbee said. "That love affair has to be rekindled, and that's my job." He issued a challege to the community and students.
"We need you," Barbee said. "You have a direct impact on the outcome of games in this arena, and I need each and every one of you there every night." Barbee also said he wants to have the family connection with the students. "When they feel that connection with me, then they won't want to let me down, and they won't want to disappoint me by not showing up and supporting this program," Barbee said.
Josh Sells, junior in horticulture, said he was disappointed to see Jeff Lebo go, but was excited after hearing Barbee speak.
"It's a challenge to us," Sells said. "Barbee voiced his opinion that he's going to make us a part of the team so we have to step up and come support him." Sells, the former Mr. Lunatic of the Lebo's Lunatics, said the organization will still be going strong without Lebo. "Obviously we're going to have to change our name," Sells said. "I don't know if we're going to go with something related to Barbee or if we're going to go with something related to Auburn or the new arena."
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