With the word starting to spread around the Grambling campus about the head basketball coaches, many players have mixed feelings regarding the situation. “I was sad when I heard the news,” Kourtney Sherman said. “I still cannot believe it.”
“As far as coach Wright, I feel that it was time for a change,” said Marcus Coleman. “But Coach P does a lot for the school, so I did not agree with that.”
Coach Ponton, who is one of the most visible faculty members on the campus, touches more then just his players, but the men’s basketball team as well.
“I am sad to see Coach Ponton leaving,” said Andre Ratliff. “He was the one who really helped me out.”
Although both head coaches will not be returning, both the men’s and women’s teams will retain the majority of their players.
The women will depend heavily on Kourtney Sherman, who averaged 10.6 points per game this season, Gabrielle Fleming (9.7 ppg) and Kristen Harper (8 ppg).
Although the men lose a lot of senior leadership with point guard Ratliff and power forward Anthony Williams leaving, they will rely on Jamal Breaux and a host of young players who will be returning.
Even though the head coaching position is still undecided, some players are encouraged about the change.
“I am excited,” Corrie Austin said. “It was time for a change. I think that the team is changing, and it is time to go in a different direction.