Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, April 25, 1994 TAG: 9404250076
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LANDOVER, MD. LENGTH: Medium
"What I planned to do was to announce to the players that this was my last game as head coach," Unseld said to the 18,756 in attendance, "but I thought it would be more fitting to tell you - the fans - first.
"You've been very patient, kind and very encouraging, and I wanted to say thank you. I also want to say I don't know what people hope for in life, but I hoped for an opportunity."
The 48-year-old Hall of Fame center said he is ending his seven-year tenure - the longest of any active head coach - but will continue his duties as vice president of the team and Centre Group Partnership, the umbrella organization that operates the Bullets, the NHL's Capitals, Centre Management and TicketMaster.
Despite what he told the crowd, Unseld also said he informed his players of the decision before Sunday's game against the Hornets, which the Bullets won 117-99.
"He told us it wasn't a `Win one for the Gipper' kind of thing," said forward Tom Gugliotta. "He was just letting us know, and I think everybody responded."
"I think he did it the way he wanted to," guard Rex Chapman added. "He's a man I'll always look up to. He's probably the most respected person in this league."
Unseld will perhaps best be remembered as a teaching coach, working hands-on with his players and helping guide two players - Harvey Grant (1989) and Pervis Ellison (1992) to Most Improved Player honors in the NBA. Don MacLean is considered a top candidate to win the award this season.
"I feel like Wes really helped me out in terms of my game," MacLean said. "He's a great guy."
Although Unseld was 202-345 in his seven seasons as head coach and made the playoffs only once, he obviously was respected by his players.
"I'm going to miss him as a person and a coach," said guard Michael Adams. "He insists you come to the arena ready to play. He teaches young players very valuable lessons."
After taking over from Kevin Loughery 28 games into the 1987-88 season, Unseld led the Bullets to a 30-25 record the rest of that season. But his teams have finished below .500 every year since.
The injury-riddled team limped to a 24-58 mark this season.
"I'm not happy with the way things worked out this year," Unseld said. "It just didn't happen. At no time did I not like the group."
Said Charlotte head coach Allan Bristow: "He's a great individual who just had a run of bad luck with injuries."
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB