Letter lays out Pelphrey's plans

FAYETTEVILLE Men's basketball coach John Pelphrey has addressed Arkansas fans in a personal way this spring, putting his signature on a two-page letter distributed to basketball season ticket holders.

Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long said Wednesday the letter, which came on the heels of Arkansas' 2008-09 season, was born out of season-ending discussions between he and Pelphrey. In it, Pelphrey acknowledged the season did not meet the school's expectations or "those of our loyal Razorback fans," but emphasized there is reason for optimism.

"We all saw glimpses of what this young team can accomplish when we play to our fullest potential," the letter read.

The letter was sent to roughly 13,000 season ticket holders. It detailed some of the season's highlights and disappointments.

Long said its purpose was to assure fans Pelphrey and the program were working to improve after a tumultuous season. He said both agreed it was a direct way to communicate with the fanbase.

"That letter was simply to kind of update the fans on where we stand," Long said. "That the coaching staff is working hard. That we understand how important basketball is to our fans. John is committed to building our program. That's really what it was, just a direct communication with our fans about their support and that we're working very hard to improve."

Some of the work is evident. Three players (forwards Glenn Bryant and Delvin Johnson and guard Julysses Nobles) have been added in the late signing period. Two players from the 2008-09 roster forwards Andre Clark and Brandon Moore have decided to transfer.

Arkansas also is monitoring forward Michael Washington, who has entered his name in the 2009 NBA Draft as a junior but has not hired an agent.

It has been a busy offseason, but Long said he and Pelphrey have dissected every facet of the program. Long also said he has been supportive of every move Pelphrey has made the past two months.

"We're building a program," Long said. "I can't overemphasize that. We want to build a strong, solid program with the right kind of young people in our program that are growing academically and athletically. ...

"Winning is very important. But I think it's important that we run our program the right way as we win. John's steps he's taken are right in line with what I'd hoped he'd do. We're on the same page."

That includes the coach's strict disciplinary beliefs. Pelphrey wrote of the growing pains players endured on and off the court, but stressed he will never "compromise our program for the sake of winning a game."

He also acknowledged it will take "great effort" from the players and tireless work from coaches in recruiting to improve next season. But Pelphrey said he remains "humbled" to be Arkansas' basketball coach.

"While we will continue to be a young team next season, I believe the lessons learned this season and the added depth of some incoming student-athletes will be a significant step in returning our program to the level where we can compete for an SEC Championship and regularly advance in the NCAA Tournament, and ultimately compete for an NCAA Championship once again," the letter read.