Monday, February 17 would have been the late Rick Majerus’ 66th birthday. Coincidentally, yesterday was also the day his former Billiken team cracked the Top 10 for the first time in decades. This was not only a huge milestone in the program’s history but valid proof that Rick Majerus still plays a big role on this team, not only through his remaining recruits but even more so in spirit. Such a man deserves never-ending respect, so that is what I plan to give him.
Photo courtesy of www.vebidoo.com
Here’s a little history on the great coach:
Majerus joined the school and program in 2007 and was predicted to be SLU’s savior from years of suffering in silence, living in mediocrity. Without a stadium to play in, holding games in local arenas, the Billikens struggled to get high-level recruits or tough non-conference schedules, and really didn’t have much hope. That all changed, however, with the hiring of Majerus and the construction of their beautiful new venue, Chaifetz Arena. Suddenly, fans had more hope, the team was getting better players and competition, and they were making their way up in the world of college basketball.
In Rick’s short-lived five years as head coach, he had a record of 95-69, including one NCAA appearance. This record does not accurately represent his success as leader of the program, however. In his years, we rose from a nobody to an up-and-coming program getting solid recruits, playing in a beautiful arena, and led by one of the greatest basketball minds ever to be a part of the game. His legend was hindered greatly in the 2010-2011 season when his two star players, Willie Reed and Kwamain Mitchell, were accused of sexually assaulting another student. While the players were eventually found innocent, they were suspended for the season under the school’s honor code. Star center Willie Reed declared early for the NBA draft, but Kwamain Mitchell did his time watching from the stands while his teammates struggled without him. That season the team went 12-19, one of the worst seasons of Majerus’ career.
The Billikens were able to bounce back, however, with a 26-8 season the following year, including their first NCAA tournament appearance in over a decade. They may have lost in the second round of the tournament, but the impact made by the appearance was more than significant. Along with the recruits, competition, and reputation that Majerus brought with him, we were finally proving our worth with some big wins and postseason experience.
Rick Majerus looks to light the fire under his squad after calling a timeout. Photo courtesy of www.espn.go.com
The next year, unfortunately, Majerus announced that he would not be able to coach the team because of health issues. In his place, assistant coach Jim Crews took the responsibility of head coach and would eventually take the job full-time. Later that year, December 1, Majerus passed away due to heart failure, leaving a huge void in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere. The world lost a great man and an outstanding coach, but he is remembered fondly to this day with the profound success his former team now enjoys.
This year the team has set many school records and caught the attention of many in the nation, but, unfortunately, nowhere near enough credit has been given to Majerus. This team is led by his remaining recruits and still affected by the reputation he had earned for the program. On top of that, without the legendary coach, we would not have had our new head coach Jim Crews, for it was Majerus who convinced him to be a part of his coaching staff, surely knowing he would replace him in the near future. Without Majerus’ influence, the school would not have the caliber of program that they have today, and I for one do not even want to think what they would be like had he never left his mark.
Career Stats:
- 517-216 (.705%) Overall Record over 25 years: 56-35 @ Marquette, 43-17 @ Ball State, 323-95 @ Utah, 95-69 @ Saint Louis
Students celebrate Rick Majerus’ 500th win. Photo courtesy of STLToday.com
- 11-time Conference Champion, 5-time Conference Tournament Champion
- 13 NCAA Tournament Appearances (19-13 record), 1 Final Four (Utah Utes 1997-1998)
And what really stands out to me is something that has surfaced just recently with the Top 10 ranking of his former Billikens squad; two years ago, the legend predicted that the program would make it into the Top 10. “We’ll be a Top 10 team in about three years,” he said. “I did it at Ball State, did it at Utah, and we’re going to do it here.” Remarkable. Not only was the man a basketball genius, but a psychic as well.
Now, for a little bit of comic relief to lighten the tone of this article, I would like to add some of my favorite Majerus quotes. The man was truly hilarious and I believe he would like people to know so. My Top 10 (to follow the trend) favorite quotes are as follows in no particular order:
- “Some guys smoke, some guys drink. Some guys chase women. I’m a big barbecue sauce guy.”
- (In an interview regarding Rudy Gay) “I’m not a big Gay guy.”
- Â “Nobody thought I’d be a great coach. I’m the kind of guy you’d expect to be driving an 18-wheeler through town.”
- (“Do you cook?”) “I microwave nachos. If it can’t be done on a grill or a microwave, I won’t do it.”
- “San Diego is beautiful. And the people are beautiful. Everything’s beautiful. Even the bums are beautiful. When they panhandle, they hold out a piece of Tiffany glassware for donations.”
- (To Jay Bilas) “Jay, only a guy who gets out of the shower to take a piss would wear a shirt like that.”
- “I am like that guy on the ‘Odd Couple,’ and it is not the neat guy. I go into my room and find pieces of pizza under the laundry.”
- (Referring to Saint Louis University and its challenging curriculum) “There is no course here where you groom a Chia Pet and get an ‘A’.”
- (When asked the best thing about living in a hotel) “There’s clean towels, my bed’s turned down every night and there’s a mint on my pillow, no matter what psychological or emotional crisis the maid’s going through.”
- “I like to bike. I could beat Lance Armstrong, only because he couldn’t pass me if he was behind me.”
Happy Birthday to one of the greatest coaches ever. I know you were celebrating up there with microwave nachos, laundry pizza, and fancy bums, and I hope that you have all the pillow mints and barbecue sauce that you could ever wish for. Keep cheering on this team and rest in peace. Go Bills!
(Editor’s note: a previous version of this article indicated Willie Reed and Kwamain Mitchell were accused of statutory rape and found guilty. In fact, they were charged with sexual assault and ultimately exonerated.)
