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Hey Cyborg! It’s been a while.

I have followed this debate pretty closely on Discord. I implore any and all USA managers to get on there if you are not already. Tons of information and idea sharing.

That being said, there have been things said by Oriolekid that are really good but at the same time things that don’t sit well with me. Not going to cast any stones or get into a debate over these issues but this is where I am. Antwon has a proven track record of building beautiful big men for the junior national team, a consistent and steady voice in the game day thread, and a host of extremely seasoned managers in his corner ready to provide assistance in scouting and game day prep. His even toned approach is admirable.

After lengthy and considerable consideration, I will be voting for and fully endorse Antwon for this election.

Not throwing stones here either but wanted to provide my take as well.

I appreciate the enthusiasm for the game and I think a lot of us share that same level of pride in how long we've been a part of the game in some way. I however don't value longevity as a metric of success when it comes to a manager or a coach.

I think the most important aspects that I value in a coach are:

1. The ability to plan and communicate respectfully and thoughtfully with the community.
2. The achievements in the game and understanding of what it takes to win and train U21 level talent.
3. The time to spend managing the team and reaching out to other managers to improve it.

I think you and Antwon both check those boxes. I just think Antwon checks them a bit better. Coming off an NBBA silver a few seasons back and a USA championship silver, he's checked off box #2 better than 99% of USA managers have.

I want to add that I definitely have some bias here because I've known Antwon longer and have talked to him for several years now. But in those conversations he's been nothing but respectful and insightful. Because of these previous experiences with him and his outreach and impact on the U21 program and the Discord for such a long time, I will be voting for him.

That being said, I think both managers would make good coaches. I wish you luck Oriolekid, if not in this election I think you will have your day to be coach eventually. Same with Antwon. Keep going for it y'all, we all see and appreciate the enthusiasm and effort you both put into the game!

P.S. If you are going to bring up Discord messages - 1487 messages in the Discord is quite a lot, but it pales in comparison to the 9217 that Antwon sent or the 22k+ that I have sent. I think it's a completely useless metric, so it doesn't factor into my vote, but it's probably one of the reasons that I am closer with Antwon than I am with you. I can see that being the case for a lot of managers as well.

Last edited by Apex at 1/15/2022 3:48:42 PM

I disagree with you at multiple points. If NBBA or whatever measure of success you use to differentiate, then many U21 and NT coaches would not have won their election You wouldn’t have, as you were still in D2 first election we went against each other. It’s awfully hypocritical to say that when it didn’t matter for you.
And recent u21 players? What?
As far as arena, you got me. I got to 18k and got complacent and didn’t push to 20k+. Getting different peoples perspective on that is why the discord is so great.


Edit: fixed many typos.

Last edited by oriolekid at 1/15/2022 3:40:21 PM

I am the only one who ever gives potential player skills in these elections. They always seem to bite me. I'm 100% sure I'd have been U21 by now if I stop giving potential player builds. Scrimmages exists for a reason. Look at the one U21 has literally on Monday. Those are the games I would watch and experiment with lineups. I'm not starting a 9 Reb guy vs Italy or anyone with a pulse. Fortunately, that player does not exist.

You are dancing around the problem that we haven't won, and that's fine since you aren't the coach anymore. But we've had 8 U21 coaches, most chosen over me. I guess my question is, do you think one of the other candidates get you that Gold? If I lose, I hope Antwon does. I'll try my best to help him. But it's getting so sick and tiring to see other managers fail to achieve what you did, especially when I get passed over.

To deny that we are behind Italy and Spain is arrogance. Pure arrogance.

Love you Yuck. I'm not going to pick yours apart that much since I respect you to the moon and back. Just the one point that seems to be a theme:

NBBA success matters all of a sudden which is sad since that's a very new benchmark, but I digress.

I can respect and agree with this. Very measured and thoughtful.

I've beaten this horse to death by now, so I'll phrase it a different way to you and to others: I hope to one day match wits with you in whatever league so I can finally check off the box so many of you are waiting for.

It has been a long while since we talked. seems like real life has a way of sometimes distancing people… I’m glad to being back, even though I never left but now have more time and looking to get involved and reconnect with the great Managers we have in this community I know which ever manager that gets elected will do a phenomenal job in guiding our U21 to the Championship and winning it for the USA… with the feedback I have seen on this forum, it shows the support for each other in this community but it also shows what it would take to lead the U21 team for our Country… as well I’m sure the National Team… Good Luck to our next U21 Team Manager as I know the entire community will support you as well…
Best….
Mad Scientist

It is not mandatory as a benchmark, but it definitely means something if you can take your club team to the NBBA, you must know a thing or two to get there. The fact that you made it to DII 4 times but got relegated right after promotion 3 out of those 4 times speak for itself.

And yes, what about the u21 players? Can you elaborate?

Respectfully,
G

It's good that someone does have confidence in him, because i have about 0 based on the answers, across the board honestly amongst all 3 candidates for that matter. The answers for some of my questions and the questions of others make me extremely concerned that the plot has been lost on the u21 side recently.

Hopefully whomever wins proves me wrong, but i don't find starting a thread elsewhere to overcome the mediocre responses in the debate thread a way into my vote, it does quite the opposite.