When Todd Stewart recalls his first conversations nearly three months ago with Rick Stansbury, he recalls the way the coach didn't flinch when told about the challenges Western Kentucky was facing.
The men's basketball program had just been rocked by the suspension of its entire returning scholarship backcourt after the results of a March 16 university disciplinary committee hearing. Coach Ray Harper resigned March 17 in the wake of those suspensions.
Suddenly Stewart, the Hilltoppers’ athletic director, had a coaching search on his hands. The No. 1 choice on his short list was Stansbury, and a mutual friend put them in touch.