The champagne flowed in the DePaul Men's locker room, as AD Jean Ponsetto and
Coach Leitao celebrated another 20 loss season for the storied basketball program.
"People doubted me when I hired Dave," said a smiling Jean Ponsetto, "Sure, Dave and I got off to a bad start
when I first took the AD job in 2002. He did not seem to understand my17 for 20 program," she said, referring to
her 17 players united for 20 losses motto, " but I followed his career and when I saw he was an assistant that no
one would hire, I knew he was the man for the job. He didn't disappoint me."
With that, Coach Leitao took the mic.
"First, I want to thank Jean for giving me another chance at DePaul. When I took
this job, I wanted to prove to Jean and everyone that I could be as lousy a coach as any she ever hired. I think a 21
point loss for our 20th defeat should silence any doubters."
When asked about his victories over Providence and George Washington, Coach Leitao just shook his head.
"I still don't know what happened." he said. " I had the perfect game plan for a double digit loss but somehow
we won them both. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a low point in the season for me. Some of you may think it is easy
to lose 20, but with the talent I have, it's a real challenge. You don't know how difficult it is to keep losing with guys
like this."
"Still," he continued," you can't let a couple of setbacks destroy your dreams. I knew I could still snatch
defeat from the jaws of victory,and I think I proved it. Now to put an exclamation point on the season with a loss to
Seton Hall."
With that AD Ponsetto took the mic for a final statement.
"First, I want to present Dave with a bonus!" she smiled as she handed Coach Leitao a check for
$100,000.
"And I want to thank him for making sure the Men's basketball program doesn't end up with March Madness!"
she smiled, " After all, who wants to be mad!"