2013 Coaching Carousel

[Muskie]

It's that time of year...



Team
Who's Out
Who's In


Fairleigh - D
Greg Vetrone



Campbell
Robbie Laing



Siena
Mitch Buonagaro



San Jose State
George Nessman
David Wojcik


Longwood
Mike Gillan
Jason Gee


Marist
Chuck Martin



Drake
Mark Phelps



Ball State
Billy Taylor
James Whitford


Northwestern
Bill Carmody



UCLA
Ben Howland
Steve Alford


Furman
Jeff Jackson



Hofstra
Mo Cassara



Texas -Pan Am
Ryan Marks



Texas State
Doug Dagalos
Danny Kaspar


Jackson State
Tevester Anderson
Wayne Brent


UMKC
Matt Brown
Kareem Richardson


Minnesota
Tubby Smith
Richard Pitino


South Alabama
Jeff Price
Matthew Graves


Pacific
Bob Thomason
Ron Verlin


Buffalo
Reggie Witherspoon
Bobby Hurley


New Mexico
Steve Alford
Craig Neal


Cal State Ful.
Andy Newman
Dedrique Taylor


Georgia Southern
Charlton Young
Mark Byington


Rutgers
Mike Rice



Old Dominion
Jim Corrigan
Jeff Jones

[muskienick]

Bill Carmody is out at Northwestern after 13 years there. That could be a nice gig for a guy like Shaka Smart in a year when the Big 10 is the best in the nation (with the possible exception of the YTG's imagination).

[chico]

If I was a coach I would want nothing to do with the Northwestern job. That conference is brutal and it's tough as anything to recruit there because of their academic standards. Add to that the fact that they've never been to the tourney and I think it makes that job less than desirable.

[paulxu]

If Shaka does well in the tournament, I could see him leaving with a weaker A10 next year.
Might be the ideal time. Or, maybe he'll just stay and wreak havoc.

[xavierj]

Shaka returns 4 of his top 5 players and he makes a ton of money. My guess is he is not going anywhere. Why would he?

[Masterofreality]

Shaka returns 4 of his top 5 players and he makes a ton of money. My guess is he is not going anywhere. Why would he?

Hope he has lots of fun with udump.

[muskienick]

If I was a coach I would want nothing to do with the Northwestern job. That conference is brutal and it's tough as anything to recruit there because of their academic standards. Add to that the fact that they've never been to the tourney and I think it makes that job less than desirable.

Or a guy like Shaka or another top young coach could look at it as an opportunity to make more money in a great Conference and a great recruiting area. Furthermore, somebody has to be the hero who takes NW to its first NCAA Tourney and a guy like Smart probably has the cojones to think it will be he!

[GoMuskies]

Northwestern is a worse job than VCU in every possible way.

[Pluto]

Is the Northwestern job worse than the Dayton job? Looks like Archie already recruits Chicago pretty well.

[DC Muskie]

Shaka to Northwestern???

You've got to be kidding me.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Chicago has to be just a bad place to coach period. UIC, Loyola, DePaul, Northwestern all suck. He'll,even Illinois hasn't been world beaters. Do all the Chicago kids just want to get out of that city?

[DC Muskie]

Considering everyone there gets killed, I would suggest, yes, yes they do.

[Cheesehead]

Northwestern is a worse job than VCU in every possible way.

This. Shaka can do much better.

[STL_XUfan]

The biggest domino is UCLA. It seems like they really want to push out Howland come hell or high water. Once that domino falls it could cause one hell of a chain reaction.

[SixFig]

It's that time of year...



Team
Who's Out
Who's In




Longwood
Mike Gillan








I guess Mike Gillan couldn't measure up to Longwood.

Heyyyoooo

[danaandvictory]

If Shaka does well in the tournament, I could see him leaving with a weaker A10 next year.

The only way that happens is if Howland gets fired and UCLA backs up a truck.

[STL_XUfan]

The only way that happens is if Howland gets fired and UCLA backs up a truck.

What about Pitt? (If the Dixon to UCLA rumors are true).

[Masterofreality]

“@GoodmanCBS: UMKC has hired Louisville Kareem Richardson to replace Matt Brown.”

[coasterville95]

Doesn't it get a small point or two for being a Big Ten program. The Fordham of the Big Ten, but still. (Northwestern)

[LA Muskie]

The biggest domino is UCLA. It seems like they really want to push out Howland come hell or high water. Once that domino falls it could cause one hell of a chain reaction.
Absent a deep run, Howland will be gone after this year. The natives are very restless. They want (and need) a complete revamp of their system -- a much, much faster pace. Shaka will definitely get a call. I think we will also see them go after Few, Dixon, Haith and maybe even Pitino.

[DC Muskie]

Are people buying into the Ball Walton campaign against Howland?

[LA Muskie]

The only way that happens is if Howland gets fired and UCLA backs up a truck.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if that truck already left Westwood and is working its way across the country. The odds of Howland surviving for another year are very low. Shaka has to be at or near the top of their list. And the natives are so restless that they will almost demand that UCLA money not be the reason they don't get their top choice. (That said, the "natives" aren't particularly passionate about UCLA basketball...)

[LA Muskie]

Are people buying into the Ball Walton campaign against Howland?
Nobody in LA cares what Bill Walton has to say. But they agree with what he has to say.

[ammtd34]

Reggie Witherspoon is out at Buffalo.

[GoMuskies]

Pacific's coach is retiring.

[LA Muskie]

Pacific's coach is retiring.
I would be shocked if that didn't either go to a current Pacific assistant or to a Gonzaga or St. Mary's assistant.

[paulxu]

Is this where I start the Chris Mack to UCLA rumor?

[LA Muskie]

Is this where I start the Chris Mack to UCLA rumor?
Why not. Someone has to. But if he goes, it'll only be for the money.

[danaandvictory]

Absent a deep run, Howland will be gone after this year. The natives are very restless. They want (and need) a complete revamp of their system -- a much, much faster pace. Shaka will definitely get a call. I think we will also see them go after Few, Dixon, Haith and maybe even Pitino.

I can't imagine Gnomus would be a candidate for UCLA, but I have little doubt he will tell everyone he is.

[GoMuskies]

So UCLA finally went ahead and axed Howland. Interesting tenure he had there.

[Masterofreality]

Is this where I start the Chris Mack to UCLA rumor?

You can, but Shaka is more credible.

They need some Showtime in LA

[LA Muskie]

So UCLA finally went ahead and axed Howland. Interesting tenure he had there.
I have absolutely no doubt that he will be fired, but as of right now the LA Times is still reporting that his status is "up in the air" and ESPN is still just quoting "sources".

That said, it is a fait accompli and everyone out here knows it. Given that VCU appears to be on the outside looking in with respect to the Big East, I suspect we will see Shaka Smart heading west.

[LA Muskie]

You can, but Shaka is more credible.

They need some Showtime in LA

Word on the street (literally...I live in Westwood and can walk to UCLA's campus) is that Shaka Smart is Priority #1. And #2. And #3.

[Masterofreality]

Word on the street (literally...I live in Westwood and can walk to UCLA's campus) is that Shaka Smart is Priority #1. And #2. And #3.

Living in Westwood is pretty nice.

Shaka is also losing two of his pilars- Theus and Daniels. Methinks that his value will never be higher and the downside is now present.

Whether it's UCLA or another big money offer, I say Shaka is gone...and VCU is off the radar.

[LA Muskie]

Living in Westwood is pretty nice.

Shaka is also losing two of his pilars- Theus and Daniels. Methinks that his value will never be higher and the downside is now present.

Whether it's UCLA or another big money offer, I say Shaka is gone...and VCU is off the radar.
Westwood is nice. No complaints here. It's weird though, it should be basketball mecca, but it just isn't. I used to go to games when I first moved here because I liked Lavin and the kids he recruited. I can't stand Howland and have only been to Pauley once under his tenure. If they hire Shaka, I would probably get season tix. XU will always be my #1, but it'd nice to have a hometown team to root for.

[GoMuskies]

I hope Shaka tells them to pound sand. But he probably won't.

[Cheesehead]

Westwood is nice. No complaints here. It's weird though, it should be basketball mecca, but it just isn't. I used to go to games when I first moved here because I liked Lavin and the kids he recruited. I can't stand Howland and have only been to Pauley once under his tenure. If they hire Shaka, I would probably get season tix. XU will always be my #1, but it'd nice to have a hometown team to root for.

Blasphemy! (on the home town team thing)

[Masterofreality]

I hope Shaka tells them to pound sand. But he probably won't.

Ok, I love ya Go, but please get professional help after that statement.

You are advocating that Shaka Smart tell UCLA, yeah, the UCLA to "pound sand".

"Pound sand." UCLA. ......"Pound Sand".....U..C..L..A....

[GoMuskies]

I'm not saying it's what he should (or likely will) do. It's just what I hope he does.

[ballyhoohoo]

Westwood is nice. No complaints here. It's weird though, it should be basketball mecca, but it just isn't. I used to go to games when I first moved here because I liked Lavin and the kids he recruited. I can't stand Howland and have only been to Pauley once under his tenure. If they hire Shaka, I would probably get season tix. XU will always be my #1, but it'd nice to have a hometown team to root for.

So I've been to Pauley just as many times as you in Howland's tenure.

[LA Muskie]

So I've been to Pauley just as many times as you in Howland's tenure.
That's right. Although if I was in town I'd have gone with you even if I did have to look at Howland.

[X-band '01]

I can't imagine Gnomus would be a candidate for UCLA, but I have little doubt he will tell everyone he is.

He's not lying - Shaka could always use a former head coach as an assistant. Or as garden decor.

[paulxu]

So is the search pool really only a few people?
Shaka, Few, Stevens? (They just signed Dixon up last week I think...not that it means anything)

How 'bout the guy at Wichita?

[LA Muskie]

So is the search pool really only a few people?
Shaka, Few, Stevens? (They just signed Dixon up last week I think...not that it means anything)

How 'bout the guy at Wichita?
I don't even think Stevens is a realistic candidate. He doesn't seem very interested in leaving, and I just don't see it now with the step up to the Big East.

Theoretically, Gregg Marshall should be a candidate if they don't get Shaka. But tend to doubt he would be. If they don't get Shaka, Few or Stevens I see them spending BIG TIME to get a top-tier high-major coach to switch allegiances. But I honestly don't see them having to look farther than Shaka.

[Cheesehead]

What about Froiberg?

[xavierj]

Living in Westwood is pretty nice.

Shaka is also losing two of his pilars- Theus and Daniels. Methinks that his value will never be higher and the downside is now present.

Whether it's UCLA or another big money offer, I say Shaka is gone...and VCU is off the radar.

Shaka may leave but if he stays they will be pretty good at VCU. Their leading scorer is only a sophomore, they return 4 of their top 5 scorers and 6 of their top 8 players. On top of his salary is $1.2 million. He will be fine either way, although he would have a better team at VCU.

[Masterofreality]

Shaka may leave but if he stays they will be pretty good at VCU. Their leading scorer is only a sophomore, they return 4 of their top 5 scorers and 6 of their top 8 players. On top of his salary is $1.2 million. He will be fine either way, although he would have a better team at VCU.

Richmond vs Westwood. Hmmmmmm. Some choice.

[xudash]

Let's go Owls!

[ballyhoohoo]

Richmond vs Westwood. Hmmmmmm. Some choice.

I'd do it for 50k a year with room and board

[ballyhoohoo]

Shaka may leave but if he stays they will be pretty good at VCU. Their leading scorer is only a sophomore, they return 4 of their top 5 scorers and 6 of their top 8 players. On top of his salary is $1.2 million. He will be fine either way, although he would have a better team at VCU.

UCLA will back up the brinks truck. I'd imagine in the 3.5 range. Just silly money.

[ballgame]

The whole thing is tragic. It's all about money.

[X-band '01]

Why is it tragic? Coaches who are lifers are one in a million.

[GoMuskies]

If UCLA really is offering silly money, and if Shaka has a nice sized buyout in his contract, VCU might come out of this okay. As a number of people have pointed out, VCU is more than just Shaka at this point, so if they get UCLA to basically pay for their next coach, it won't be that bad a deal for the Rams.

[smileyy]

The whole thing is tragic. It's all about money.

Yes, it is. But pretty much everything is. Money, or what you can do with money.

[smileyy]

Why is it tragic? Coaches who are lifers are one in a million.

Exactly. I'm kind of disgusted that Coach K didn't stay with Army for his whole career. WHERE"S THE LOYALTY>?!

[Masterofreality]

Know what?

If I'm Guererro, the UCLA AD, I'm taking a close look at Buzz Williams.

The guy is arrogant as hell, but he can coach.

[Muskie]

Know what?

If I'm Guererro, the UCLA AD, I'm taking a close look at Buzz Williams.

The guy is arrogant as hell, but he can coach.

His dancing at center court after victories would be a big hit in Westwood.

[danaandvictory]

Would Billy Donovan go to UCLA? It seems plausible to me.

[Masterofreality]

“@SethDavisHoops: You know who should hire Ben Howland? USC.”

[LA Muskie]

Would Billy Donovan go to UCLA? It seems plausible to me.

Anything is possible if you attach enough zeros to an offer, but after the Orlando Magic debacle I sort of feel like he will retire a Gator.

[GoMuskies]

Donovan might want to finally coach somewhere they actually care about basketball. Then again, I'm not sure UCLA meets that criteria either.

[MD Muskie]

I get that UCLA is one of the top 6 jobs out there, but it has to be THE most difficult job out there. Two main reasons for that, 1) you will always be chasing John Wooden. No coach will ever be good enough to be his equal and not matter what success he has, he will always have that shadow looming largely over him. 2) more than ever, today's coach has to deal with agents do everything in their power to make sure a kid goes for only one year and then leaves. Wooden never had to deal with that and its also a reason that no coach there will ever reach Wooden's standards. And thats what all UCLA fans want, getting back to the good ol'Wooden days.

[Muskie]

updated chart

[Mrs. Garrett]

Considering everyone there gets killed, I would suggest, yes, yes they do.


I've lived in this city for 15 years. Please don't confuse the affluent areas with the ghetto. You're just ignorant.

[DC Muskie]

I've lived in this city for 15 years. Please don't confuse the affluent areas with the ghetto. You're just ignorant.

I was suggesting kids being recruited might want to leave the city because people are getting killed. Do a lot of D 1 basketball prospects live in affluent areas of Chicago?

[GuyFawkes38]

I get that UCLA is one of the top 6 jobs out there, but it has to be THE most difficult job out there. Two main reasons for that, 1) you will always be chasing John Wooden. No coach will ever be good enough to be his equal and not matter what success he has, he will always have that shadow looming largely over him. 2) more than ever, today's coach has to deal with agents do everything in their power to make sure a kid goes for only one year and then leaves. Wooden never had to deal with that and its also a reason that no coach there will ever reach Wooden's standards. And thats what all UCLA fans want, getting back to the good ol'Wooden days.

I still think it's a great job. It's by far the best job west of the rockies. Los Angeles is an awesome, basketball crazed city. There's a ton of high school talent within 30 miles of UCLA's campus. Even outside of that, most teenage males across the country dream of going to school in LA.

I don't think UCLA has been too unfair with Howland. After 10 years, a coaching change is a good idea in most situations regardless of what the coach has accomplished.

[Masterofreality]

UCLA.

After John Wooden retired, the four coaches that succeeded him resigned, and the following four were fired. The average tenure of those coaches up to Ben Howland after Wooden was four years. Howland, led the Bruins to three consecutive Final Four appearances from 2006 to 2008 and lasted 10 years.

The list:


Gene Bartow 1975–1977 52 9 .852
Gary Cunningham 1977–1979 50 8 .862
Larry Brown 1979–1981 42 17 .712
Larry Farmer 1981–1984 61 23 .726
Walt Hazzard 1984–1988 77 47 .621
Jim Harrick 1988–1996 192 62 .756
Steve Lavin 1996–2003 145 78 .650
Ben Howland 2003–2013 208 97 .682

Gene Bartow lost 9 games in two years and was run out of town on a rail. You can't say that any of these guys were horrible, but the UCLA fan base definitely has no patience.

[MHettel]

I was suggesting kids being recruited might want to leave the city because people are getting killed. Do a lot of D 1 basketball prospects live in affluent areas of Chicago?

So in other words, "Everyone" really means "not everyone." Then follow up with a smart ass comment.

thats much clearer now.

[DC Muskie]

So in other words, "Everyone" really means "not everyone." Then follow up with a smart ass comment.

thats much clearer now.

The original comment was made tongue in cheek. Mrs. Garrett took offense, I made another tongue in cheek comment.

But thanks for feeling the need to comment on something I said. I appreciate the love.

[MD Muskie]

Gene Bartow lost 9 games in two years and was run out of town on a rail. You can't say that any of these guys were horrible, but the UCLA fan base definitely has no patience.

That's the key. That fan base still expects coaching perfection and 8 straight championships. That doesn't happen in this world of college basketball, or any sport, now.

Overall its a great coaching job. It has history, it's in a impactful city, and its an absolute gorgeous campus. But that patience issue is making their coaching prospects really think about whats best. Three Final Fours and seven tournaments in 10 years is enough at just about any school to give you a lifelong contract. At UCLA is just doesn't measure up to John Wooden's standards. I think one of the questions that needs to be asked is if the AD Guerrero is trying to hire a coach to equal Wooden, or a coach to move UCLA into the future. It sure seems like he fires guys because they are not Wooden.

[LA Muskie]

That's the key. That fan base still expects coaching perfection and 8 straight championships. That doesn't happen in this world of college basketball, or any sport, now.

Overall its a great coaching job. It has history, it's in a impactful city, and its an absolute gorgeous campus. But that patience issue is making their coaching prospects really think about whats best. Three Final Fours and seven tournaments in 10 years is enough at just about any school to give you a lifelong contract. At UCLA is just doesn't measure up to John Wooden's standards. I think one of the questions that needs to be asked is if the AD Guerrero is trying to hire a coach to equal Wooden, or a coach to move UCLA into the future. It sure seems like he fires guys because they are not Wooden.

I actually don't think there's much of a Wooden shadow left. It's been so long that for most fans he is now almost a mythical figure, and certainly a historic one. Nobody expects the next John Wooden.

The problem is that even if LA is a "basketball town" (and it's not), with the Clippers finally winning there are already two other, more prominent -- and "cooler" -- games in town.

LA is the worst sports town I've known. It is championship or bust. And by "bust" I mean go to the beach instead of the stadium.

[GuyFawkes38]

The problem is that even if LA is a "basketball town" (and it's not), with the Clippers finally winning there are already two other, more prominent -- and "cooler" -- games in town.


Is it a baseball or football town? I thought basketball dominated (especially at the professional level).

Howland is a boring guy who played a boring style. I think Shaka or some other engaging personality would get the town pumped for him.

IMHO, UCLA and UNC have to be the 2 easiest schools to slide into a championship at. Yes, it's a risk. But if a coach wants the best chance to win a championship, UCLA is a great option.

[Masterofreality]

Tubby Smith fired at Minnesota.

Uh, the Minnesota AD is the guy who hired Shaka Smart at VCU.

Get ready............

[GoMuskies]

Wow, I thought Tubby bought himself some time getting to the second round. I'm a little surprised.

[coasterville95]

Man, I thought I had the scoop on that one. Got a text alert from a Gophers fan. Tubby does appear to be out at Minnesota, not that that is a great gig, but it is B1G, they have had some recetn tourney appearances, and their fan base is coming back from the scandal they had that wiped out a nice chunk of their basketball history.

The part about their AD maybe having Shaka's ear is quite interesting. They just need a litle push, and he might be the guy.

I also hear Shaka is 3-1 according to bovada for the UCLA job, Paestner comes in next at 5-1, then get this Cronin at 6-1. There has to be another D1 coach named Cronin, right?

[GoMuskies]

Maybe it's Hep Cronin. He can't be as bad a coach as his son, can he?

[DC Muskie]

Is Minnesota that much different than Illinois in the basketball world?

[GoMuskies]

Is Minnesota that much different than Illinois in the basketball world?

It's much worse.

[Masterofreality]

Pastner to UCLA is hilarious.

Cronin to UCLA is hysterical.

[DC Muskie]

It's much worse.

I can't see why Shaka would go there.

[smileyy]

Tubby Smith fired at Minnesota.

Uh, the Minnesota AD is the guy who hired Shaka Smart at VCU.

Get ready............

Man, Trever Mbakwe's knee last year may have done Tubby in. But that was a team that had a lot of talent and didn't do much with it.

[nkymuskie]

The part about their AD maybe having Shaka's ear is quite interesting. They just need a litle push, and he might be the guy.



I saw a tweet about this earlier. The way that I had understood it was that this AD has in the past made good hires of younger semi-unknown coaches, not that Shaka would be possibly thinking of going to Minnesota. Minnesota is not much of and upgrade over VCU at this point. They are in the B1G and that's about it. Shaka won't leave VCU unless it's a pretty near a top level job (IU, UNC, UK, KU, UCLA, etc..)

[GuyFawkes38]

Yikes. I didn't see that coming. That leads you to be believe that Minnesota has received acceptance from a slam dunk coach. Can't see Shaka leaving (Illini job is much better).

[SixFig]

One would think Gregg Marshall could be a contender for the Minnesota job, although his tourney resume is less than sterling (albeit as the lower seeded team every time with Winthrop now Wichita)

I've also heard Flip Saunders name, he is a Minn alum

[GoMuskies]

Marshall is not leaving Wichita State for Minnesota.

[GuyFawkes38]

There's a lot of complaining about how Howland has been mistreated by UCLA. I don't buy it.

In contrast, this Tubby firing is truly absurd. Tubby took a crappy program to consistent NCAA appearances. It really makes you think if there's something deeper going on here.

[GoMuskies]

I knew Tubby was running out of time. They backed the Brinks truck up when they hired him, and they haven't been getting backed up Brinks truck results. But I thought that NCAA Tournament win would have saved him this year.

[LA Muskie]

Is it a baseball or football town? I thought basketball dominated (especially at the professional level).

Howland is a boring guy who played a boring style. I think Shaka or some other engaging personality would get the town pumped for him.

IMHO, UCLA and UNC have to be the 2 easiest schools to slide into a championship at. Yes, it's a risk. But if a coach wants the best chance to win a championship, UCLA is a great option.
It's not a sports town. The only team that can pack a stadium without posting a ton of W's is the Lakers, and that's because going to a Lakers game is a social event -- it's a place to see and be seen. Everyone else needs to win. And win a lot.

[SM#24]

“@SethDavisHoops: You know who should hire Ben Howland? USC.”
Don't get me wrong, I don't like Seth Davis as much as the next guy, but this is a pretty good idea. Besides hilarious, it might just work out for SC.

[GoMuskies]

Ben Howland is certainly not worse than Kevin O'Neill. Or George Raveling. Or Tim Floyd. Or Henry Bibby.

[Masterofreality]

Don't get me wrong, I don't like Seth Davis as much as the next guy, but this is a pretty good idea. Besides hilarious, it might just work out for SC.

Only problem with the Howland to USC scenario is that he has totally pissed off all the AAU and HS coaches in the LA area. He promised a recruit a scholly, a kid who had loved UCLA since grade school, then pulled it at the last possible minute. The speculation was that Howland didn't want some other PAC10 team to get the kid. He wound up going to New Mexico, but the bridges have been burned.

Better he get out of Southern California at this point.

[Juice]

Only problem with the Howland to USC scenario is that he has totally pissed off all the AAU and HS coaches in the LA area. He promised a recruit a scholly, a kid who had loved UCLA since grade school, then pulled it at the last possible minute. The speculation was that Howland didn't want some other PAC10 team to get the kid. He wound up going to New Mexico, but the bridges have been burned.

Better he get out of Southern California at this point.

He also recruited heavy in Georgia last year after signing a GA coach. I don't know how long that situation would work at UCLA or USC.

[Pablo's Brother]

Think the Florida gulf coast guy is gone? I bet so.

[Masterofreality]

If anyone doubts how dirty it can get in collegiate recruiting, and why Xavier backs away/does not get some players, read this from Pat Forde.

UCLA was a mess and compromised their principles. That stuff will always come home to roost in the end. Even Jim Calhoun finally got caught.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaab--losing--off-court-issues-justifiably-lead-to-firings-of-ben-howland--tubby-smith-000403175.html

[GoMuskies]

Apparently Chris Collins is taking the Northwestern job. I bet he finally gets them to the NCAA Tournament in about five years. And then leaves.

[DC Muskie]

Apparently Chris Collins is taking the Northwestern job. I bet he finally gets them to the NCAA Tournament in about five years. And then leaves.

Johnny Dawkins at Stanford has really worked out well.

[GuyFawkes38]

I don't think NU is an attractive job. But I do think they could have attracted a solid coach with head coaching experience. It is a Big 10 school.

[GoMuskies]

Wake is keeping Bzdelik (or however you spell that horrible coach's name).

[smileyy]

Apparently Chris Collins is taking the Northwestern job. I bet he finally gets them to the NCAA Tournament in about five years. And then leaves.

I have no doubt they both have that expectation.

[PMI]

I would not let Jeff Bzdelik be my assistant CYO 8th grade coach. How that guy still has a job at an ACC basketball school is frankly the ninth wonder of the world. (The eighth wonder was how he got hired in the first place.)

[Masterofreality]

Wake is keeping Bzdelik (or however you spell that horrible coach's name).

Good. That is a guaranteed win night in Cintas next year.

[gladdenguy]

Good. That is a guaranteed win night in Cintas next year.

Well we lost to him this year and Cintas isn't guaranteeing any wins any longer with losses to VCU, UMass, Wofford, and Vanderbilt this year.

I wouldn't say any win is a guarantee. Especially because we can't even fill the place any longer, don't have a 3-man, and have a lot of new faces next year.

[Masterofreality]

Apparently, Pastner has removed his name from consideration for the USC job.

[smileyy]

I see GladdenGuy's optimism has returned! :)

[GoMuskies]

Well we lost to him this year and Cintas isn't guaranteeing any wins any longer with losses to VCU, UMass, Wofford, and Vanderbilt this year.


VCU was a 5 seed. As for the others, well, we're not going to suck next year. So there's that.

[LA Muskie]

I see GladdenGuy's optimism has returned! :)
I really hate that he spews all of this with a picture of Semaj as his avatar.

[smileyy]

Agreed. Even if the rest of the talent/experience level stays flat, Semaj will be an All-American candidate, and have more weapons in his arsenal.

[Titanxman04]

I would not let Jeff Bzdelik be my assistant CYO 8th grade coach. How that guy still has a job at an ACC basketball school is frankly the ninth wonder of the world. (The eighth wonder was how he got hired in the first place.)

Isn't his best friend the AD at Wake?

[gladdenguy]

Just pointing out a fact. A 17-14 year with tons of new faces doesn't guarantee wins anyhow anywhere. Sorry, not a pollyanna.

Semaj can't do it all.

[danaandvictory]

Isn't his best friend the AD at Wake?

Yes, and he apparently has chosen that friendship over continuing in that job much longer.

The natives be restless.

[GoMuskies]

Bobby Hurley to Buffalo.

[DC Muskie]

Bobby Hurley to Buffalo.

Danny has already started his own coaching tree!

[paulxu]

That'll blow your UCLA ego out of the water when Stevens and Smart turn you down.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/source-ucla-boosters-want-mark-gottfried/

[xavierj]

That'll blow your UCLA ego out of the water when Stevens and Smart turn you down.

http://zagsblog.com/articles/source-ucla-boosters-want-mark-gottfried/

Not surprised Shaka said no thanks. He has a good thing going. I can see him someday coaching in the ACC or Big 10 before he moves all the way across country.

[GoMuskies]

UCLA apparently concentrating on Gottfried now. They should ask Howland if he wants the job back. Gottfried would be a brutal hire.

[LA Muskie]

UCLA apparently concentrating on Gottfried now. They should ask Howland if he wants the job back. Gottfried would be a brutal hire.
I really hope for their sake that Gottlieb is just a smokescreen so they can quietly negotiated with someone else.

[Muskie]

I really hope for their sake that Gottlieb is just a smokescreen so they can quietly negotiated with someone else.

Maybe evidence that the position has fallen on hard times? Reminds me of the hiring situations at IU which resulted in Sampson and Crean.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[DC Muskie]

I really hope for their sake that Gottlieb is just a smokescreen so they can quietly negotiated with someone else.

Do you mean Gottfried? Or is Doug Gottlieb a contender? That would be epic!

[Juice]

Do you mean Gottfried? Or is Doug Gottlieb a contender? That would be epic!

His brother is an assistant for Cal I believe.

[DC Muskie]

His brother is an assistant for Cal I believe.

Oh okay. Still would be pretty epic!

[waggy]

Stevens to UCLA?

[LA Muskie]

Do you mean Gottfried? Or is Doug Gottlieb a contender? That would be epic!

I meant Gottfried. But the sentiment applies just as readily to anyone named Gottlieb.

[LA Muskie]

Stevens to UCLA?

Saw that reported as a possibility on ESPN.com today, but nothing on the LA Times website (although their coverage of the hiring process has been abysmal so I'm not sure that means anything).

[smileyy]

I'm curious to see what Stevens does. He hasn't said no yet. So he's either angling for a raise or extension, or he's considering saying yes.

[GoMuskies]

Stevens to UCLA doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Doesn't seem to match his personality. If he ever leaves Butler, I would expect him to go somewhere in the Midwest. I think the people in Bloomington like him better than they like Crean already.

[smileyy]

Stevens to UCLA doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Doesn't seem to match his personality. If he ever leaves Butler, I would expect him to go somewhere in the Midwest. I think the people in Bloomington like him better than they like Crean already.

I'm mostly inclined to agree, and he has no history at UCLA to help with onboarding. But there's also getting $2-3M a year, getting fired, then landing the job at Marquette or Indiana or Kentucky after one of those coaches moves on. I don't know if anyone actually thinks like that, but its a plausible (if risky) strategy.

[GoMuskies]

He's not getting the job at IU or UK if he gets fired by UCLA. Maybe a second tier program like a Clemson or Iowa State. It's not going to ruin your career, but it's going to eliminate you (at least for a while) for consideration for the top level jobs.

[SM#24]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-abdul-jabbar-ucla-20130328,0,4273604.story

Kareem wants the UCLA job

[smileyy]

You're right about IU and UK. He could suffer through a year working for a NBA team or as a CBS or ESPN commentator before getting a job like Marquette though.

[smileyy]

Kareem wants the UCLA job

No matter how great of a coach he might be right off the bat, they should make him coach the JV team for a year just to be sure.

[LA Muskie]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-abdul-jabbar-ucla-20130328,0,4273604.story

Kareem wants the UCLA job
Kareem is a lunatic. He has just as much a chance of getting that job as I do.

[GoMuskies]

Kareem is a lunatic. He has just as much a chance of getting that job as I do.

So you're in the hunt? Good luck! ESPN is now saying that Stevens is staying in Indy, BTW.

[LA Muskie]

UCLA has swung and missed on its top 2 targets. Methinks they've let too much dust gather on Wooden's trophy case...

[MarvAlbert]

After re-reading the 2010 pregame Xavier vs. Minnesota story in the local Minnesota rag and following their coaching search, I'm starting to think Minnesota fans are extremely delusional. I just saw this on twitter-

@RyanJamesMN
What 5 candidates do I think Gopher fans should watch for now? Buzz Williams, Anthony Grant, Jay Wright, Gregg Marshall, and Chris Mack.

[Masterofreality]

After re-reading the 2010 pregame Xavier vs. Minnesota story in the local Minnesota rag and following their coaching search, I'm starting to think Minnesota fans are extremely delusional. I just saw this on twitter-

@RyanJamesMN
What 5 candidates do I think Gopher fans should watch for now? Buzz Williams, Anthony Grant, Jay Wright, Gregg Marshall, and Chris Mack.

Anthony Grant may not be far off.

[Muskie]

After re-reading the 2010 pregame Xavier vs. Minnesota story in the local Minnesota rag and following their coaching search, I'm starting to think Minnesota fans are extremely delusional. I just saw this on twitter-

@RyanJamesMN
What 5 candidates do I think Gopher fans should watch for now? Buzz Williams, Anthony Grant, Jay Wright, Gregg Marshall, and Chris Mack.

The Minnesota media is still working under old world principles. Why would Mack or Buzz Williams leave two better programs in the Big East to a lower tier Big Ten program (where you literally have to cheat to have a chance at the final four). What people don't seem to get is that Coaches like Mack and Williams don't want to just be sitting at the Big Ten Kiddie Table when they get to sit at the Big East Table.

[GuyFawkes38]

We all complain about ESPN. But there is one good thing about ESPN. They don't fall into the trap of trying to promote a hometown university like a local media does. We've seen this with UC. There is no possible way that Mack, Buzz, or Wright would take the Minnesota job (and it's extremely unlikely Grant would take it).

[GoMuskies]

So UCLA is going with Steve Alford. That's.....interesting.

[Muskie]

Is that a done deal? Alford to UCLA?

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[GoMuskies]

Done.

[BMoreX]

Dan Wetzel ‏@DanWetzel 7m

Source: USC is targeting Florida Gulf Coast’s Andy Enfield as coaching candidate

[GoMuskies]

From Jamie Dixon to Andy Enfield. Talk about having your coaching search drop in class!

[LA Muskie]

Is that a done deal? Alford to UCLA?
Done: LA Times Article (http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-steve-alford-ucla-coach-20130330,0,7810262.story)

This is not going to mollify the masses.

[Muskie]

Done: LA Times Article (http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-steve-alford-ucla-coach-20130330,0,7810262.story)

This is not going to mollify the masses.

There will be a certain percentage of IU fans that are upset by that.

Whats the reaction like in LA?

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[LA Muskie]

There will be a certain percentage of IU fans that are upset by that.

Whats the reaction like in LA?
The word on the street in LA is panic over the Lakers falling behind Utah for the 8th playoff spot and the Clippers gaining on Denver for the 3 seed in the West.

Oh, you meant about Alford? I doubt most Los Angelenos in general even know who he is. UCLA fans may have heard of him before. But it's the complete opposite of a "splash" -- and that's not good for UCLA, especially now that they have to pay for the Pauley renovations (apparently with absurd increases for season ticket licenses...).

[GoMuskies]

The word on the street in LA is panic over the Lakers falling behind Utah for the 8th playoff spot

That's a pro move, there. Let the Jazz get slaughtered by the Spurs in the first round and take the better draft pick.

[Masterofreality]

Enfield to LaLa Land makes a lot of sense.

Showtime Dunkathon at USC and his model wife can get back to her career.

I'd say, done deal.

[GoMuskies]

I'm sure Enfield will go to the highest bidder this offseason. He'd be crazy to tear up that lottery ticket his team earned him this March.

I doubt it changes anything for USC, though.

[Xavgrad08]

Flip Saunders has turned down Minnesota. I am guessing there will be more to turn down the gophers.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9115329/flip-saunders-turns-minnesota-golden-gophers-jo

[GoMuskies]

Gregg Marshall is in the process of becoming the hottest coaching commodity out there. Go Shockers!

[paulxu]

If he disposes of OLieO, UCLA is going to wonder what the heck they did.

[UCGRAD4X]

The Beak Nose is flummoxed.

[GoMuskies]

The Beak Nose is flummoxed.

Marshall is a MUCH better bench coach than Matta.

[RealDeal]

Score for shits sake!

F matta.

[Xavgrad08]

I didn't realize how physical Witchita State is. They have been fun to watch tonight.

[Masterofreality]

Len Elmore, the master of the obvious."Ohio State needs to win this last five minutes" .

[GoMuskies]

Stop the choking! This is starting to remind me of another famous Ohio State game that completely sucked.

[BandAid]

I f*cking hate Ohio State so damn much!

[GoMuskies]

Ron Baker is a stud. Complete faith thay he'll hit these free throws.

[RealDeal]

The whistles are crazy right now.

[GoMuskies]

Baker's gonna do it again to clinch it!

[GoMuskies]

I wish Baker and VanFleet were freshman at X instead of WSU.

[RealDeal]

Wow. F osu.

[Muskie]

I don't see Marshall taking a team to the Final Four and then heading off to Minnesota... am I completely insane?

[GoMuskies]

He's not going to Minnesota. Wichita State is a better job than Minnesota.

[X-Fan]

Marshall is a MUCH better bench coach than Matta.
A lot of coaches fall in that category. Matta is an average coach at best.

[GoMuskies]

As pumped as I am for the Shox, I definitely am wondering just a bit: why not us? When's our time? Oh, well. Good for my neighbors who are great folks and NEVER saw this coming.

[Muskie]

As pumped as I am for the Shox, I definitely am wondering just a bit: why not us? When's our time? Oh, well. Good for my neighbors who are great folks and NEVER saw this coming.

I've definitely had those thoughts too GO. I caught myself wondering if our time came during the Run... but I talked myself out of it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

As pumped as I am for the Shox, I definitely am wondering just a bit: why not us? When's our time? Oh, well. Good for my neighbors who are great folks and NEVER saw this coming.

What a freaking year to not make the tourney huh?

No one dominant team in college basketball, crazy upsets, an anyone can advance type feel this year and XU misses the tourney for the first time in almost a decade. Ugh. Our time will come though.

[UCGRAD4X]

Our time will come, and when it does, it will not be a surprise like it is with WSU.

With Xavier it is becoming an expectation. Unfortunately that makes it more urgent that they do...soon.

Not to worry.

[Masterofreality]

The Jaundiced Leprechaun has now surfaced as a candidate for Minny.

"Charley Walters: Flip Saunders turning down the Gophers is embarrassing
Pioneer Press
Posted: * 03/30/2013 12:01:00 AM CDT
Updated: * 03/30/2013 11:28:35 PM CDT
The University of Minnesota's search for a men's basketball coach became officially embarrassing when it was learned Saturday, March 30, that Flip Saunders had turned down the job.

Saunders is believed to be at least the fourth coach to say no thanks to Gophers athletic administrators Norwood Teague and Mike Ellis since they fired Tubby Smith on Monday.

Saunders, the popular former Gophers point guard and 16-year NBA coach who resides in Medina, wasn't saying anything publicly other than he'll always "bleed maroon and gold."

But it was clear that Teague and Ellis, who declined to hire a search firm because they reputedly didn't need one, put restrictions on Saunders' hiring that the former Timberwolves coach found unacceptable.

[B]Meanwhile, Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin, 42, apparently has surfaced as a candidate, along with Florida Gulf Coast's Andy Enfield.[\B]

[paulxu]

]Meanwhile, Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin, 42, apparently has surfaced as a candidate, along with Florida Gulf Coast's Andy Enfield.

Hah, Sunday morning funnies.

(next it'll be Gregory)

[X-band '01]

Just think of all the "We play in the Big 10" comments that could come out of his mouth after tough losses.

[Masterofreality]

I thought that YTG was so against movement and all, you know, because of the "student-athletes".

[paulxu]

Maybe it makes sense. I could see Mack turning it down (not a real promotion) and Mick taking it (a real promotion).

[Cheesehead]

Maybe it makes sense. I could see Mack turning it down (not a real promotion) and Mick taking it (a real promotion).

If they enough Jack Mick's way, he just might take it and run w/ this conference mess going on right now.

[UCGRAD4X]

Mick is on a short leash with one foot out of the door over there anyway. If offered, he should jump. I would not have even considered the YTG in the running, but it seems they are getting pretty desperate in the north country.

[paulxu]

So Tubby lands in Texas (tech).

[GoMuskies]

So TT's last three coaches have been Bobby Knight, Pat Knight and Billy Gillispie. Perhaps they should start thinking about a paradigm shift. The high profile hires don't really seem to be working out well for them (though I guess one could argue whether Pat Knight was a high profile hire).

[DC Muskie]

He was mean to somebody.

Seriously? Just like Mike Leach?

They are a sensitive bunch in Lubbock.

[Masterofreality]

Hell, even the jaundiced leprechaun turned down Minny.

“@ESPNAndyKatz: Source: Minnesota reached out to Cincinnati's Mick Cronin, but he withdrew from consideration, citing family, commitment to UC.”

Good SucKS is stuck with that bum for a while longer.

[UCGRAD4X]

“@ESPNAndyKatz: Source: Minnesota reached out to Cincinnati's Mick Cronin, but he withdrew from consideration, citing family, commitment to UC.”

I do wonder how long the sense of commitment will remain reciprocal. Although, in their present state of limbo - not sure what kind of candidate they would attract otherwise.

[coasterville95]

He may be commuted to UC, but I know a fair number of UC fans that aren't committed to him.

He should have taken the Minnie job, and get what another 3-5 years grace.

[BandAid]

Dunk City's Enfield to USC.

[LA Muskie]

Dunk City's Enfield to USC.

Wow. I'm sorry -- they were fun story and all, but if the best you can do as a PAC 12 program is an Atlantic Sun coach who went on a legendary run to close out the season, then you've got problems no mere mortal can solve.

[xubball1993]

No loyalty.

[paulxu]

Hell, even the jaundiced leprechaun turned down Minny.

Something stinks there. Did they really offer him? He can't be that dumb to turn down a B1G school for the new CUSA.

[GoMuskies]

I predict that Enfield will be about as good as most USC coaches. In other words, horrible.

[Muskie]

I predict that Enfield will be about as good as most USC coaches. In other words, horrible.

They will score a ton of points but lose games.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[Muskie1000]

Something stinks there. Did they really offer him? He can't be that dumb to turn down a B1G school for the new CUSA.

From what I hear, Mick is signed to a long term contract with UC and they don't have money to buy him out. He did make the tourney this year and in CUSA he could reign. Why would he go somewhere they might cut him quickly? He's got it made here.

[UCGRAD4X]

Something stinks there. Did they really offer him? He can't be that dumb to turn down a B1G school for the new CUSA.

Just shows to go you what a boob the YTG is...or how delusional...or both.

[SM#24]

And I'm willing to bet that Minn had no interest in Cronin and that he (and/or his reps) floated those rumors out there.

[xubrew]

Wow. I'm sorry -- they were fun story and all, but if the best you can do as a PAC 12 program is an Atlantic Sun coach who went on a legendary run to close out the season, then you've got problems no mere mortal can solve.

That pretty accurately describes USC, don't you think??

[LA Muskie]

It does. But I was hoping they'd break the cycle.

[xubrew]

LA, I'm going to share an impression and I'd like your take on it.

College basketball in LA is overvalued by everyone outside of LA, and barely conscious to anyone inside of LA.

We hear all about what a great program UCLA is. Has anyone told anybody that who lives in Los Angeles?? Their arena is almost always half empty, especially for the OOC games. Last year when they were doing construction on Pauley, it looked as though there were barely 3000 people at some of their games. A year ago, UCLA and USC faced each other in the Pac Twelve Tournament, which was in Los Angeles.......and NO ONE was there. The Pac Twelve tournament was the only "major" tournament that couldn't pack the place in the years it was in LA. After you get past the opening rounds of the Big Ten, Big East, ACC and even SEC, the NBA sized arenas are packed. Not with the Pac Twelve in LA, though.

So, my question is why is UCLA considered to be such a valued program if no one in LA seems to value it?? Even when people are showing up, it's after they've played their way into the top five and are considered legit Final Four contenders, and even then it feels like it's more of a fad than it is genuine passion.

It also looks like the boosters are running the show, and people like Bill Walton are influential. If Bill Walton is influencing what you're doing, then how good can you really be??

[MHettel]

LA, I'm going to share an impression and I'd like your take on it.

College basketball in LA is overvalued by everyone outside of LA, and barely conscious to anyone inside of LA.

We hear all about what a great program UCLA is. Has anyone told anybody that who lives in Los Angeles?? Their arena is almost always half empty, especially for the OOC games. Last year when they were doing construction on Pauley, it looked as though there were barely 3000 people at some of their games. A year ago, UCLA and USC faced each other in the Pac Twelve Tournament, which was in Los Angeles.......and NO ONE was there. The Pac Twelve tournament was the only "major" tournament that couldn't pack the place in the years it was in LA. After you get past the opening rounds of the Big Ten, Big East, ACC and even SEC, the NBA sized arenas are packed. Not with the Pac Twelve in LA, though.

So, my question is why is UCLA considered to be such a valued program if no one in LA seems to value it?? Even when people are showing up, it's after they've played their way into the top five and are considered legit Final Four contenders, and even then it feels like it's more of a fad than it is genuine passion.

It also looks like the boosters are running the show, and people like Bill Walton are influential. If Bill Walton is influencing what you're doing, then how good can you really be??



Dayton= Rabid fan base, mediocre results

UCLA= Apathetic fan base, top 5 program all time.

Maybe you are simply putting too much value on the impact of a fan base as it pertains to actual basketball results.

[danaandvictory]

So TT's last three coaches have been Bobby Knight, Pat Knight and Billy Gillispie. Perhaps they should start thinking about a paradigm shift. The high profile hires don't really seem to be working out well for them (though I guess one could argue whether Pat Knight was a high profile hire).

Well, this time they didn't hire a towering asshole, so they borke the paradigm that way.

[xubrew]

Dayton= Rabid fan base, mediocre results

UCLA= Apathetic fan base, top 5 program all time.

Maybe you are simply putting too much value on the impact of a fan base as it pertains to actual basketball results.

Perhaps, but maybe I'm just putting too much value on the three point era, and not enough value on the 1960s and 1970s. That's not to say that I do not appreciate their history. I think those UCLA teams, along with the advent of college basketball on television, did a lot to grow the popularity of the sport. it's just that history and tradition aren't always consistent with the realities of the present day.

The reality is Pauley Pavilion is only half full, and they're on an underexposed Pac Twelve Network, and of the five Final Fours they've been to since John Wooden left, they just fired a guy that got them to three of them. They certainly have a rich tradition, but the current state of their program does not match their tradition, and I don't think their potential is nearly as great as many others seem to think that it is.

[Masterofreality]

Los Angeles is the ultimate Front Runner bandwagon town. Seriously.

There are a few true sports fans out there, but mostly people go to games to see and be seen. If you suck, no one is going and there is no one to see.

If the Lake-show ever, evvvvvvver had a run of 4 or 5 years of suck....and the Clippers all of a sudden ran off a couple of 'ships, You'd see old Jack Nicholson shift allegiance in a second.

And that is for the pros. If it's college, You'd better be Wooden type of long term good, or be a National Championship contender in football like USC was under Carroll. Other than that, no one cares

[DC Muskie]

Well Sean could be on the hot seat in Zona if he doesn't win with this kid.

Nice get.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/highschool/news/20130402/aaron-gordon-commits-to-arizona/?sct=hp_t2_a7&eref=sihp

[SM#24]

"Miller's seventh five-star commitment in the last three recruiting classes"

That's a lot.

[GoMuskies]

"Miller's seventh five-star commitment in the last three recruiting classes"

That's a lot.

It's amazing how much more success he's been able to have at Lexus U. with all that additional talent, too. I mean, you could never get a team to an Elite Eight and a Sweet Sixteen in a three year stretch with a Buick program, right?

[SM#24]

Well, at least with a Lexus, your down year is an NIT first round exit as opposed to not making the NIT. Just kidding of course.

He's certainly got the recruiting part down, now the pressure is on to win BIG.

It's got to be a weird feeling knowing that with a recruit like Gordon, pressure is on to win an NC, but also knowing that you probably only have one shot at it, since he's could be one and done, and your one shot is with him as a freshman.

[UCGRAD4X]

"Miller's seventh five-star commitment in the last three recruiting classes"

That's a lot.

Maybe the academic requirements are....not the same?

Just sayin

[X-band '01]

Los Angeles is the ultimate Front Runner bandwagon town. Seriously.

There are a few true sports fans out there, but mostly people go to games to see and be seen. If you suck, no one is going and there is no one to see.

If the Lake-show ever, evvvvvvver had a run of 4 or 5 years of suck....and the Clippers all of a sudden ran off a couple of 'ships, You'd see old Jack Nicholson shift allegiance in a second.

And that is for the pros. If it's college, You'd better be Wooden type of long term good, or be a National Championship contender in football like USC was under Carroll. Other than that, no one cares

This year could be the beginning in that regard - the Clippers can't get much better than they are right now and the Lakers are fighting for a playoff berth.

You also have to wonder how many good seasons Kobe Bryant will have left in a Laker uniform. I don't think Dwight Howard by himself is their answer.

[casualfan]

Maybe the academic requirements are....not the same?

Just sayin


I promise you any of the guys he has signed would have got into X had they signed here.

Hell, we currently have two guys on the roster (and thus in school) that didn't even meet NCAA eligibility requirements.

[xubrew]

I promise you any of the guys he has signed would have got into X had they signed here.

Hell, we currently have two guys on the roster (and thus in school) that didn't even meet NCAA eligibility requirements.

He's got a point.

[DC Muskie]

He's got a point.

Another point is, their (NCAA) own interpretation of the eligibility rules changed from one year to the next.

I would not use the NCAA as defense right now.

[GoMuskies]

Minnesota is settling on Richard Pitino. Maybe they thought they were hiring the OTHER Richard Pitino.

[xubrew]

Allow us to point and laugh at Minnesota.

They got rid of Tubby Smith because they thought they could get Shaka Smart. Hilarious. They then settled on Richard Pitino after being turned down by at least six coaches, the last of which was Mick Cronin. Hysterical.

Talk about not knowing what your place is in the world.

He did a good job in his one year at FIU, but they still finished in fifth place. In the Sun Belt.

[GoMuskies]

T.J. Simers thinks Alford was a dandy hire for UCLA: http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-0403-simers-ucla-alford-20130403,0,5934843.column?page=1

Simers also appears to be a complete dick.

[xubrew]

T.J. Simers thinks Alford was a dandy hire for UCLA: http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-0403-simers-ucla-alford-20130403,0,5934843.column?page=1

Simers also appears to be a complete dick.

Wow. Brutal. I think going to UCLA is a lose-lose situation. It's not good for UCLA. They pride themselves on not hanging FF banners and fired a guy who got them to three of them, only to hire a guy that I do not believe has ever been to the Sweet Sixteen.

It's bad for Alford because the best he can hope for is to meet the unrealistic expectations of a small, yet powerful group of fans that thinks UCLA is more than what it actually is.

[GoMuskies]

Alford took Southwest Missouri State to the Sweet Sixteen.

[Cheesehead]

Allow us to point and laugh at Minnesota.

They got rid of Tubby Smith because they thought they could get Shaka Smart. Hilarious. They then settled on Richard Pitino after being turned down by at least six coaches, the last of which was Mick Cronin. Hysterical.

Talk about not knowing what your place is in the world.

He did a good job in his one year at FIU, but they still finished in fifth place. In the Sun Belt.

As Andy Katz said, Minnesota needs to remember who they are. He was truly amazed that they let Tubby go after they won an NCAA game.

[El Shaqtus]

T.J. Simers thinks Alford was a dandy hire for UCLA: http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-0403-simers-ucla-alford-20130403,0,5934843.column?page=1

Simers also appears to be a complete dick.

Simers is a shock jock. He had some good stuff when Pujols left STL for LAA.

[Xavgrad08]

Dan Hurley is number one on Rutgers wish list. It would stink for Rhode Island if Hurley leaves after one year.

[DC Muskie]

As Andy Katz said, Minnesota needs to remember who they are. He was truly amazed that they let Tubby go after they won an NCAA game.

Minnesota paid for a coach to win more than what he accomplished. I can understand canning Tubby...he's not that great of a coach and doesn't really deserve to paid at an elite level.

[DC Muskie]

Jimmy Patsos to Seina. Interesting move, probably doesn't want to recruit at a lower level in the Patriot League.

[xubrew]

Jimmy Patsos to Seina. Interesting move, probably doesn't want to recruit at a lower level in the Patriot League.

That one really had me scratching my head. I couldn't make any sense out of it. I think you just made sense out of it. I forgot Loyola was leaving.

Whenever I need clarity, I will consult DC.

[UCGRAD4X]

That one really had me scratching my head. I couldn't make any sense out of it. I think you just made sense out of it. I forgot Loyola was leaving.

Whenever I need clarity, I will consult DC.

or when you need to dispose of a hooker in your trunk....

[DC Muskie]

When in doubt, just agree me.

[Cheesehead]

Minnesota paid for a coach to win more than what he accomplished. I can understand canning Tubby...he's not that great of a coach and doesn't really deserve to paid at an elite level.

Except it's Minnesota....Minnesota. Tubby did a decent job overall and he found a new job in about a week.

[DC Muskie]

Except it's Minnesota....Minnesota. Tubby did a decent job overall and he found a new job in about a week.

Then it's Minnesota's fault for paying him so much money. He wasn't hired at that pay to be "decent." He was paid to be elite. Also Tubby is living off a title he won at Kentucky, 15 years ago. He got paid by Minnesota based on that legacy. Which again is Minnesota's fault. Which they then corrected by firing him, since it's obvious he can only be elite at a place like Kentucky coming off a title a year before.

He also landed a job at a place that has demonstrated it has no idea what it is doing when it comes to hiring coaches.

[GoMuskies]

So Phil Martelli's kid got caught in the Mike Rice scandal. Apparently Martelli's kid was a real piece of work ("Baby Rice"). Nice parenting Phil!

[Juice]

So Phil Martelli's kid got caught in the Mike Rice scandal. Apparently Martelli's kid was a real piece of work ("Baby Rice"). Nice parenting Phil!

Bobby Big Wheel ‏@BobbyBigWheel
Remember that Jimmy Martelli is the son of Phil Martelli, who ruined a former player's career out of spite http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/ncaa/12/19/todd.obrien/index.html …

[waggy]

Hahaha! Ruined his career? Transferring a lot is now a career? He didn't have enough basketball skill to qualify as a career.

[Cheesehead]

Then it's Minnesota's fault for paying him so much money. He wasn't hired at that pay to be "decent." He was paid to be elite. Also Tubby is living off a title he won at Kentucky, 15 years ago. He got paid by Minnesota based on that legacy. Which again is Minnesota's fault. Which they then corrected by firing him, since it's obvious he can only be elite at a place like Kentucky coming off a title a year before.

He also landed a job at a place that has demonstrated it has no idea what it is doing when it comes to hiring coaches.
Smith took over at Minnesota when the program was in the dumps. The season before he arrived, the Golden Gophers won just nine games and hadn't gotten out of the first round in the NCAA tournament in 15 seasons.

511-226 coaching record, good for #50 all-time in NCAA history

Smith's record in his six seasons with Minnesota was 124-81.

His teams have won conference championships 14 times, have made it to 17 NCAA tournaments and have never once finished a season with a sub-.500 winning percentage.

I would say he is a pretty good coach. You are right, it is Minnesota's fault. If they want an elite coach then they should upgrade their shit facilities to an elite level too.

[xubrew]

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1532721/rutgersrice_medium.gif

[DC Muskie]

Smith took over at Minnesota when the program was in the dumps. The season before he arrived, the Golden Gophers won just nine games and hadn't gotten out of the first round in the NCAA tournament in 15 seasons.

511-226 coaching record, good for #50 all-time in NCAA history

Smith's record in his six seasons with Minnesota was 124-81.

His teams have won conference championships 14 times, have made it to 17 NCAA tournaments and have never once finished a season with a sub-.500 winning percentage.

I would say he is a pretty good coach. You are right, it is Minnesota's fault. If they want an elite coach then they should upgrade their shit facilities to an elite level too.

Tubby never had a winning conference record in the Big Ten. You simply don 't pay someone who you think is a "pretty good coach" $2.1 million to finish no better than 6th in conference play.

Tubby makes more than Jim Boeheim. He makes more than John Beilein. He is paid more than Roy Williams.

If you want Tubby to bring up your program, he could be a good hire; but if you expect him to be competitive in conference play and make deep runs in the tournament, and pay him with that expectation, then Tubby will not deliver.

[DC Muskie]

So Phil Martelli's kid got caught in the Mike Rice scandal. Apparently Martelli's kid was a real piece of work ("Baby Rice"). Nice parenting Phil!

Phil Martelli never bullied any player. He is HILARIOUS!

[Masterofreality]

Phil Martelli never bullied any player. He is HILARIOUS!

We can sure see how hard his ST. Joes team played for Philip this year. ~~~~~~~ :rolleyes:

[Masterofreality]

By the way.

Has there ever been a coach not say that the school he was being hired to, or for that matter, leaving behind "Is A Special Place"?

I'd love for just one guy to step up and say that the place he was coming to, or leaving was a Messy Pile of Dung..and that he got A) Hired to clean it up or B) Had to leave because it stunk so bad.

[Cheesehead]

Tubby never had a winning conference record in the Big Ten. You simply don 't pay someone who you think is a "pretty good coach" $2.1 million to finish no better than 6th in conference play.

Tubby makes more than Jim Boeheim. He makes more than John Beilein. He is paid more than Roy Williams.

If you want Tubby to bring up your program, he could be a good hire; but if you expect him to be competitive in conference play and make deep runs in the tournament, and pay him with that expectation, then Tubby will not deliver.

Ok, you are right, DC. God it must be awesome to always be the smartest one in the room.

[GoMuskies]

Ok, you are right, DC. God it must be awesome to always be the smartest one in the room.

I guess DC is alone in a room sometiems.

He's right about Tubby, though. Tubby did okay at Minnesota, but when they hired him they paid him a huge salary because they expected him to do more than "okay". If they weren't paying him a king's ransom, I would agree that they were crazy to get rid of him. But he was underperforming the expectations that Tubby signed up for.

[Cheesehead]

I guess DC is alone in a room sometiems.

He's right about Tubby, though. Tubby did okay at Minnesota, but when they hired him they paid him a huge salary because they expected him to do more than "okay". If they weren't paying him a king's ransom, I would agree that they were crazy to get rid of him. But he was underperforming the expectations that Tubby signed up for.

See, it sounds much better when you say it. I do get it.

It must be DC, then.

[LA Muskie]

Tubby was in a no-win situation given the facilities over there. He was never going to be able to meet, much less exceed, the expectations created by his salary. But he made mountains of $$$. So maybe he was actually in a no-lose situation.

[Cheesehead]

Tubby was in a no-win situation given the facilities over there. He was never going to be able to meet, much less exceed, the expectations created by his salary. But he made mountains of $$$. So maybe he was actually in a no-lose situation.

Yep.

[smileyy]

I am a little amused at firing a guy for underperforming expectations for the amount you're paying him....just so you can keep paying him the same amount to do nothing for you.

[Cheesehead]

I am a little amused at firing a guy for underperforming expectations for the amount you're paying him....just so you can keep paying him the same amount to do nothing for you.

Well, that's true too. Is it Tubb'y fault that that Minnesota "overpaid" him? Just like is it A-rod's fault that he got a ridiculous contract and hasn't posted MVP numbers ever year? Some of the blame lies in the folks that offered the contract.

[LA Muskie]

Well, that's true too. Is it Tubb'y fault that that Minnesota "overpaid" him? Just like is it A-rod's fault that he got a ridiculous contract and hasn't posted MVP numbers ever year? Some of the blame lies in the folks that offered the contract.

I'd go so far as to say most of the blame lies with the folks who offered the contracts.

[Masterofreality]

Well, that's true too. Is it Tubb'y fault that that Minnesota "overpaid" him? Just like is it A-rod's fault that he got a ridiculous contract and hasn't posted MVP numbers ever year? Some of the blame lies in the folks that offered the contract.

No, here's what's ridiculous about A-Fraud.

He had a contract with the Yankees for $25 million a year that he opted out of. After a number of weeks, no other MLB teams were anywhere near an offer to him. So, rather than using their leverage and offering him a deal at less money, say $18-20 million, the Yanks actually bailed Rodriguiez and Boras out by giving him a $28 to $30 million deal.

Screw the Yankees. They made their bed and they can lay in it.

[LA Muskie]

No, here's what's ridiculous about A-Fraud.

He had a contract with the Yankees for $25 million a year that he opted out of. After a number of weeks, no other MLB teams were anywhere near an offer to him. So, rather than using their leverage and offering him a deal at less money, say $18-20 million, the Yanks actually bailed Rodriguiez and Boras out by giving him a $28 to $30 million deal.

Screw the Yankees. They made their bed and they can lay in it.

I see the exact same thing in the entertainment industry. Studios will negotiate the hell out of every other deal to the point of absurdity and ill will, but throw money -- unnecessarily -- at over-rated, past-their-prime male leads and flash-in-the pan directors.

[muskienick]

I'd go so far as to say most of the blame lies with the folks who offered the contracts.

But don't put forth this opinion around all the anti-unionists on this site. You will instantly become personna non grata like I will in 5...4...3...

[paulxu]

Speaking of carousels, what the heck is going on with the AD (former) at NKU?

He should have hooked up with the Bengal cheerleader.

[LA Muskie]

Speaking of carousels, what the heck is going on with the AD (former) at NKU?

He should have hooked up with the Bengal cheerleader.

Story please? The trials and tribulations of the NKU athletic dept haven't made their way this far west...

[X-band '01]

Let's just say that the former AD at NKU allegedly had an affair with a student. They're acknowledging this now publicly probably because they had to do their due diligence to make sure this was the case.

[bjf123]

In addition to the student, he also had affairs with 4 employees of NKU.


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[Xavgrad08]

Looks Like the Sean Miller coaching tree just got a litte bit bigger. University of Arizona assistant James Whitford got hired to be the head coach at Ball State. Whitford was a Xavier assistant during Sean's last four years with the Muskies.

[Muskie]

Looks Like the Sean Miller coaching tree just got a litte bit bigger. University of Arizona assistant James Whitford got hired to be the head coach at Ball State. Whitford was a Xavier assistant during Sean's last four years with the Muskies.

Charlie Coles was campaigning for him to get that job.

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[XUPhilly04]

So Phil Martelli's kid got caught in the Mike Rice scandal. Apparently Martelli's kid was a real piece of work ("Baby Rice"). Nice parenting Phil!

I graduated from HS with Jimmy. Not surprised. The question people in Philadelphia are avoiding is that if Rice, a former Martelli assistant at SJU, acts that way in practice and Phil's kid does the same, does similar conduct occur at SJU under Phil's watch?