Latest Marquette Rumor

[Always Learning]

And, may be more than a rumor.
Lotsa talk that Bill Self is leaving that la la land of Manhattan, Kansas for the MU job.
He is a native of Milwaukee and a UW-M graduate. Has a resume that includes 250 wins in the Big Ten and Big 12
Hmmmm?

[GoMuskies]

And, may be more than a rumor.
Lotsa talk that Bill Self is leaving that la la land of Manhattan, Kansas for the MU job.
He is a native of Milwaukee and a UW-M graduate. Has a resume that includes 250 wins in the Big Ten and Big 12
Hmmmm?

Bill Self? Manhattan, KS? Dude...

[LA Muskie]

Ha! I heard he was 3rd on their list after Donovan and K.

[Juice]

And, may be more than a rumor.
Lotsa talk that Bill Self is leaving that la la land of Manhattan, Kansas for the MU job.
He is a native of Milwaukee and a UW-M graduate. Has a resume that includes 250 wins in the Big Ten and Big 12
Hmmmm?

Self arguably has the best job in America. No way he is leaving for Marquette.

[xsteve1]

I think he meant to type Weber. Self is not leaving Kansas and he's a Ok. St. alum.

[Masterofreality]

Self was spotted on the Grassy Knoll in Dallas...must be angling for the SMU job....not the MU job.

[Always Learning]

I think he meant to type Weber. Self is not leaving Kansas and he's a Ok. St. alum.

My BAD. My very BAD.
Yes, its Coach Weber that is being the rumor.
Having lived in Lawrence (and been to Manhattan) they are both no place to be living.

[Juice]

My BAD. My very BAD.
Yes, its Coach Weber that is being the rumor.
Having lived in Lawrence (and been to Manhattan) they are both no place to be living.

That makes more sense. If I was a Marquette fan I'd much rather have Howland for the Wisc-GB coach. Self sucked at Illinois.

[GoMuskies]

Self sucked at Illinois.

Dude

[sirthought]

That makes more sense. If I was a Marquette fan I'd much rather have Howland for the Wisc-GB coach. Self sucked at Illinois.

Do you mean Weber sucked at Illinois? Self was pretty impressive, thus the job as Kansas.

I think MU would be best off hiring the coach at Greenbay. He knows the in and outs of the program. He's been around a winning system. Give him a shot.

At least he wouldn't have the baggage that Howland or Webber would have.

Personally, if I were Shakka Smart I think MU would be fairly attractive, except for the weather.

[PMI]

Self most definitely did not suck at Illinois. Not even close. Weber, aside from taking Self's excellent players he left for him to the Finals, did suck there.

And Shaka gave them a listen, but he is no longer an option. This is rock solid, for sure.

[American X]

To quote Fight Club, maybe you shouldn't bring us every little piece of trash you happen to pick up.

[Juice]

Dude

Jesus now he's got me doing it. Yes, Weber.

I consider Self to be the best coach in college basketball right now.

[LA Muskie]

Jesus now he's got me doing it. Yes, Weber.

I consider Self to be the best coach in college basketball right now.
Where does Donovan rank on your list?

[xubrew]

Where does Donovan rank on your list?

Donovan has done a rather piss poor job with Florida State.

[Juice]

Where does Donovan rank on your list?

In no way do I consider my opinion to be the authority at all, but if I was to hire any coach in the country it would be Self. Donovan would be damn close.

[waggy]

Best right now is mr. 15 seconds imo.

[LA Muskie]

Donovan has done a rather piss poor job with Florida State.
Um...huh?

[GoMuskies]

Um...huh?

Dude...

[LA Muskie]

In no way do I consider my opinion to be the authority at all, but if I was to hire any coach in the country it would be Self. Donovan would be damn close.
Oh, I wasn't challenging you on it. There are a few select coaches that could be at the top of the list and he's definitely up there. I was just curious.

I like Donovan. He just flat out wins and he can do it just about any way. 3 Final Fours (2 Championships) and they are still in the hunt this year. If they make the Final 4 this year, he will have reached it in more than 20% (4 of 18 years) of his seasons at Florida. And he's won at least 3 games in the tourney for the last 4 years. His only real blemish is the "dark years" (2007-2009) where they missed the NCAA's -- but even then they won 24 and 25 games, respectively.

Then again, I just noticed that Bill Self hasn't missed the NCAA Tourney since his first year at Tulsa. 15 years ago...

[LA Muskie]

Dude...
Obviously something is flying right over my head. It's Friday, help a brother out...

[GoMuskies]

Just re-read the thread with the knowledge that 'brew's response is in jest.

[waggy]

Donovan's not at Florida State dumbass.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Go Muskie killing me with the "Dude." Best Dude I've seen since The Big Lebowski.

[LA Muskie]

Just re-read the thread with the knowledge that 'brew's response is in jest.
OK that's what I figured. Had me confused because Brew (i) doesn't make funny very often; but (ii) would never make that mistake.

[LA Muskie]

Donovan's not at Florida State dumbass.

Ya don't say!

[94GRAD]

Obviously something is flying right over my head. It's Friday, help a brother out...

He was making fun of the Self and Weber mix up. Kanas/KSU, Florida/FSU.

[xudash]

This has been a drunken electronic discussion.

[xubrew]

Donovan's not at Florida State dumbass.

"Dude." GoMuskies

[LA Muskie]

So it looks like it's going to be Howland by default. They seem to be concentrating on a "name" brand and none of the other names seem to want the job. I can't see Cuonzo leaving TN for the Marquette job. But he'll get a nice raise for the interest.

Edit: Unless they back the Brinks truck up to Archie's pad in Dayton. He may well end up with more $$$ and better resources than his brother has at AZ.

[Masterofreality]

Not so fast, my friend.

@GoodmanESPN: Marquette is targeting Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin, multiple sources told ESPN. Ben Howland also in the mix: http://t.co/XRMo3GDv6G

[OTRMUSKIE]

Vols fans were calling for martins head all season. If I am Martin I get the hell out now.

[OTRMUSKIE]

So it looks like it's going to be Howland by default. They seem to be concentrating on a "name" brand and none of the other names seem to want the job. I can't see Cuonzo leaving TN for the Marquette job. But he'll get a nice raise for the interest.

Edit: Unless they back the Brinks truck up to Archie's pad in Dayton. He may well end up with more $$$ and better resources than his brother has at AZ.

What a slap in the face to Dayton fans if he does that. They already hate Marquette and if Archie left for Marquette they would crucify him. Love to see it happen though. Get destroyed by Florida then lose your coach to an enemy. LOVE IT!

[GoMuskies]

Why would they want Cuonzo? So-so hire if they get him.

[Muskie]

Why would they want Cuonzo? So-so hire if they get him.

I think Martin is underrated as a coach. He'd be a good get for Marquette over some other possibilities.

[Juice]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 41s
Yahoo Sources: Duke assistant Steve Wojciechowski has emerged as a target for Marquette. http://yhoo.it/1h9Koia

[GoMuskies]

Jesus, they just go from one candidate I hate to another up there. I don't envy Marquette fans at this point.

[Masterofreality]

Jesus, they just go from one candidate I hate to another up there. I don't envy Marquette fans at this point.

So if Marquette is going through this, with a better program history than Xavier, what the hell do you think we would be going through if CMack leaves?

PAY the MAN!

[GoMuskies]

I think we'll pick better candidates than Wojo. Yech.

[Masterofreality]

I think we'll pick better candidates than Wojo. Yech.

If we can't pay CMack $1.5 mil, we won't GET any better candidates.

[xudash]

I think we'll pick better candidates than Wojo. Yech.

When the time comes, which isn't going to be now.

[LA Muskie]

If we can't pay CMack $1.5 mil, we won't GET any better candidates.

This. Times one billion.

[bleedXblue]

This. Times one billion.

I want Mack to stay...but pretty much every time a coach has left Xavier, we've found a very good replacement.

[kyxu]

I want Mack to stay...but pretty much every time a coach has left Xavier, we've found a very good replacement.

We've been lucky. You cannot count on that to keep happening, and Xavier is one bad hire away from having a lot of good work undone.

[danaandvictory]

Sounds like Mike Montgomery may hang up his whistle. California would seem to be the most logical landing spot for Howland.

[boozehound]

This. Times one billion.

This is where I sit as well.

If we aren't totally sold on Mack as 'the guy' for the long term, then don't give him any big guarantees. We should still raise his salary, and count on paying any future coaches in the $1.5MM range going forward.

I don't really buy the argument that Xavier can't afford to pay him, either. That would be like somebody who makes $100K per year building a $900K house and then begging for gas money so that they can get to work. If they couldn't afford the house and the gas then they shouldn't have built such a big house. The basktball program brings in a significant amount of money and name recognition for Xavier. It is an asset that provides a value. Xavier should have been planning on paying $1MM+ per year when they decided to undertake all of their capital improvements. If they can't afford to pay a basketball coach a competitive salary then they should have scaled back on their massive building boom.

Perhaps people should give more to AFO, but Xavier shouldn't hang the future of their basketball program in the balance over that. Figure out a way.

[Masterofreality]

I have no idea why Marquette would prefer a 15 year Dook assistant over a guy who is a Maequette grad, a current head coach and who has had some success. Wojo over Wardle?

Huh?

[bleedXblue]

This is where I sit as well.

If we aren't totally sold on Mack as 'the guy' for the long term, then don't give him any big guarantees. We should still raise his salary, and count on paying any future coaches in the $1.5MM range going forward.

I don't really buy the argument that Xavier can't afford to pay him, either. That would be like somebody who makes $100K per year building a $900K house and then begging for gas money so that they can get to work. If they couldn't afford the house and the gas then they shouldn't have built such a big house. The basktball program brings in a significant amount of money and name recognition for Xavier. It is an asset that provides a value. Xavier should have been planning on paying $1MM+ per year when they decided to undertake all of their capital improvements. If they can't afford to pay a basketball coach a competitive salary then they should have scaled back on their massive building boom.

Perhaps people should give more to AFO, but Xavier shouldn't hang the future of their basketball program in the balance over that. Figure out a way.

Easier said than done.

What if Wake is offering a nice guarantee?

You just have to make a decision.

I think there's enough there to pay the man and give him a solid buyout option so he feels that the university is completely supportive of him.

If he craps the bed in the next 2-3 years, you figure out plan B.

Step up, pay him and be done with it.

Start acting big time.

To your last point, X has the money. They can figure out a way. If they don't, I'd like to know how thats possible? You dont run a business and not protect your cash cow. It's the single largest revenue generator outside of tuition. It's the most profitable business unit at X.

[SM#24]

I have no idea why Marquette would prefer a 15 year Dook assistant over a guy who is a Maequette grad, a current head coach and who has had some success. Wojo over Wardle?

Huh?
Hypothetical shoe on other foot - Mack leaves and you have the choice of Wojo or Kelsey ?

[nuts4xu]

Hypothetical shoe on other foot - Mack leaves and you have the choice of Wojo or Kelsey ?

I love Kelsey, but I would take Wojo.

[BandAid]

I love Kelsey, but I would take Wojo.

This is completely speculative. But people have mentioned that Mack leaving would mean Steele leaving would mean losing recruits. Kelsey and Steele have worked together. Is it outside the realm of possibility that Kelsey could keep Steele around?

In fact, you could offer Steele the "coach in waiting" sort of position if you bring Kelsey on board, because it'd probably be another 4-5 years before Kelsey would look at other offers and by then Steele might be ready.

Totally speculative, not really helping anything, just throwing it out there.

[Muskie]

Hypothetical shoe on other foot - Mack leaves and you have the choice of Wojo or Kelsey ?

I would hope the list includes some others besides this... otherwise this place may explode. I'd choose neither.

[GoMuskies]

I'd choose neither.

Me, too.

[SM#24]

They certainly wouldn't be my top two choices either.

[Masterofreality]

I'd go after Derek Kellogg, or Josh Pastner, or Steve Lappas or Kevin O'Nucklehead.....

......errrrrr, Wait.........

[boozehound]

I really don't get the obsession with Pat Kelsey.

[LA Muskie]

I really don't get the obsession with Pat Kelsey.
Alum. Cincy guy. Before he left he was widely regarded as one of the best assistant coaches in the country. Got a HC gig after sitting out a year. I don't know much about him as a coach, but those who are paid to seem to think very, very highly of him.

[casualfan]

Alum. Cincy guy. Before he left he was widely regarded as one of the best assistant coaches in the country. Got a HC gig after sitting out a year. I don't know much about him as a coach, but those who are paid to seem to think very, very highly of him.

He was pretty highly regarded, but I don't think he was ever considered one of the best assistants in the country.

[LA Muskie]

He was pretty highly regarded, but I don't think he was ever considered one of the best assistants in the country.
He was very well regarded. There's a reason he was hired in the hotbed of college hoops after sitting out a year. Whether that made him one of the best assistants in the country or not is probably dependent on how long the list is, and what the methodology is. But he was invited to the annual top assistants' confab (can't remember what it's called anymore) and AD's loved him.

[sweet16]

We've been lucky. You cannot count on that to keep happening, and Xavier is one bad hire away from having a lot of good work undone.

How do you know that that "one bad hire" hasn't already happened? What do you use for a leading indicator(s)?

[GoMuskies]

There's a reason he was hired in the hotbed of college hoops

Rock Hill, SC is in the hotbed of college hoops?

[GoMuskies]

And I think Kelsey might eventually be a good head coach. I sure as hell wouldn't want to bet on it right now by giving him the Xavier head job if we had an opening, though.

[bleedXblue]

And I think Kelsey might eventually be a good head coach. I sure as hell wouldn't want to bet on it right now by giving him the Xavier head job if we had an opening, though.

Agreed. This is one of those.....if you wait and he wins 25 games next year, someone is going to give him a better opportunity.

I'd like to see what he can do at a MAC level school before giving him the job.

[LA Muskie]

Rock Hill, SC is in the hotbed of college hoops?
I said "in the hotbed" -- which is to say in the Carolinas. Plenty of local coaching talent.

[waggy]

The guy quit a good job at X.

[xubrew]

Steve Massiello is available.

[boozehound]

Agreed. This is one of those.....if you wait and he wins 25 games next year, someone is going to give him a better opportunity.

I'd like to see what he can do at a MAC level school before giving him the job.

Agreed. He may be a good coach, but I don't really think he has shown much that would make him worthy of consideration for Xavier.

[paulxu]

South Carolina is THE hotbed of the country.

[sweet16]

Agreed. He may be a good coach, but I don't really think he has shown much that would make him worthy of consideration for Xavier.

And what exactly did Mack show you that made him worthy of consideration for the Xavier job?

[Cheesehead]

cuonzo Martin met with Marquette on Sunday.

[DC Muskie]

Don't forget Florida wanted to hire Kelsey.

[xu82]

The guy quit a good job at X.

Ddi we ever figure out what really happened there? That seemed very odd.

[BandAid]

Ddi we ever figure out what really happened there? That seemed very odd.

I thought it was depression - now diagnosed and treated

[xu82]

I thought it was depression - now diagnosed and treated

Sensible explanation. I hope he remains well.

[The_Mack_Pack]

It's looking like Martin and Marquette are close to making a deal. If that's true then does Mack become a candidate at Tennessee? He turned them down three years ago.

[nkymuskie]

It's looking like Martin and Marquette are close to making a deal. If that's true then does Mack become a candidate at Tennessee? He turned them down three years ago.

No

[Masterofreality]

Cuonzo, OUT!

@ESPNAndyKatz: From overnight: Sources: Martin bows out of Marquette process http://t.co/zLDtBavmwl via @espncbb

[casualfan]

Cuonzo, OUT!

@ESPNAndyKatz: From overnight: Sources: Martin bows out of Marquette process http://t.co/zLDtBavmwl via @espncbb

Man, this is getting embarrassing for Marquette.

[nkymuskie]

I'm sure that Marquette will get a good coach but they have really botched the hiring process. It doesn't look good to keep getting shot down like this time and time again.

[Cheesehead]

MU moving on to Wojo now.

[throwbackmuskie]

Rumor I heard was Martin was looking for a big raise, there was talk about running him out of Knoxville before they ended the season strong. Tenn was going to go after Marshall, however UTK is in big time debit right now, something north of $100M.

[SM#24]

I really don't get the obsession with Pat Kelsey.
He's the scrappy white guy that most middle-aged white men love.

[GoMuskies]

He's the scrappy white guy that most middle-aged white men love.

You're speaking of Wojo now?

[PMI]

This Marquette search is getting pretty ridiculous. At this rate, I expect them to announce Dante Jackson as their new coach over the weekend.

[Muskie]

Cuonzo Martin withdrew from consideration. Must be close to a decision ?

[BBC 08]

Looks like it's Wojo.

[SM#24]

Everyone is reporting Woj. I'm looking forward to him slapping the floor when he coaches.

[Xman95]

Yep...just came over on my phone. Per ESPN, they're hiring Wojo. Ugh.

[casualfan]

What an underwhelming hire.

He may end up being a good coach, but I gotta believe there are more than a few Marquette fans scratching their head at this news.

[nuts4xu]

What an underwhelming hire.

He may end up being a good coach, but I gotta believe there are more than a few Marquette fans scratching their head at this news.

And I would think they could hire him on the cheap, since he doesn't have any HC experience. Buzz Williams had a few years as a head coach, his resume allowed him the over $2 million salary. I don't see the same experience with Wojo.

I hope they do. It will drive down the average salaries in the Big East, and hopefully our compensation for Coach Mack will look better.