Coaching Carousel 2015

[Masterofreality]

CMack would be no higher than 4th or 5th on that list. Texas wants a guy with a Final 4 on the resume...and both Smart and Marshall would take that job.

Nothing to see here.

Oh, and CMack IS NOT going to Alabama.

[LA Muskie]

CMack would be no higher than 4th or 5th on that list. Texas wants a guy with a Final 4 on the resume...and both Smart and Marshall would take that job.

Nothing to see here.

Oh, and CMack IS NOT going to Alabama.
I think Shaka's light has faded a good bit (which is one of the reasons I think you'll see "interest" on his part in a lot of jobs this year). And I don't think Archie would be ahead of Mack for a job like TX. I think there's a good chance Chris is above both of those (and I think he should be).

I agree that Marshall is probably ahead of him on the list, and probably rightfully so. And if they can't get him, they may well go in an entirely different direction. But if Sean can get AZ after what he did at Xavier, Chris is certainly qualified for a job like TX. I'm not saying he's going, but I don't think it's as easily dismissed as you and D-West seem to think.

PS: I agree about 'Bama.

[DC Muskie]

You think Mack is ahead of Shaka?

Shaka has a Final Four and is the second youngest coach to win 100 games. He also has a Final Four.

He also turned down UCLA two years ago and simply went back to VCU and win 52 games.

[paulxu]

It's one thing to do that in the CAA (magic run like GMU/VCU) and win a lot of games; a lot different lately.
Can win games in A10, but hasn't been out of first weekend.
I think he would take the Texas job if it was offered.

[Masterofreality]

I think that it is not a coincidence that the two main names that have been thrown out there are "Havoc" and "Play Angry". Both are pressing, up tempo and aggressive (borderline foul machine).

I think that is what Texas wants to appease the boosters and fan base.

And Shaka is gone at the first big money job offer. He ain't sticking around the A10.

[LA Muskie]

You think Mack is ahead of Shaka?

Shaka has a Final Four and is the second youngest coach to win 100 games. He also has a Final Four.

He also turned down UCLA two years ago and simply went back to VCU and win 52 games.
It's very possible that I am underestimating Shaka's staying power. I will concede that.

I just think he has fallen back to earth the last few years. And I don't think that's necessarily a coincidence as teams have figured out their gimmick defense, referees have adjusted as well, and injuries have shown how dependent they are on having everyone healthy and available (which means his system has very little margin for the unexpected).

[THRILLHOUSE]

Patterson worked for the Trailblazers so don't rule out someone with NBA ties for the Texas job as well. Right now Mack would probably be on the 2nd tier of candidates so I would at least wait to see what Marshall and Archie do before worrying.

[Masterofreality]

Patterson worked for the Trailblazers so don't rule out someone with NBA ties for the Texas job as well. Right now Mack would probably be on the 2nd tier of candidates so I would at least wait to see what Marshall and Archie do before worrying.

Thrill, you are our "embedded reporter" in Austin. I expect you to be awake 24/7 and chasing every rumor and lead. No one should scoop this board as to the Texas hire.

I'll lose all respect for you if you wimp out on this, Brother.

[DC Muskie]

It's one thing to do that in the CAA (magic run like GMU/VCU) and win a lot of games; a lot different lately.
Can win games in A10, but hasn't been out of first weekend.
I think he would take the Texas job if it was offered.

Well if he can win 26 games at VCU, I think he could do well in the Big 12 and make Texas competitive. And this past year he lost in OT without his best player. Remember he had his team ranked and had out of conference wins against Oregon, Northern Iowa, and Cincinnati.


I just think he has fallen back to earth the last few years. And I don't think that's necessarily a coincidence as teams have figured out their gimmick defense, referees have adjusted as well, and injuries have shown how dependent they are on having everyone healthy and available (which means his system has very little margin for the unexpected).

I'm sorry I don't get this. How has he fallen back to earth? He's been to the dance every year since his Final Four run. I could count on one hand the number of programs who wouldn't want him if the situation called for looking for a coach.

As for injuries, his "gimmick defense" isn't anymore reliant than the gimmick defense that we, UVA, Wisconsin, and Arizona play and losing players hurts anyone.

[LA Muskie]

DC, agree to disagree on most of that. But like I said before, I readily concede that I may be underestimating his market value.

[waggy]

If I was an AD looking for a coach, Shaka would probably be my #1 target. Based on age, experience, demeaner and how his players play for him.

[LadyMuskie]

If I was an AD looking for a coach, Shaka would probably be my #1 target. Based on age, experience, demeanor and how his players play for him.

Agree.

[GoMuskies]

If I was an AD looking for a coach, Shaka would probably be my #1 target. Based on age, experience, demeaner and how his players play for him.

Ahead of Marshall? Don't see that, but Shaka would next for me.

[XU 87]

Go, call Marshall and tell him to take the Texas job.

[GoMuskies]

Go, call Marshall and tell him to take the Texas job.

I don't want him to leave. He's a good neighbor. Doesn't get pissed when I hit golf balls into his yard.

[Masterofreality]

Ahead of Marshall? Don't see that, but Shaka would next for me.

Ok, so we have Two embedded reporters. Thrill in Austin, Go in Wichita. You guys need to coordinate covert activities and find where the smoke is. Thrill you camp out in front of Patterson's house and Go you camp in front of Marshall's. I want to know what they have for breakfast every day....just like Johnny Wolf.

[waggy]

Marshall is a little older.

Though old coaches are doing very well in D1 right now.

[Xavgrad08]

No surprise, Marshall has told Alabama no. Alabama could be targeting Richard Pitino who should be thankful he has the last name Pitino. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/gregg_marshall_tells_alabama_t.html

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah I dont see how Shaka has fallen. And he isnt anymore dependent on losing his best player than we are. If we lost Stain or Dee this year, especially Dee we would have been screwed. West Virginia played the same type of defense in the Big 12 this year and did really well. No way Mack is ahead of Shaka.

[GoMuskies]

No surprise, Marshall has told Alabama no. Alabama could be targeting Richard Pitino who should be thankful he has the last name Pitino. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/gregg_marshall_tells_alabama_t.html

Not sure why Bama wasted their time on that. Made no sense.

[DC Muskie]

Not sure why Bama wasted their time on that. Made no sense.

Money, so why not? They will end up with someone shitty and get killed by Auburn, so take a flyer.

[GoMuskies]

Money, so why not? They will end up with someone shitty and get killed by Auburn, so take a flyer.

I guess. But did they really think it was going to look good for them when the coach of little Wichita State inevitably told them to take their $3 million and go fuck themselves?

[DC Muskie]

I guess. But did they really think it was going to look good for them when the coach of little Wichita State inevitably told them to take their $3 million and go fuck themselves?

I think the phrase "Bama" applies perfectly here.

I'm not kidding they are going to end up with Duke's Video Coordinator and try to promote the idea they got someone of substance.

[Xavgrad08]

Andy Katz just tweeted DePaul brought in Tulsa assistant Dave Leitao and is seriously considering hiring back the former head coach, multiple sources told ESPN.

That has to be a joke right?

[GoMuskies]

Andy Katz just tweeted DePaul brought in Tulsa assistant Dave Leitao and is seriously considering hiring back the former head coach, multiple sources told ESPN.

That has to be a joke right?

It definitely IS a joke, because it made me laugh out loud.

[waggy]

I wish I was awesome enough to turn down millions of dollars.

NO! Fuck you! You're money is worthless!

[Masterofreality]

Andy Katz just tweeted DePaul brought in Tulsa assistant Dave Leitao and is seriously considering hiring back the former head coach, multiple sources told ESPN.

That has to be a joke right?

Oh, My Gawd, No! Reallly?

[GoMuskies]

I wish I was awesome enough to turn down millions of dollars.

NO! Fuck you! You're money is worthless!

It helps when you're already making millions.

[DC Muskie]

Andy Katz just tweeted DePaul brought in Tulsa assistant Dave Leitao and is seriously considering hiring back the former head coach, multiple sources told ESPN.

That has to be a joke right?

Hey why not, they can't get Marshall. Might as well beat Bama to him.

[XUFan09]

Concerning VCU, I don't think people appreciate how important Briante Weber was for VCU. The guy was about to be the NCAA all-time steals leader on a team whose defense AND offense is predicated off forcing turnovers.

[LA Muskie]

Concerning VCU, I don't think people appreciate how important Briante Weber was for VCU. The guy was about to be the NCAA all-time steals leader on a team whose defense AND offense is predicated off forcing turnovers.

Yeah just disregard everything I've said today up to this point. I was not thinking straight. A clear case of vacation brain.

[joe titan]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaabk/rick-barnes-out-after-17-seasons-as-texas-coach/a

HMMMM

[THRILLHOUSE]

Another name I could see in the Texas coaching search is Utah's Larry Krystkowiak.

[paulxu]

I'm fascinated by the apparent assumption that making one FF, or one E8, seems to automatically qualify you for a big jump in coaching.
Maybe that's a good yardstick, but it seems like there's just a little of chasing the "hot name" at the moment.

In a way, X is a good example.
Thad a E8...gone the next year. Sean an E8, then S16...gone the next year.
It's worked out pretty well. Thad has a couple FF, including a runner up. Sean has 3 E8's but no FF.

Marshall has shown good consistency at Wichita State. Archie has a quick E8, and Shaka one FF.
But Shaka hasn't made it out of the first weekend since then. I know he lost Weber this year, but he's had a few great years of recruiting with the Havoc buzz and the FF, and I think he should have made it further.

These guys should strike when the iron is hot if they want to move on. They all seem competitive by nature, and the lure of competition at the next level of conference play (plus the money) I believe will get them moving.

Mack should be in that group with 3 S16's. If he had an E8 this year I think Texas would be all over him. Unlike the others (I think) he is coaching at his alma mater. That, with a decent salary from X, might keep him here to establish a new sort of legacy for us...a Final Four and more. I hope so. He can get the level of competition in the BE that you can't get in the A10 or MVC.

[Muskie]

List is up to date I believe.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Marshall has shown good consistency at Wichita State. Archie has a quick E8, and Shaka one FF.
But Shaka hasn't made it out of the first weekend since then. I know he lost Weber this year, but he's had a few great years of recruiting with the Havoc buzz and the FF, and I think he should have made it further.


Last year was the only year that VCU was truly upset in the tourney though. (Yeah seed wise this year too, but 7/10 is basically a toss up and w/o Weber I'll give a pass).

2012 - 12 seed knocked off 5 seed Wichita State in the 1st rd and only lost by 2 to 4 seed Indiana
2013 - 5 seed. Won first round game, but lost next round to 4 seed Michigan

That said, I'd go with Marshall or Archie over him, but Shaka wouldn't be a bad hire for Texas either. Young energetic guy that could bring some life back to that program. Biggest concern I'd have with him is his coaching philosophy isn't too different from Barnes. Both are good defensive coaches, but their teams struggle on offense. I don't think Shaka would lose a locker room like Barnes has on some of his recent Texas teams though.

[XUFan09]

2013 was really rough for VCU in terms of matchups. A team whose game is predicated on forcing turnovers up against the team with the lowest offensive turnover rate in the country? Yeah, that won't end well.

[casualfan]

DePaul hires Dave Leitao. Woof.

[XUFan09]

DePaul hires Dave Leitao. Woof.
They supposedly had both Bobby Hurley and Bryce Drew seriously interested and they went with that...

[Juice]

They supposedly had both Bobby Hurley and Bryce Drew seriously interested and they went with that...

@rodger_sherman: “I think we’re pretty DePaul. But: Can we be more DePaul?” — conversation in the DePaul athletic department before hiring Dave Leitao

[Xavgrad08]

@rodger_sherman: “I think we’re pretty DePaul. But: Can we be more DePaul?” — conversation in the DePaul athletic department before hiring Dave Leitao

I am speechless. I really hope Depaul got turned down by multiple candidates and he was way down on the list.

[XUFan09]

@rodger_sherman: “I think we’re pretty DePaul. But: Can we be more DePaul?” — conversation in the DePaul athletic department before hiring Dave Leitao

Ha! That's basically what it is. From a perception standpoint, DePaul already loses with this hire. Good luck recruiting now.

[smileyy]

I mean, I guess there are worse hires than Leitao...he at least had success at DePaul while he was there. But he's either going to fail, and, well, fail...or he's going to succeed at use it as a way to get a better job.

But yeah..DePaul seems to like to hire guys that have a proven track record of mediocrity.

[X Factor]

So DePaul hired their own former HC? Who does that?

[smileyy]

I think I answered your question with my last sentence above...

[THRILLHOUSE]

Per a member of the Chicago sports media, looks like Hurley & Drew turned down Depaul. So at least Depaul didn't actually chose Leitao over those 2:

@CEmma670 9m9 minutes ago
Dave Leitao will return as DePaul's next coach, according to sources. Bryce Drew and Bobby Hurley turned it down.

[OH.X.MI]

Jeez. Maybe SJU will hire Mike Jarvis again.

[XUFan09]

Per a member of the Chicago sports media, looks like Hurley & Drew turned down Depaul. So at least Depaul didn't actually chose Leitao over those 2:

@CEmma670 9m9 minutes ago
Dave Leitao will return as DePaul's next coach, according to sources. Bryce Drew and Bobby Hurley turned it down.
Ok, that makes it a little better if they were running out of options. Leitao, Part Two, should be better than Purnell, at least. Hopefully.

[paulxu]

If Bobby H turns down DePaul, and Danny H turns down St Johns, that doesn't really speak well for our league.

Why wouldn't you leave Buffalo and Kingston to coach in Chicago and New York? No balls?

[Masterofreality]

So DePaul hired their own former HC? Who does that?

I'm sure that many would support hiring either of our previous 2 Head Coaches.

"Report: Arizona, disappointed that they have not reached a Final Four during his tenure is discussing firing Head Coach Desert Raccoon". (Not Really)

I guess that new arena isn't much of a draw for DePaul.

[xsteve1]

DePaul has no clue how to rejuvenate a program.

[XUPhilly04]

DePaul has no clue how to rejuvenate a program.

This hire is very Fordhamish. When a new head coach is hired, the fan base should at least be optimistic about the future, even if it doesn't work out. A risky younger guy with limited experience may have been better than this.

[XUPhilly04]

DePaul seems content to being the "welfare program" of the Big East.

[Masterofreality]

Well, here's a ringing endorsement from a guy.....uh, yeah. A guy.

"@SethOnHoops: Happy for Dave Leiato. His teams always played hard. Knows the culture of DePaul. He will do a good job and make the Blue Deamons relevant."

This guy couldn't even spell "Demons" right.

[Masterofreality]

And there's this:

"@AndyGlockner: I'd make fun of DePaul rehiring Leitao, but he won 58 games in three seasons there when they were in CUSA. That's like 200 wins elsewhere."

[X-band '01]

Coaching DePaul in Conference USA isn't the same as coaching DePaul in the Big East. I wouldn't completely call Leitao a retread, but it's not a good sign if your recent coaching experience involves serving as a Frank Haith assistant at Tulsa.

[Masterofreality]

On the bright side, Leitao did coach DePaul to a rousing victory over vdump in possibly the worst NCAA Tournament game ever played.

His opposing coach in that game? Oliver Purnell.

[GoMuskies]

Not that different. The Big East is deeper, but that was back when Cincinnati was still Cincinnati, Louisville was in the league and Charlotte, SLU and Memphis were regularly putting good teams on the floor. That was a good league.

[xsteve1]

On the bright side, Leitao did coach DePaul to a rousing victory over vdump in possibly the worst NCAA Tournament game ever played.

His opposing coach in that game? Oliver Purnell.

I think that might have been Gregory.

[Masterofreality]

I think that might have been Gregory.

Oh, let me check...

Yes you are correct sir. Purnell left in 2003, the year before.

By the way, Loyola is now in a strong position to actually be the better program in town. Lot's of young talent and Moser, who was a Majerus desciple, can coach a little bit.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Not that different. The Big East is deeper, but that was back when Cincinnati was still Cincinnati, Louisville was in the league and Charlotte, SLU and Memphis were regularly putting good teams on the floor. That was a good league.

Marquette and UAB had some good teams too. The best performance of old C-USA was in 2004 when they got 6 NCAA bids (UC, UofL, UAB, Marquette, UNCC and DePaul).

[smileyy]

Why wouldn't you leave Buffalo and Kingston to coach in Chicago and New York? No balls?

I can see turning down the DePaul job if you think its going to derail your career.

Or if you think there are better options coming in a year or two, you stay where you are.

[Masterofreality]

I can see turning down the DePaul job if you think its going to derail your career.

Or if you think there are better options coming in a year or two, you stay where you are.

And this is the point. These guys will get better offers. DePaul is a graveyard.

[JTG]

DePaul has no clue how to rejuvenate a program.

So they fit right in with the Cubs And Bears.

[xavierj]

Dave Leito gets worse each year so with everyone coming back next year for DePaul they will win games but it will get worse from there.

[smileyy]

According to Barnes, the AD told him they wanted him back, but he had to replace some of his staff:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12582050/rick-barnes-says-wanted-stay-texas-longhorns-coach

Translation: We want to fire you but don't have the balls to come out and say it.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Rothstein reporting that Mullin is getting the St Johns job.

[THRILLHOUSE]

According to Barnes, the AD told him they wanted him back, but he had to replace some of his staff:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12582050/rick-barnes-says-wanted-stay-texas-longhorns-coach

Translation: We want to fire you but don't have the balls to come out and say it.

Patterson (Texas AD) did the same thing when he was AD at Arizona State with Sendek but Herb actually went along with it then.

[xavierj]

Rothstein reporting that Mullin is getting the St Johns job.

I loved watching the Redmen when Mullins played but what qualifies him to lead them back? Maybe he will be great but that would be like Xavier naming Tyrone Hill or Byron Larkin head coach. I hope I am wrong but I think a hungry young coach with some recruiting and coaching experience would be better.

[Masterofreality]

I loved watching the Redmen when Mullins played but what qualifies him to lead them back? Maybe he will be great but that would be like Xavier naming Tyrone Hill or Byron Larkin head coach. I hope I am wrong but I think a hungry young coach with some recruiting and coaching experience would be better.

This was in Newsday today. I agree with J and don't agree with this article.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/greg-logan/anointing-chris-mullin-a-no-brainer-for-st-john-s-1.10148339

""Never mind that he never has been a coach. That can be fixed with the addition of a veteran bench coach,". Really? That is the biggest load of BS I ever heard. Steve Lavin had Jim Whitsell, one of the best X and O guys around, and Gene Keady on the bench, and they' still played like a fire drill was in progress. What? Just put a famous figurehead up there and good stuff magically happens?

This is another disaster waiting to happen.

[smileyy]

Well, Jason Kidd has turned out to be a surprisingly good coach for the Bucks (after being a *($#show in New Jersey / Brooklyn)

The Kings owner really wanted to hire Chris Mullin, but Mullin repeatedly refused the job.

[X-Fan]

And there's this:

"@AndyGlockner: I'd make fun of DePaul rehiring Leitao, but he won 58 games in three seasons there when they were in CUSA. That's like 200 wins elsewhere."
I'm too lazy to look it up, why did Leitao quit the last time he was at DePaul?

[Masterofreality]

Well, Jason Kidd has turned out to be a surprisingly good coach for the Bucks (after being a *($#show in New Jersey / Brooklyn)

The Kings owner really wanted to hire Chris Mullin, but Mullin repeatedly refused the job.

Right. That is Kidd's second crack at it. So Mullin will be great at school number 2.

[Masterofreality]

I'm too lazy to look it up, why did Leitao quit the last time he was at DePaul?

Was offered the Virginia job. ACC and all that?

[xudash]

We have been Fordhamed by DePaul.

[XUFan09]

I'm too lazy to look it up, why did Leitao quit the last time he was at DePaul?
I think he moved on to a job at UVA.

Fun fact: In all his seasons of coaching, he has only once had a season (Sean Singletary's junior year) where both the offense and the defense finished in the Kenpom top 100. Xavier has met this mark in all but two seasons reported, the notorious 2005 and 2013 seasons.

[paulxu]

Old coaches on the bench can work; or they can move on to DePaul.

(What the hell are all these people thinking)

[XUPhilly04]

In my opinion, St. John's hiring is a lot better than DePaul's. Mullin is a unknown but at least there is potential. (Sometimes, unknown equals potential). For DePaul, you know what you are getting and the ceiling isn't high enough, so why not take a chance. St. John's might end up being as bad or even worse than DePaul but at least they took a chance.

One thing I am concerned with is that we had two job openings in the Big East and these hirings are not impressive. When Marquette got Wojo, I thought the league would be able to get more young unproven but high potential coaches.

[RoseyMuskie]

Jeanie Ponsetto should be given the axe. Has no clue how to run a major program.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Rumor is Texas doesn't want to go over 3 million/yr for its new bball coach. That would be reasonable for a majority of schools, but with the money Texas has it's odd that they are setting such a low price. Marshall is already close to 2 million/yr at Wichita State, so if Texas wants him I'd think they will have to go over 3 million/yr.

[X-Fan]

Just saw this:

"@becb_sbn: St. Bonaventure transfer Jordan Gathers has committed to Butler according to @michaelpointer. Brief write up coming shortly."

Seems like a positive sign for Holtman staying at Butler. Wouldn't think this would get finalized if he was focused on leaving.

[Xavgrad08]

I didn't think Hoiberg would work out at Iowa State due to lack of college coaching experience, and I was wrong about that. I will hold off on judging Mullin to St. John's. For the leagues sake I hope St. John's can get it rolling. If St. John's can became a consistent top 25 team I think it would really help the Big East.

[Masterofreality]

“@kyle2lamb: Wichita State coach Greg Marshall to accept the Alabama job.Marshall's deal 6/$25 million. Buyout set @ 5 mil” @BradKonerman

[GoMuskies]

“@kyle2lamb: Wichita State coach Greg Marshall to accept the Alabama job.Marshall's deal 6/$25 million. Buyout set @ 5 mil” @BradKonerman

I'm surprised. But I guess you should never be surprised when a guy accepts a chance to double his salary. That's a lot of cheddar.

[smileyy]

...I take back what I said about Brad Stevens contract before...

I guess if a Football Big 5 conference wants to spend money on basketball, the money is there. I did not realize there was _that_ much money out there.

[waggy]

That's quite a bit more than Arizona is paying.

[waggy]

I'm surprised. But I guess you should never be surprised when a guy accepts a chance to double his salary. That's a lot of cheddar.

Wichita was paying $2M?

[GoMuskies]

Wichita was paying 2M?

He was over $2 million this year with incentives, yes.

[GoMuskies]

By the way, I don't see anyone else on the Marshall to Alabama story. I'm still dubious on that one, but it seems like a virtual certainty that he's going somewhere this year.

[paulxu]

I thought Texas might get him. Alabama must be serious about basketball. Probably using the money they saved from UAB.

[waggy]

No way Mack doesn't eventually leave. These are big numbers.

[smileyy]

I'm surprised. But I guess you should never be surprised when a guy accepts a chance to double his salary. That's a lot of cheddar.

That kind of deal can work out two ways for him:

1) His stuff works there and he's happy and he goes on to a good rich career there or elsewhere
2) He gets fired, and has *($# You money to pick and choose the right next job for him

[xudash]

Just saw this:

"@becb_sbn: St. Bonaventure transfer Jordan Gathers has committed to Butler according to @michaelpointer. Brief write up coming shortly."

Seems like a positive sign for Holtman staying at Butler. Wouldn't think this would get finalized if he was focused on leaving.

A10 talent to the Big East? How do we feel about that?

[Xavgrad08]

By the way, I don't see anyone else on the Marshall to Alabama story. I'm still dubious on that one, but it seems like a virtual certainty that he's going somewhere this year.

My favorite part of the coaching carousel is all of the erroneous reports. None of the national guys have reported Marshall to Alabama yet. Might still be true, but I will wait until it is verified.

[Masterofreality]

My favorite part of the coaching carousel is all of the erroneous reports. None of the national guys have reported Marshall to Alabama yet. Might still be true, but I will wait until it is verified.

The original source of the Marshall report is a fake account purported to be Bruce Feldman. Nope. Fake report.

Never mind.......

[STL_XUfan]

My favorite part of the coaching carousel is all of the erroneous reports. None of the national guys have reported Marshall to Alabama yet. Might still be true, but I will wait until it is verified.

I dont believe any rumor until I see a flight tracker link.

[OH.X.MI]

A10 talent to the Big East? How do we feel about that?

If it's the right guy why not. A10 teams had really good players while we were there, just not usually enough to make really good teams. If they wanna trade up to a better conference like ours I say go for it!

[XUFan09]

If it's the right guy why not. A10 teams had really good players while we were there, just not usually enough to make really good teams. If they wanna trade up to a better conference like ours I say go for it!
I think he's making fun of the questionable dichotomy between A10 and Big East talent.

[GoMuskies]

Duggar Baucom went from VMI to the Citadel? Dude must really be a fan of quasi - military academies.

[JTG]

I thought Texas might get him. Alabama must be serious about basketball. Probably using the money they saved from UAB.

Never underestimate how pissed off and determined Alabama will get to stay ahead of Auburn.

[X-band '01]

1699
DePaul has no clue how to rejuvenate a program.

[spursy]

A10 talent to the Big East? How do we feel about that?
Well considering "a-10 talent" just beat us in the sweet 16 with McConnell on az, I have no problem with it.

[Masterofreality]

Well considering "a-10 talent" just beat us in the sweet 16 with McConnell on az, I have no problem with it.

U do know that the only reason McConnell went to Duquesne was that his aunt (edited) was the Head Women's Basketball Coach, don't you?

#InvalidEntry

[XU 87]

His Aunt was the coach. But I don't think McConnell was highly recruited out of high school. He was about a 2 star player. He was also from Pittsburgh. I bet Pitt didn't ever offer him a scholarship out of high school.

[Masterofreality]

@CoachDavidSisk: Tennessee has 3 candidates for basketball coach: Brad Underwood, Chris Holtmann & Rick Pitino Jr. They have their sights on Underwood.

[GoMuskies]

That A-10 player Dee Davis was okay.

[Masterofreality]

His Aunt was the coach. But I don't think McConnell was highly recruited out of high school. He was about a 2 star player. He was also from Pittsburgh. I bet Pitt didn't ever offer him a scholarship out of high school.

Right, Aunt. Damn, My memory is growing lousy lately.

But yeah. He was a 2 star. Those damn recruiting rankings again.

[LadyMuskie]

A10 talent to the Big East? How do we feel about that?

Well at least we know who the worst player on their team will be!! Recruits from The League Which Shall Not Be Named can't compete with Big East recruits. this is just fact.

[goldiewilson]

Well at least we know who the worst player on their team will be!! Recruits from The League Which Shall Not Be Named can't compete with Big East recruits. this is just fact.

Yeah, so true. Providence proved thus theorem by smacking around UD in the round of 32 last Friday.
That 13 point beat down that the Friars gave to UD was plenty of proof that A-10 recruits don't hold a candle to Big East talent.
It's a good thing the officials weren't so one sided or the Flyers may have lost by 25 instead of 13.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Jeanie Ponsetto should be given the axe. Has no clue how to run a major program.

Talk around Chicago is that Ponsetto was not all that involved. From what I have heard she hates Leitao from when he took the UVA job.

Another being thrown around out there is that the new coach would have to retain Garrett Sr as an assistant so Jr wouldn't leave. Hurley and Drew wouldn't agree to that.

[mohr5150]

I guess you should know since you are the Mrs. :)


Talk around Chicago is that Ponsetto was not all that involved. From what I have heard she hates Leitao from when he took the UVA job.

Another being thrown around out there is that the new coach would have to retain Garrett Sr as an assistant so Jr wouldn't leave. Hurley and Drew wouldn't agree to that.

[xavierj]

Talk around Chicago is that Ponsetto was not all that involved. From what I have heard she hates Leitao from when he took the UVA job.

Another being thrown around out there is that the new coach would have to retain Garrett Sr as an assistant so Jr wouldn't leave. Hurley and Drew wouldn't agree to that.

That's the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Hire a guy who promises to keep a players dad so he won't leave? This will end well.

[Milhouse]

I don't agree with the A10 talent can't compete in Big East.

A10 Talent that competed in the Big East last two years: Semaj (All Big East First Team), Justin Martin (All Big East Honorable Mention), Matt Stainbrook (All Big East second team), Dee Davis (Second in assists for two years in Big East), Kellen Dunham (All Big East 1st Team x2), Rosevelt Jones (All Big East second team)

I also think a couple guys named Jalen Reynolds and Myles Davis have done pretty well too.

Good thing Dez didn't come to the Big East. He wouldn't have been able to compete. He was only A10 Rookie Team, ACC 3rd team, Big 10 1st team.

[XUPhilly04]

That's the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Hire a guy who promises to keep a players dad so he won't leave? This will end well.

Please correct me if I am wrong but is Billy Garrett Jr. even a NBA prospect? I would think that a good head coach would be able to build a better team without him, than, what they chose to do. Apparently, DePaul is all in on BG, a good but not elite player.

[XUPhilly04]

And seriously, why didn't DePaul take a look at Georgia State's Hunter. His kid is likely going pro. He used to live in Indy and would get to see his kid play at times as Chicago has the Bulls. Hunter is right now a nationally known coach, due to one game, but still worth the risk. At least, offer the interview.

[Juice]

That's the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Hire a guy who promises to keep a players dad so he won't leave? This will end well.

Billy Garrett Sr. isn't some dad who just latched on. He was coaching at Depaul prior to his son getting there. He was previously an assistant at Texas A&M-CC, Iowa, Seton Hall, and Siena. I have no idea if he's a good coach or not but he at least has some experience in college coaching.

[GoMuskies]

And seriously, why didn't DePaul take a look at Georgia State's Hunter. His kid is likely going pro. He used to live in Indy and would get to see his kid play at times as Chicago has the Bulls. Hunter is right now a nationally known coach, due to one game, but still worth the risk. At least, offer the interview.

Hunter is supposedly pretty involved with Caleb Swanigan, and there's an outside chance he might be able to convince him to play his one and done year at Georgia State. One would think Hunter would have a better chance of getting that done at DePaul.

[JTG]

Please correct me if I am wrong but is Billy Garrett Jr. even a NBA prospect? I would think that a good head coach would be able to build a better team without him, than, what they chose to do. Apparently, DePaul is all in on BG, a good but not elite player.

Not to mention X has been better without Semaj.

[muskiefan82]

Good thing Dez didn't come to the Big East. He wouldn't have been able to compete. He was only A10 Rookie Team, ACC 3rd team, Big 10 1st team.

How many guys can say they made all conference teams in 3 different leagues? Is there someone from Butler maybe or Creighton maybe?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not to mention X has been better without Semaj.

I dont really think this is a fair statement. It implies Semaj was the problem which I dont believe to be true. Its easier to say we were better without Semaj with the influx of talent we just got. We were better because of the freshman + Remy Abell we had come in plus the huge development of Myles Davis, not because Semaj left and all of a sudden our offense was way better.

I believe we would have won more games than we did this year with Semaj than without him. How many late game situations where we had no go to player did we lose this year? At least 3. We have Semaj, we have that type of player to get a bucket when we absolutely need one.

[Xville]

I dont really think this is a fair statement. It implies Semaj was the problem which I dont believe to be true. Its easier to say we were better without Semaj with the influx of talent we just got. We were better because of the freshman + Remy Abell we had come in plus the huge development of Myles Davis, not because Semaj left and all of a sudden our offense was way better.

I believe we would have won more games than we did this year with Semaj than without him. How many late game situations where we had no go to player did we lose this year? At least 3. We have Semaj, we have that type of player to get a bucket when we absolutely need one.

yep...the one thing that this team was missing this year was that slasher get to the rim and either make the bucket or draw the foul type of player. Hopefully, someone steps up and becomes that person next year...otherwise we are going to have the same issues we had this year which was that go to person late in games.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Per Jeff Godman Alabama AD meeting with Greg Marshall in Wichita today.

Look at me using my twitter already!

[GoMuskies]

I dont believe any rumor until I see a flight tracker link.

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N800LQ/history/20150330/1345Z/KBHM/KAAO

[throwbackmuskie]

Some think Marshall to Bama is a done deal.

[Masterofreality]

yep...the one thing that this team was missing this year was that slasher get to the rim and either make the bucket or draw the foul type of player. Hopefully, someone steps up and becomes that person next year...otherwise we are going to have the same issues we had this year which was that go to person late in games.

Myles tried very hard to be that guy, but he just needs about 3 more inches.
I love his heart though! He hit big shots all year long, including scoring the last 5 points vs Arizona

[Xville]

Some think Marshall to Bama is a done deal.

In my opinion, hes an idiot if he takes that job unless he just wants to get closer to home....i don't understand the pull to leave unless it is a top15-20 program.

[Xville]

Myles tried very hard to be that guy, but he just needs about 3 more inches.
I love his heart though! He hit big shots all year long, including scoring the last 5 points vs Arizona

yes he did and I love me some Myles, but that just isn't his game, and that is ok. Remy is one who really should develop to be that guy..he has the length, and the frame...i don't know if it is just a lack of confidence or what, but its something that he needs to work on over the summer. I know you can never have enough shooters, but we do have a good stable of them. We could use a slasher or two to keep the opposing defense honest.

[JTG]

In my opinion, hes an idiot if he takes that job unless he just wants to get closer to home....i don't understand the pull to leave unless it is a top15-20 program.

$3MILLION REASONS, Plus if you go back to the 80s they did have some success, he could do as much as he did at WSU, for more money and less stress. Just make sure you beat Bruce Pearl and Auburn twice a year.

[GoMuskies]

$3MILLION REASONS, Plus if you go back to the 80s they did have some success, he could do as much as he did at WSU, for more money and less stress. Just make sure you beat Bruce Pearl and Auburn twice a year.

Why is there less stress at Bama than at Wichita State?

[throwbackmuskie]

$3MILLION REASONS, Plus if you go back to the 80s they did have some success, he could do as much as he did at WSU, for more money and less stress. Just make sure you beat Bruce Pearl and Auburn twice a year.

Heck even this year they had some success.

[throwbackmuskie]

Why is there less stress at Bama than at Wichita State?

Simple, Football is king. Basketball is all Wichita has.

[GoMuskies]

Simple, Football is king. Basketball is all Wichita has.

If they're paying him $3 to $4 million per year, he's not getting away stress free.

Given what's happened to the once-proud Shocker baseball program, basketball is about all the Shockers have right now. But Marshall owns this town. I cannot imagine his is a particularly stressful existence in Wichita at this point.

[STL_XUfan]

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/n800lq/history/20150330/1345z/kbhm/kaao yes!!!

[Xville]

hes already making 2 million....i don't see the point in leaving a job and a place where you are a basketball god, to go to a mid-level program when you are probably going to get much better offers either this year or in the future.

I'll be absolutely stunned if he leaves...i think this is just a play to get a few extra thousand dollars into his bank account.

[throwbackmuskie]

Marshall also has a big ego. He might like the challenge of making bama something in hoops.

[GoMuskies]

Marshall also has a big ego.

Definitely. There's no way he and Saban could ever be in the same room. Not physically possible.

[XUFan09]

I feel like Texas would be a much better option than Alabama.

[X-Fan]

hes already making 2 million....i don't see the point in leaving a job and a place where you are a basketball god, to go to a mid-level program when you are probably going to get much better offers either this year or in the future.

It's an interesting predicament.

Here's how I see it...
Pros: Money, SEC has only a few good bball programs, less pressure to live up to any type of "legacy" or standard that comes with an perennial winner.

Cons: Bruce Pearl has a one year head start, UK isn't going anywhere, do Bama fans care even if you do well?, not a top 10-15 program, can do no wrong at WSU.

If Texas was offering the same compensation, which place do you choose? Right now, the Big 12 is a much tougher league top to bottom. There's more pressure to win sooner at Texas. Bama isn't a top tier job. Both are huge Football schools. Interesting.

[throwbackmuskie]

Another thing to remember is Marshall is from SC, he is a SE guy. Maybe a chance to stick it to SC and Clemson for passing on him, esp SC the last 2 times.

[GoMuskies]

I feel like Texas would be a much better option than Alabama.

Ditto. Marshall to Alabama makes no sense to me unless Texas is set on Smart. Even then, it would make more sense to me to wait out Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville or similar if he's dead set on leaving. I just wouldn't put Alabama in that club.

But no one's offering to double my already $2 million salary, so what do I know?

[D-West & PO-Z]

yes he did and I love me some Myles, but that just isn't his game, and that is ok. Remy is one who really should develop to be that guy..he has the length, and the frame...i don't know if it is just a lack of confidence or what, but its something that he needs to work on over the summer. I know you can never have enough shooters, but we do have a good stable of them. We could use a slasher or two to keep the opposing defense honest.

I think if Myles makes a similar jump next year that he did this year he can and will be that guy for XU. It would help if he was a little taller but I was actually really impressed with his driving ability. He made some really tough shots in the lane and the fact that he is a threat from deep should continue to help him get to the bucket. I think Remy was our best driver to the rim on fast breaks and in the open court but I thought Myles was a better driver in the half court offense. I'm hoping Myles game really takes off next year.

[Xville]

I think if Myles makes a similar jump next year that he did this year he can and will be that guy for XU. It would help if he was a little taller but I was actually really impressed with his driving ability. He made some really tough shots in the lane and the fact that he is a threat from deep should continue to help him get to the bucket. I think Remy was our best driver to the rim on fast breaks and in the open court but I thought Myles was a better driver in the half court offense. I'm hoping Myles game really takes off next year.

I hope you are right with Myles, but I don't see it. I don't see height really being the problem since Tu was maybe 6 foot and could drive to the hoop just as well as anyone at Xavier in recent memory...but I just don't think Myles is athletic enough to do it on a consistent basis. To be honest, Myles scares the heck out of me with the ball in his hands unless he is shooting it. I love myles and his shooting abiity, along with the fact that he plays with great heart and seems to be an extremely likable person, i just don't see the drive to the hoop kind of game except here and there.

[ammtd34]

I hope you are right with Myles, but I don't see it. I don't see height really being the problem since Tu was maybe 6 foot and could drive to the hoop just as well as anyone at Xavier in recent memory...but I just don't think Myles is athletic enough to do it on a consistent basis. To be honest, Myles scares the heck out of me with the ball in his hands unless he is shooting it. I love myles and his shooting abiity, along with the fact that he plays with great heart and seems to be an extremely likable person, i just don't see the drive to the hoop kind of game except here and there.

He's obviously not as explosive going to the bucket as Tu was, but he was highly effective finishing in the lane this year. He had a ton of and-1 opportunities.

[X-Fan]

Regarding Myles being "the guy", I'm taking a "never say never" approach. I certainly DID NOT see him taking the HUGE step forward that he did from Freshman to Sophomore years. He went from a spot up shooter (that couldn't buy a bucket), to a guy that can hit from anywhere AND take you to the rack if you gave him the opportunity. I see Myles improving even more for next year. It would be huge if he could manage point at times. I WANT the ball in his hands as much as possible.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He's obviously not as explosive going to the bucket as Tu was, but he was highly effective finishing in the lane this year. He had a ton of and-1 opportunities.

Yeah I mean obviously at this point he isnt Tu Holloway (although neither was Tu Holloway his frosh and soph year) but I must have been watching some different games than Xville because I thought Myles did a pretty damn good job getting into the lane and finishing, especially considering he showed ZERO ability to so that as a frosh. I wish he had done it more. As X-fan said I want the ball in Myles hands. If he makes half the jump next year he did this year I think Myles could be our best player.

[paulxu]

Are Myles and Tu on the coaching carousel for 2015?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Greg Marshall's radio show cancelled for tonight.

[Milhouse]

Yeah I mean obviously at this point he isnt Tu Holloway (although neither was Tu Holloway his frosh and soph year) but I must have been watching some different games than Xville because I thought Myles did a pretty damn good job getting into the lane and finishing, especially considering he showed ZERO ability to so that as a frosh. I wish he had done it more. As X-fan said I want the ball in Myles hands. If he makes half the jump next year he did this year I think Myles could be our best player.

I expect Myles to be our leader for the next two years. Truth be told he was the leader for the majority of this year. He's one of the top 25 best Free Throw Shooters in the nation. Last year he was definitely still hurting from that knee injury. Heck he even seemed to re aggrevate it a bit this year. I expect him to put up 13 a game next year

[Xville]

Yeah I mean obviously at this point he isnt Tu Holloway (although neither was Tu Holloway his frosh and soph year) but I must have been watching some different games than Xville because I thought Myles did a pretty damn good job getting into the lane and finishing, especially considering he showed ZERO ability to so that as a frosh. I wish he had done it more. As X-fan said I want the ball in Myles hands. If he makes half the jump next year he did this year I think Myles could be our best player.

not saying he didn't do it....just didn't do it consistently from what i saw. He definitely improved from his freshman year...no doubt about that. If he grows the same way this year as he did last year, he could become a stud, I'm just not as high on him as the driving slashing type as others, but he could definitely surprise me.

I apologize for the off topic discussion.

[D-West & PO-Z]

not saying he didn't do it....just didn't do it consistently from what i saw. He definitely improved from his freshman year...no doubt about that. If he grows the same way this year as he did last year, he could become a stud, I'm just not as high on him as the driving slashing type as others, but he could definitely surprise me.

I apologize for the off topic discussion.

Yeah definitely not guaranteed but I liked what I saw this year and think if he improves he could be our go to guy next year.

[Masterofreality]

Greg Marshall's radio show cancelled for tonight.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. And a private plane from Wichita landing in Bama at 3:24 CST?

Double Hmmmmmmmm.

[X-Fan]

"@becb_sbn: Tennessee has "offered" Rick Barnes while only "had talks" with Chris Holtmann. That kinda confirms what Holtmann's doing IMO"

It looks like Tennessee is going after Rick Barnes. I'm somewhat surprised to see how "coaches work". I would think that after Barnes being at Texas for 17 years, he might want to take a breath and maybe sit out a year. Guess he's itching to get after it.

Also, hopefully this means Holtmann was just pushing Butler to increase his pay, and he wants to stay. That would be good for Butler and the Big East.

[THRILLHOUSE]

"@becb_sbn: Tennessee has "offered" Rick Barnes while only "had talks" with Chris Holtmann. That kinda confirms what Holtmann's doing IMO"

It looks like Tennessee is going after Rick Barnes. I'm somewhat surprised to see how "coaches work". I would think that after Barnes being at Texas for 17 years, he might want to take a breath and maybe sit out a year. Guess he's itching to get after it.

Also, hopefully this means Holtmann was just pushing Butler to increase his pay, and he wants to stay. That would be good for Butler and the Big East.

Yeah, I'm seeing Barnes to Tennessee is basically a done deal. During Barnes presser on Sunday he said he's gonna coach again and sooner than most think. Also, his wife is a Tennessee alum. So this moves makes sense for him.

[Masterofreality]

And then there's this:

@GoodmanESPN: Tennessee had already reached out to the Barnes camp by the time he was officially out at Texas. Two sides been talking over weekend.

Barnes to Tennessee, Marshall to Bama, Howland to Miss State? SEC loading up....

Also a rumor that Stephen F Austin's Coach is in play to Tennessee as a back-up if they can't get Barnes.

And Holtmann will stay put.

[GoMuskies]

I still don't think Marshall will end up at Bama.

[Nigel Tufnel]

And so it begins....

http://texas.247sports.com/Article/Texas-Longhorns-basketball-Shaka-Smart-Chris-Mack-update-36505583

[Masterofreality]

And so it begins....

http://texas.247sports.com/Article/Texas-Longhorns-basketball-Shaka-Smart-Chris-Mack-update-36505583

If Shaka doesn't take that job he is an absolute fool. It will get no better for him at VCU.

[GoMuskies]

And so it begins....

http://texas.247sports.com/Article/Texas-Longhorns-basketball-Shaka-Smart-Chris-Mack-update-36505583

Looks like Mack is plan E or F at best down there. Seems unlikely Texas will have to go that far down their list.

[GoMuskies]

If Shaka doesn't take that job he is an absolute fool. It will get no better for him at VCU.

It is possible that Shaka just, you know, likes it there.

[Masterofreality]

It is possible that Shaka just, you know, likes it there.

He likes it as long as he's winning. Which is becoming tougher and tougher.

Big payday salves all that.

[Masterofreality]

@JonRothstein: VCU's Shaka Smart is in discussions with Texas about its head coaching vacancy, sources told @CBSSports. Story: http://t.co/0MH97vKYn9

[THRILLHOUSE]

Butler is extending Holtmann through 2021.

[THRILLHOUSE]

AND HERE WE GO - http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25129409/vcus-shaka-smart-in-discussions-with-texas-about-coaching-post

If you dont want to click, says Chris Mack is next in line along with Utah's coach if Smart passes. I did predict Utah's coach as a good possibility earlier this thread.

Also there is this: BDavisAAS: CBS Sports is saying that Shaka Smart is in discussions with Texas. But several current Texas players are now following Mark Jackson.

L-O-L if they hire Mark Jackson

[paulxu]

What's really funny is to go to any school's board when their coach is in play.

There are a million reasons their guy will never go because the "fit" is so good where he is.

Until he leaves...

[LA Muskie]

You mean TX might be more interested in Mack than Archie Miller? Blasphemy!!! (Admittedly, it does look like Shaka is higher on their list, so I'll own that...)

[THRILLHOUSE]

The latest on Shaka/Texas from Jerry Meyer (24/7 Sports):

Hearing from multiple sources that Shaka Smart is the man Texas wants. Expected to offer him if haven't already.

Question is whether Smart is comfortable enough with Patterson and the situation. Sentiment I'm receiving is that he will likely take the job.

[OH.X.MI]

Smart would be crazy to pass that up. I know the story is he's been waiting for Ryan to retire from Wisconsin. But is that going to happen any time soon? Ryan is old but is still going strong from what I see. The right guy, who I think Smart is, could do a hell of a lot at Texas.

[LA Muskie]

I would be shocked if Shaka didn't take it. Now that he knows VCU isn't going anywhere, you've got to think he's going somewhere in the next few years. And TX is one of the few marquee jobs out there (or which will be available anytime soon).

[THRILLHOUSE]

Smart would be crazy to pass that up. I know the story is he's been waiting for Ryan to retire from Wisconsin. But is that going to happen any time soon? Ryan is old but is still going strong from what I see. The right guy, who I think Smart is, could do a hell of a lot at Texas.

Agreed. If they didn't want to pay over 3 million/yr to get Marshall, then Shaka is a fine "backup" plan. With Charlie Strong as head football coach, I'm sure the Texas marketing department can't wait to unleash some bad "Smart and Strong" pun related merchandise.

[XU 87]

Barnes to Tennessee? Wow.

[spursy]

I don't know why smart would pass on Texas. Top notch facilities, in-state recruits, great confernce, a huge salary and relatively minimal pressure compared with other programs that could offer the same. It's like getting the Kansas job with a fraction of the pressure and expectations. Take that money and run shaka.

[sirthought]

I don't know why smart would pass on Texas. Top notch facilities, in-state recruits, great confernce, a huge salary and relatively minimal pressure compared with other programs that could offer the same. It's like getting the Kansas job with a fraction of the pressure and expectations. Take that money and run shaka.

Maybe because the current coach went to the NCAA tournament 16 out of 17 years and still got fired. No matter how you feel about Rick Barnes, that sort of bar is a high one... and Texas is saying they need more.

[OH.X.MI]

Maybe because the current coach went to the NCAA tournament 16 out of 17 years and still got fired. No matter how you feel about Rick Barnes, that sort of bar is a high one... and Texas is saying they need more.

This is totally speculation on my part... but I get the feeling that a big part of Texas ditching Barnes has to do with an effort by the school to "re-brand" itself. Texas fell in a rut after some really good bball and football years from 2002ish to 2009ish. Gotta wonder how much affect Texas just wanting a new face has had to do with it, because your right 16 out of 17 years is pretty damn impressive.

[THRILLHOUSE]

This is totally speculation on my part... but I get the feeling that a big part of Texas ditching Barnes has to do with an effort by the school to "re-brand" itself. Texas fell in a rut after some really good bball and football years from 2002ish to 2009ish. Gotta wonder how much affect Texas just wanting a new face has had to do with it, because your right 16 out of 17 years is pretty damn impressive.

Barnes is the best coach in Texas basketball history, but too many tourney failures the last 7 or so years did him in. Haven't made it to the 2nd week of the tourney since 2008. Going from Top 10 this season to an 11 seed in the tourney and losing the first round (and not even scoring 50 points) was the final nail in the coffin. Attendance was atrocious this year (I'm sure they will post inflated numbers to make attendance look decent, but trust me the Erwin Center was a ghost town), the program absolutely needed a change to bring any excitement back, Shaka is a good choice for that.

[GoMuskies]

The Alabama contingent left Wichita without Marshall and without an announcement. So...we wait.

[paulxu]

I missed the reason Texas did not go after Marshall. Why was that?
Was it because Alabama had $3 mill in the wings, and Texas isn't paying that much?

Shaka should take that job without a second thought. If he wants to gin up the crowd down there, he should bring his pep band guy with him.

[Masterofreality]

Agreed. If they didn't want to pay over 3 million/yr to get Marshall, then Shaka is a fine "backup" plan. With Charlie Strong as head football coach, I'm sure the Texas marketing department can't wait to unleash some bad "Smart and Strong" pun related merchandise.

Man, Thrill! You need to be working in Advertising!#StrongAndSmart

[THRILLHOUSE]

I missed the reason Texas did not go after Marshall. Why was that?
Was it because Alabama had $3 mill in the wings, and Texas isn't paying that much?

Shaka should take that job without a second thought. If he wants to gin up the crowd down there, he should bring his pep band guy with him.


Basically. Even though Texas is the top $ school around, they don't want to pay $3+ million for it's next bball coach. I wonder if they will re-think this and go after Marshall if he does turn down Bama, but looks like they want Smart the most.

And no pep band guy needed with DJ Mel on the ones and twos!

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/21/05b79882b6e1c4f405cb8662e377534e.jpg

[MADXSTER]

The pep band cost too much.

[THRILLHOUSE]

FWIW, the VCU AD says no one has asked permission to speak with Smart yet:

http://www.richmond.com/sports/college/basketball/article_c40ece46-d723-11e4-960f-9f9ac4da0ff7.html

and two Texas sources say "no deal with any coach was as close as national reports indicated."

http://www.mystatesman.com/news/sports/college-basketball/rick-barnes-headed-to-tennessee-shaka-smart-headed/nkjBS/#0bc1d3a7.3584564.735687

[Musketeer_15]

If by any chance Shaka somehow turns down the Texas job, do we start to panic?

[xavierj]

If by any chance Shaka somehow turns down the Texas job, do we start to panic?

No.

[paulxu]

If he's got an out in his contract for one or more schools, do they need VCU's OK to contact him?

[paulxu]

Maybe a better question: Is Rothstein at CBS credible?

[D-West & PO-Z]

If by any chance Shaka somehow turns down the Texas job, do we start to panic?

Not until they strike out with 3 or 4 candidates is my guess.

[GoMuskies]

If by any chance Shaka somehow turns down the Texas job, do we start to panic?

About what?

[Masterofreality]

If he's got an out in his contract for one or more schools, do they need VCU's OK to contact him?


Maybe a better question: Is Rothstein at CBS credible?

These things are always done through stand apart third parties, so there is plausible deniability on both sides.

Trust me, there is an exchange going on.

[GoMuskies]

I think it would be absolutely fantastic if Shaka told Texas to fuck off and stayed at VCU long term.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Latest news:

Talks between Texas and Smart "warming up"
Patterson doesn't think Marshall is a good personality match
Jay Wright is #2 on their wish list

http://texas.scout.com/story/1532972-texas-hoops-search-focusing-on-smart?s=110

[THRILLHOUSE]

Apparently OK State is considering canning Ford. 9+ million buyout if they do.

[GoMuskies]

Ford sucks, but that's a lot of money. Does T. Boone bother with basketball?

[waggy]

These things are always done through stand apart third parties, so there is plausible deniability on both sides.



The main persons have to meet though.

[Masterofreality]

The main persons have to meet though.

Eventually, when a deal is basically done.

[Masterofreality]

**The other prominent name linked to Texas was Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall, but Marshall spent seven hours on Monday with Alabama AD Bill Battle in Wichita, according to AL.com. Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com reported the same thing.

[GoMuskies]

**The other prominent name linked to Texas was Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall, but Marshall spent seven hours on Monday with Alabama AD Bill Battle in Wichita, according to AL.com. Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com reported the same thing.

This is strangely worded in my opinion. The fact that Marshall met with Alabama should have nothing to do with whether or not Marshall could still be linked with Texas. Two me, those or two completely unrelated points.

[X-Fan]

Saw multiple reports that Barnes to Tenn is done and will be announced today.

[Muskie]

Ford sucks, but that's a lot of money. Does T. Boone bother with basketball?

Kudos to his agent for getting that Buy Out amount. 9 million? That's more than Crean's I believe (or it's close).

[Xville]

Saw multiple reports that Barnes to Tenn is done and will be announced today.

The SEC all of a sudden has a pretty interesting array of coaches...if Marshall agrees to Alabama, its going to be extremely interesting...

Kentucky-Calipari
Auburn-Pearl
Tennessee- Barnes
Alabama-Marshall possibly
Miss State--Howland
Ole Miss--Kennedy
Vandy-Stallings
Florida-Donovan
South Carolina-Martin

I would think that just with the additions of Barnes (even though he isn't the best), Howland, and Pearl in his second year that the SEC might turn into a decent basketball league again. Also, LSU has the #1 PF and #2 SG coming in...

[X-band '01]

Sadly, I don't think Angry Frank is going to last long at South Carolina. He's a decent coach, but not nearly the recruiter that Bob Huggins was when he coached at K-State for his one season there. Martin inherited a scorched earth program at USC thanks to Darrin Horn.

[Masterofreality]

Marshall reportedly turned down Alabama on Saturday, ostensibly because he wants the Texas job badly. He, is obviously not the first choice of Texas however.

That is why Alabama's contingent flew to Wichita yesterday to have a 7 hour meeting with Marshall- to convince him to come. Now that "Havoc" is in "talks" Ol Greg is now reconsidering.

In any event, there are a lot of options to get through before Chris Mack's name comes up.

[Xville]

Marshall reportedly turned down Alabama on Saturday, ostensibly because he wants the Texas job badly. He, is obviously not the first choice of Texas however.

That is why Alabama's contingent flew to Wichita yesterday to have a 7 hour meeting with Marshall- to convince him to come. Now that "Havoc" is in "talks" Ol Greg is now reconsidering.

In any event, there are a lot of options to get through before Chris Mack's name comes up.

The only way I could ever see Mack leaving on his own accord is if a top 10-15 program comes up like it did with Miler, and I couldn't blame him. I don't think Texas is that kind of program...its close but I think the shadow of football looms a little too large there...just my opinion though.

[_LH]

I knew Miller would not stay long at XU. He had no real ties to XU and is not from the area. I was surprised he left to go out west to Arizona and from reports, he struggled with that decision a great deal.

Mack does have strong ties to the area so I don't see him leaving, except for once in a lifetime jobs, like UK, UNC, Duke or even Louisville but you can't blame anyone that leaves their current job for another that pays a much larger salary.

[GoMuskies]

Patterson doesn't think Marshall is a good personality match


If this is truly the reason Texas is not pushing for Marshall, Patterson/Texas seem like huge pussies IMO. From AL.com,

Texas AD Steve Patterson "didn't see Marshall as a good fit 'personality wise' for Texas" because "Marshall has a reputation for being blunt and speaking his mind, which can come off the wrong way at times."

[XUFan09]

If this is truly the reason Texas is not pushing for Marshall, Patterson/Texas seem like huge pussies IMO. From AL.com,

Texas AD Steve Patterson "didn't see Marshall as a good fit 'personality wise' for Texas" because "Marshall has a reputation for being blunt and speaking his mind, which can come off the wrong way at times."
In that sense, I had an old boss like Patterson. She sucked.

[THRILLHOUSE]

If this is truly the reason Texas is not pushing for Marshall, Patterson/Texas seem like huge pussies IMO. From AL.com,

Texas AD Steve Patterson "didn't see Marshall as a good fit 'personality wise' for Texas" because "Marshall has a reputation for being blunt and speaking his mind, which can come off the wrong way at times."

Patterson has been a pretty awful AD so far in his short time at Texas. I liked the Charlie Strong hire, but all of the other moves Patterson has implemented have been poorly received. He's such a bad fundraiser he actually had to reach out the to the previous AD to help him get funds for a new basketball arena. And while Barnes deserved to be axed, the way Patterson went about it (asking Barnes to fires his assistants or else) was very cowardly.

[XU 87]

Sadly, I don't think Angry Frank is going to last long at South Carolina. He's a decent coach, but not nearly the recruiter that Bob Huggins was when he coached at K-State for his one season there. Martin inherited a scorched earth program at USC thanks to Darrin Horn.

Darrin Horn interviewed for the XU job when Miller left. Good thinking Mike B. to hire Mack instead.

[GoMuskies]

Horn did an excellent job at WKU and might have done well at Xavier (glad we didn't find out, though). South Carolina may just be a coaches' graveyard.

[THRILLHOUSE]

and as MOR was saying:

Chip Brown ‏@ChipBrownHD 4m4 minutes ago
Texas' contact with VCU coach Shaka Smart has come through UT's search firm. That way everyone can say "no direct contact."

[THRILLHOUSE]

Horn did an excellent job at WKU and might have done well at Xavier (glad we didn't find out, though). South Carolina may just be a coaches' graveyard.

I've wondered if Horn would go for the NKU job. Wouldn't be a bad spot for him if he wanted to get back into coaching.

[throwbackmuskie]

Sadly, I don't think Angry Frank is going to last long at South Carolina. He's a decent coach, but not nearly the recruiter that Bob Huggins was when he coached at K-State for his one season there. Martin inherited a scorched earth program at USC thanks to Darrin Horn.

If only SC would have hired Marshall the 1st or 2nd time around, we would not be stuck with this clown Martin.

[throwbackmuskie]

Horn did an excellent job at WKU and might have done well at Xavier (glad we didn't find out, though). South Carolina may just be a coaches' graveyard.

Horn was handed a good program at WKU, then took the money and ran. He sucked big time as a coach. He got some talent in at SC and just did jack with it.

[X-band '01]

Horn did an excellent job at WKU and might have done well at Xavier (glad we didn't find out, though). South Carolina may just be a coaches' graveyard.

Somehow Dave Odom managed an NCAA bid and a couple of NIT titles down in South Carolina.

[throwbackmuskie]

Somehow Dave Odom managed an NCAA bid and a couple of NIT titles down in South Carolina.

in the 90s SC was a #2 seed in the NCAAT, of course they lost to Coppin St. SC has had some good teams in the past, nothing great, but some good teams.

[X-band '01]

They also had a #3 seed in the 1998 NCAA Tournament and lost to Richmond (right after Xavier lost to Washington). Every time I hear Xavier get ridiculed for getting free passes to the Sweet 16 in 2012 and this year, I remind people that the Muskies haven't always taken advantage of what's ahead of them.

[GoMuskies]

If only SC would have hired Marshall the 1st or 2nd time around

Yeah, obviously a big mistake. He had it going on at Winthrop. Should have been a no brainer (easy to say in hindsight, but I really liked him at the time at Winthrop).

[X-band '01]

Here's another development that wasn't posted on here yesterday - Mick Cronin is now healthy enough to resume day-to-day duties at UC.

This now puts Larry Davis in play for other head coaching opportunities that are out there. He did a decent job given the hand he was dealt in Clifton, but the only spectacular wins that he had were over SMU (twice) and San Diego State. I wonder if NKU or a higher-level program gives Davis a look.

[throwbackmuskie]

Yeah, obviously a big mistake. He had it going on at Winthrop. Should have been a no brainer (easy to say in hindsight, but I really liked him at the time at Winthrop).

People were calling for him to be hired when we hired Horn, but Hymen, for all the good he did, really tried to screw over Marshall.

[GoMuskies]

I can't even imagine how College of Charleston fans must feel about the Gregg Marshall situation. They had him until he Altman-ed them, and now their program (that Kresse turned into a power) is a complete dumpster fire. Too bad.

[X-Fan]

They also had a #3 seed in the 1998 NCAA Tournament and lost to Richmond (right after Xavier lost to Washington). Every time I hear Xavier get ridiculed for getting free passes to the Sweet 16 in 2012 and this year, I remind people that the Muskies haven't always taken advantage of what's ahead of them.
Ugh, that '98 team. HUGE opportunity lost. So much talent, but wasn't able to maximize it. Even still they seemed to be peaking at the right time heading into the Tourney.

I looked back at the wins/losses that year. Glad those days are behind us. SMH.

[GoMuskies]

Perhaps yesterday's meeting in Wichita did not go so well.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/298173661.html

[XU 87]

Perhaps yesterday's meeting in Wichita did not go so well.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/298173661.html

The fact that Mack isn't even being mentioned is good news. While I'm guessing, I think that would indicate that he's not throwing his name out there, unlike last year when he was mentioned as a candidate for 3 different jobs- Wake, Tennessee and Cal.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Travis Steele is going to interview for the NKU job - http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2015-03-31/xavier-travis-steele-northern-kentucky-coaching-rumors

[GoMuskies]

Good luck to Travis! Once the transition period is over, I think that could be a really nice starter job.

[Masterofreality]

?...............unlike last year when he was mentioned as a candidate for 3 different jobs- Wake, Tennessee and Cal.

"Get Paid" ploy. Oldest in the book.

[xudash]

I believe two things on this topic:

Firstly, given Xavier's history, this board has every right to experience jitters when it comes to the perceived potential of having our head coach poached by a high-level P5 program.

Secondly, I don't care who comes calling now or for the foreseeable future, because Chris Mack is home, and because "home" involves the Xavier Program, the Xavier Program in the Big East Conference, Chris Mack as a Xavier Alumnus and Cincinnatian, and an endowed coaching seat.

Staak, Gillen and Prosser were essentially pre-Cintas Center. Matta and Miller were career-building guys who were "saddled" with the A10. They each contributed to our success in a big way and I thank them for it. Most of them think nothing but the best of and for Xavier and I thank them for that. And all of them, though it was hard for at least two of them to leave in particular (Prosser and Miller), viewed Xavier as a stepping stone to a larger job at the time. That should be understandable to anyone here who has career aspirations of their own.

Chris Mack, for the reasons listed above, can balance a very lucrative financial outcome at Xavier with being King of the Hill on Victory Parkway. Specifically, its compensation per year times the number of years you survive the position weighted by program expectations and fan base:

7-digits per year at Xavier times n years weighted by an administration and fans who know him well and mostly value him.

-versus-

7-digits per year (times 2 or 3) times n years weighted by a new administration and a much less patient fan base.

People who believe they're capable who otherwise are inclined to take such positions can buy into the P5 environment, especially if their agent negotiates some kind of minimum clause that allows them ample security, as perceived by them.

But it's about "how do I want to get there and what do I want to accomplish" when it comes to Chris.

As compared to a Duke, Kentucky or a small handful of other programs, Xavier's "tortoise" compensation would take a while to catch up to a less tenured "hare" package from one of those P5 schools, no doubt. But therein exists the thing with Chris: he can retire as a multi-millionaire at Xavier having produced results at Xavier that technically haven't been matched since 1958.

[casualfan]

I think you'll start to hear Chris' name a lot more if/when Texas and Alabama whiff on Smart and/or Marshall.

[X-band '01]

Speaking of Shaka Smart, when will one of the UT journalism students announce to the Austin media that the hiring of Shaka Smart is a done deal?

[LA Muskie]

Dash, I agree with your financial modeling. But I don't think that's necessarily how most coaches look at it. They are competitors by nature. -- and hence much more focused on the potential upside than the downside "risk". And regardless, their agents help to insure against risk with guaranteed long-term contracts. Oh, and those same agents encourage movement (since that's how/when they get paid).

PS: I think you are overestimating the value of the endowed coaching chair. At this point it's more an AFO marketing tool than something that adds major $$$ to Mack's pocket.

[kyxu]

Dash, I agree with your financial modeling. But I don't think that's necessarily how most coaches look at it. They are competitors by nature. -- and hence much more focused on the potential upside than the downside "risk". And regardless, their agents help to insure against risk with guaranteed long-term contracts. Oh, and those same agents encourage movement (since that's how/when they get paid).

PS: I think you are overestimating the value of the endowed coaching chair. At this point it's more an AFO marketing tool than something that adds major $$$ to Mack's pocket.

Agreed. I also think the fact that Mack is coaching at his alma mater is grossly over-sold. That's not as much of perk as many think.

Xavier was closer to losing Mack last year than a lot of people realize, and it was to potential jobs that wouldn't really be considered "high" power 5 positions. That should put us all on notice that if the stars align on certain position(s), he's gone.

[xudash]

Dash, I agree with your financial modeling. But I don't think that's necessarily how most coaches look at it. They are competitors by nature. -- and hence much more focused on the potential upside than the downside "risk". And regardless, their agents help to insure against risk with guaranteed long-term contracts. Oh, and those same agents encourage movement (since that's how/when they get paid).

PS: I think you are overestimating the value of the endowed coaching chair. At this point it's more an AFO marketing tool than something that adds major $$$ to Mack's pocket.

Can't disagree here. I did note the thing about agents negotiating parachutes.

On the other hand, it gets back to what Chris wants, right? What does he truly want - build Xavier into an even greater hoops power or use it as a stepping stone? I'm going with the former. Regardless of what anyone might think, I do believe the Big East affiliation has made the difference. We could never get a coach to a totally solid program platform through the A10. We have that now, especially with MSG, Fox, etc.

Either way, assuming Chris is already at 7-digits or nearing that with X, that in combination with what is driving him makes the difference for me. If he were not a Xavier alumnus and not from Cincinnati I would think exactly what you wrote about coaches who are competitors first and looking for upside. We now have a Xavier guy who already is working with a lot of program upside, if not the ability to draw down multi-million in comp every year.

KYXU, couldn't disagree with you more, but that's what respectful discourse is all about!

[casualfan]

Agreed. I also think the fact that Mack is coaching at his alma mater is grossly over-sold. That's not as much of perk as many think.

Xavier was closer to losing Mack last year than a lot of people realize, and it was to potential jobs that wouldn't really be considered "high" power 5 positions. That should put us all on notice that if the stars align on certain position(s), he's gone.

This is in line with what I have heard.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Truth be told none of us really know Mack's mindset or how important it is to him being at his alma mater or in his hometown or close to his wife's hometown and college town, or how much he would not like uprooting his family, etc. All of those things could be really important to him or they could be nice perks but not really play much into the decision.

I would have to think the fact that he is in his hometown and close to his wife's hometown would play more of a role than it being his alma mater, and being a nice incentive to stay, but there are some jobs out there that a coach probably just cant turn down, as well as some money offers a coach cant turn down.

Time will tell.

[GoMuskies]

I'm less worried about it than ever, personally. If Mack goes, he goes. If he stays, he stays. We'll be fine either way.

[kyxu]

Truth be told none of us really know Mack's mindset or how important it is to him being at his alma mater or in his hometown or close to his wife's hometown and college town, or how much he would not like uprooting his family, etc. All of those things could be really important to him or they could be nice perks but not really play much into the decision.

I would have to think the fact that he is in his hometown and close to his wife's hometown would play more of a role than it being his alma mater, and being a nice incentive to stay, but there are some jobs out there that a coach probably just cant turn down, as well as some money offers a coach cant turn down.

Time will tell.

It's true that none of us know Mack's mindset or what is more important to him than other things, but the goings-on last spring should provide a pretty good indication. Cal is nowhere near his wife's friends and family, and is a basketball landscape fairly unfamiliar to him, and he nearly took that job.

[MADXSTER]

I would say things at Xavier are going in the right direction.

Mack was probably under paid going into last year. Then a xavierhoops poster stated, PAY THE MAN. Then he got a bump in pay along with the assistants. Then a donor comes in and sets up a donation for the Xavier Mens Basketball coach.

Xavier is still going through the financial transition from losing A10 money from the tournaments to collecting BE tournament money. Every year it will get easier for Xavier regarding the financials.

Will Xavier ever be financially sound as Texas, no. But Xavier is definitely going in the right direction.

Question....In the last two seasons, has the BE lost a coach to another school? Or have they all been let go? I don't see the BE as a stepping stone conference like the A10.

[XU 87]

Question....In the last two seasons, has the BE lost a coach to another school? Or have they all been let go? I don't see the BE as a stepping stone conference like the A10.

Marquette.

[Xville]

I would say things at Xavier are going in the right direction.

Mack was probably under paid going into last year. Then a xavierhoops poster stated, PAY THE MAN. Then he got a bump in pay along with the assistants. Then a donor comes in and sets up a donation for the Xavier Mens Basketball coach.

Xavier is still going through the financial transition from losing A10 money from the tournaments to collecting BE tournament money. Every year it will get easier for Xavier regarding the financials.

Will Xavier ever be financially sound as Texas, no. But Xavier is definitely going in the right direction.

Question....In the last two seasons, has the BE lost a coach to another school? Or have they all been let go? I don't see the BE as a stepping stone conference like the A10.

Buzz Williams left...i think it may have been mutual but we will never really know for sure..he wasn't fired. Regardless, no the BE won't be a stepping stone like the A10 but its still going to be a stepping stone. There are only about 5-10 jobs in all of america that aren't and even then, there is still the NBA.

I like Chris...I wasn't too much of a fan before this year, but he made me a believer this year. It would be nice to have Mack around because one hiring slip up can derail a program pretty quickly, but if he leaves, he leaves and I don't really care. Xavier has a pretty darn good program, and people are going to jump at the chance to coach at this level...so if Mack leaves, ehh..if it happens, it happens. We'll be fine either way.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's true that none of us know Mack's mindset or what is more important to him than other things, but the goings-on last spring should provide a pretty good indication. Cal is nowhere near his wife's friends and family, and is a basketball landscape fairly unfamiliar to him, and he nearly took that job.

The reasons he almost left would be interesting. I would assume money. Seems like XU has closed that gap and with the new head coach endowment, hopefully it will help keep Mack's salary competitive and at least keep him from considering the likes of Cal.

If it was a money thing and the money thing has been fixed to some extent, I dont see him considering a gig like Cal again.

[Muskied]

The reasons he almost left would be interesting. I would assume money. Seems like XU has closed that gap and with the new head coach endowment, hopefully it will help keep Mack's salary competitive and at least keep him from considering the likes of Cal.

If it was a money thing and the money thing has been fixed to some extent, I dont see him considering a gig like Cal again.

I'm not sure it's all about money. Like was said before..we will never really know. Some will never leave because they don't want to disrupt their families. Relationships to a 7 year old daughter can do more in a situation than deep pockets in another program.

On the other hand, I get the vibe some things will never be "right" between Chris and his alma mater. It may be with the brawl and Dez, or the or it could even be the way the media covers his program...I have no clue exactly, it's just the vibe I get. And if that means he leaves sooner than later than so be it.

Let's be honest here really...we mostly just care about the recruits/player relationships it would disrupt, and the transition which would occur. We are in a league and in a position where I think we would transition very well- and that is very comforting in my opinion.

[casualfan]

I'm not sure it's all about money. Like was said before..we will never really know. Some will never leave because they don't want to disrupt their families. Relationships to a 7 year old daughter can do more in a situation than deep pockets in another program.

On the other hand, I get the vibe some things will never be "right" between Chris and his alma mater. It may be with the brawl and Dez, or the or it could even be the way the media covers his program...I have no clue exactly, it's just the vibe I get. And if that means he leaves sooner than later than so be it.

Let's be honest here really...we mostly just care about the recruits/player relationships it would disrupt, and the transition which would occur. We are in a league and in a position where I think we would transition very well- and that is very comforting in my opinion.

The vibe you get is along the same lines of what I've been told.

[LA Muskie]

The reasons he almost left would be interesting. I would assume money. Seems like XU has closed that gap and with the new head coach endowment, hopefully it will help keep Mack's salary competitive and at least keep him from considering the likes of Cal.

If it was a money thing and the money thing has been fixed to some extent, I dont see him considering a gig like Cal again.
It's always about money and at the same time it's never about money. The money matters because it is a tangible expression of value, respect, and support. Put another way, if they don't make as much as they think they deserve (often measured by their perceived peer group), they will almost always feel undervalued, disrespected, and unsupported. But it doesn't necessarily work in reverse -- you can pay a coach a ton of money and, if things don't go their way as often as they want -- or if the fanbase irrationally turns on them every time they are disappointed by a tough loss -- they may still doubt that they are valued, respected, and supported despite the extra coin in their pocket.

Last year, Mack fell into the first category. The question is whether, with a raise (which wasn't HUGE), he still harbors any concerns about value, respect and support. Once the weeds of doubt break through, they can take a while to eradicate. The over-reaction of the fanbase to every loss certainly doesn't help matters (and yes, that stuff does percolate).

At the same time, Mack seems more grounded than most, and he has good friends that are more likely to be honest with him about all facets of the decision. Plus he's a family man, a local, and he has a wife who by all accounts has a say in the decision. I know the general consensus is that Miller has advised him to move for years. My understanding is nothing could be farther from the truth.

[LA Muskie]

I'm not sure it's all about money. Like was said before..we will never really know. Some will never leave because they don't want to disrupt their families. Relationships to a 7 year old daughter can do more in a situation than deep pockets in another program.

On the other hand, I get the vibe some things will never be "right" between Chris and his alma mater. It may be with the brawl and Dez, or the or it could even be the way the media covers his program...I have no clue exactly, it's just the vibe I get. And if that means he leaves sooner than later than so be it.

Let's be honest here really...we mostly just care about the recruits/player relationships it would disrupt, and the transition which would occur. We are in a league and in a position where I think we would transition very well- and that is very comforting in my opinion.
I will say this: Chris doesn't always seem particularly happy in his role. That doesn't mean much, because everyone carries the stress of their career and their family differently. And next to Sean, just about anyone can seem like a curmudgeonly introvert off the court. But I do think he's adopted a scowl and a chip, and I'm not sure if it's about Xavier or because of it.

[GoMuskies]

From Wichita radio:

Gary Parrish on 610 AM: from what I've heard from people close to the situation, Gregg wasn't blown away by Alabama yesterday. My best guess is he is back at Wichita next season. He's not a priority at Texas because their AD is a weirdo.

[Masterofreality]

At the same time, Mack seems more grounded than most, and he has good friends that are more likely to be honest with him about all facets of the decision. Plus he's a family man, a local, and he has a wife who by all accounts has a say in the decision. I know the general consensus is that Miller has advised him to move for years. My understanding is nothing could be farther from the truth.

I wholeheartedly agree with the last statement, to the Raccoon's credit.

And, Cal was a negotiating ploy. CMack "was not close" to taking the job, but he used it as leverage as he should have. Who knows what would have happened if X did nothing to bump the salary, but saying he was one foot on a plane to Berkeley is flat wrong.

[XUFan09]

The vibe you get is along the same lines of what I've been told.
Me too, though I think it might be better than a year ago, which is why I wouldn't say things will "never" be right.

[Muskied]

I will say this: Chris doesn't always seem particularly happy in his role. That doesn't mean much, because everyone carries the stress of their career and their family differently. And next to Sean, just about anyone can seem like a curmudgeonly introvert off the court. But I do think he's adopted a scowl and a chip, and I'm not sure it's about Xavier or because of it.

Completely agree.

[LadyMuskie]

I'm less worried about it than ever, personally. If Mack goes, he goes. If he stays, he stays. We'll be fine either way.

This is exactly where I am as well.

[casualfan]

Me too, though I think it might be better than a year ago, which is why I wouldn't say things will "never" be right.

Yeah, it's been awhile since I've heard anything so maybe things have changed, but last time I got info it was not a matter of if, but when he will leave.

At the risk of starting a firestorm I think there are still some wounds there from the way the Dez situation was handled.

[Milhouse]

Him leaving last year would've been disasterous and set the program back 3-4 years I'd imagine. I hope he sticks around, but can't blame him for going to Austin if it were to come to that.

[GoMuskies]

Him leaving last year would've been disasterous and set the program back 3-4 years I'd imagine.

I heard that last year but didn't buy it. However, by the same logic, if there was ever a year for him to leave and not hurt us too bad, this would probably be it.