IF Steele, ideas about assistants?

[xu9697]

I hate to be that guy to post a new thread when there are plenty of coaching threads, but I really wanted to focus on Steele. I have my concerns about him, but they could be alleviated having some insight as to who he might bring in as assistants.

From what I have read, Steele was good enough to play Division II bball but chose not too. Obviously, his message to recruits still resonated even without that Div 1 playing experience, and my guess is that recruits were not wowed by Mack's college playing days.

With that being said, taking Steele's recruiting prowess so far and trying to get the recruits to take us to that next level of a Final Four, could Steele bring a long a guy like James Posey or someone else with NBA experience who would be another tool to use in our arsenal to convince higher level recruits to come to X? Or does he have some mentor coaches who might be a bit longer in the tooth that he could bring along to combat any inexperience concerns recruits might have? I know little about him other than his time @ X- wondering if those in the know could provide insight about what type of staff he could construct.

[GoMuskies]

I think he'd want to grab an AAU guy more than an NBA guy for recruiting purposes. Most high school kids are unlikely to know who Posey is.

[American X]

I would love to see Brian Thornton back at Xavier.

[mistabeecee41]

I would love to see Brian Thornton back at Xavier.

even if it's not Brian, we need somebody who can develop our bigs. Pegues is a bigger loss than Murray in my mind.

[drudy23]

Basically, Steele has to replace himself on the recruiting front AND find a development coach. Huge hires for him.

[bleedXblue]

I think Dante Jackson would be a great hire. He could recruit IMHO

[GoMuskies]

Why would Dante be a good hire? I don't know that much about it, for sure, but he doesn't seem to have distinguished himself in the coaching ranks just yet.

[xu9697]

I would love to see Brian Thornton back at Xavier.

Excellent! That would be an ideal hire.

[xu82]

I would love to see Brian Thornton back at Xavier.

That sounds appealing....

[xu82]

even if it's not Brian, we need somebody who can develop our bigs. Pegues is a bigger loss than Murray in my mind.

...and that’s a fact!

[xu82]

Basically, Steele has to replace himself on the recruiting front AND find a development coach. Huge hires for him.

Yep, we need the recruiter, and we still really have no idea who Steele is as a HC. This feels like devastation at the moment, but I pray we do the Xavier thing.

[joe titan]

Darnell Williams

[X-ceptional]

JPMFMMFM.

Sorry, that's COACH JPMFMMFM.

If nothing else, just make him a temporary assistant for the sUCks and Butler games.


But really, I would be interested in Thornton. Other former players are really all I can think of, I'm not that tied in with assistant coaching ranks.

Whatever happened with Aaron Williams? He was an interim asst for a little while.

If we want to talk about player development, what about J Love? The dude lived it. Still playing in Europe I think, but not sure how much longer.

I assume NBA asst salaries and experience destroy whatever we could offer, but man it would be awesome to have Posey on the sidelines.

[GoMuskies]

Darnell Williams

What's Darnell been up to since his one season as Kentucky State's head coach?

[joe titan]

What's Darnell been up to since his one season as Kentucky State's head coach?

He is still there.

[GoMuskies]

He is still there.

Doing what? He hasn't been their head coach the last two years.

https://www.state-journal.com/2016/07/09/jamaal-jackson-named-kentucky-state-mens-basketball-coach/

[STL_XUfan]

Kim English from Colorado. Good east coast connections and just a generally fun personality. (full disclosure, I loved him at Mizzou)

[Muskie]

Doing what? He hasn't been their head coach the last two years.

https://www.state-journal.com/2016/07/09/jamaal-jackson-named-kentucky-state-mens-basketball-coach/

His Twitter Account says he is in Brooklyn.

[GoMuskies]

Kim English from Colorado. Good east coast connections and just a generally fun personality. (full disclosure, I loved him at Mizzou)

We know he can't recruit, but he could certainly be the steadying Xs and Os guy. My Mizzou fan colleague loves the guy, too.

[WCWIII]

Just a notice that Rick Carter was at several games and did some podcast-y type things during this past season. But In Steele (or the next coach), we must trust.

[Caveat]

Yep, we need the recruiter, and we still really have no idea who Steele is as a HC. This feels like devastation at the moment, but I pray we do the Xavier thing.

We had no idea what Mack and Miller would be like as head coaches either -- you put your trust in the fact that Steele was given the blessing of the "Associate Head Coach" title and that he's had years to show off his basketball IQ to those involved with the program.

Plus, when you've got guys like James Farr and Matt Stainbrook stumping for you, that has to mean something. Those guys were both absolute grinders, and if they say Steele has "it," I don't need anything more by way of proof or evidence.

[Muskie]

Just a notice that Rick Carter was at several games and did some podcast-y type things during this past season. But In Steele (or the next coach), we must trust. Rick is working on some sort of APP or software that helps track athletes grades (or something like that). I believe that is why he left the DePaul staff to work on it full time.

[xudash]

We had no idea what Mack and Miller would be like as head coaches either -- you put your trust in the fact that Steele was given the blessing of the "Associate Head Coach" title and that he's had years to show off his basketball IQ to those involved with the program.

Plus, when you've got guys like James Farr and Matt Stainbrook stumping for you, that has to mean something. Those guys were both absolute grinders, and if they say Steele has "it," I don't need anything more by way of proof or evidence.

Given where we are with all this at this particular moment, I find information like this to be very valuable. Yes, it's two guys' opinions, but consider who they are and how close they were to the situation as players. Most of us think the world of James and Matt anyway.

If a substantial number of current and past players chime in with their support of Steele, that has to mean something. At the end of the day, it's about a coaches ability to attract talent and then get that talent to play cohesively as a team.

[UCGRAD4X]

even if it's not Brian, we need somebody who can develop our bigs. Pegues is a bigger loss than Murray in my mind.

Amen to that.! But first we actually need to get some bigs. Developing Walter might be a challenge and it probably won't help much if at all next year and probably not much even the year after. Not sure Tyrique's problem is development so much (although it can't hurt) as getting on the court and staying strong, healthy and productive for longer stretches.


Given where we are with all this at this particular moment, I find information like this to be very valuable. Yes, it's two guys' opinions, but consider who they are and how close they were to the situation as players. Most of us think the world of James and Matt anyway.

If a substantial number of current and past players chime in with their support of Steele, that has to mean something. At the end of the day, it's about a coaches ability to attract talent and then get that talent to play cohesively as a team.

...and get your best players and seniors to play like they belong there and win like a higher seed!

[Burkitt's07]

What about Aaron Williams? He helped out our bigs a few years ago. Saw him at the Depaul game with his family and he seems like a super nice guy.

[XUOFM]

Of course Steele needs to be able to put his own staff together, but I am wondering if we can use some of the money we "save" from not paying Mack North of 2 million to whatever would be Steele's starting salary (this might be around 1 million?) to really up our asst. coaches salaries? This could let us seduce...wait, wrong school... bring in a couple of well respected asst. coaches while allowing some money left over to get an AAU coach for recruiting purposes.

Of course I have no idea who these names would be!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Of course Steele needs to be able to put his own staff together, but I am wondering if we can use some of the money we "save" from not paying Mack North of 2 million to whatever would be Steele's starting salary (this might be around 1 million?) to really up our asst. coaches salaries? This could let us seduce...wait, wrong school... bring in a couple of well respected asst. coaches while allowing some money left over to get an AAU coach for recruiting purposes.

Of course I have no idea who these names would be!

They might be able to do this to some extent but they also have to plan for the new coaches salary to rise as well if, as we all hope, he is doing a good job. That would mean the assistants would rise some too. So you cant start too crazy high with the new assistants either.

[Muskie]

Assuming it is Steele, one of the jobs will likely go to Jeremy Growe. That leaves two openings.

[paulxu]

Lionel Chalmers was coming to Wofford to be an assistant, and then mysteriously left after a couple weeks.
I think he's with an NBA team as a coach, maybe in Florida.

He might be a good assistant for Steele.

[JTG]

You need 2 assistants who are ace recruiters, and a guy to work with the bigs. So Steele has to replace himself, first, and that is a tall order. He caused big-time havoc to IU, Purdue, and Butler in Indiana. It would be nice if he could lure Howard from Nova, but probably won't happen. Not sure I'd be on board with an AAU coach. Lots of issues there.

[Juice]

You need 2 assistants who are ace recruiters, and a guy to work with the bigs. So Steele has to replace himself, first, and that is a tall order. He caused big-time havoc to IU, Purdue, and Butler in Indiana. It would be nice if he could lure Howard from Nova, but probably won't happen. Not sure I'd be on board with an AAU coach. Lots of issues there.

How do you think Steele got his start?

[bleedXblue]

Why would Dante be a good hire? I don't know that much about it, for sure, but he doesn't seem to have distinguished himself in the coaching ranks just yet.

Well, he's a Xavier guy #1. He knows our program, our culture and Steele for sure. He's already into coaching and clearly wants to make it his profession. I think he's a great young guy who could make a great impression on kids. Is that enough reason????

[GoMuskies]

Not really. He's seemed to struggle to find gigs. He doesn't seem to be moving UP. Robert Morris is pretty much the bottom of the barrel in Division I. I'd love to have a Xavier guy on the bench, but only if it's a Xavier guy who is qualified to be there. Not sure Dante fits that bill. Of the names thrown around, Thornton is the only one who seems like he might be qualified to be a Xavier assistant.

[dubbledxu]

Not really. He's seemed to struggle to find gigs. He doesn't seem to be moving UP. Robert Morris is pretty much the bottom of the barrel in Division I. I'd love to have a Xavier guy on the bench, but only if it's a Xavier guy who is qualified to be there. Not sure Dante fits that bill. Of the names thrown around, Thornton is the only one who seems like he might be qualified to be a Xavier assistant.

Thornton would be a great #2 assistant IMO.

[xukeith]

I imagine several assistants around the country have submitted resumes or phone calls to get IN at Xavier.
They might know it is a cradle of coaches OR they want a pay raise as they are in lower schools. And X is a top 25 program.

[bleedXblue]

Not really. He's seemed to struggle to find gigs. He doesn't seem to be moving UP. Robert Morris is pretty much the bottom of the barrel in Division I. I'd love to have a Xavier guy on the bench, but only if it's a Xavier guy who is qualified to be there. Not sure Dante fits that bill. Of the names thrown around, Thornton is the only one who seems like he might be qualified to be a Xavier assistant.

Was Steele qualified 9 years ago for an assistant gig?

[GetUp5]

Dante's Path... Seems pretty normal to me. Don't know if you guys realize how hard it is to get a paid D-1 assistant gig even if you're a former player. Would love to have Dante on the staff. Not the top assistant, but he definitely deserves a look.

Grad assistant at Ohio U and Xavier
Paid assistant at NKU, coach gets fired
Paid assistant at Air Force
Luke Murray hooks him up with the Robert Morris job this year, leaving Air Force because there were "so many staff members that we weren't asked to do a ton because we had so many people".

[GoMuskies]

Was Steele qualified 9 years ago for an assistant gig?

Apparently he was. Perhaps Steele will think Dante is qualified. I'm just not sure what Dante has done other that be a Xavier grad to this point that qualifies him.

[Snipe]

prolly too soon to hire JP as an assistant....

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think there is a 5 year wait for grad assistants. JP will have a Euro career waiting for him if he wants it. Kid is too good to make 100k a year or more over there.


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[IM4X]

I am completely onboard with the notion of taking some of that money that would have gone to keep Mack and shift it to getting top assistants.

X may not be able to afford the top coach... but they could pay to get the best assistants... the best recruiters... it's an interesting startegy... find guys who are objectively seen as the best teaching assistants or the best recruiting assistants in the country... offer to pay them 25% (up to 50%) more than they are currently being paid so we keep pulling in the best players... plus those assistants may end up being a great future X head coach.

[bleedXblue]

Apparently he was. Perhaps Steele will think Dante is qualified. I'm just not sure what Dante has done other that be a Xavier grad to this point that qualifies him.

Guys get assistant coaching gigs all the time without any qualification or experience..........

[GoMuskies]

Hopefully not at Xavier! If Steele (or whoever) thinks Dante's one of his guys, though, I'll be thrilled. Always liked the guy. Just want Xavier to have the best possible staff.

[Magic Muskie]

Howzabout Steve Gentry?

[GIMMFD]

Howzabout Steve Gentry?

That's a high school coach in Ohio right?? Not a terrible idea, opens up some connections around the state, seems to be successful from a quick Google search, could be interesting to give him a look, we wanna recruit where we're normally successful well, such as Indiana and Ohio, Steele might have made some connections with someone in Indiana he could use to get on staff to make that transition easy, I'd like to continue to win the Indiana recruiting game, but it's going to be a clusterfuck now with Archie at IU, and Mack at UofL.

[sirthought]

Not really. He's seemed to struggle to find gigs. He doesn't seem to be moving UP. Robert Morris is pretty much the bottom of the barrel in Division I. I'd love to have a Xavier guy on the bench, but only if it's a Xavier guy who is qualified to be there. Not sure Dante fits that bill. Of the names thrown around, Thornton is the only one who seems like he might be qualified to be a Xavier assistant.

Ridiculous. How many good jobs in coaching do you think there are? He's done the smart thing and taken what he can get to gain experience.

I'd be more concerned with Dante because he never stopped talking.

[scoscox]

That's a high school coach in Ohio right?? Not a terrible idea, opens up some connections around the state, seems to be successful from a quick Google search, could be interesting to give him a look, we wanna recruit where we're normally successful well, such as Indiana and Ohio, Steele might have made some connections with someone in Indiana he could use to get on staff to make that transition easy, I'd like to continue to win the Indiana recruiting game, but it's going to be a clusterfuck now with Archie at IU, and Mack at UofL.

A high school coach in Ohio? Quick google search? Do you know Steve Gentry played at Xavier? His coaching record is actually pretty impressive so far.

[GenerationX]

A high school coach in Ohio? Quick google search? Do you know Steve Gentry played at Xavier? His coaching record is actually pretty impressive so far.

I mean, everyone remembers Mark Smydra, the dude with aquatic skills who played with him, and some lesser-known fellas like Brian Grant. But Steve? Nah.

Actually the idea of Steve getting one of the assistant jobs is intriguing. He seems to have done well at the high school level.

[Lamont Sanford]

How about Kevin Boyle from Montverde Academy or the elder Bob Hurley??? Those guys can recruit.

[Muskie]

Steele, Growe, Thornton, and whoever Travis feels would round out the staff. That's my prediction. But what do I know.

[xuwin]

Well, he's a Xavier guy #1. He knows our program, our culture and Steele for sure. He's already into coaching and clearly wants to make it his profession. I think he's a great young guy who could make a great impression on kids. Is that enough reason????

Not nearly enough.

[klark]

If you are talking about a HS coach, what about Scott Ruthsatz? I know he has some connections to the east coast, could be a possibility.

[SemajParlor]

Kim English from Colorado. Good east coast connections and just a generally fun personality. (full disclosure, I loved him at Mizzou)

Wow. Had no clue he coached. I'd imagine he could be making a lot more playing in Europe. That Pressey - English - Denmon team was so great. Reminds me of another great team that will unfairly be remembered for their shortcomings in the Tournament.

[X-man]

I mean, everyone remembers Mark Smydra, the dude with aquatic skills who played with him, and some lesser-known fellas like Brian Grant. But Steve? Nah.

Actually the idea of Steve getting one of the assistant jobs is intriguing. He seems to have done well at the high school level.

After all, Smydra was.....THE TOTAL PACKAGE!

[xuwin]

After all, Smydra was.....THE TOTAL PACKAGE!

Can't believe his name hasn't come up in the coaching search.

[SC in DC]

Think Brad Stevens might consider because of the Butler ties? Also, does this hire now allow Kelsey to take his next big offer?

[X-ceptional]

Think Brad Stevens might consider because of the Butler ties?

Agree, it just makes sense. Stevens and Donovan as assistants. Also, God forbid Mario leaves, but if he does, I think we go ahead and drop a line to Bob Myers.

[GIMMFD]

A high school coach in Ohio? Quick google search? Do you know Steve Gentry played at Xavier? His coaching record is actually pretty impressive so far.

Honestly I didn't, I'm pretty young, and only really got into Xavier basketball after enrolling as a student, I know most of the history but I'm not as well versed as probably 90% of this board. I apologize if it sounded very ignorant, I just wasn't sure about the name.

[xuinmd]

Agree, it just makes sense. Stevens and Donovan as assistants. Also, God forbid Mario leaves, but if he does, I think we go ahead and drop a line to Bob Myers.

One of my all time favorites. He had a short stint as head coach at kentucky state university. I know he is in Brooklyn now (great recruiting territory). Does anyone know what he is doing?

[sirthought]

I don't know if he's coaching, but Stan Burrell would likely be a good one.

[bjf123]

I don't know if he's coaching, but Stan Burrell would likely be a good one.

According to his Twitter profile, he’s a retired pro basketball player and CEO of JayPrince Investments and Remodeling.


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[Muskeagle]

I would love to have a Brian Thornton or Dante Jackson on the staff. I'd also be interested in having at least one experienced head coach be an assistant, like Majerus did when he hired Jim Crews. Don't get me wrong, I do NOT want Jim Crews, but a Dino Gaudio type as an assistant would be interesting. Obviously, hard to get guys to do that sometimes, but I think it might be valuable to have that kind of experience on staff. Maybe there is no need, but could be helpful.

[Smooth]

I would love to have a Brian Thornton or Dante Jackson on the staff. I'd also be interested in having at least one experienced head coach be an assistant, like Majerus did when he hired Jim Crews. Don't get me wrong, I do NOT want Jim Crews, but a Dino Gaudio type as an assistant would be interesting. Obviously, hard to get guys to do that sometimes, but I think it might be valuable to have that kind of experience on staff. Maybe there is no need, but could be helpful.

Pete Gillen. We could probably get hundreds of thousands of college basketball fans to each donate a dollar to pay his salary just so they don't have to listen to him on TV.

Oh shit!... I just described Lappas.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I would love to have a Brian Thornton or Dante Jackson on the staff. I'd also be interested in having at least one experienced head coach be an assistant, like Majerus did when he hired Jim Crews. Don't get me wrong, I do NOT want Jim Crews, but a Dino Gaudio type as an assistant would be interesting. Obviously, hard to get guys to do that sometimes, but I think it might be valuable to have that kind of experience on staff. Maybe there is no need, but could be helpful.

Majerus had Jim Crews and Porter Moser.

[pimpinthebox]

I would love to have a Brian Thornton or Dante Jackson on the staff. I'd also be interested in having at least one experienced head coach be an assistant, like Majerus did when he hired Jim Crews. Don't get me wrong, I do NOT want Jim Crews, but a Dino Gaudio type as an assistant would be interesting. Obviously, hard to get guys to do that sometimes, but I think it might be valuable to have that kind of experience on staff. Maybe there is no need, but could be helpful.

I agree with this 100%.

And the timing from Greg Christopher was perfect. Make the splash today and let Travis do his thing for a few days down there.

[AviatorX]

Greg Paulus?

[OTRMUSKIE]

I want brilliant basketball minds. I believe guys who didn’t play at a high level are those guys. I have no proof to back that up I just believe that. That’s why I want Steele, Luke, Mario and Coach K to be part of the staff.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Seriously though will Luke stay or is he gone? Yeah nobody wants to lose Bill but my mom even said today that she thought X for better when Luke arrived.

[X Factor]

Seriously though will Luke stay or is he gone? Yeah nobody wants to lose Bill but my mom even said today that she thought X for better when Luke arrived.

Luke Murray and Mike Pegues are joining Mack at UofL. They're gone.

[GIMMFD]

Greg Paulus?

Now that's a name I forgot about!! I didn't realize he was on U of L's staff this year, and was on Ohio State's before that. He was a pretty decent point guard for Krzyzewski, but I remember Nolan Smith overtaking him his Senior year which is a bit of a shame. That'd be interesting, he obviously has the mind for college basketball having played it for Duke. Wonder if Mack keeps him at Loserville.

[basket]

I say lets make a SPLASH with an assistant coach. I can think of 2 players that were much better at St.X, while CM was there. Scott Martin OR Chip Reeves. I am sure both would be excellent choices for an assistant for Coach Steele. In addition, if we want to go the route of NCH and better athletes then that of Chris Mack who also grew up In NCH who also would serve as a GREAT assistant to Coach Steele look no further then Chuck Broadnax or Yatz Schmidt. Finally, if none of those options appeal to coach Steele, understandable, how about former GHS great Joe Fredrick OR Bacon Alum Brian Kocher.


Just a few ideas!!

Happy Easter XAVIER nation and April Fools!!

[Juice]

I say lets make a SPLASH with an assistant coach. I can think of 2 players that were much better at St.X, while CM was there. Scott Martin OR Chip Reeves. I am sure both would be excellent choices for an assistant for Coach Steele. In addition, if we want to go the route of NCH and better athletes then that of Chris Mack who also grew up In NCH who also would serve as a GREAT assistant to Coach Steele look no further then Chuck Broadnax or Yatz Schmidt. Finally, if none of those options appeal to coach Steele, understandable, how about former GHS great Joe Fredrick OR Bacon Alum Brian Kocher.


Just a few ideas!!

Happy Easter XAVIER nation and April Fools!!

Jesus. You definitely had me. I read Scott Martin and wanted to throw my computer.

[GIMMFD]

I say lets make a SPLASH with an assistant coach. I can think of 2 players that were much better at St.X, while CM was there. Scott Martin OR Chip Reeves. I am sure both would be excellent choices for an assistant for Coach Steele. In addition, if we want to go the route of NCH and better athletes then that of Chris Mack who also grew up In NCH who also would serve as a GREAT assistant to Coach Steele look no further then Chuck Broadnax or Yatz Schmidt. Finally, if none of those options appeal to coach Steele, understandable, how about former GHS great Joe Fredrick OR Bacon Alum Brian Kocher.


Just a few ideas!!

Happy Easter XAVIER nation and April Fools!!

I also heard Chris Mack was a douche in college ;)

[STL_XUfan]

How many more Porter children are there? Can we afford them...ummmm....I mean the cost to hire their father as an "assistant"?

[OTRMUSKIE]

So is Luke and Mario gone too? Is it official?

[XU22]

I am hoping Steele takes a look at Dennis Gates of FSU.

[XUBob]

Luke is gone, I think Mario is still deciding.

[basket]

I say lets make a SPLASH with an assistant coach. I can think of 2 players that were much better at St.X, while CM was there. Scott Martin OR Chip Reeves. I am sure both would be excellent choices for an assistant for Coach Steele. In addition, if we want to go the route of NCH and better athletes then that of Chris Mack who also grew up In NCH who also would serve as a GREAT assistant to Coach Steele look no further then Chuck Broadnax or Yatz Schmidt. Finally, if none of those options appeal to coach Steele, understandable, how about former GHS great Joe Fredrick OR Bacon Alum Brian Kocher.


Just a few ideas!!

Happy Easter XAVIER nation and April Fools!!

In addition I would like to note that it comes from some very reliable sources that Mack learned to play "ball" in 2 different places. 1. The Brentwood swim club, which of course was behind The Brentwood Shopping Center and, 2. Whitaker Elem. in Finneytown. Chip Reeves also use to hang out there with Mack. Scotty Martin of course another former GREAT at St. X went to those two former St.X hangouts but thought the competition there was no where near as good as compared to Winton Woods. Martin, Fredrick, Broadnax and Schmidt all hooped there playing pick up games.

[TUclutch]

I say lets make a SPLASH with an assistant coach. I can think of 2 players that were much better at St.X, while CM was there. Scott Martin OR Chip Reeves. I am sure both would be excellent choices for an assistant for Coach Steele. In addition, if we want to go the route of NCH and better athletes then that of Chris Mack who also grew up In NCH who also would serve as a GREAT assistant to Coach Steele look no further then Chuck Broadnax or Yatz Schmidt. Finally, if none of those options appeal to coach Steele, understandable, how about former GHS great Joe Fredrick OR Bacon Alum Brian Kocher.


Just a few ideas!!

Happy Easter XAVIER nation and April Fools!!

Scott Martin is an absolute trash coach. How in the world would hiring any of those guys you listed be a splash hire? Have any of them done anything outside HS?

[GIMMFD]

Scott Martin is an absolute trash coach. How in the world would hiring any of those guys you listed be a splash hire? Have any of them done anything outside HS?

I think you missed the April Fools joke...

[TUclutch]

definitely did. Didn't read all of it. Plenty of guys with dumb ideas who are serious too often on here.

[basket]

Scott Martin is an absolute trash coach. How in the world would hiring any of those guys you listed be a splash hire? Have any of them done anything outside HS?

Fredrick and B.K has!

[Cheesehead]

Scott Martin is an absolute trash coach. How in the world would hiring any of those guys you listed be a splash hire? Have any of them done anything outside HS?

My son played for Coach Martin. Nice guy but not a fan at all. Hope it was truly April Fool's day joke.

[Caveat]

Luke is gone, I think Mario is still deciding.

Heard this weekend that Mario is out.

Unconfirmed, at this point, though.

[GoMuskies]

Well, Mario probably isn't making THAT much money. So fringe benefits would be important to him. Thus, Louisville makes sense....

[xu82]

Well, Mario probably isn't making THAT much money. So fringe benefits would be important to him. Thus, Louisville makes sense....

I’d say there benefits were definitely of the fringe variety. Yes, indeed.

[GIMMFD]

Well, Mario probably isn't making THAT much money. So fringe benefits would be important to him. Thus, Louisville makes sense....

*sigh* damnit, would have loved for Mario to stay, I saw Xavier nation tweeted at Matt Jennings and Jeremy Growe with the eyes emojis, looks like they'll be on Steele's staff at the minimum?

[xavierdude]

Heard this weekend that Mario is out.

Unconfirmed, at this point, though.

Glad you were wrong on this one!

[Caveat]

Glad you were wrong on this one!

Same.

I had been told he was going to get a massive pay raise to head to UL. Happy to be wrong.

[MADXSTER]

I would not be surprised if an assistant coach brings along a player or two. Also, STEELE may go the AAU coaching route as well. It will be very interesting to see what he does.

[Xavier]

What about Kevin Ollie? Obviously wasn’t a great head coach but may have pretty good recruiting connections. Probably not worth it but I like having that experience on the bench.

[Muskie]

What about Kevin Ollie? Obviously wasn’t a great head coach but may have pretty good recruiting connections. Probably not worth it but I like having that experience on the bench.

Didn’t he just get fired from UCONN for cause?


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[nuts4xu]

Didn’t he just get fired from UCONN for cause?


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Yes, he sure the hell did. He is a bum.

[Xavier]

Didn't realize it was for cause. Thought it was because he stunk as a head coach. My bad- not worth it.

[X-ceptional]

for cause?

"I do have cause. It is be-CAUSE I hate him."
~Michael Scott

[X Factor]

The Twittersphere is starting to mention Jonas Hayes will be an assistant at Xavier. This would be a really big for X, imo. He is currently an assistant at Georgia (he played there), and has a reputation as an excellent recruiter.

[X Factor]

Ok, it's now official...

Justin Young
‏

@JustinDYoung
Follow Follow @JustinDYoung

Sources confirm what has been reported by a number of people that Jonas Hayes has accepted a position at Xavier. He was on staff with Mark Fox at UGA. Hayes is one of the best coaches - developers and recruiters - in the South.

10:17 AM - 9 Apr 2018

https://twitter.com/JustinDYoung/status/983393521586659328

[GoMuskies]

So you're telling me this guy is leaving his alma mater for what he perceives to be a better opportunity?!? Unprecedented!

Welcome Jonas!

[X Factor]

https://www.dawgnation.com/football/team-news/georgia-losing-basketball-assistant-jonas-hayes-to-another-program

[GIMMFD]

Awesome, welcome to the team Jonas!! Hopefully he locks down the south and gets the train rolling for 2019 for us recruiting wise, but looks like Steele is making some splashes here.

[XUGRAD80]

Welcome Coach Haynes!

[Jesuit4Life]

https://youtu.be/VoAnLHSLHGQ

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[XU3232]

This is a great hire. Looking forward to see who else Steele brings on in the next couple weeks or sooner!

[xu95]

So you're telling me this guy is leaving his alma mater for what he perceives to be a better opportunity?!? Unprecedented!

Welcome Jonas!

And I'm sure everyone on the Georgia messageboard is calling him all kinds of names and saying that Georgia's recruiting was hurt last year because he had one foot out the door.

xu95

[XU22]

This is a great hire. Looking forward to see who else Steele brings on in the next couple weeks or sooner!

Home run hire. Hayes was the top recruiter for Ashton Hagans at UGA. Hope Steele goes hard after him.

https://247sports.com/Player/Ashton-Hagans-93920

[GoMuskies]

And I'm sure everyone on the Georgia messageboard is calling him all kinds of names and saying that Georgia's recruiting was hurt last year because he had one foot out the door.

xu95

I saw him called a "trader" on the Georgia messageboard. That amused.:)

[xudash]

So you're telling me this guy is leaving his alma mater for what he perceives to be a better opportunity?!? Unprecedented!

Welcome Jonas!

Good lord. Who ever would do a thing like that...

[xu82]

Home run hire. Hayes was the top recruiter for Ashton Hagans at UGA. Hope Steele goes hard after him.

https://247sports.com/Player/Ashton-Hagans-93920

Well, that wouldn’t suck. Nothing like starting off with a BANG!

[IM4X]

And I'm sure everyone on the Georgia messageboard is calling him all kinds of names and saying that Georgia's recruiting was hurt last year because he had one foot out the door.

xu95

The guy is an assistant where his boss was fired and a new guy was brought in... Supposedly he was going to be offered a position with the new HC (Crean) if he wanted it... but it is clearly a little different situation because when someone leaves as an assistant for a respectable school than say a hypothetical head coach who left his alma mater for some school that let's say was hypothetically known for cheating and let's say doing inappropriate and illegal things just to get ahead.

Not saying it necessarily merits being called names ... but it is a reason to have doubts about the sincerity and integrity of that hypothetical head coach... even if the hypothetical school community that hypothetical coach left now realizes the move might just have been the best thing to happen to that hypothetical school that the hypothetical coach left... hypothetically speaking of course.

[DexterBailey84]

Home run hire. Hayes was the top recruiter for Ashton Hagans at UGA. Hope Steele goes hard after him.


Hagans is UK bound..

[X Factor]

Official announcement: http://goxavier.com/news/2018/4/9/mens-basketball-travis-steele-adds-former-georgia-assistant-jonas-hayes-to-his-basketball-staff.aspx

[IM4X]

Official announcement: http://goxavier.com/news/2018/4/9/mens-basketball-travis-steele-adds-former-georgia-assistant-jonas-hayes-to-his-basketball-staff.aspx

Thx for posting.

[GIMMFD]

Official announcement: http://goxavier.com/news/2018/4/9/mens-basketball-travis-steele-adds-former-georgia-assistant-jonas-hayes-to-his-basketball-staff.aspx

"I feel like I'm hiring a head coach in the future." Steele's replacement confirmed guys, bookmark this for 7 years down the line hahaha.

[XUGRAD80]

Cincinnati.com reporting that Dante Jackson will be going to Kent State as an assistant coach.

[Cheesehead]

Cincinnati.com reporting that Dante Jackson will be going to Kent State as an assistant coach.

Good for him!

[trunnxx]

Ben Johnson, assistant coach for Minnesota, joins Steele and X staff.


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[GIMMFD]

Ben Johnson, assistant coach for Minnesota, joins Steele and X staff.


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Poached someone else from their alma mater, spent 4 years on Northern Iowa's staff, a year on Nebraska's staff, and 4 years on Minnesota's staff, was a graduate assistant at Dayton of all places. I don't know much about him, but he is from Minnesota, wonder if that could help land 5 star Matthew Hurt in the 2019 class who's from Rochester, MN.

[XUGRAD80]

Hmmm....another coach leaving the school he graduated from for a similar position at another school.

Welcome Coach Johnson! Happy to have you here.

[sirthought]

He was great as a track star....

[sirthought]

From the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/assistant-ben-johnson-leaving-gophers-for-xavier-rob-jeter-officially-joins-richard-pitino-s-staff/479334043/


So, Steele has one new guy from the south and one new guy from the north. He needs someone who can fill in his efforts in the Midwest.

[JTG]

From the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/assistant-ben-johnson-leaving-gophers-for-xavier-rob-jeter-officially-joins-richard-pitino-s-staff/479334043/


So, Steele has one new guy from the south and one new guy from the north. He needs someone who can fill in his efforts in the Midwest.

I'd say someone for the East, Steele is pretty solid in the Midwest himself.

[Juice]

I'd say someone for the East, Steele is pretty solid in the Midwest himself.

I was going to say the same thing.

[Olsingledigit]

I'd say someone for the East, Steele is pretty solid in the Midwest himself.

Johnson was responsible for some good recruits that Minn landed from the Northeast. So that is his northeast guy.

[GIMMFD]

Johnson was responsible for some good recruits that Minn landed from the Northeast. So that is his northeast guy.

Hmm so we basically have the entire eastern side of the country covered, and the midwest between our staff, I like it. Not sure what he brings in terms of player development, but here's a couple guys he's recruited to Minnesota:

Daniel Oturu - 6'10 4* center - St. Paul, MN
Amir Coffey - 6'8 4* SG - Hopkins, MN
Jarvis Omersa - 6'8 3*/4* PF - Long Lake, MN

So looks like he's a decent enough recruiter, but his top 3 commitments were home grown, as I said it'll be alright if it means Matthew Hurt comes on down, looks like Minnesota has some good talent, let's hope he finds us another JP ;)

[GoMuskies]

Looks like a good hire. And who wouldn't want to jump off the sinking Richard Pitino ship?

[xu95]

Hmm so we basically have the entire eastern side of the country covered, and the midwest between our staff, I like it. Not sure what he brings in terms of player development, but here's a couple guys he's recruited to Minnesota:

Daniel Oturu - 6'10 4* center - St. Paul, MN
Amir Coffey - 6'8 4* SG - Hopkins, MN
Jarvis Omersa - 6'8 3*/4* PF - Long Lake, MN

So looks like he's a decent enough recruiter, but his top 3 commitments were home grown, as I said it'll be alright if it means Matthew Hurt comes on down, looks like Minnesota has some good talent, let's hope he finds us another JP ;)

He will be coaching the guards.

xu95

[xu95]

Johnson was responsible for some good recruits that Minn landed from the Northeast. So that is his northeast guy.

He might have a few recruits from the East, but h is mainly a Minnesota/Illinois/Wisconsin guy. Look for Steele to hire an East Coast guy for the last spot.

xu95

[MADXSTER]

Wonder if he may look at an East Coast AAU coach

[Xville]

Not sure exactly what it is..intuition or something else, but I'm starting to really believe Mack did us a favor by leaving. I think Steele is the guy to get us that last 2 % . I don't don't think Mack was ever going to get us there...for effs sake the guy just hired gaudio as his top assistant. To me, that seems like the worst hire ever.

[xu95]

Not sure exactly what it is..intuition or something else, but I'm starting to really believe Mack did us a favor by leaving. I think Steele is the guy to get us that last 2 % . I don't don't think Mack was ever going to get us there...for effs sake the guy just hired gaudio as his top assistant. To me, that seems like the worst hire ever.

I agree. That is one of the reasons I wasn't upset he left. I firmly believe it was time for him to go.

xu95

[IM4X]

Agreed.

Continuing with the same head coach who proved he couldn't lead his loaded #1 seed team past the second round of the tournament would have been a Travis-ty.... especially when we all know the new coach replacing him is with out question... a Steele.

Thank you... I'll be here all night folks.

[Masterofreality]

I agree. That is one of the reasons I wasn't upset he left. I firmly believe it was time for him to go.

xu95

Welp. Travis hasn't coached a single game from the Big chair yet. As we all know, Coach Dude was great at in game schematics and calling stuff out of time outs, although, who knows, that may have come from Steele? The one thing that is very encouraging is that usually you lose tons of recruiting contacts and momentum when the Head guy goes. That is certainly not the case here.

As always though, the key to success is figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of each player and putting them in the best positions to utilize their talents while masking their shortcomings. We shall see, but very hopeful.

[webxu]

Posted on an earlier thread, but Mack's 3 best teams were the Brawl, a 2 seed knocked out in the 2nd round, and a 1 seed knocked out in the 2nd round. He made 2 of his sweet 16's with primarily Millers guys, and two others where we beat a 14 seed and 15 seed. HOWEVAH.. he was phenomenal vs Zona.

I think Steele may cost a couple games this year from learning on the job, but I think its a great hire and Xcited!

[paulxu]

Continuing with the same head coach who proved he couldn't lead his loaded #1 seed team past the second round of the tournament

It's a good thing you're not the Villanova AD.

[GIMMFD]

Welp. Travis hasn't coached a single game from the Big chair yet. As we all know, Coach Dude was great at in game schematics and calling stuff out of time outs, although, who knows, that may have come from Steele? The one thing that is very encouraging is that usually you lose tons of recruiting contacts and momentum when the Head guy goes. That is certainly not the case here.

As always though, the key to success is figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of each player and putting them in the best positions to utilize their talents while masking their shortcomings. We shall see, but very hopeful.

Yeah this, I'm excited too, and I think everybody rightfully should be, but we have to remember Steele hasn't had a game in charge EVER yet, it's going to be a work in progress. I do believe he's done all of the right things so far, and is looking promising, we haven't taken a step back in terms of where we are as a program which is exciting news. Looks like he's made some interesting hires as assistants, I have a feeling things are going to be good.

[GoMuskies]

I'm sure Steele will have his Bucknell (Miller) and Wofford (Mack) moments. As long as they lead to the WV (Miller) and Arizona (Mack) moments, I can live with it.

[XU 87]

I agree. That is one of the reasons I wasn't upset he left. I firmly believe it was time for him to go.

xu95

I don't understand that opinion/statement. Mack just coached the team to arguably its best regular season in program history and only number one seed in program history.

[xu95]

I don't understand that opinion/statement. Mack just coached the team to arguably its best regular season in program history and only number one seed in program history.

I can't explain it. This one just hasn't bothered me at all. Maybe it is because I was confident Travis would get the job and it wouldn't hurt us.

xu95

[sirthought]

I'd say someone for the East, Steele is pretty solid in the Midwest himself.

If you actually read the article it said he was responsible for recruiting in the Northeast. I'm taking that to mean he developed contacts there.

[Masterofreality]

I'm sure Steele will have his Bucknell (Miller) and Wofford (Mack) moments. As long as they lead to the WV (Miller) and Arizona (Mack) moments, I can live with it.

Don't forget Beaknoses' Ball State game. Yuccchh

[GoMuskies]

I knew Matta had one of those games, too, but I forgot what it was. Yeah, that wasn't great. At least his was on the road.

[IM4X]

It's a good thing you're not the Villanova AD.

Well The X vs. Villanova comparison is not exactly apples to apples: The AD at Villanova saw Jay Wright make it to a Final Four in his 8th season, when Nova was a 3 seed... so there is that.

Mack had been at X more than 8 years (with a 1 and 2 seed team both easily talented and stacked enough to reach the FF) and didn't get there... and then bailed and made the lame excuse to his new school that he was not able to recruit enough talented players at X. That is a load of crap and deep down he knows it. So there is that too.

[GIMMFD]

Well The X vs. Villanova comparison is not exactly apples to apples: The AD at Villanova saw Jay Wright make it to a Final Four in his 8th season, when Nova was a 3 seed... so there is that.

Mack had been at X more than 8 years (with a 1 and 2 seed team both easily talented and stacked enough to reach the FF) and didn't get there... and then bailed and made the lame excuse to his new school that he was not able to recruit enough talented players at X. That is a load of crap and deep down he knows it. So there is that too.

I think the point was more so that Jay Wright was getting a lot of heat for not getting it done in the tournament, until he finally broke through to the Final Four, Nova had a lot of early exits before Wright fixed that ship, and even then the season sandwiched in between National Championships they were out relatively early, and the NC State game (where the crying piccolo girl will live in infamy), it's definitely hard to advance in the NCAA Tournament, and part of why March is so magical. I agree, Mack had the talent to reach a Final 4 at X, definitely last season, but things didn't shape up, the best part of the scenario is that Steele is putting himself in a position to reach that last "2%" as he's been preaching. He's come out like a hungry new head coach, ready to make a splash. At the end of the day, I'm okay with where we are as a program, everything is still on track for us to knock the door down, it's going to happen eventually, and that's going to be an amazing day in Xavier history. It's the calm before the storm, I'm excited about our future prospects.

[IM4X]

I think the point was more so that Jay Wright was getting a lot of heat for not getting it done in the tournament, until he finally broke through to the Final Four, Nova had a lot of early exits before Wright fixed that ship, and even then the season sandwiched in between National Championships they were out relatively early, and the NC State game (where the crying piccolo girl will live in infamy), it's definitely hard to advance in the NCAA Tournament, and part of why March is so magical. I agree, Mack had the talent to reach a Final 4 at X, definitely last season, but things didn't shape up, the best part of the scenario is that Steele is putting himself in a position to reach that last "2%" as he's been preaching. He's come out like a hungry new head coach, ready to make a splash. At the end of the day, I'm okay with where we are as a program, everything is still on track for us to knock the door down, it's going to happen eventually, and that's going to be an amazing day in Xavier history. It's the calm before the storm, I'm excited about our future prospects.

No question that it's tough to advance in the tournament. Still, those two X teams I mentioned didn't lose because they ran into a team that played out of their minds but rather those X teams got sloppy and looked confused and gave away games they should have won... where questionable coaching decisions were made.

Also, it just ticks me off when a coach leaves X claiming he can't get the players to win a Final Four there. Maybe it was true back when X was in the MCC but it's a bunch of crap for the last two coaches to say it. They have been able to recruit at a pretty high level. How many FFs has Miller gotten to since he left for his mighty Arizona program? I expect Mack to reach the same number of FFs at Louisville.

[Okay... allow me to rant just a little more so I can get the rest of this point off my chest and finally be free to move on to issue that actually matter now at X]

Why can't these money pigs just take their fat checks from their new schools and keep their mouths shut? Why do they feel the need to disrespect the school good enough to give them the incredible opportunity to be a head coach by stating, "You can't recruit good enough players at X" or "You can't win a FF at X." You never hear Mark Few use that excuse. You never heard Brad Stevens making excuses at Butler. Those guys have class. Jay Wright has class.

I think Travis will prove he has more class than Miller and Mack combined. I see him talking less and showing everyone through his actions that X just needed a coach who was a little better to get to that seemingly elusive FF. I agree that the future is already starting to look brighter at X with the much needed transfers Steele quickly landed and an impressive looking staff he has also quickly put together. Things are looking better for X indeed.

[gladdenguy]

Well The X vs. Villanova comparison is not exactly apples to apples: The AD at Villanova saw Jay Wright make it to a Final Four in his 8th season, when Nova was a 3 seed... so there is that.

Mack had been at X more than 8 years (with a 1 and 2 seed team both easily talented and stacked enough to reach the FF) and didn't get there... and then bailed and made the lame excuse to his new school that he was not able to recruit enough talented players at X. That is a load of crap and deep down he knows it. So there is that too.

Public reps. The man is holding me down.

[Masterofreality]

How our Xpectations have changed since (1 NCAA win) Skip Prosser.

[XUBison]

Was listening to Dan Barreiro’s show on KFAN out of the Twin Cities earlier this week. They talked about U of M alum Ben Johnson leaving for X. Producer/co-host Justin Gaard said it sucks for Minn, but X is simply a better program and a more attractive job. Was pretty cool to hear.

FWIW, Barreiro also commented that he thought it was weird that Louisville, with all of its trouble, would hire a coach with Mack’s baggage. Gaard responded that X/Mack only had a couple former players who had been represented by the agent implicated in the FBI scandal, but Barreiro insisted he had heard more serious dirt on Mack. I thought this was weird, and he didn’t elaborate. Then I remembered that Dan Dakich is a good friend and a frequent guest of Barreiro’s. No idea if that’s a reasonable conclusion, but X is obviously not a common topic on Minneapolis sports radio, and that’s the first place my brain went.

[IM4X]

Was listening to Dan Barreiro’s show on KFAN out of the Twin Cities earlier this week. They talked about U of M alum Ben Johnson leaving for X. Producer/co-host Justin Gaard said it sucks for Minn, but X is simply a better program and a more attractive job. Was pretty cool to hear.

FWIW, Barreiro also commented that he thought it was weird that Louisville, with all of its trouble, would hire a coach with Mack’s baggage. Gaard responded that X/Mack only had a couple former players who had been represented by the agent implicated in the FBI scandal, but Barreiro insisted he had heard more serious dirt on Mack. I thought this was weird, and he didn’t elaborate. Then I remembered that Dan Dakich is a good friend and a frequent guest of Barreiro’s. No idea if that’s a reasonable conclusion, but X is obviously not a common topic on Minneapolis sports radio, and that’s the first place my brain went.

Hmm... maybe the decision-makers at X had a tip that Mack may have been involved with some questionable stuff and confronted him and then both parties agreed to make it appear to look like X wanted to keep him badly... just so Louisville would bite and take him off their hands... and then Mack would get his pay big check and X would be free and clear of working with a coach who may have been involved in borderline questionable recruiting arrangements.

Or maybe I'm just really reaching because I would be intrigued about what could have been an interesting twist to this coaching move.

[xuwin]

It's a good thing you're not the Villanova AD.

Agreed. I can't believe what I'm reading in this thread about a coach that just got us to the first number 1 seed in school history with players none of which will ever play in the NBA and no 5 star recruits. I'm optimistic about Steele but why do Xavier fans always have to pump up to the new coach by trashing the previous one who without fail has done a great job.

[XUGRAD80]

why do Xavier fans always have to pump up to the new coach by trashing the previous one who without fail has done a great job.


Very good question......

[Steve A]

Agreed. I can't believe what I'm reading in this thread about a coach that just got us to the first number 1 seed in school history with players none of which will ever play in the NBA and no 5 star recruits. I'm optimistic about Steele but why do Xavier fans always have to pump up to the new coach by trashing the previous one who without fail has done a great job.

It's a coping mechanism.

[drudy23]

Hmm... maybe the decision-makers at X had a tip that Mack may have been involved with some questionable stuff and confronted him and then both parties agreed to make it appear to look like X wanted to keep him badly... just so Louisville would bite and take him off their hands... and then Mack would get his pay big check and X would be free and clear of working with a coach who may have been involved in borderline questionable recruiting arrangements.

Or maybe I'm just really reaching because I would be intrigued about what could have been an interesting twist to this coaching move.

No.

Yes.

[Olsingledigit]

No.

Yes.
Are you writing a novel? Oh MY!

[bjf123]

Are you writing a novel? Oh MY!

That’s the Cliff Notes recap of his novel.


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