Uh oh (Mack in trouble)

[X-man]

More Mack problems. Link: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/32319413/ncaa-accuses-louisville-coach-chris-mack-additional-allegations

[Xville]

Ha just posted this in another thread. To be fair these seem pretty trivial to me, but apparently not to the NCAA. He better have an outstanding season or the seat is going to be scorching hot. Karma is a bitch.

[xubrew]

It's most likely trivial to the NCAA as well. It's just that it came up during the investigation. Or...at least it wouldn't be a big deal under normal circumstances. Speeding tickets under normal circumstances aren't that big a deal. Speeding tickets after three or four DUI's?? a slightly bigger deal.

[MADXSTER]

Think this will be Mack's last year at Louisville.

Still think this is more of a reflection on the Louisville athletic office than Mack. Especially after all the Pitino drama year after year.

[Xville]

Think this will be Mack's last year at Louisville.

Still think this is more of a reflection on the Louisville athletic office than Mack. Especially after all the Pitino drama year after year.

First point could absolutely be true.

Second point I disagree…the athletic department cleaned house along with the university president since all that mess. This is all gaudio and Mack in my opinion.

[GoMuskies]

I think the athletic department has gone from shady but incredibly effective to ethical but highly incompetent.

[Xville]

I think the athletic department has gone from shady but incredibly effective to ethical but highly incompetent.

That’s fair

[MADXSTER]

I think the athletic department has gone from shady but incredibly effective to ethical but highly incompetent.

Sounds about right

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ha just posted this in another thread. To be fair these seem pretty trivial to me, but apparently not to the NCAA. He better have an outstanding season or the seat is going to be scorching hot. Karma is a bitch.

Yeah, agreed. So I read Louisville could now fire him without a buyout given what his contract states about Level 1 or Level 2 violations. However I think they would have to do that now right? They couldnt see how the season goes then fire him for cause right? Would be hilarious if so.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Think this will be Mack's last year at Louisville.

Still think this is more of a reflection on the Louisville athletic office than Mack. Especially after all the Pitino drama year after year.

How is Mack directing things that are against the rules (surely he knows you cant use managers in practice and make videos for recruits) a reflection of anyone other than Mack?

[xubrew]

Yeah, agreed. So I read Louisville could now fire him without a buyout given what his contract states about Level 1 or Level 2 violations. However I think they would have to do that now right? They couldnt see how the season goes then fire him for cause right? Would be hilarious if so.

These probably aren't level 1 or 2 violations. I don't know specifically what happened, so I suppose they COULD be, but generally speaking for it to be a level 2 violation there has to be some sort of significant advantage gained. I just don't see how that could happen with a recruiting video and a DOBO running practice that wasn't supposed to.

...and that's what makes this so utterly absurd! Trying to extort Chris Mack over a non-countable coach running practice is like trying to extort you or I for driving with an expired tag. Yes, that's a violation. Yes, there is a small consequence. But it's not THAT big of a deal. No one is going to prison or losing their career over something so innocuous.

[JTG]

These probably aren't level 1 or 2 violations. I don't know specifically what happened, so I suppose they COULD be, but generally speaking for it to be a level 2 violation there has to be some sort of significant advantage gained. I just don't see how that could happen with a recruiting video and a DOBO running practice that wasn't supposed to.

...and that's what makes this so utterly absurd! Trying to extort Chris Mack over a non-countable coach running practice is like trying to extort you or I for driving with an expired tag. Yes, that's a violation. Yes, there is a small consequence. But it's not THAT big of a deal. No one is going to prison or losing their career over something so innocuous.
You might be the only person on here worried about Mack getting screwed. I know I could care less if he gets fired .

[xubrew]

You might be the only person on here worried about Mack getting screwed. I know I could care less if he gets fired .

What makes you think I’m worried?? I’m astounded at how stupid the whole thing is. Gaudio is an idiot for what he tried to do, and think the proper response to this would have been to just laugh at him and then self report it since it wasn’t that big of a deal anyway.

Those probably aren’t level 1 or 2 violations. Had Mack simply reported what had happened, it’s unlikely that anything at all would have happened to him. I’m simply pointing that out. It doesn’t mean that I’m worried about anything or that I even care what happens. I’m not, and I don’t.

[D-West & PO-Z]

These probably aren't level 1 or 2 violations. I don't know specifically what happened, so I suppose they COULD be, but generally speaking for it to be a level 2 violation there has to be some sort of significant advantage gained. I just don't see how that could happen with a recruiting video and a DOBO running practice that wasn't supposed to.

...and that's what makes this so utterly absurd! Trying to extort Chris Mack over a non-countable coach running practice is like trying to extort you or I for driving with an expired tag. Yes, that's a violation. Yes, there is a small consequence. But it's not THAT big of a deal. No one is going to prison or losing their career over something so innocuous.

It has been reported by multiple Louisville reporters that they are both level 2 violations.

[xubrew]

It has been reported by multiple Louisville reporters that they are both level 2 violations.

Interesting...

Well, stuff like that TYPICALLY isn't, but I guess in this case it was. I wonder if it's due to them being repeat and frequent violators, or if there was something in the video or at the practices that was so over the top that it constituted level 2. This is a program that used to hire actual strippers, so...well...I'll take the high road and refrain from making a joke about what kind of recruiting videos they may be making that constituted a more serious violation.

[bobbiemcgee]

I hate to see and then have to open the ut oh threads.

[Xuperman]

You gotta love Mike Bothwell and the Furman Paladins! Is there anyone here that doesn't want Priss Mack to flame out in disgrace? Hopefully this tread title will continue to be apropos!

[Masterofreality]

Mike Pegues will not be a head coach candidate any time soon.
And Mack’s assembled “talent” does not bode well for the season

[xudash]

Imagine. All of that money to keep him comfortable, while he sits by a fire at night, thinking about what his legacy will look like. Will the money trump what comes to his mind about that?

[JTG]

Imagine. All of that money to keep him comfortable, while he sits by a fire at night, thinking about what his legacy will look like. Will the money trump what comes to his mind about that?

He'll probably get a tv gig like all the other losers ESPN trots out every winter. Greenberg, Dakich (oops forgot he recently got the ax from ESPN), and others. I think both the Millers are on tv somewhere doing analysis. Although if Sean wants to come out of retirement I'd take him back in a minute.

[xu82]

I find this to be very disappointing. I was hoping it would be hookers again. That was fun!

[Xuperman]

Douche Mack didn't think to bring the Vaseline...just got the hard Demon Shaft. OUCH!!!

LIFE IS GOOD!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

That's a shame!

[GoMuskies]

Take popcorn to Louisville online forums this week!

[Xuperman]

Yeah, "Mack buyers remorse" has really set in now.

They have a B1G and a SEC win, however both teams kinda suck. They desperately need to beat UK but, unfortunately for Mack, Oscar Tsheibwe is in the way.

Douche does catch a scheduling break in conference with having to play Duke, FSU, VT only once. Unfortunately for him, UNC will be lucky to be top 25 and the rest of the ACC is pretty meh.

If they lose to Western, their tourney aspirations are certainly in the crapper. HeHe

[XUBison]

Only Mack would be so lucky that there’s no one there to fire him. What a turd.

[UCGRAD4X]

Douche Mack didn't think to bring the Vaseline...just got the hard Demon Shaft. OUCH!!!

LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Douche Mack or MacDouche?

[IM4X]

Take popcorn to Louisville online forums this week!

Yes. I’m also hoping someone questions him again about his use of timeouts during the next post game press conference like they did during the DePaul one. That will be fun to watch.

[bourbonman]

https://twitter.com/terrelltres/status/1469778600060768265?s=21

Mack looks terrible and is a tad short in answering questions. From his troubles, to changes in UofL leadership, to a bad team losing to bad teams he appears to be feeling the heat.

[atljar]

https://twitter.com/terrelltres/status/1469778600060768265?s=21

Mack.... is a tad short in answering questions

Understatement of the year

[xukeith]

Understatement of the year

When you cant sleep due to losses.....not much fun!

[waggy]

If Mack had to leave Louisville would Christi go with him?

[Blue Blooded-05]

If Mack had to leave Louisville would Christi go with him?

Run out of Christi’s home town... Not welcome back in Chris’ home town...

Still leaves the possibility of going back to Evansville or Dayton!

[xukeith]

Run out of Christi’s home town... Not welcome back in Chris’ home town...

Still leaves the possibility of going back to Evansville or Dayton!

please be Dayton! lol

[XU 23]

Maybe we can bring Mack and Miller in as an assistants. I guarantee you they miss Xavier.

[cutterX]

Miller fine.
F Mack and the golden horse he rode out of town on!

[boozehound]

I didn't really think that the Louisville thing was going to go great for Mack, but it's been much more of a shit show than I would have ever thought. I figured it would be more like Miller's tenure at Arizona minus all the Book Richardson shenanigans - decent teams that never got over the hump. It's been a dumpster fire.

[X-man]

Miller fine.
F Mack and the golden horse he rode out of town on!

I agree. Not only was Miller honorable with Xavier in his move from X to Arizona, unlike slimeball Mack, but he was also the best coach I have seen at Xavier. Hopefully that changes when Steele becomes Xavier's best coach.

[xukeith]

I agree. Not only was Miller honorable with Xavier in his move from X to Arizona, unlike slimeball Mack, but he was also the best coach I have seen at Xavier. Hopefully that changes when Steele becomes Xavier's best coach.

I hear that. Miller was my all time favorite X coach.

[IM4X]

Every time I see that someone has posted something new here, I have to take a look, thinking “Did the axe finally fall? Especially now that the AD is gone. Tic-Tic-Tic.

[Masterofreality]

AD Vince Tyra just up and resigned 2 days ago, and the Louisewer President just left too.
Just speculation, but that doesn’t bode well. A new President at Clifton Community College finally had enough of Thuggins Tomfoolery and dumped him. Mack has less cred and will have zero connection to the new hierarchy.
The only thing that might save his ass is that the ACC is historically bad this year. But even with that, if the NCAA lowers the boom, nothing will save him.

[drudy23]

AD Vince Tyra just up and resigned 2 days ago, and the Louisewer President just left too.
Just speculation, but that doesn’t bode well. A new President at Clifton Community College finally had enough of Thuggins Tomfoolery and dumped him. Mack has less cred and will have zero connection to the new hierarchy.
The only thing that might save his ass is that the ACC is historically bad this year. But even with that, if the NCAA lowers the boom, nothing will save him.

Really? There’s been no noise about this. May explain some of the bags around Mack’s eyes lately.

[muskiefan82]

ESPN or FoxSports needs to hire Matta, Miller, and Mack and have an all new Ex-X Coaches Show about College BBall.

[GoMuskies]

The new AD (he's interim for now) has been at Louisville for the last two years, so he's got a connection to Mack. Same with the interim president, and she won't be replaced for at least 6 months as these presidential hirings take forever. Mack isn't in good shape, for sure, but he's not in any imminent danger either. He'll probably end up with a good record because, as MOR pointed out, the ACC stinks.

[GoMuskies]

ESPN or FoxSports needs to hire Matta, Miller, and Mack and have an all new Ex-X Coaches Show about College BBall.

Plus Gillen

[muskiefan82]

Plus Gillen

True, but I was going for alliteration. LOL

[Xville]

Really? There’s been no noise about this. May explain some of the bags around Mack’s eyes lately.

It’s been on national news, so not sure what you mean.

Anyways, Tyra and the President nelli didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of things. Tyra put in his resignation because he couldn’t stand her any longer, but not knowing nelli was about to resign. Nelli resigned to go to Penn state, and by then, it was too late for tyra, plus apparently he didn’t have any friends on the board.

Anyways, we shall see regarding mack, the interim ad who may just end up being the full time ad wasn’t part of the mack hire ( he was at nova at the time) but he has been Tyra’s right hand man for the past few years.

[GoMuskies]

Louisville has a very dangerous trip to Western Kentucky coming up this weekend. The Hilltoppers are pretty good, and Diddle is not an easy place to play. Louisviille may well be underdogs in the game. Louisville fans will not be pleased if they cannot beat Western.

You could easily have three Kentucky teams in the NCAA Tournament this year and have Louisville not be one of them. That wouldn't sit well. (I'm assuming Bellarmine is still not eligible for the Tournament, as nothing would be more hilarious than Bellarmine (who now plays its home games at Freedom Hall) making the Tournament while Louisville sits at home).

[XUBison]

It’s been on national news, so not sure what you mean.

Anyways, Tyra and the President nelli didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of things. Tyra put in his resignation because he couldn’t stand her any longer, but not knowing nelli was about to resign. Nelli resigned to go to Penn state, and by then, it was too late for tyra, plus apparently he didn’t have any friends on the board.

Anyways, we shall see regarding mack, the interim ad who may just end up being the full time ad wasn’t part of the mack hire ( he was at nova at the time) but he has been Tyra’s right hand man for the past few years.

FWIW, FSU has been pursuing Tyra for at least the past couple weeks, for sure prior to when the board granted his release from his contract last week. Regardless, of course the board doesn’t like him— he hired Mack.

[Xville]

FWIW, FSU has been pursuing Tyra for at least the past couple weeks, for sure prior to when the board granted his release from his contract last week. Regardless, of course the board doesn’t like him— he hired Mack.

Yep he was going to take the job, but Louisville board never got back to him in time accepting his non compete release clause in his contract, so fsu moved on.

[X-band '01]

You could easily have three Kentucky teams in the NCAA Tournament this year and have Louisville not be one of them. That wouldn't sit well. (I'm assuming Bellarmine is still not eligible for the Tournament, as nothing would be more hilarious than Bellarmine (who now plays its home games at Freedom Hall) making the Tournament while Louisville sits at home).

Bellarmine will be eligible for the NCAA Tournament in 2024-25. Unless the NCAA changes their rules and allows for newly transitional teams to be eligible sooner.

[IM4X]

ESPN or FoxSports needs to hire Matta, Miller, and Mack and have an all new Ex-X Coaches Show about College BBall.

Sure that’d be great… as long as Mack and Miller were obligated to make this one simple statement at the beginning of every episode:

“I (the two coaches state there names here) am truly sorry for telling the media and the people at the University where I recently got canned the lie that I could not get to a Final 4 when I was at Xavier simply because I was not able to land the level of talent there like I was going to be able to land at my next job. The truth, which is quite obvious at this point, is that Xavier never held me back from getting to a Final 4, but rather it was I who held all my teams back.

“Even with with higher rated talent being brought in at the new school, I was still unable take any team there further than I did when I was at Xavier. It was wrong of me to pump myself up and make X’s basketball program seem smaller and less bad-ass than it really is. That magnificent university brilliantly branded with an “X” gave me the most incredible opportunity to be their head coach where I was then iable to recruit enough very high level talent to get to an elite 8 and make some very good money. It was because of that amazing opportunity that I was able to ask for a crap load more money at my next job. It was then at that next job where I overpromised and underdelivered and where I allowed my already growing ego to continue to grow until my head became so inflated I actually thought I was infallible. I started treating everyone like I was better than them and that I could do anything I wanted without and repercussions.

“I deserved to be canned for pretending to be bigger and better than I really was and for not being able to take that new school any further in the NCAA tournament. I realize that makes me a bit of a fraud and a phony in addition to being a cheat (only Chris speaks the next seven words) and a real dick in my case. I apologize to Xavier University and all of the amazing people who work or are affiliated with it in any way. I promise from this day forward to always respect and honor that beautiful university and its truly special basketball program which attracts both high level coaches and recruits. I know X will get to reach many Final 4s and beyond…. now for the show.”

[muskiefan82]

Sure that’d be great… as long as Mack and Miller were obligated to make this one simple statement at the beginning of every episode:

“I (the two coaches state there names here) am truly sorry for telling the media and the people at the University where I recently got canned the lie that I could not get to a Final 4 when I was at Xavier simply because I was not able to land the level of talent there like I was going to be able to land at my next job. The truth, which is quite obvious at this point, is that Xavier never held me back from getting to a Final 4, but rather it was I who held all my teams back.

“Even with with higher rated talent being brought in at the new school, I was still unable take any team there further than I did when I was at Xavier. It was wrong of me to pump myself up and make X’s basketball program seem smaller and less bad-ass than it really is. That magnificent university brilliantly branded with an “X” gave me the most incredible opportunity to be their head coach where I was then iable to recruit enough very high level talent to get to an elite 8 and make some very good money. It was because of that amazing opportunity that I was able to ask for a crap load more money at my next job. It was then at that next job where I overpromised and underdelivered and where I allowed my already growing ego to continue to grow until my head became so inflated I actually thought I was infallible. I started treating everyone like I was better than them and that I could do anything I wanted without and repercussions.

“I deserved to be canned for pretending to be bigger and better than I really was and for not being able to take that new school any further in the NCAA tournament. I realize that makes me a bit of a fraud and a phony in addition to being a cheat (only Chris speaks the next seven words) and a real dick in my case. I apologize to Xavier University and all of the amazing people who work or are affiliated with it in any way. I promise from this day forward to always respect and honor that beautiful university and its truly special basketball program which attracts both high level coaches and recruits. I know X will get to reach many Final 4s and beyond…. now for the show.”

I can imagine Matta wanting a "Statement Does Not Apply" underneath his picture.

[boozehound]

I agree. Not only was Miller honorable with Xavier in his move from X to Arizona, unlike slimeball Mack, but he was also the best coach I have seen at Xavier. Hopefully that changes when Steele becomes Xavier's best coach.

I sort of wonder what would have happened had Miller stayed. Is he really as good a coach as we think, or did he have a few magical seasons during a relatively short tenure?

His lack of success at Arizona over a pretty lengthy tenure suggests to me that he may not have been as good as our hindsight suggests. We will never know, of course.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I sort of wonder what would have happened had Miller stayed. Is he really as good a coach as we think, or did he have a few magical seasons during a relatively short tenure?

His lack of success at Arizona over a pretty lengthy tenure suggests to me that he may not have been as good as our hindsight suggests. We will never know, of course.

That is interesting you view his time at Arizona as a lack of success. Is that solely because he didn't get to the final 4?

He went to 5 sweet 16's and 3 Elite 8's. They were routinely a top 25 team during his tenure. He could never quite get over that hump though to get to the Final 4.

[Xville]

Miller has a 73% winning percentage. That’s basically elite, better than guys like pitino and izzo . I think you can be a damn good coach and still not be able to “win the big one.” I think both things can be true…the tourney is such a crapshoot at times, though I understand that’s where coaches are mostly judged.

[nuts4xu]

Miller has a 73% winning percentage. That’s basically elite, better than guys like pitino and izzo .

Rick Pitino has 652 wins, Izzo has 643, and Sean Miller has 422.

Sean Miller is an elite coach but he is not better than Pitino or Izzo, FYI.

Sean Miller racked up 250 wins at Arizona faster than any coach in the history of college basketball. He has 5 seasons with over 30 wins, and I would be shocked if he doesn't add a few more. He was the winningest coach in the Pac 10 when he was dismisses this spring.

I would gas up my Toyota Camry, drive to Tucson, and cram his entire family in my car for the ride back to Xavier Nation.

[Xville]

Rick Pitino has 652 wins, Izzo has 643, and Sean Miller has 422.

Sean Miller is an elite coach but he is not better than Pitino or Izzo, FYI.

Sean Miller racked up 250 wins at Arizona faster than any coach in the history of college basketball. He has 5 seasons with over 30 wins, and I would be shocked if he doesn't add a few more. He was the winningest coach in the Pac 10 when he was dismisses this spring.

I would gas up my Toyota Camry, drive to Tucson, and cram his entire family in my car for the ride back to Xavier Nation.

Oh I agree in regards to izzo and pitino. I think I worded that incorrectly. Honestly as dirty of a human being as he is, I think pitino is the best college coach ever. I know people will point to coach k and a stable of other coaches, but pitino has done it at multiple schools. The guy is just an amazing tactician.

[GoMuskies]

Miller had one job at Arizona. He failed at it, and it pleases me that he failed. I still think he was the best caoch Xavier has ever had.

[IM4X]

Miller had one job at Arizona. He failed at it, and it pleases me that he failed.

Yep. Even with more horsepower, he simply couldn’t get his Lexus to perform any better than his Buick.

[atljar]

Yep. Even with more horsepower, he simply couldn’t get his Lexus to perform any better than his Buick.

We need to LS swap them. (Car guy joke)

[IM4X]

I can imagine Matta wanting a "Statement Does Not Apply" underneath his picture.

Seems fair, since he never dissed X when he left and since he was the only one of the three to actually make the Final 4 with his new team.

[atljar]

Matta can go take a rolling flying tumbling go F himself. Ill never forget the way he left and his lies. He can stay jobless.

[MHettel]

Matta can go take a rolling flying tumbling go F himself. Ill never forget the way he left and his lies. He can stay jobless.

but, Matta isnt jobless. he's the associate AD for Basketball at IU. Keeping an eye on Mike Woodson, who has never coached college before...

[webxu]

I do think Miller would have gotten Arizona to a final 4, the tourney is all about matchups and sometimes luck. It took Wright a very long time to get Nova there, and Few at Gonzaga as well so just a matter of time in my opinion. But i guess well never know.

[IM4X]

Matta can go take a rolling flying tumbling go F himself. Ill never forget the way he left and his lies. He can stay jobless.

See, I was not bothered the way Matta left. Here’s why:

1. He took X to their first elite 8.

2. He left X with a very capable person to take over as HC

3. When he departed he left behind several solid returning players from the previous season.

4. He never grew so insecure about his abilities or let his ego inflate to the point of feeling he had to put down X just to make himself look more worthy for the new higher paying HC position at the next school- He was just grateful for the opportunity X gave him.

5. The perceived difference in the level of competitiveness and actual brand value of X when Matta left was much lower than when either Miller or Mack left.

6. The ability to land highly rated recruits was harder when Matta he was head coach and X than when either Miller or Mack was the head coach.

Of the 3 former X coaches, Matta was the only one to take X further and the only one who didn’t diss X when he left… and unlike Mack, Matta wasn’t leaving his alama mata for another team. Mack literal made X appear less than Louisville in several different ways. You don’t do that and expect to one day come back to opened arm… at least not with this X grad. He is dead to me.

To be fair about Matta’s departure, he was no sneakier about leaving than Sean or Chris or most any coach who leaves for more money and the possibility of greater success. They almost all play the game coaches (not named Few and Wright) feel they have to play to keep moving up the ladder of success The difference again is Matta never dissed X on his way out.

I want to be clear that I am not saying it is wrong for fans to be upset about the way Matta left. I am just saying he did more to improve our brand and less to hurt it than either of the other two former X coaches.

[D-West & PO-Z]

See, I was not bothered the way Matta left. Here’s why:

1. He took X to their first elite 8.

2. He left X with a very capable person to take over as HC

3. When he departed he left behind several solid returning players from the previous season.

4. He never grew so insecure about his abilities or let his ego inflate to the point of feeling he had to put down X just to make himself look more worthy for the new higher paying HC position at the next school- He was just grateful for the opportunity X gave him.

5. The perceived difference in the level of competitiveness and actual brand value of X when Matta left was much lower than when either Miller or Mack left.

6. The ability to land highly rated recruits was harder when Matta he was head coach and X than when either Miller or Mack was the head coach.

Of the 3 former X coaches, Matta was the only one to take X further and the only one who didn’t diss X when he left… and unlike Mack, Matta wasn’t leaving his alama mata for another team. Mack literal made X appear less than Louisville in several different ways. You don’t do that and expect to one day come back to opened arm… at least not with this X grad. He is dead to me.

To be fair about Matta’s departure, he was no sneakier about leaving than Sean or Chris or most any coach who leaves for more money and the possibility of greater success. They almost all play the game coaches (not named Few and Wright) feel they have to play to keep moving up the ladder of success The difference again is Matta never dissed X on his way out.

I want to be clear that I am not saying it is wrong for fans to be upset about the way Matta left. I am just saying he did more to improve our brand and less to hurt it than either of the other two former X coaches.

Some points I get, but how you can deny Matta left in the most sneaky way possible (more so than any other former X coach) is beyond me.

And you honestly have no idea if Matta dissed X to others or not.

Miller left in the least sneaky way as possible. He had a freaking news conference at X (debatable whether X should have allowed that).

There is zero doubt in my mind that it was by far the hardest for Sean to leave. If we are in the BE at that point I dont think he does.

[Lloyd Braun]

unlike Mack, Matta wasn’t leaving his alama mata for another team. Mack literal made X appear less than Louisville in several different ways. You don’t do that and expect to one day come back to opened arm… at least not with this X grad. He is dead to me.

I just want to point out the irony in this statement if you consider where Matta was before Xavier.

[XUBison]

3. When he departed he left behind several solid returning players from the previous season.

4. He never grew so insecure about his abilities or let his ego inflate to the point of feeling he had to put down X just to make himself look more worthy for the new higher paying HC position at the next school- He was just grateful for the opportunity X gave him.

5. The perceived difference in the level of competitiveness and actual brand value of X when Matta left was much lower than when either Miller or Mack left.

6. The ability to land highly rated recruits was harder when Matta he was head coach and X than when either Miller or Mack was the head coach. QUOTE]

Matta won with Skip’s players, recruited almost no one, and left the cupboard bare.

[xudash]

Some points I get, but how you can deny Matta left in the most sneaky way possible (more so than any other former X coach) is beyond me.

And you honestly have no idea if Matta dissed X to others or not.

Miller left in the least sneaky way as possible. He had a freaking news conference at X (debatable whether X should have allowed that).

There is zero doubt in my mind that it was by far the hardest for Sean to leave. If we are in the BE at that point I dont think he does.

Absolutely agree with your last point. Hell, he turned the job down and then Arizona came back with a sweetened offer. Sean was really conflicted about leaving Xavier.

I actually agree that he probably would’ve stayed had we been in the BE at that point, since he was a BE guy from PITT.

Hey, at least we all learned how to utilize private plane trackers with that one. We only needed a news helicopter to track Matta walking into St. John’s Arena.

[X-band '01]

Justin Doellman and Justin Cage were the most high-profile freshmen when Matta left, but were pretty inexperienced compared to what would be expected of them a year later. I think Burrell's freshman year was also 2004-05.

But two of my favorite Matta "recruits" were the human victory cigars - walk-ons Ryan Caldwell and Tom Compton.

[IM4X]

I just want to point out the irony in this statement if you consider where Matta was before Xavier.

Ha. Yes, I realized the irony just as I was typing that last sentence about Chris being dead to me. I will answer you by saying I think it is fair for graduates/fans of his alma mater to feel he is be dead to them for leaving his school to take the X job.

The big difference is that we already knew Matta left his own alma mater. That piece of info should have warned the powers that be at X that Matta was always likely only sticking around as long as it took to prove he could get X to the next level… at which time he would get offered a bump up to the next level where elite level talent would be much easier to land and where the money would be much better.

Let’s not forget, X was a much more established program when Chris left it. We were ranked in the top 4 in the country for a stretch at one point for goodness sake. Mack was making darn good money compared to Matta too… and Mack was a graduate of the university. Chris also had a more complete team with higher rated players. He should have gotten one of his last teams to a Final Four.

There are just so many damn reasons for me not to give any slack to him. He was was much sneakier than Miller in leaving and likely even more so than Matta. Does anyone really think he didn’t already know he was headed to Louisville during the NCAA tournament. He seemed so disinterested, it was ridiculous. Literally the only people affiliated with X who should be sticking up for that guy are his family and Steele (who got his job because of it).

Then again, when one really thinks about the way he acted at X as the head coach- so full of himself and often a jerk to the media- it is not all that surprising he would be the type of person who would leave and in the manner he did. It’s why I really want Steele to be the guy to get us to the Final 4. He is always a nice guy and unlike his former boss, never acts like a self righteous prick-le.

[IM4X]

Some points I get, but how you can deny Matta left in the most sneaky way possible (more so than any other former X coach) is beyond me.

And you honestly have no idea if Matta dissed X to others or not.

Miller left in the least sneaky way as possible. He had a freaking news conference at X (debatable whether X should have allowed that).

There is zero doubt in my mind that it was by far the hardest for Sean to leave. If we are in the BE at that point I dont think he does.

I am in agreement with most of the points you make. I never said it was harder for Matta to leave. Just that it was done without making X look bad. Matta got X to its first elite 8- something that helped X be seen as more than just the little school in Ohio that once beat Georgetown in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

It probably was the hardest for Sean to leave, though it should have been hardest for Chris. He was making more money, leaving his alma mater and coaching a team that was in the Big East.

I doubt that Matta dissed X when he left. At least he didnÂ’t do it in public with the media watching/listening like the other two. Unlike Mack, I donÂ’t think MillerÂ’s diss was used to help make himself look better. It was still a diss, though.

[bjf123]

I doubt that Matta dissed X when he left.

True. He did, however, tell everyone at the Butler County Alumni Steak Fry that he was not a candidate for the Ohio State job. The next day, he was being introduced in Columbus. My wife still holds that against him and tOSU. Hates ‘em both!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[IM4X]

True. He did, however, tell everyone at the Butler County Alumni Steak Fry that he was not a candidate for the Ohio State job. The next day, he was being introduced in Columbus. My wife still holds that against him and tOSU. Hates ‘em both!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah. He definitely could have handled that better.

[XUBison]

Did Mack get fired yet?

[GoMuskies]

Western Kentucky currently waxing.

[UCGRAD4X]

You guys write too much. It's game time. I just want to know if McDouche is getting humiliated again.

[GoMuskies]

Now he's in big trouble.

[Blue Blooded-05]

http://hoopscsdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Hilltoppers_Inside_Getty_1.jpg

Striking fear into the hearts of the Hookerville faithful!

[IM4X]

The ship continues to sink and he has no one left to throw overboard… or under the bus.

Loving the comments by restless Louisville fans. We hear you Louisville fans. We hear you.




https://mobile.twitter.com/LouisvilleMBB/status/1472337181846872066?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet (https://mobile.twitter.com/LouisvilleMBB/status/1472337181846872066?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet)

[XUBison]

The ship continues to sink and he has no one left to throw overboard… or under the bus.

Loving the comments by restless Louisville fans. We hear you Louisville fans. We hear you.




https://mobile.twitter.com/LouisvilleMBB/status/1472337181846872066?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet (https://mobile.twitter.com/LouisvilleMBB/status/1472337181846872066?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet)

Oh we hear you, loud and clear good buddy. - This is embarrassing. At least OSU and Arizona liked Matta and Miller until they just couldn’t anymore. Mack is a disgrace. Can we X-communicate him somehow? (Pun intended.)

[Xville]

Mack is probably safe for a while just because of the 12 million dollar ridiculous buy out. I just don’t see Louisville making that kind of financial decision.

[xavierj]

Mack is probably safe for a while just because of the 12 million dollar ridiculous buy out. I just don’t see Louisville making that kind of financial decision.

Unless they can get back together with Papa and see if he can buy them out. But he isn’t too happy with Louisville at the moment.

[xukeith]

Unless they can get back together with Papa and see if he can buy them out. But he isn’t too happy with Louisville at the moment.
Man. It keeps getting worse. Lose at Western KY yesterday.

[X-Fan]

A couple comments based upon what’s been discussed throughout this thread...

On Mack: what’s ironic is that Mack was supposed to be coming into a long term rebuild. Then through a combination of his fast start, lack of sanctions, Covid disruption, and the Dino debacle he has quickly put himself on the hot seat. My feelings on him are truly conflicted. I appreciate all he did, while also recognizing that he was just a decent coach/recruiter, had some surprising successes, disappointing failures, and left on OK terms. I don’t wish any ill will, but also don’t care too much if he does well.

On Mata: that dude can absolutely get lost for all I care. Literally was handed the best player in program history and did nothing with him. Absolutely lucked out with a once in a lifetime run, fueled by his key assistant Miller. And then through an absolute brain fart screwed it up when he didn’t get Myles out of the game. The type of guy you can trust about as far as you can throw.

Miller: agree that he was the best coach ever at X. If you look at his teams they had such key fundamentals to maximize the talent they had, and were tough as nails. I am sure Miller was mostly conflicted in leaving because he knew what he had coming back. Imagine that Jordan Crawford team with Miller at the helm instead of Mack learning on the job his first year as HC. That team would have been lethal.

All we X fans ask is you stick to your word and not negatively impact the program either because: you have one foot out the door, or you disparage the program to pump up your next gig. It’s not that hard.

Also, I would take Miller back in a heartbeat.

[UCGRAD4X]

Also, I would take Miller back in a heartbeat.

The admin would need to seriously vet the circumstances around his demise.

Let's just hope and pray we don't have to.

[Xavier]

While I think Miller was the best coach X has had, one id be fine with bringing back, Mack was easily most successful coach at Xavier.

Big east championship
Won coach of the year awards in 2015/2016 season.
11 ncaa tournament win (5 more than next best at X)
4 sweet 16 appearances/1 elite 8 with arguably the programs best tournament win (maybe that was Georgetown) over Miller and Arizona.

And as strange as it sounds I always believed we can get to a final four and win it all…more so than ever snagging a #1 seed. Obviously ended in disappointment but never thought X could do that, and Mack got X a 1 and a 2 seed.

I don’t really hate any if the former coaches but don’t mind seeing Mack struggle right now

[IM4X]

A couple comments based upon what’s been discussed throughout this thread...

On Mata: that dude can absolutely get lost for all I care. Literally was handed the best player in program history and did nothing with him. Absolutely lucked out with a once in a lifetime run, fueled by his key assistant Miller. And then through an absolute brain fart screwed it up when he didn’t get Myles out of the game. The type of guy you can trust about as far as you can throw.

Miller: agree that he was the best coach ever at X. If you look at his teams they had such key fundamentals to maximize the talent they had, and were tough as nails. I am sure Miller was mostly conflicted in leaving because he knew what he had coming back. Imagine that Jordan Crawford team with Miller at the helm instead of Mack learning on the job his first year as HC. That team would have been lethal.

All we X fans ask is you stick to your word and not negatively impact the program either because: you have one foot out the door, or you disparage the program to pump up your next gig. It’s not that hard.

Also, I would take Miller back in a heartbeat.

Couple of things here:

First. Yes. Coaches ought to be grateful and classy when leaving X - karma can be a bitch.

Also, I get why some are not happy with the way Matta left X. No question he could have handled it better. I don’t blame him for the Myles foul- I blame the ref who called the last two fouls on Myles.

Here’s the thing: Both Miller and Mack would have jumped at the OSU coaching job without a second thought, had they been offered it at that time Matta was offered it (and likely even if they had been offered it during their respective tenure at X). It was absolutely the smart move since the team was not likely to make it to an Elite 8 the following year and Matta would have dropped off the radar of “hot coaches” everyone is talking about for that next big job opening. It was a much bigger jump than the other two made during their departures (when you think of where the X program was at that time).

If Matta had not done so well at Butler or if had he gone to OSU after X and never made it to 2 Final Fours, I might buy that it was Miller (the assistant) who was the key to Matta success at X. The thing is, not only did Matta do so well at those other two schools without Miller, but Miller never made it to a Final Four at Arizona with all that top 5 talent he was constantly landing there. Miller is a very good coaches, but (IMO) he is not quite as good as some on here believe he is - at least not when he’s coaching during the NCAA tournament.

Let’s also remember:

1. Matta was making less at X than either of those coaches when they were the head coach at X.
2. X was still trying to that shake the little “Eggs-avier team from Ohio” image when Matta was coach.
3. If not for a few very questionable calls on Myles, X was headed to the Final 4 under Matta - Miller’s elite 8 team got steamrolled by UCLA.

As for taking Miller back:

Let’s -for the moment - forget about all of the shady things he did that lead to his dismissal at Arizona. Let’s just focus on the part about Miller not being able to make 1 Final Four with any of his Arizona teams, stacked with “elite level” (5 star) talent. Is he getting there with the very good (4 star) but not quite elite level talent he lands at X?

[IM4X]

For the record. “No take backs” when it comes to former coaches. I am proud of how the X brand keeps getting stronger as the teams keep winning more and advance to better and better conferences and as more and more outsiders begin to recognize us as a perennial top 25 program.

We have to be bigger than those coaches who coached here and left. To take one back is to tell the world that our program is not as important as that particular coach who left. We must keep moving forward… and UPWARD!

[Xavier]

For the record. “No take backs” when it comes to former coaches. I am proud of how the X brand keeps getting stronger as the teams keeps winning more and advance to better and better conferences as more and more outsiders begin to recognize us as a perennial top 25 program.



So long as you ignore the last three years..

[IM4X]

So long as you ignore the last three years..

Let’s call it a blip. Let’s hope so anyway. Each of the past three years we’ve been missing some pieces. It sure appears that all the pieces are there now.

X is moving in the right direction again… Forward and Upward.

[xudash]

Let’s call it a blip. Let’s hope so anyway. Each of the past three years we’ve been missing some pieces. It sure appears that all the pieces are there now.

X is moving in the right direction again… Forward and Upward.

Exactly. And one of those three years we weren't alone in missing it - every program missed it.

[Xavier]

Let’s call it a blip. Let’s hope so anyway. Each of the past three years we’ve been missing some pieces. It sure appears that all the pieces are there now.

X is moving in the right direction again… Forward and Upward.

I actually agree and really like what I’m seeing this year. Extremely well rounded team, hope it continues and Travis turned the corner. Just giving you a hard time

[GoMuskies]

Louisville and Kentucky just got postponed due to Covid. Best news of the year for Chris Mack.

[Xville]

So in regards to Covid and I’m sorry if I missed it here but are players still being tested everyday, even if you are vaccinated and asymptomatic?

I heard frank martin this morning talking to the press basically saying how ridiculous it is that we have the same protocols in place as we did before vaccines which I agre. Is that just solely for his conference, maybe?

It’s obscene to be testing and asymptomatic imho

[D-West & PO-Z]

Louisville and Kentucky just got postponed due to Covid. Best news of the year for Chris Mack.

Is it postponed or canceled? Are we delaying Mack's beat down or cancelling it?

[GoMuskies]

Postponing for now, but it is not likely to be rescheduled.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So in regards to Covid and I’m sorry if I missed it here but are players still being tested everyday, even if you are vaccinated and asymptomatic?

I heard frank martin this morning talking to the press basically saying how ridiculous it is that we have the same protocols in place as we did before vaccines which I agre. Is that just solely for his conference, maybe?

It’s obscene to be testing and asymptomatic imho

Adam Baum tweeted what Steele said when he asked him about COVID starting to shut down college bball.

Steele said the entire team/program is vaccinated. They only test for COVID if someone has symptoms, and to this point, they havent had any positive tests. In the event of a breakthrough case anyone who tests positive would be isolated and the team would continue playing without them. Big East rules require 7 available scholarship players.


I think we are at a big advantage that all are vaccinated. I bet its different if not. I think anyone vaccinated probably does not matter if they were a close contact, where if not vaccinated they would have to isolate too. Just my guess. Seton Hall reportedly has several unvaccinated players, I am sure that caused them issues (even if they werent the ones with COVID).

[Xville]

Adam Baum tweeted what Steele said when he asked him about COVID starting to shut down college bball.

Steele said the entire team/program is vaccinated. They only test for COVID if someone has symptoms, and to this point, they havent had any positive tests. In the event of a breakthrough case anyone who tests positive would be isolated and the team would continue playing without them. Big East rules require 7 available scholarship players.


I think we are at a big advantage that all are vaccinated. I bet its different if not. I think anyone vaccinated probably does not matter if they were a close contact, where if not vaccinated they would have to isolate too. Just my guess. Seton Hall reportedly has several unvaccinated players, I am sure that caused them issues (even if they werent the ones with COVID).

Gotcha. So if an entire team isn’t vaccinated, that team has to be tested regularly even the vaccinated players? Martin made it seem like that was the case, which I find ridiculous. If you are unvaccinated I get it, but otherwise wtf.

[American X]

Frank Martin? With his alien physiology, can he even contract Covid?

[STL_XUfan]

Frank Martin? With his alien physiology, can he even contract Covid?

Apparently his alien physiology made him even more susceptible to Covid as he has already had it twice.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Gotcha. So if an entire team isn’t vaccinated, that team has to be tested regularly even the vaccinated players? Martin made it seem like that was the case, which I find ridiculous. If you are unvaccinated I get it, but otherwise wtf.

I have no idea. I wouldn't think so but am not sure.

[muskiefan82]

Louisville and Kentucky just got postponed due to Covid. Best news of the year for Chris Mack.

I call shenanigans! Mack just avoiding another loss.

[Masterofreality]

This columnist gets it. (COVID, not Mack related)

https://spectatorworld.com/life/pro-sports-can-lead-us-out-of-pandemic-insanity/

[Xavgrad08]

Bozich pointing out Mack would be wise not to gloat at Calipari again. I forgot about that video that made Mack look like a putz. https://www.wdrb.com/sports/bozich-advantage-calipari-after-louisville-kentucky-game-postponed/article_16c58d90-61d9-11ec-b2e6-47a28a3e7d4d.html

[xukeith]

Bozich pointing out Mack would be wise not to gloat at Calipari again. I forgot about that video that made Mack look like a putz. https://www.wdrb.com/sports/bozich-advantage-calipari-after-louisville-kentucky-game-postponed/article_16c58d90-61d9-11ec-b2e6-47a28a3e7d4d.html

ouch, it must sting.

[mid major]

Me thinks Kentucky is playing Western Kentucky at Rupp Arena on Wed to raise money for the tornado relief fundraiser. The game is on ESPN AT 5:00 PM.

[muskiefan82]

Me thinks Kentucky is playing Western Kentucky at Rupp Arena on Wed to raise money for the tornado relief fundraiser. The game is on ESPN AT 5:00 PM.

It might end up being better for their NET than Louisville in the end. LOL