Honestly, I think people just assume that since he played at Purdue, took over for Keady and has been there so long, he's a lifer and it's about more than money/a higher ceiling. However, this opens up a very interesting question I often have. Why are some schools in general considered above poaching by the media and casual fans? For example, are people going to be constantly worrying that Dusty May will leave Michigan for a Blue Blood if he kills it there? I am sure some will, but a lot of people will just assume Michigan will pay to keep him ... even though Michigan's basketball prestige isn't any better (especially currently!) than an Illinois or Arkansas, which seem to get thrown around as potential "Blue Blood stepping stones" a lot more. Why wasn't there constant chatter that Thad Matta would leave for North Carolina or something if Roy had worse health problems? Why is no one wondering if Arizona will have Tommy Lloyd poached? Why couldn't Kentucky have taken Jay Wright from Villanvoa whenever they wanted to back in the day? (Remember, 'Nova's history was INCREDIBLY similar to ours until the recent titles.) Just food for thought.
I would think it would take a ton to get Painter to consider leaving Purdue, and his post-season resume isn't enough for anyone who might have the resources to persuade him to really consider targeting him. With the type of offer that would likely be required, you could probably get the attention of sexier options.
I think UNC doesn't get much chatter because they don't ever seem to go outside the UNC family for coaches. If you coach wasn't a Tar Heel player, he probably won't be the Tar Heel coach.
Lloyd at Arizona is interesting, since that conference is about to take a major hit. He has won either the Conference title, the conference tournament, or both in all 3 seasons there. He has yet to get past the sweet 16, which is probably holding him back from being a primary target for blue bloods. Arizona is on the next tier down from being a true-blue blood, but it's certainly a great job.
Would Wright have been a good fit at Kentucky? You really need someone who will embrace the pressure that comes with those expectations. Wright got weary of the grind at Villanova, where he was a made man... Plus, when he was coaching, Cal's shine was still pretty bright. It has worn off rapidly the past few years.
While still being able to go out and recruit sometimes ...
