First off, LOTS of high quality data, analysis and discussion in this thread. Kudos and thanks to everyone providing that. Based on commentary here, games watched this season and generally extrapolation of data seen, there is in my opinion, a solid set of top priorities to follow the rest of this season:
1) Archie Miller: May be unattainable, but if possible, Miller is a hire that would make any P5 team optimistic about their future. This is the "Shaka Smart" priority candidate of this search. May be holding out for a top 10 gig, but the right combination of meshing with AD, substantial salary boost and internal confidence to make more with the current roster and recruit the region just might convince Miller we (again) have consistently top 10 program potential. Put it this way, Brian Gregory parlayed his 8 year Dayton tenure into a Georgia Tech gig. His tenure at Dayton had an average Kenpom rating of 87. Miller's average Kenpom rating is a 51 and has improved Every. Single. Year. At. Dayton. Rating of 36 this year. 100% home run hire and should be feasible with the right AD and proper offer.
2) Larry Krystkowiak: We can't really think that Utah is a destination job, right? Interesting program, certainly has had its moments, but no way a quality Illinois AD with a respectable budget can't convince the coach at Utah to change jobs. Krystkowiak, in his first year took over a program that just moved to the Pac-12 and finished with a Kenpom rating of 303. In his second year, they jumped to #115. His last 3 years, Krystkowiak has averaged a 27 in the Kenpom ratings. If that isn't impressive, not sure what is. The only counterpoint I am aware of is his lack of recruiting in the Midwest. Personally, I would make a strong push for him regardless of that drawback.
3) Kevin Keatts: the up and comer. Undeniably impressive so far in his time at UNCW. Has demonstrated an ability to win with another coach's players and has a strong reputation as a recruiter. Could climb higher on the list, but that whole Louisville hooker situation was... not ideal. Personally I thought that whole thing was gonna blow up into a bigger deal, but nope. Makes me nervous, but the evidence that he is a winner is strong.
Honorable Mention: Fred Hoiberg. If fired by the Bulls, or IF there is some backroom negotiating before he is officially fired, this could be the Lovie 2.0 hire. Whitman has proven an ability to go get this kind of guy and I have to imagine he would be excited by the prospect of running out 2 former professional coaches as the heads of his 2 revenue sports. That said, the timing would have to be there and Hoiberg would have to want to return to college. I am skeptical, but it isn't out of the realm of feasibility.
On the flipside, the list of coaches that were never going to come here but fans keep bringing up is long and lustrous. Donovan, Stevens, Bennett, S. Miller, Buzz, any coach in the B1G, any former coach of Illinois.
Final comment, Cuonzo Martin. Despite the message board push, I am very much not excited about Cuonzo. I keep hearing about the epic class he brought in last year, and I keep hearing how he was in the tourney. He had Tyrone Wallace, Jabari Bird, Jordan Matthews, Ivan Rabb and Jaylen Brown. That is a filthy amount of talent. To lose 11 games and lose in the first round of the tourney? That is very concerning to me.
