His successful track record, recruiting prowess and attractive style of play can also only boost his chances.
Keatts is going to NCState. Buzz is not leaving VT.
I will mention it again, I may not be looking for a name, but a style that I would like to see. Namely up tempo, pressing and aggressive. My knowledge of some the coaches that have been mentioned is not comprehensive. I lay no claim to ultimate knowledge of the possible candidates, this is why I come here and read the posts, for the knowledge, laughs and to be encouraged and I am encouraged that we have the right AD to move this program forward.
I get it, coaches come to the Big Ten thinking they can play up tempo only to find out they have to be able to win those mid forties to high sixty point games. But for the love of Loyola Mary Mount no Bruce Weber 38 - 33 snooze-a-thon loses. I just would like to see an offense capable of putting up some points. I also love the hard nose pressing defense. And toughness, too.Will this style of play be successful in the B1G?
I still struggle to see why Whitman would view a guy with 2-3 years of head coaching experience with zero ties to Chicago from a small conference as a top candidate for the job. I might be wrong, but it just doesn't scream "Whitman" if he hires Keatts.
I'm more of a Rivendell person.
The guy has made two hires here. Nothing screams "Whitman" because the sample size is too small.
Of guys we've seen mentioned who are at least possible candidates:
1. Gregg Marshall
2. Tony Bennett
3. Archie Miller
4. Buzz Williams
5. Fred Hoiberg
6. Kevin Keatts
7. Cuonzo Martin
8. Larry Krystkowiak
9. Steve Prohm
10. Eric Musselman
I think Buzz is a guy who has been overlooked as a really good coach. I'd love Frank Martin if we couldn't get one of these top 3. I just don't think he's an "Illinois guy". If the best we can do is someone like Dan Muller or Kermit Davis just keep John Groce. I don't know how they'd do here, but it's not worth the gamble. Sit out a year and roll the dice after next season when Groce goes 8-10 again.
Yeah, because after 1 incredibly opportunistic hire of a former NFL coach and 1 hire who was an assistant at a top program we all obviously know what a "Whitman hire" is.
Kevin Keatts' stock rises further after UNC Wilmington claims NCAA bid
Obvious choice for NC State, but would he prefer Illinois if offered?
Tomorrow should be quiet.
I still struggle to see why Whitman would view a guy with 2-3 years of head coaching experience with zero ties to Chicago from a small conference as a top candidate for the job. I might be wrong, but it just doesn't scream "Whitman" if he hires Keatts.
So Monday will be the day?
IMO Saturday or Monday unless they wait until they're knocked out of the NIT.
I haven't heard his name mentioned for any coaching job but my sources tell me John Scheyer is ready. With the success of the Duke coaching tree, it might be smart to get this guy before he becomes a hot commodity. He's an Illinois guy who could recruit nationally also. Has anyone heard his name mentioned for any job?
The guy has made two hires here. Nothing screams "Whitman" because the sample size is too small.