The Illinois Coaching Search

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#1,077      
The Pontiff
Jeffcobrad said:
Illinois has had 2 long NCAA runs in 28 years. No big time coach wants to roll the dice that he can get the Illini going. Do I think they can get back to the upper tier ? YES, but it is going to be by a coach that is super hungry that can coach and recruit. It will take a ton of energy.
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This point could be valid but this data point doesn't really support it. Based on long NCAA runs (Final Four appearances) since 1989, Illinois is actually in good company, tied for 16th with two appearances. The top 15 programs account for 70% of all appearances over these 28 years...

Final Fours since 1989
10 - Duke, N. Carolina
8 - Kentucky
7 - Michigan St.
6 - Kansas
5 - Florida, UConn
4 - Michigan, Syracuse, UCLA
3 - Arizona, Arkansas, Louisville, Ohio St., Wisconsin
2 - Butler, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., Villanova, UNLV
1 - Cincinnati, George Mason, Georgetown, LSU, Marquette, Massachusetts, Memphis, Mississippi St., N. Carolina St., Seton Hall, Texas, Utah, VCU, W. Virginia, Wichita St.

Some notable programs with no F4s since 1989...
Florida St.
Gonzaga
Iowa
Notre Dame
Oregon
Purdue
St. Johns
Virginia

Elite 8s would be a better measure over the last 10 years to illustrate this. But even so, I would actual hope that JW sells the program's record of relative futility this last decade as a positive. With all of the positive resources/support now at an Illinois coach's disposal, an accomplished coach could be pretty excited about the potential and high ceiling of the program, which like in the late 90s, early 2000s, was on par with Michigan St. at the top of the B1G.

In some cases, taking over at renowned programs has been problematic as sometimes there's no where to go but down. Matt Doherty had a rough go of it after Guthridge retired and when Tubby took over for Pitino at Kentucky, he was practically vilified after nine straight years of no Final Fours despite having won a NC in his first season. On the other hand, Self has done just fine taking over for Roy Williams, though Roy never did deliver an illusive NC at Kansas during his tenure there, so Self could exceed that track record.
 
#1,078      
Mike
drew306 said:
Deon Thomas throwing his hat in the ring big time on Tay and J...
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Think he'd be an awesome assistant just like Irvin could potentially be an awesome assistant with some boundaries.
 
#1,084      
Mike
coryfor3 said:
My understanding is that situation was not nearly as simple as you make it sound. And I think there is a possibility of him returning sooner than you think.
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Heard rumor this morning that when Dee left it was at least possible he might some day be back. Don't know anything for sure and that's all I'm saying.
 
#1,085      
westvilleillini
FatGreg said:
This is probably accurate. Dee was having some health issues (hip replacement), but his departure was sudden and mysterious. Presumably something happened behind the scenes. Nothing has leaked about the situation, which makes sense when you consider that Dee is an iconic figure in Champaign and still a reference point for hoop heads everywhere. It's in everyone's best interest to keep whatever led to his dismissal/departure under wraps. Hope he lands on his feet. Love that guy.
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Last I saw he was doing sales for a company that priduces branded marketing materials. Nothing can ever change what he meant to the university as a player though. Will probably always be my favorite player.
 
#1,091      
Illinidreamin
I posted this way earlier but how about Larry Bird for an out of the box type coach? Don't know what he is making in Indy, But.... Lovie, Larry.. Who wouldnt want to come to that school and play????
 
#1,092      
mattcoldagelli
Illinidreamin said:
I posted this way earlier but how about Larry Bird for an out of the box type coach? Don't know what he is making in Indy, But.... Lovie, Larry.. Who wouldnt want to come to that school and play????
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I can't imagine a person less constitutionally suited to be a college coach than Larry Bird.
 
#1,094      
Roundball Shaman
Illinidreamin said:
I posted this way earlier but how about Larry Bird for an out of the box type coach?
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Does anybody have an opinion about Jeff Hornacek? Chicago suburban background. Former NBA allstar and coach of the mess in NYC. Phil might leave? Sick of the Rotten Apple? Is Hornacek a big enough GET for the Illini?
 
#1,095      
UofIChE06
ILL in IA said:
I feel like we know where Cuonzo can take Illimois. I'd put Keats over him if we can't get Miller or Marshall.
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So we know where CM can take Ill but have no idea what Keatts can do at a high major and you would rather have Keatts?

I understand people preferring Keatts but you have to recognize there is more risk involved there. Sure he may be the second coming and future HOF coach, but he could also flame out when he is tested at a much higher level.

Miller imo is the only legitimate candidate that I think is sure fire. Even that I could understand being argued against. At the very least you would think Martin would be able to elevate the program a step or two for the next coach.
 
#1,098      
basementcheetos
UofIChE06 said:
So we know where CM can take Ill but have no idea what Keatts can do at a high major and you would rather have Keatts?

I understand people preferring Keatts but you have to recognize there is more risk involved there. Sure he may be the second coming and future HOF coach, but he could also flame out when he is tested at a much higher level.

Miller imo is the only legitimate candidate that I think is sure fire. Even that I could understand being argued against. At the very least you would think Martin would be able to elevate the program a step or two for the next coach.
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Will Wade. If we strike out with Marshall and Miller, Wade looks better than Cuonzo or Keatts.
 
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