The Supreme Court would surely overturn Larry Bird.
The Illinois Coaching Search
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The Supreme Court would surely overturn Larry Bird.
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
My point was Cuonzo is a safe hire that in the long run doesn't elevate the program or get us back to the desired success we are wanting. That's just my opinion. So yeah. I'd rather go upside on Keatts.
The group think about not caring if someone can win outside their conference is interesting. What matters more, winning the Big Ten regular season or going to the Final Four? Beating the teams you're not supposed to beat matters. If you want to set your criteria at whoever wins in their conference that's definitely your prerogative, but in my opinion there's more to it than that.
He has won tremendously in both his stops. Has an overall record of 50-19, great in conference records. Two trips to Ncaas in two years at VCU. Is bringing in a top 25 class next year in his second year (Mayan Kiir included). Only 34, seems like an up and comer. Has arguably done better than Keatts the last two years in a much tougher conference.
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mattcoldagelli
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As in he hates things like dealing with the press, gladhanding, leaving Indiana, etc
TownieMatt
CU Expat
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Will Wade hasn't shown me enough. Two decent years at Chattanooga, then he's kept a solid VCU program about where it was for two seasons. Am I missing something there?
Groce has had a lot of upside in the past as well. That's the problem with high risk high reward type candidates. Someone in the carousel thread talked about it in terms of probability. It is a relative certainty that Cuonzo will improve the program. It may not be to the level most want (multiple E8 some F4 etc) but he is highly likely to be able to be top 6 in the B1G and a staple in the NCAA tourney.
Keatts makes me more nervous about the future of the program than any of the names talked about the most. He may be amazing but you just don't know yet. If he was in his 5th year with the trajectory he is one it would be much better. Or if he was in a better conference... I don't think you can call the CAA mid-major.
My argument was more about Wade being a more proven candidate on paper than Keatts. The obvious question is whether his record at VCU is more about Shaka than himself. But he has recruited very well there. Keep in mind several of he great Shaka's teams rode the bubble to just barely into the tournament as well. The point being if we miss on the proven commodities I feel Wade feels like less of a risk than Keatts. Wins at a similar clip in a tougher conference, has won a game in the NCAAT
It's not what matters more, it's what is more predictive of the future.
The intensively scouted grind, road atmospheres, and larger sample size of conference play is the biggest test.
It doesn't mean you ignore the other stuff by any means. Claiming those big scalps matters. But you view it in the broader context.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
I don't think you know what "groupthink" means.
Young guy, good recruiter, winning in two places, playing an intriguing style.
We could do worse. I'd put him around that Cuonzo level. Keatts and Musselman would be higher on my list though.
Yeah I do. But I knew I'd get that type of remark from you.
:thumb:
I agree that it definitely matters, but don't you think there is more to it (i.e. recruiting in the Midwest, sustained success longer than one recruiting class). I'm not going to be mad if Keatts is the guy, but it's a risky hire to me.
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The only local media that Tom Crean is at the top of is in B'town and they want his scalp. Get real.
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Falcon Crestish
Oh there's risk there for sure. But there's risk for anybody.
This idea of Cuonzo being "high floor" may be so, but if that floor is a bunch of frustrating NIT appearances, that's death anyway. That's no better in any meaningful way than Keatts turning into Todd Lickliter.
And I think Illinois Cuonzo just being Tennessee Cuonzo is a vastly likelier outcome than Keatts being a Lickliter.
Virginia was such a tough draw for them. That'll be a great game, elite offense versus elite defense.
I posted a tongue in cheek post earlier about former players. Eddie Johnson is really interested in the job. there was a nice article about him a while back. I believe he wanted it before Groce was hired.
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Not HC material. Possibly Asst. capable but I'd rather see Deon Thomas or Roger Powell sitting alongside the right head coach.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
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I suppose, but he wouldn't be high on my list. Especially given that Shaka has struggled so far at Texas.
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What about Bob McKillop, HC at Davidson? Solid. Respected. Wins.
....NO
I've already said it but I'll lay it out again. Groce before IL does not in any way equal what Keatts has done. Groce took a mediocre/okay program and KEPT it there. Besides the "caught lightning" sweet 16 run at the end, the conference record and overall body of work at Ohio was consistent with the coach preceding him. The conference records should have been a huge red flag.
Keatts on the other hand was handed the keys to a veritable dumpster fire and now they have won their conference twice in a row and are a 12 seed and the upset du jour for this tourney.
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
I'm with you on Musselman. I remember you posting about him a while ago and have been reading up. I'd be good with him.
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