I'm sure his team reading everywhere on the internet that he's a strong candidate at Illinois, Mizzou and NC State and then Martin issuing a non-denial doesn't help their motivation for an NIT game.
The Illinois Coaching Search
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I'm sure his team reading everywhere on the internet that he's a strong candidate at Illinois, Mizzou and NC State and then Martin issuing a non-denial doesn't help their motivation for an NIT game.
Exactly been saying this for weeks. Don't understand all the people here that have been advocating for him.
kcib8130
- Parts Unknown
Musselman appearing on ESPN2 in a few minutes. I like him as well as anyone out there. Has ties to Kruger. Would that help or hurt us?
Martin is not the absolute best possibility out there, but saying no to him bc of a late season slide and early exit in the tournament would be the same as saying no to Bennett if Virginia lost in the first round this year. You can't use one game or one small subset of games to define a coach
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Additionally, some say they want to play in the NIT, but simply don't show up, due to it not being the real tournament. They were close to making it, the consolation prize is simply not the same.
haasi
- New York
I think you're joking, but to answer your question - I think people would be excited about either in that event. Losing in 1st round obv not great for Bennett, but he has demonstrated postseason success (E8 and S16). The main questions about Keatts are that he hasn't beaten high major competition and hasn't won in tourney - aside from those major questions his resume looks stellar. Beating UVa would be a very good data point for him even if it's only a single game.
bigchief65
- Germany
Just adds to the reasons I would like someone else. Regardless he should still be motivating the team he is being paid to coach.
For the money available, we can get better and deserve better.
haasi
- New York
You can also note that Bennett had a slump year in his third and final year at WSU, then left for UVa. Obviously UVa was right to discount any concerns about his final year given his performance in the first two. So even a full, recent season shouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker when considering a coach.
That said, IMO it's not so much about Cuonzo's late season slide as it is about his overall resume. 2 NCAA appearances in 9 years. This year just hurt his case.
kcib8130
- Parts Unknown
Ludicrous.
Didn't he take over a dumpster fire in Tennessee though? And if I'm not mistaken a fanbase that hated him bc he wasn't Bruce Pearl of all people?
So folks on here think we shouldn't hire Mr. Martin because he lost an NIT game? huh. Totally the appropriate way to judge a coach...one game where your players could give a rats (proven year after year in the NIT)
Anyway, I thought I would share a couple of names I heard from someone I know who works in the athletic department...you ready??? dont laugh...Frank Vogel and Jeff Van Gundy.
I have said it before, but i really think Whitman goes with an ex nba coaching hire. I know those guys probably quickly said know, but the idea he is going for those big names is awesome. we shall see i suppose.
Anyway, I thought I would share a couple of names I heard from someone I know who works in the athletic department...you ready??? dont laugh...Frank Vogel and Jeff Van Gundy.
I have said it before, but i really think Whitman goes with an ex nba coaching hire. I know those guys probably quickly said know, but the idea he is going for those big names is awesome. we shall see i suppose.
robertgoulet
IL Board Resident Crooner
- Austin, TX
He wouldn't be my first choice but could do worse.
If Cuonzo is worst case scenario I can talk myself into it, but as worst case scenario obviously I wouldn't be hoping for it.
Think my list (of obtainables) would go:
Archie
Marshall
Keatts
Drew bros
Bennett
mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
I think it is pretty nuts to be using the NIT as an evaluation in either direction.
JVG is great. Not sure he gives up what is currently a pretty sweet gig.
I wouldn't discount C Martin from a bad loss in the NIT. If you do a historical review you can probably find bad NIT to some very good coaches. Or you can just look at Self and Coach K and some of their bad NCAA losses.
Regardless of the NIT result I was never on the Martin train. It doesn't excite me at all.
I love Frank Vogel as a basketball mind, as well as Jeff VG. Not sure how either would do on the recruiting trail year after year, and I don't think either of them would take the job with the intentions of staying here long term. JMO
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I love Frank Vogel as a basketball mind, as well as Jeff VG. Not sure how either would do on the recruiting trail year after year, and I don't think either of them would take the job with the intentions of staying here long term. JMO
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TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
WRT Martin, performance in the NIT should not affect our evaluation of his coaching ability. The NIT is a glorified (barely) exhibition tournament. Combine that with speculation about his future at Cal, and you have a recipe for a letdown.
The upside with Cuonzo seems pretty clear. In the short term, he would keep the current class together and put you in a great position to land quality talent over the next few years, including Mark Smith and other ESL area kids like E.J. Liddell. He's also shown he can recruit Chicago, and you might even be able to get Charlie Moore.
In the long term, it's much less clear to me how he would do. Is he a great X and O's guy? Evidence suggests he isn't. But paired with a solid group of assistants, he could still be very successful here.
The bottom line on Counzo is that he would be a boost in the short term, and a question mark in the long term. I'd feel better with him at the helm than if we had kept Groce, but there's no doubt that he's below that top level of candidates.
The upside with Cuonzo seems pretty clear. In the short term, he would keep the current class together and put you in a great position to land quality talent over the next few years, including Mark Smith and other ESL area kids like E.J. Liddell. He's also shown he can recruit Chicago, and you might even be able to get Charlie Moore.
In the long term, it's much less clear to me how he would do. Is he a great X and O's guy? Evidence suggests he isn't. But paired with a solid group of assistants, he could still be very successful here.
The bottom line on Counzo is that he would be a boost in the short term, and a question mark in the long term. I'd feel better with him at the helm than if we had kept Groce, but there's no doubt that he's below that top level of candidates.
I was trying to be sarcastic because Bennett would be a grand slam hire. Looking at Martin his coaching is what concerns me the most and that he is too thirsty for this job raises red flags.
Make the below say No and then get Kevin Keatts...
-Miller
-Bennett
-Marshall
-Drew
What Epsilon said about his dark horse (plus half joking) my dark horse: Geno Auriemma. Based basically on an article I glanced at recently. Hey, he has won 11 national championships. Don't slam me, this is based on the criteria already established for dark horse (hopefully). I am not serious (or am I?). Also in the unlikely event that his name has been mentioned, my excuse is I am forever trying to catch up on this list and am usually 10 pages behind
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
Laugh. JVG hasn't coached in almost 10 years and supposedly has turned down NBA job offers to stay on TV. He's the basketball equivalent of Jon Gruden. Vogel has been a successful head coach in the NBA and never coached in college. He's also in year one of a contract with the Magic paying him $5.5 million/year.
Agreed.
That would also exclude Musselman.
I know some say no to Jerrance because of weed, which wasn't even a DUI
People aren't judging Martin on just the NIT game. They're looking at his overall record and the 3-7 implosion at Cal in the last 10 games. The team folded last night - Jabari Bird was injured, but it sounds like Ivan Rabb actually chose to sit out. That's not a good sign.
I think Musselman should be pretty high on the list after Miller and Marshall maybe right after Keatts. This guy is a good coach maybe a little older but what he has done in two years at Nevada are really good. His team won the CBI last year in his first year coaching and got them to the dance in his 2nd year. He has a lot of NBA experience as well which is nice. Not sure on his recruiting skills that might scare me but with good assistants he could work out well maybe keep Walker around to keep Tilmon and Frazier?
Unlike the coaches mentioned, Martin has ever won anything in his coaching career. And he has the talent.
mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
That's fair, and I'm right there with them. But there are people literally saying "Beat by Bakersfield? I'm out now!"
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