Looks like a done deal.
http://www.cbssports.com/college-ba...pected-to-be-named-missouris-next-coach-soon/
http://www.cbssports.com/college-ba...pected-to-be-named-missouris-next-coach-soon/
Things you would do well to prepare yourself for:
-Walker and Tilmon going to Mizzou
-Tony Bennett getting a big raise from UVA
Sucks, but at least they're not in the B10 and at least it's not SLU.-Walker and Tilmon going to Mizzou
I feel like this is most certainly what will happen just based on past Illinois recruiting/coaching searches. Always prepare for the worst.
Things you would do well to prepare yourself for:
-Walker and Tilmon going to Mizzou
-Tony Bennett getting a big raise from UVA
TFWIW, Missouri Rivals says Cuonzo's first hire will be Jamal Walker.
And you are relieved?
I can't believe some of you would question hiring Bennett. It's laughable to the point of insanity. The guy is a first class winner and coaches/develops his players better than most coaches in NCAA basketball. Do we realize how AWFUL it's been watching our team the last 10 years? Do we realize how few NCAA tournaments we've been in the last 10 years?
Things you would do well to prepare yourself for:
-Walker and Tilmon going to Mizzou
-Tony Bennett getting a big raise from UVA
I hope we give all our recruits unconditional releases if they want to explore other options. They should not be punished for buying into what Groce was selling.
You can't spell MizNoz without the letters in Cuonzo Martin's name. Coincidence? I think not!![]()
Does Walker wait to find out who our guy is first if he doesn't already know?
No, rationally assess the most likely options.
I don't think Walker to Mizzou is a fait accompli at this point.
I don't think it's that simple. I think we could block other B1G schools as well as Miznoz if we let him out of his LOI. So - he wouldn't be able to be on scholarship, at least in his first year.
1. I said "a bit"
2. This was always the argument - short-term vs. long-term. Martin would've secured the incoming class and maybe elevated next year's team to tournament-level. The (warranted) concerns about ability to get the most out of talent and get back to consistent B1G title contender would set in over time.
I suspect that after Groce & Whitman's summit meeting w/ Tilmon, joint press conference & desperate push for him to sign...Tilmon stipulated signing was contingent on a clean release from Whitman if Groce was fired.
If he and his family didn't, they aren't very bright. I also expect Whitman will give Tilmon a clean release.
I want a guy who gets too talent, can develop top talent to be elite and can keep us in the top 20 each and every year....With a special run in the tournament mixed in sporadically.
Here's my issue with Bennett. He's a guy who does more with less. He's not the guy who's going to get you back to back to back top 5 recruiting classes. His teams are going to be tough, play defense and aren't going to beat themselves, but they aren't going to beat you just by rolling the ball out on the floor. Keep in mind, Izzo knocked Bennett's best teams out of the tournament twice, as a lower seed.
Conversely, a guy like Martin is going to give you probably more NBA talent, more exciting recruiting, probably a more exciting brand of basketball, BUT, not as disciplined, hard nosed and defense oriented.
They are two completely different styles and neither of them have Final Four pedigree.
SO....If we're talking about throwing around darn near 5M dollars per year, I'd hope we're getting the full package and not a guy who can do more with less or a guy who has more, but has done less.
I want a guy who gets top talent, can develop top talent to be elite and can keep us in the top 20 each and every year....With a special run in the tournament mixed in sporadically.