My, how the mighty have fallen...

Steve19 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 04:46 AM

I wanted to start a discussion and see what you guys think outside of the specific coach-search threads.

Anyone else impressed by the reality shock the high and mighty (and once high and mighty) of college basketball are getting looking for coaches? Kentucky gets dissed by a number of guys. TSUN looks to be shopping well below their aspirations.

Why do top name schools appear to be having so much difficulty in general?

NFBuck · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 04:53 AM

One of the big things IMO is that there just aren't many coaches who stay put for long periods of time anymore. Who aside from Coach K is left? Kentucky may not seem as attractive as it once did because of the sky high expectations they have in Lexington. With parity in CBB, and so few big time players staying more than 2 years, it's just really difficult to build a dynasty like there were prior to about 10 years ago. Unless you are a tireless recruiter (like Matta), it's just getting harder to have sustained success anymore.

Kueller · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve19

Anyone else impressed by the reality shock the high and mighty (and once high and mighty) of college basketball are getting looking for coaches? Kentucky gets dissed by a number of guys. TSUN looks to be shopping well below their aspirations.

Why do top name schools appear to be having so much difficulty in general?

TSUN reminds me a lot of myself going car shopping. I'd really like a Ferrari or Porsche, but my budget says I should stick with a Mazda or Toyota. The Michigan name, and old school boosters may feel entitled to a big name coach, but they're not offering top dollar for one, I can't blame them, I was at the tsun OSU game where they were playing for a tourney bid and the place was only 2/3 full, you don't pay outrageous amounts for a coach if you can't even fill the stadium for your biggest rival.

Kentucky is a bit more interesting as they are offering top dollar, and I think someone who is willing to work hard to earn their money could be successful there.

Finally, while the top players only stay a year or two, overall there are much better players available now thanks to AAU ball vs 10 years ago, so with good recruiting you can build a successful young team because the frosh coming in now are far more experienced than those of 10 years ago. I think talent is becoming more important relative to experience than before, so you don't necessarily have to have a great player for 4 years to win a championship, 1 or 2 might be plenty.

osugrad21 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 05:46 AM

I don't believe a public word of these searches...with the fickle nature of recruiting, the internet info age, and the constant game of leverage with these coaches, the true game is behind the scenes.

When Coop and Obie were dismissed, it seemed as if every high profile coach in America was denying any interest in tOSU. However, there were good things going on that we did not hear about until the contract was being drawn up and slapped on the desk.

Don't buy the hype...or lack of hype.

DaytonBuck · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 06:12 AM

I think among the BCS schools the ones with resources, info structure, and money are all about equal with the right coach. UK has the history but at this point in time for the right coach I don't think it's any better job than Ohio State. We can pay a coach as well as UK, have the facilities, and an athletic department committed to winning. Ohio State can get top level recruits with the right coach. We don't have the built in recruiting advantages of a UK but as long as you're not a second tier Big East coach this is a job that can give you all the prominence and prestige of a UK without dealing a fanatical fanbase.

coastalbuck · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 06:54 AM

I'm with Grad on this one. We don't even come close to knowing what is what with these things. Believe me, Tubby to Minny was a hell of a lot more than "well, I tried here, now let me go try there." Believe me, there were some old guard blue fans suggesting strongly he go try somewhere else, very strongly. There is one quality that sets coaches apart from super coaches, recruiting!

Here's where it becomes interesting. There's no set in stone way to do it. And, the same stuff doesn't always work. If you haven't read Rick Majerus' book, find it and read it. I think the title is something like my life on a napkin. He worked with Al Maquire at Marquette for a while. Those two could sell winter gear to a homeless guy in South Beach! You could legitimately question their basketball acumen, but now sales ability. On the other hand, I've had the pleasure of listening to Coach K and Roy Williams at clinics in the past. Believe me, you cannot question either ones basketball knowledge. However, I don't think either one could sell shoes to a barefoot man. They get the players because of where they're at and what past performances have shown they can accomplish. Ok, I'm the AD. What do I look for. ? Used car salesman, or basketball blueblood. It's not as black and white as that obviously but in a nut shell that is the question.
Toss in all the behind the scenes stuff and that is what makes it interesting.