Ping: Missouri fans -- it's Mike Anderson

kcchief19 · 03-21-2006, 01:37 PM

This story broke over the weekend, but it appears to have legs.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/14127756.htm

The rumors are hot over who the booster(s) is/are (Laurie and Kroenke are the obvious choices), but rumors persist that Jon Sunvold is advocating for Huggins too. Add Charlie Spoonhour talking nice about him in St. Louis, and you have a groundswell. Rumors -- again that word -- say Huggins will be on campus this week.

How would you feel about this? The criteria I hear most frequently from people about who they want to see as the next coach are a current head coach, clean image, ability to rouse the fan base. There have been plenty of candidates bandied about that fit all three of those, and Huggins certainly technically fits two (I'll count him as a current coach), but do you think we can/should take a chance with Huggins and his troubled past?

I'm torn. I don't really like Huggins. I think he's obnoxious. I don't really care for the characters he recruits -- he scooped up alleged rapist Robert Whalley after Quin was ordered to drop him. But I like his record. I think he could do more at Missouri than he did at Cincinnati, what with a great building, great facilities, great boosters and great fans. I think Huggins and Missouri is a guaranteed ticket to the Final Four at some point in the future and a perrennial top 25 team.

But is it worth it? Does anyone have a decided opinion one way or another? Can someone make a convincing case for Huggins?

In other news, apparently sources close to the program have confirmed that Dana Altman was on campus the other day. Not sure that's going to go anywhere, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Altman had limited success at K-State, and I'm not sure if he's just a pretty good coach who has carved out a niche at Creighton or if he's learned a lot since his K-State days and is ready for another shot at the big time.

st.cronin · 03-21-2006, 01:42 PM

I don't think Huggins was that dirty. He recruited some odd guys, but for the most part didn't they behave well in his program? Did he break any recruiting rules? I always thought it was just that he was willing to take a chance on somebody that other coaches were afraid of, and most of the time, he was able to make it work.

The bigger concern for me would be his drinking.

davidlando1 · 03-21-2006, 02:01 PM

There's a thread somewhere in here when Snyder resigned, where I called this.. ::: pats self on back::::

cougarfreak · 03-21-2006, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by st.cronin

I don't think Huggins was that dirty. He recruited some odd guys, but for the most part didn't they behave well in his program?

The bigger concern for me would be his drinking.

Players recently have behaved OK, nothing spectacular, players a few years ago acted like complete morons. Huggins is headed down the Eddie Sutton school of drinking IMO, LOTS of rumors about serious problems with alcohol.

JPhillips · 03-21-2006, 02:07 PM

Several Cincy players had run-ins with the law. The most notable, of course, was Art Long punching a police horse, but there have been numerous others. He also has a terrible graduation rate.

I think the bigger worry with Huggins is his alcoholism. I have never heard him really own up to having a drinking problem. It was well known around Cincy that Huggins drank a lot and his DUI made it all public. If I were looking at hiring him I would be worried that his obstinance hasn't allowed him to get past his drinking problem.

But, if all you care about are wins, he'll get those in bunches. Its not hard to see why the alumni would back him.

MizzouRah · 03-21-2006, 02:09 PM

I honestly don't see what all the uproar about Huggins... look what he did at Cincinnati.

scooper · 03-21-2006, 02:22 PM

When he was in high school, my brother lost his hat in a drinking contest with Huggins at a friend's party. I don't remember what kind of hat it was. I wonder if Huggins ever wore it.

panerd · 03-21-2006, 02:34 PM

I think every one of my friends has a DUI except me. While I would hardly say they are nominees for the Baptist hall of fame, I would say only one of them has what I would consider to be a drinking problem. If there is other information I am not aware of then maybe Huggins has a problem. But if we are basing this on DUI's then I hardly would say this is a major issue.

With that said... the question really comes down to how bad Mizzou wants to win. If a player like Hansborough has offers between Mizzou and UNC or Jadadi White between Mizzou and Georgetown or Carawell between Mizzou and Duke it is pretty obvious where they are going to go. We all love Mizzou, but let's not kid ourselves. The question becomes whether we want to take risks on the kids like Clemons and Whaley. This has obviosuly blown up in our faces recently, but O'Liney and Atkins are some names that spring to mind who weren't exactly division I acedemically. If we are happy competing for just a NCAA tournament slot (with our kids being put on CBS as a bubble team) than I say no to Huggins. If we actually want to become a force in college basketball then we have to be willing to accept some players who might have the talent to play at an elite school, but some baggage that prevents that from happening. I am not sure where I stand on this to be quite honest. But at least I am being realistic. Is our ultimate goal to be UNLV or Duke? One of those will never happen.

scooper · 03-21-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panerd

I think every one of my friends has a DUI except me. While I would hardly say they are nominees for the Baptist hall of fame, I would say only one of them has what I would consider to be a drinking problem. If there is other information I am not aware of then maybe Huggins has a problem. But if we are basing this on DUI's then I hardly would say this is a major issue.

It's not based on the one DUI. It was brewing for awhile. The DUI just brought it out to the public. I'm serious about his beating my brother as a high schooler in a drinking contest. Oh, my brother(now upper 20's) has a drinking problem as well. Go figure.

Swaggs · 03-21-2006, 02:45 PM

Realistically, I think Huggins is a good, short-term solution. He is no youngster and will not be at his next school for, probably, more than 5-10 seasons. He is charismatic with the boosters and is one of the best 10 or 20 best college recruiters/coaches available (both employed and unemployed).

Strangely, I think he would be a good "safe" choice for Mizzou. I could see him building the program back up by making them winners and making their head coaching job one of the better positions available by the time he leaves.

panerd · 03-21-2006, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooper

It's not based on the one DUI. It was brewing for awhile. The DUI just brought it out to the public. I'm serious about his beating my brother as a high schooler in a drinking contest. Oh, my brother(now upper 20's) has a drinking problem as well. Go figure.

I guess I consider a drinking problem to be him showing up at games half loaded or driving to recruits houses with a 12 pack in his passenger seat. I could care less what the guy does on his own time. The last year or two I hated Quin the coach with a passion but I still never thought his supposed personal issues had anything to do with his job. If he actually knew how to coach the players on how to run an offense or make free throws his then he could have slept with every player's girlfriend (Matt Lawrence's might have been a bit too young) and did coke sitting on one of the columns for all I care. If Huggins can coach bring him in. (I felt the same way about Larry Eustachy and sort of feel sorry for Eddie Sutton. Wha will their legacies be? Why?)

scooper · 03-21-2006, 02:50 PM

Quote:

I guess I consider a drinking problem to be him showing up at games half loaded or driving to recruits houses with a 12 pack in his passenger seat.

I don't know what was in his seat, but he was coming from dinner with a recruit and his family when he got the DUI. And he wasn't just legally drunk. The police video was shown a lot around here. He was barely able to walk or speak.

Quote:

If he actually knew how to coach the players on how to run an offense or make free throws his then he could have slept with every player's girlfriend (Matt Lawrence's might have been a bit too young) and did coke sitting on one of the columns for all I care.

Huggins is a great recruiter. And an even better motivator. His teams play hard and play great defense. But if you're looking for a guy to set up offenses, he is nowhere near the guy you are looking for. His cincy teams scored via turnovers and muscle. They always had issues with half court offenses.

Blade6119 · 03-21-2006, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panerd

(Matt Lawrence's might have been a bit too young)

Wow, care to elaborate on that? Did it happen? Matt and i were friends all through pre-school through middle school together. If the coach hit up his gf, im going to have to ridicule him over it

Gary Gorski · 03-21-2006, 03:35 PM

If Mizzou wants to lose first round tournament games to teams with far less talent then Huggins is the man for the job. Huggins got the Bearcats to the big dance with a high seed because they played in a weak conference yet they never made it out of the first weekend. Nobody was an easier upset pick in the brackets than Cincy so if that's what you Mizzou fans want then good luck to you.

panerd · 03-21-2006, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade6119

Wow, care to elaborate on that? Did it happen? Matt and i were friends all through pre-school through middle school together. If the coach hit up his gf, im going to have to ridicule him over it

Probably a problem with wording on my part. I believe the rumor was that Quin slept with Klieza's girlfriend and that is part of the reason he left for the NBA. (Ignoring other obvious reasons, $$$) I was saying in my post that I don't care who he sleeps with if he wins games, the Lawrence comment was that a freshman's girlfriend may be a bit too young. Just a stupid comment by me that means nothing. Don't read any more into it than that.

panerd · 03-21-2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Gorski

If Mizzou wants to lose first round tournament games to teams with far less talent then Huggins is the man for the job. Huggins got the Bearcats to the big dance with a high seed because they played in a weak conference yet they never made it out of the first weekend. Nobody was an easier upset pick in the brackets than Cincy so if that's what you Mizzou fans want then good luck to you.

With the exception of 2002, I don't think we have ever gone as far as our seed is supposed to. We made an elite eight run in '94 but a #1 seed is supposed to technically reach the final four. So it least Huggins might get us back in the tournament, it is hard to be upset in the first weekend when you aren't even playing basketball.

st.cronin · 03-21-2006, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Gorski

If Mizzou wants to lose first round tournament games to teams with far less talent then Huggins is the man for the job. Huggins got the Bearcats to the big dance with a high seed because they played in a weak conference yet they never made it out of the first weekend. Nobody was an easier upset pick in the brackets than Cincy so if that's what you Mizzou fans want then good luck to you.

Is that true? I thought I remembered them making the final four once.

kcchief19 · 03-21-2006, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panerd

Probably a problem with wording on my part. I believe the rumor was that Quin slept with Klieza's girlfriend and that is part of the reason he left for the NBA. (Ignoring other obvious reasons, $$$) I was saying in my post that I don't care who he sleeps with if he wins games, the Lawrence comment was that a freshman's girlfriend may be a bit too young. Just a stupid comment by me that means nothing. Don't read any more into it than that.

I don't know how much credence I put into those rumors. Quin's rumored to have nailed every one in the state at one point or another, so I think some of them are just good gossip. The rumor with the most traction is that he was dating Paige Laurie, which if it were true then I think some reputable media source would have finally confirmed it and reported it.

Chubby · 03-21-2006, 04:35 PM

st cronin - they did.

In response to the thread title, I kinda doubt Bob Huggins reads this forum. There's really no need to ping him.

Blade6119 · 03-21-2006, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panerd

Probably a problem with wording on my part. I believe the rumor was that Quin slept with Klieza's girlfriend and that is part of the reason he left for the NBA. (Ignoring other obvious reasons, $$$) I was saying in my post that I don't care who he sleeps with if he wins games, the Lawrence comment was that a freshman's girlfriend may be a bit too young. Just a stupid comment by me that means nothing. Don't read any more into it than that.

Screw it, im still going to ridicule him over it. I always like having good material on my mizzou athlete friends. Now i just have to think of some for Van Alexander and Chase Daniel

MizzouRah · 03-21-2006, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Gorski

If Mizzou wants to lose first round tournament games to teams with far less talent then Huggins is the man for the job. Huggins got the Bearcats to the big dance with a high seed because they played in a weak conference yet they never made it out of the first weekend. Nobody was an easier upset pick in the brackets than Cincy so if that's what you Mizzou fans want then good luck to you.

You mean we'd have 20+ win seasons again and a spot in the NCAA tournament? I'm all for it!!

Everytime I saw Cincy on TV, they always had one hell of a team, I'd take that in a heartbeat.

primelord · 03-21-2006, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

You mean we'd have 20+ win seasons again and a spot in the NCAA tournament? I'm all for it!!

Everytime I saw Cincy on TV, they always had one hell of a team, I'd take that in a heartbeat.

I can't believe you feel this way. You must not remember how frustrating the Norm Stewart days were. Between 86-99 Mizzou made the tourney 10 times. 10 out of 14 years isn't too shabby. They managed to go out in the first round 6 out of theose 10 times! 8 out of 10 times they were gone by the 2nd round. They made on elite 8 in that stretch.

Norm teams were always solid ball clubs. They always contended in the Big 8/12, but year after year of disappointment in the tournament got to be too much. I am not saying Huggins would be that way, but if that is the best he can do for MIzzou I would prefer they kept looking.

MizzouRah · 03-21-2006, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primelord

I can't believe you feel this way. You must not remember how frustrating the Norm Stewart days were. Between 86-99 Mizzou made the tourney 10 times. 10 out of 14 years isn't too shabby. They managed to go out in the first round 6 out of theose 10 times! 8 out of 10 times they were gone by the 2nd round. They made on elite 8 in that stretch.

Norm teams were always solid ball clubs. They always contended in the Big 8/12, but year after year of disappointment in the tournament got to be too much. I am not saying Huggins would be that way, but if that is the best he can do for MIzzou I would prefer they kept looking.

Are you kidding me? I guess I should hate LaRussa because we haven't won a World Series yet?

We should go to the dance every year, from there of course I'd like to win, but the competition is stiff.. but sitting at home doing nothing while March Madness is going on sucks BIG TIME!

Galaxy · 03-21-2006, 08:52 PM

Who are the boosters you mention?

Blade6119 · 03-21-2006, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primelord

I can't believe you feel this way. You must not remember how frustrating the Norm Stewart days were. Between 86-99 Mizzou made the tourney 10 times. 10 out of 14 years isn't too shabby. They managed to go out in the first round 6 out of theose 10 times! 8 out of 10 times they were gone by the 2nd round. They made on elite 8 in that stretch.

Norm teams were always solid ball clubs. They always contended in the Big 8/12, but year after year of disappointment in the tournament got to be too much. I am not saying Huggins would be that way, but if that is the best he can do for MIzzou I would prefer they kept looking.

Baby steps primelord...we need to work on just getting back into the dance every year, preferably with a high seed, before we start demanding titles and final fours. If huggins comes in for a short period of time(as has been suggested) and turns the ship around i think he is wonderful. We are not going to the final four in the next few years, ive come to terms with that. Right now we need to work on just becoming a perrenial tourney team again. Right now were not, so dont overshoot panerd.

Blade6119 · 03-21-2006, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Who are the boosters you mention?

The Walmart family for one

primelord · 03-21-2006, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade6119

Baby steps primelord...we need to work on just getting back into the dance every year, preferably with a high seed, before we start demanding titles and final fours. If huggins comes in for a short period of time(as has been suggested) and turns the ship around i think he is wonderful. We are not going to the final four in the next few years, ive come to terms with that. Right now we need to work on just becoming a perrenial tourney team again. Right now were not, so dont overshoot panerd.

I can be on board with that if that is the actual plan. The problem is when you start winning 18 games a year and making the tourney on a fairly consistent basis people want to keep you around. There is always that promise that next year will finally be the year. Some coaches spend their entire careers in that range a la Norm.

I honestly don't know that much about Huggins. From what I am hearing he is a guy that can give us a quick boost, but probably can't take us all the way. If that is the case and he is a short term answer then that is cool. If we get another long term stretch of first round exists though I will be seriously bummed.

sooner333 · 03-21-2006, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primelord

I can be on board with that if that is the actual plan. The problem is when you start winning 18 games a year and making the tourney on a fairly consistent basis people want to keep you around. There is always that promise that next year will finally be the year. Some coaches spend their entire careers in that range a la Norm.

While We've been to a Final Four at least...welcome to the world of the University of Oklahoma and head coach Kelvin Sampson. Pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Blade6119 · 03-21-2006, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sooner333

While We've been to a Final Four at least...welcome to the world of the University of Oklahoma and head coach Kelvin Sampson. Pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Isnt sampson out now? I know he wanted the Arizona State job and they didnt want him with his violations...i cant imagine hes at OU for long after saying he wanted another job

sooner333 · 03-21-2006, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade6119

Isnt sampson out now? I know he wanted the Arizona State job and they didnt want him with his violations...i cant imagine hes at OU for long after saying he wanted another job

He was on Rome and said that he wanted to retire at OU (well, I don't believe that, but it was in response to the ASU job, so it didn't sound like he wanted that one at least). He also said he had a great AD here, which is true. He's improved the facilities tremedously while he's been here and has a son as a walk-on, so it would be tough to leave.

However, the violations have a hearing in April as the NCAA didn't necessarily accept the in-house punishments. However, I doubt we'll see a postseason ban or a huge reduction in scholarships as the only violation was excessive phone calls.

Wolfpack · 03-21-2006, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sooner333

While We've been to a Final Four at least...welcome to the world of the University of Oklahoma and head coach Kelvin Sampson. Pretty much hit the nail on the head.

We don't even have that Final Four to hang our hat on, but welcome to Herb Sendek's tenth year at NC State.... 18-22 wins? Check. Whipped routinely by the in-state rivals? Check. Doing just enough to get by every...single...year.... Big fat check.

Blade6119 · 03-21-2006, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

We don't even have that Final Four to hang our hat on, but welcome to Herb Sendek's tenth year at NC State.... 18-22 wins? Check. Whipped routinely by the in-state rivals? Check. Doing just enough to get by every...single...year.... Big fat check.

Watch your team stumble to mizzou's new level, of it being a great year if we make the tournament, and those 18-22 wins seasons seem a blessing...oh how i miss 5 years ago when we were an actual team

Swaggs · 03-21-2006, 11:12 PM

I was just reading in TSN that Huggins took Cincy to the NCAAs every year from 1991-2005. That is pretty impressive. It would be interesting to see what he could do at a school with much better resources.

primelord · 03-22-2006, 12:41 AM

There is a story on ESPN right now that Steve Alford may be on campus tomorrow night. That I would be all for.

Blade6119 · 03-22-2006, 01:11 AM

Maybe im the only one, but i think altman(if hes the creighton guy) is not the right choice. He a small school huggins by the sound of things. Always has a good team, never takes them to the next level it seems to me. What do i know though

Scarecrow · 03-22-2006, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Gorski

If Mizzou wants to lose first round tournament games to teams with far less talent then Huggins is the man for the job...

Well, then they'd be as good as KU!!!!

(Paging SI in 3,2,1...)

WSUCougar · 03-22-2006, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primelord

There is a story on ESPN right now that Steve Alford may be on campus tomorrow night. That I would be all for.

Yup, heard this morning that (a) Mizzou has recieved permission from Iowa to talk to Alford, and (b) neither Huggins or Majerus will be interviewed after all.

MizzouRah · 03-22-2006, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSUCougar

Yup, heard this morning that (a) Mizzou has recieved permission from Iowa to talk to Alford, and (b) neither Huggins or Majerus will be interviewed after all.

Yep, me too. Would LOVE to see Alford coaching here.

Blade6119 · 03-22-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Yep, me too. Would LOVE to see Alford coaching here.

How is he better then huggins? Iowa is always good, and never more...unless im missing something...

kcchief19 · 03-22-2006, 10:11 AM

Cougar broke the news ... Jon Sunvold has said that Huggins and Majerus are both no longer under consideration for the job and he is not happy about it. Mike Alden apparently spoke with both of them and decided that neither were a good fit for Missouri given the sketchy elements of their pasts. Sunvold went over Alden's head to chancellor Brady Deaton to appeal for the chance to bring them in for an interview, but Sunvold said Deaton "wasn't comfortable" with Huggins or Majerus.

Interesting quote from Sunvold: “I respect Brady Deaton’s opinion. I wish they would have told us this four weeks ago. I went into this with an open mind and took a look at two guys that I might not have considered at first. But you look into the depths of two guys. I thought they would be two candidates that should be interviewed. That’s not going to happen.”

The Sampson rumor has been prevalent, in part because when Snyder stepped down Sampson did a radio interview here in KC where he said Missouri was the third best job in the Big XII behind Kansas and Texas because of the facilities and support. Most people viewed that as either a) code that he was interested in the job or b) a swipe at OU to pour some more money into basketball. I don't think there is any doubt Kelvin feels unappreciated at OU, and I've always like him as a coach -- I'd love to see him at Missouri.

But if Huggins and Majerus are too questionable, then you have to assume that Sampson and Calipari are out too. Sources at Iowa and Andy Katz say Alford will be interviewed today. The other candidates rumored to be at the top of the list are Beilein and Pitt's Jamie Dixon. There is apparently also interest in LSU's John Brady and UAB's Mike Anderson in addition to Altman.

kcchief19 · 03-22-2006, 10:20 AM

I'm not sure I would say I love the idea of Alford. First, in addition to being a Tigers fan, I'm a Missouri State Bears fan, and the way Alford left there left some bitter feelings. He had said he was then Southwest Missouri State for the forseeable future, telling people he'd only leave for the Indiana job. Then like a thief in the night he bolts for Iowa after getting to the Sweet 16.

To a certain degree, I feel like he's only considering Missouri now that the Indiana door looks to be closed for ever. I'm not necessarily worried about Alford using Missouri as a stepping stone back to Indiana or another job, but I'm just not sure his heart is in it.

This has also been his best year at Iowa and he lost to both Iowa State and Northern Iowa before blowing chunks against Northwestern State. I think he succeeded this year in a somewhat watered down Big 10. I just don't think he's the "magic guy."

At this point, my top choice would still be Beilein, much to Swaggs chagrin.

WSUCougar · 03-22-2006, 10:57 AM

I haven't been following the Indiana situation very closely - why is Alford not replacing Davis?

kcchief19 · 03-22-2006, 11:19 AM

I'm curious too ... is it the fact that he went to Iowa, the fact that he's a tie to the past (Knight) or the fact that he didn't set the world on fire at Iowa? All good reasons, but the answer could be revealing. Why would Missouri want a coach that Indiana doesn't want?

panerd · 03-22-2006, 11:26 AM

Do we really want to hire somebody who didn't even have us as their first choice? I believe this philosophy not only aplies to sports but also the real world. When Quin was hot the question was always whether he would bolt to Washington (or in our deluded minds at the time, Duke). I don't know if what I am reading about Belein or Calapari is actually true, but if so than both of them seem willing to leave very solid jobs to come to a dream job of sorts. Think about them leaving the Big East/top 15 or the #3 team in the country to come here. That has to put them in good with the fans and players right away. If Alford was hired I would always be wondering how long until he jumps on a better job?

panerd · 03-22-2006, 11:30 AM

Dola:

What always amazes me about this board is that I can have 100 times the conversation with only about 10 people (including KU fans) where over on Tigerboard with 1000's of fans I never read anything productive. I think Nick blew it over there when he made the logos defining what school you were from and gave the KU and NU fans pretty much free reign. There isn't much quality discourse over there any more.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 03-22-2006, 12:32 PM

Alford and Turgeon eliminated from consideration.....

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/14160389.htm/

The timing is unbelievable. After a heavy downpour of criticism that they would even consider Alford (who Alden was backing), a news release is quickly created saying he's not a candidate after all. Crazy stuff.

MizzouRah · 03-22-2006, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Alford and Turgeon eliminated from consideration.....

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/14160389.htm/

The timing is unbelievable. After a heavy downpour of criticism that they would even consider Alford (who Alden was backing), a news release is quickly created saying he's not a candidate after all. Crazy stuff.

What in the f is going on over at Mizzou? They seriously need to blow that administration up and fast. I'm almost to the point that if Alden is not gone soon, I'm about done with Missouri sports. Man, I can't stand that pathetic f'n loser.

MIZZOU, blow that f'n administration up, all of it.

Believe me, my second favorite team, NC is not hard on the eyes nor the heart one bit.

Blade6119 · 03-22-2006, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Alford and Turgeon eliminated from consideration.....

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/14160389.htm/

The timing is unbelievable. After a heavy downpour of criticism that they would even consider Alford (who Alden was backing), a news release is quickly created saying he's not a candidate after all. Crazy stuff.

I dont get what they are doing with all of these moves(all of the top canidates are getting turned down it seems), but im glad alford wont get it. He isnt the coach we want, or need for that matter.

MizzouRah · 03-22-2006, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade6119

I dont get what they are doing with all of these moves(all of the top canidates are getting turned down it seems), but im glad alford wont get it. He isnt the coach we want, or need for that matter.

Why are you so set against Alford? The guy can recruit AND coach, period. I'm not sure what's going down in Indiana, but I think Alford would be just fine here at Missouri.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 03-22-2006, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Why are you so set against Alford? The guy can recruit AND coach, period. I'm not sure what's going down in Indiana, but I think Alford would be just fine here at Missouri.

Alford was 52-60 in Big 10 play, has only one NCAA win in 3 trips to the NCAA tourney. In comparison, Quin Snyder had a 52% winning percentage in conference and had 6 wins in 4 visits to the NCAA tourney. Head to head with Quin, Alford was 1-4. Also, Quin had a great graduation rate. Alford finally had a good year for the first time this year and lost in the first round. Not exactly an upgrade from who you fired in the first place.

03-21-2006, 01:42 PM	#2
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	I don't think Huggins was that dirty. He recruited some odd guys, but for the most part didn't they behave well in his program? Did he break any recruiting rules? I always thought it was just that he was willing to take a chance on somebody that other coaches were afraid of, and most of the time, he was able to make it work. The bigger concern for me would be his drinking. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

03-21-2006, 02:07 PM	#5
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	Several Cincy players had run-ins with the law. The most notable, of course, was Art Long punching a police horse, but there have been numerous others. He also has a terrible graduation rate. I think the bigger worry with Huggins is his alcoholism. I have never heard him really own up to having a drinking problem. It was well known around Cincy that Huggins drank a lot and his DUI made it all public. If I were looking at hiring him I would be worried that his obstinance hasn't allowed him to get past his drinking problem. But, if all you care about are wins, he'll get those in bunches. Its not hard to see why the alumni would back him. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

03-21-2006, 02:45 PM	#10
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Realistically, I think Huggins is a good, short-term solution. He is no youngster and will not be at his next school for, probably, more than 5-10 seasons. He is charismatic with the boosters and is one of the best 10 or 20 best college recruiters/coaches available (both employed and unemployed). Strangely, I think he would be a good "safe" choice for Mizzou. I could see him building the program back up by making them winners and making their head coaching job one of the better positions available by the time he leaves. __________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers?

03-21-2006, 03:35 PM	#14
Gary Gorski Wolverine Studios Join Date: Oct 2003	If Mizzou wants to lose first round tournament games to teams with far less talent then Huggins is the man for the job. Huggins got the Bearcats to the big dance with a high seed because they played in a weak conference yet they never made it out of the first weekend. Nobody was an easier upset pick in the brackets than Cincy so if that's what you Mizzou fans want then good luck to you. __________________ Wolverine Studios http://www.wolverinestudios.com

03-21-2006, 11:12 PM	#33
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	I was just reading in TSN that Huggins took Cincy to the NCAAs every year from 1991-2005. That is pretty impressive. It would be interesting to see what he could do at a school with much better resources. __________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers?

03-21-2006, 02:01 PM	#3
davidlando1 Mascot Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sycamore, Il	There's a thread somewhere in here when Snyder resigned, where I called this.. ::: pats self on back:::: Last edited by davidlando1 : 03-21-2006 at 02:01 PM.

03-21-2006, 02:09 PM	#6
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	I honestly don't see what all the uproar about Huggins... look what he did at Cincinnati.

03-21-2006, 02:22 PM	#7
scooper College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cinn City	When he was in high school, my brother lost his hat in a drinking contest with Huggins at a friend's party. I don't remember what kind of hat it was. I wonder if Huggins ever wore it.

03-21-2006, 02:34 PM	#8
panerd Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: St. Louis	I think every one of my friends has a DUI except me. While I would hardly say they are nominees for the Baptist hall of fame, I would say only one of them has what I would consider to be a drinking problem. If there is other information I am not aware of then maybe Huggins has a problem. But if we are basing this on DUI's then I hardly would say this is a major issue. With that said... the question really comes down to how bad Mizzou wants to win. If a player like Hansborough has offers between Mizzou and UNC or Jadadi White between Mizzou and Georgetown or Carawell between Mizzou and Duke it is pretty obvious where they are going to go. We all love Mizzou, but let's not kid ourselves. The question becomes whether we want to take risks on the kids like Clemons and Whaley. This has obviosuly blown up in our faces recently, but O'Liney and Atkins are some names that spring to mind who weren't exactly division I acedemically. If we are happy competing for just a NCAA tournament slot (with our kids being put on CBS as a bubble team) than I say no to Huggins. If we actually want to become a force in college basketball then we have to be willing to accept some players who might have the talent to play at an elite school, but some baggage that prevents that from happening. I am not sure where I stand on this to be quite honest. But at least I am being realistic. Is our ultimate goal to be UNLV or Duke? One of those will never happen.

03-21-2006, 04:35 PM	#19
Chubby Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Syracuse, NY	st cronin - they did. In response to the thread title, I kinda doubt Bob Huggins reads this forum. There's really no need to ping him.

03-21-2006, 08:52 PM	#24
Galaxy Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2005	Who are the boosters you mention?

03-22-2006, 12:41 AM	#34
primelord Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000	There is a story on ESPN right now that Steve Alford may be on campus tomorrow night. That I would be all for.

03-22-2006, 01:11 AM	#35
Blade6119 Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona	Maybe im the only one, but i think altman(if hes the creighton guy) is not the right choice. He a small school huggins by the sound of things. Always has a good team, never takes them to the next level it seems to me. What do i know though __________________ *Underachievement* The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut by the lawnmower. *Despair* It's always darkest just before it goes pitch black. *Demotivation* Sometimes the best solution to morale problems is just to fire all of the unhappy people. http://www.despair.com/viewall.html

03-22-2006, 10:11 AM	#40
kcchief19 Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO	Cougar broke the news ... Jon Sunvold has said that Huggins and Majerus are both no longer under consideration for the job and he is not happy about it. Mike Alden apparently spoke with both of them and decided that neither were a good fit for Missouri given the sketchy elements of their pasts. Sunvold went over Alden's head to chancellor Brady Deaton to appeal for the chance to bring them in for an interview, but Sunvold said Deaton "wasn't comfortable" with Huggins or Majerus. Interesting quote from Sunvold: “I respect Brady Deaton’s opinion. I wish they would have told us this four weeks ago. I went into this with an open mind and took a look at two guys that I might not have considered at first. But you look into the depths of two guys. I thought they would be two candidates that should be interviewed. That’s not going to happen.” The Sampson rumor has been prevalent, in part because when Snyder stepped down Sampson did a radio interview here in KC where he said Missouri was the third best job in the Big XII behind Kansas and Texas because of the facilities and support. Most people viewed that as either a) code that he was interested in the job or b) a swipe at OU to pour some more money into basketball. I don't think there is any doubt Kelvin feels unappreciated at OU, and I've always like him as a coach -- I'd love to see him at Missouri. But if Huggins and Majerus are too questionable, then you have to assume that Sampson and Calipari are out too. Sources at Iowa and Andy Katz say Alford will be interviewed today. The other candidates rumored to be at the top of the list are Beilein and Pitt's Jamie Dixon. There is apparently also interest in LSU's John Brady and UAB's Mike Anderson in addition to Altman. Last edited by kcchief19 : 03-22-2006 at 10:11 AM.

03-22-2006, 10:20 AM	#41
kcchief19 Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO	I'm not sure I would say I love the idea of Alford. First, in addition to being a Tigers fan, I'm a Missouri State Bears fan, and the way Alford left there left some bitter feelings. He had said he was then Southwest Missouri State for the forseeable future, telling people he'd only leave for the Indiana job. Then like a thief in the night he bolts for Iowa after getting to the Sweet 16. To a certain degree, I feel like he's only considering Missouri now that the Indiana door looks to be closed for ever. I'm not necessarily worried about Alford using Missouri as a stepping stone back to Indiana or another job, but I'm just not sure his heart is in it. This has also been his best year at Iowa and he lost to both Iowa State and Northern Iowa before blowing chunks against Northwestern State. I think he succeeded this year in a somewhat watered down Big 10. I just don't think he's the "magic guy." At this point, my top choice would still be Beilein, much to Swaggs chagrin.

03-22-2006, 10:57 AM	#42
WSUCougar Rider Of Rohan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Port Angeles, WA or Helm's Deep	I haven't been following the Indiana situation very closely - why is Alford not replacing Davis? __________________ It's not the years...it's the mileage.

03-22-2006, 11:19 AM	#43
kcchief19 Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO	I'm curious too ... is it the fact that he went to Iowa, the fact that he's a tie to the past (Knight) or the fact that he didn't set the world on fire at Iowa? All good reasons, but the answer could be revealing. Why would Missouri want a coach that Indiana doesn't want?

03-22-2006, 11:26 AM	#44
panerd Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: St. Louis	Do we really want to hire somebody who didn't even have us as their first choice? I believe this philosophy not only aplies to sports but also the real world. When Quin was hot the question was always whether he would bolt to Washington (or in our deluded minds at the time, Duke). I don't know if what I am reading about Belein or Calapari is actually true, but if so than both of them seem willing to leave very solid jobs to come to a dream job of sorts. Think about them leaving the Big East/top 15 or the #3 team in the country to come here. That has to put them in good with the fans and players right away. If Alford was hired I would always be wondering how long until he jumps on a better job?

03-22-2006, 11:30 AM	#45
panerd Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: St. Louis	Dola: What always amazes me about this board is that I can have 100 times the conversation with only about 10 people (including KU fans) where over on Tigerboard with 1000's of fans I never read anything productive. I think Nick blew it over there when he made the logos defining what school you were from and gave the KU and NU fans pretty much free reign. There isn't much quality discourse over there any more.

03-22-2006, 12:32 PM	#46
Mizzou B-ball fan General Manager Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO	Alford and Turgeon eliminated from consideration..... http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/14160389.htm/ The timing is unbelievable. After a heavy downpour of criticism that they would even consider Alford (who Alden was backing), a news release is quickly created saying he's not a candidate after all. Crazy stuff.

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