NCAA Basketball Offseason Thread: We must protect this house from transfers.

[Young Drachma]

ESPN NCAAM Cuonzo Martin accepts Cal job (http://m.espn.go.com/ncb/story?storyId=10786090&src=desktop&wjb)

California has hired Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin to replace Mike Montgomery, sources told ESPN.

Martin has spent the past three seasons in Knoxville and led the Vols to the NCAA tournament this season. He was previously the coach at Missouri State.
Montgomery retired last month after six season in Berkeley. California was 21-14 this season and will lose seniors Justin Cobbs and Richard Solomon.
Martin went 63-41 in three seasons at Tennessee, including a 24-13 mark and NCAA regional semifinal appearance this season.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[Young Drachma]

I wasn't sure if there was an omnibus offseason thread anywhere, but...figure this is easier since those are daunting.

Anyway, there were lots of murmurs that he'd parlay this good season into a job elsewhere as the fan base was divided about him. Surely Cal must be paying him more? And Pac-12 is nice.

Who does Tennessee get to replace him?

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Who does Tennessee get to replace him?

NOT ACCURATE

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Milwaukee TV stations are reporting Shaka Smart has accepted the Tennessee job</p>&mdash; Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) <a href="https://twitter.com/bubbaprog/statuses/456126185408577536">April 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Young Drachma]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Milwaukee TV stations are reporting Shaka Smart has accepted the Tennessee job</p>&mdash; Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) <a href="https://twitter.com/bubbaprog/statuses/456126185408577536">April 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

No way. He's just joking.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Ah I see that now. Damn twitter.

[JonInMiddleGA]

govols247.com @govols247

That was quick Kingsley Okoroh, who committed to the #Vols this morning, just tweeted his commitment to Cal

[Lathum]

govols247.com @govols247

That was quick Kingsley Okoroh, who committed to the #Vols this morning, just tweeted his commitment to Cal


I thought student athletes chose the school, not the coach. Have I been misled?

[Young Drachma]

I thought student athletes chose the school, not the coach. Have I been misled?

Of course they're going to play for a coach.

[ColtCrazy]

So two wins in the tourney trumps a subpar career at the school? Interesting. Shame the Shaka Smart thing isn't true for UT, it would be a major upgrade. That said, I think if Smart did want to move he would probably end up somewhere a bit more prestigious. IU perhaps… (/wishful thinking)

[Young Drachma]

63-41 is subpar? Ok he's not Bruce Pearl, but Pearl's not walking through that door in any case.

[INDalltheway]

Cuonzo is a Purdue guy, ColtCrazy is an IU guy. It's that simple.

[JonInMiddleGA]

63-41 is subpar? Ok he's not Bruce Pearl, but Pearl's not walking through that door in any case.

And for many, that's really the problem. Even AFTER the run in this year's tourney (and really, a nice run down the stretch), you'd have been hard pressed to find more than half the biggest fans who wouldn't have rather had BP on the bench, warts & all.

Prior to that stretch run, Martin was all but out the door IMO (and in that of plenty of other people, I'm not exactly out on a limb here). That saved him ... for now, but it was still going to be a seat that warmed up quickly at the slightest sign of trouble.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Cuonzo Martin’s departure highlights Tennessee's immense level of dysfunction - Yahoo Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cuonzo-martin-s-departure-highlights-tennessee-s-immense-level-of-dysfunction-203053186.html)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Cuonzo Martin’s departure highlights Tennessee's immense level of dysfunction - Yahoo Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cuonzo-martin-s-departure-highlights-tennessee-s-immense-level-of-dysfunction-203053186.html)

What that article fails to get, seemingly anyhow, is the real difference between Pearl's tenure & Martin's tenure: under Pearl, UT basketball was interesting, it seemed to matter, people cared. Under Martin, save for what felt like an unbelievable run from players who should have produced more during their own stay, hardly anyone gave a flying fuck.

Maybe that's personalities, maybe that's play style, whatever the case, that's the difference the article doesn't seem to grasp.

edit to add: And, just for those who may not remember, I had my own issues with Pearl's teams as well, seemingly some of the lowest basketball I.Q. squads ever assembled.

[Lathum]

Of course they're going to play for a coach.

the internet really needs a sarcasm font.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

What that article fails to get, seemingly anyhow, is the real difference between Pearl's tenure & Martin's tenure: under Pearl, UT basketball was interesting, it seemed to matter, people cared. Under Martin, save for what felt like an unbelievable run from players who should have produced more during their own stay, hardly anyone gave a flying fuck.

Maybe that's personalities, maybe that's play style, whatever the case, that's the difference the article doesn't seem to grasp.

edit to add: And, just for those who may not remember, I had my own issues with Pearl's teams as well, seemingly some of the lowest basketball I.Q. squads ever assembled.

I thought he reflected the lack of interest pretty accurately as you're describing.

Attendance during Pearl’s final three seasons averaged 18,252. Attendance in Martin’s three seasons averaged 16,218, bottoming out at 15,475 fans per home game this year. (A number admittedly skewed downward by the fact that Tennessee did not host Kentucky for the first time in decades – thank you, conference expansion.)

Then there was this plot twist: Before Martin could launch the Volunteers on a surprising run to within an iffy charge call of the Elite Eight, Pearl returned from NCAA exile to get the job at Auburn. Not only was he back, he was back in Martin’s backyard. That only added to the audible fan angst in Knoxville.

So it should not have come as a complete shock that when Tennessee’s NCAA tourney surge ended, Martin’s eyes started to wander.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I thought he reflected the lack of interest pretty accurately as you're describing.

That's the numbers, but it went beyond that somehow. That could be attributed to the rather pedestrian record (remember, this last team was on the bubble right down to the wire), this was ... something more.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

That's the numbers, but it went beyond that somehow. That could be attributed to the rather pedestrian record (remember, this last team was on the bubble right down to the wire), this was ... something more.

I think that was pace of play more than anything. They went from a coach with a hyper aggressive tendency to a guy who plays ball control and looks to keep the scoring low. It's hard for any fan base to adjust to that.

[nol]

Cal is definitely a sleeping giant of a program when you consider how much talent comes out of the Bay Area each year. If someone there can keep those guys from going to Arizona, watch out.

[Logan]

Should we turn this into a general offseason thread?

ATTENTION: WE MAY BE HOURS FROM A MIZZOU COACHING SEARCH!!!!!! Prepare yourself, Internet.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As I reported earlier, Missouri’s Frank Haith is a serious candidate at Tulsa. Here’s a quick story explaining why: <a href="http://t.co/vpnPVaLj9n">http://t.co/vpnPVaLj9n</a></p>&mdash; Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryParrishCBS/statuses/456865381488267264">April 17, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tulsa is in final negotiations to hire Missouri's Frank Haith, barring a last-minute collapse in talks, a source told ESPN.</p>&mdash; Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/statuses/456876208790048768">April 17, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[sterlingice]

Should we turn this into a general offseason thread?

ATTENTION: WE MAY BE HOURS FROM A MIZZOU COACHING SEARCH!!!!!! Prepare yourself, Internet.

As I reported earlier, Missouri’s Frank Haith is a serious candidate at Tulsa. Here’s a quick story explaining why: Mizzou's Frank Haith is negotiating to become Tulsa's next head coach - CBSSports.com (http://t.co/vpnPVaLj9n)
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) April 17, 2014 (https://twitter.com/GaryParrishCBS/statuses/456865381488267264)
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tulsa is in final negotiations to hire Missouri's Frank Haith, barring a last-minute collapse in talks, a source told ESPN.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) April 17, 2014 (https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/statuses/456876208790048768)
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Is the bigger question "why does Tulsa want Frank Haith?" Or "why does Frank Haith have to settle for Tulsa?"

SI

[Marmel]

"why does Frank Haith have to settle for Tulsa?"

SI

Settle? This is a step up! :lol:

[MrBug708]

Will Coach Cal, Sean Miller, or Shaka Smart be the top guy?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Will Coach Cal, Sean Miller, or Shaka Smart be the top guy?

It will be interesting. Mizzou's problem has never been drawing interest from good coaches. The problem since Alden removed Norm has always been getting the donors to back Alden with enough money to make it happen. The money is there, but not all of the donors back Alden's philosophy.

Not surprised that Haith is taking this opportunity. He's already been told that expectations in order for him to remain coach after next year are very high. For Haith, I think this achieves two things. He can go to Tulsa and get some job security and rebuild his resume. Second, he'd be much better positioned to stay in a job that would allow him the ability to go back to Texas whenever Barnes does decide to retire. It's a good move for him because he was in big trouble here. Facebook is lit up with posts thanking Tulsa for hiring him. My personal opinion is that you have to be careful what you wish for when a guy who had a W-L record like Haith did leaves a job. I certainly understand why he's leaving, but hopefully those reasons don't scare away good coaching candidates.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

dola

Local TV reporter here in KC just said that Rick Barnes was 'instrumental' in getting Haith the opportunity to go to Tulsa. Given my previous post, that shouldn't shock anyone.

[mckerney]

Will Coach Cal, Sean Miller, or Shaka Smart be the top guy?

Perfect opportunity for then to bring back Quin Snyder.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Perfect opportunity for then to bring back Quin Snyder.

***shudder***

[panerd]

It will be interesting. Mizzou's problem has never been drawing interest from good coaches. The problem since Alden removed Norm has always been getting the donors to back Alden with enough money to make it happen. The money is there, but not all of the donors back Alden's philosophy.

Not surprised that Haith is taking this opportunity. He's already been told that expectations in order for him to remain coach after next year are very high. For Haith, I think this achieves two things. He can go to Tulsa and get some job security and rebuild his resume. Second, he'd be much better positioned to stay in a job that would allow him the ability to go back to Texas whenever Barnes does decide to retire. It's a good move for him because he was in big trouble here. Facebook is lit up with posts thanking Tulsa for hiring him. My personal opinion is that you have to be careful what you wish for when a guy who had a W-L record like Haith did leaves a job. I certainly understand why he's leaving, but hopefully those reasons don't scare away good coaching candidates.

Come on man. I dont understand why I ever try and argue with the board about you. I still don't think they understand that I just get irritated about bagging on Mizzou but this post is beyond ridiculous. Great coaches want to come here but Alden is the problem? Texas conspiracy? It would be hilarious if he went to Texas but no program is as stupid as Mizzou was in hiring this guy. (Well I guess besides Tulsa)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Come on man. I dont understand why I ever try and argue with the board about you. I still don't think they understand that I just get irritated about bagging on Mizzou but this post is beyond ridiculous. Great coaches want to come here but Alden is the problem? Texas conspiracy? It would be hilarious if he went to Texas but no program is as stupid as Mizzou was in hiring this guy. (Well I guess besides Tulsa)

1. The tension between donors and Alden is well known. It's not even remotely a secret. It's the reason he didn't have the money needed to get a better coach last time.

2. There's no Texas conspiracy. There's little question that Barnes and Haith are extremely good friends and that he'd love to bring in Haith to replace him. I would think that most Mizzou fans are thanking Barnes for getting Haith off their bench. It's obvious he was on a very short leash at Mizzou.

I think it's extremely fortuitous that Mizzou was able to exit this situation in this manner. With that said, we need to land a good option this time because we've got a great class coming in that could all leave if we don't get the right guy.

[cartman]

What an amazing turnaround. Rick Barnes went from clearly being replaced by Buzz Williams to getting to handpick his successor.

[cartman]

The tension between MBBF and Mike Alden is real well known. Check out this gem from over 8 years ago.

You'll hear it in the coming days........

Mike Alden out as AD at the University of Missouri.

Leading candidate for the AD opening? Jon Sundvold (and if he is asked to take the job, he has confirmed privately that he will take that job).

Thought this might create a hint of brightness for my fellow Mizzou fans during an otherwise rough season.

[kcchief19]

It actually would make sense if Barnes were involved in helping Haith out of Missouri. Barnes has been very influential in Haith's career.

The fan base at Missouri never took to Haith, and I think he was tired of the fight. Columbia has been nothing but misery for him. The fans didn't like him, the team kept getting worse and he fought the NCAA over the Miami mess the entire time he was here. Then he has the weed smokers get suspended for the NIT and Zach Price go insane. He jumped out of Miami a year before they were going to fire him, and he's doing the same thing here.

I'm not sold that Alden can't get the donor support because he has the donor support for football. The biggest problem is the biggest basketball boosters were the Walton/Laurie/Kroenke families, and they have been very low-key since the Paige Arena disaster. There are reports that the boosters are all in on football but not on basketball.

Missouri also isn't going to pay Pinkel money to a basketball coach, so the ceiling for the job is probably $2 million or so. That rules out stealing another power conference coach and probably most top level mid-major coaches.

But this is why Missouri fans have heartburn over Mike Alden hiring a basketball coach. In 1999 Alden interviewed four people to replace Norm Stewart: Quin Snyder, Bill Self, John Calipari and Kim Anderson (longtime Norm assistant who just won the NCAA D-II national title at Central Missouri). The final decision was made at an airport hotel in Kansas City, with Snyder and Self at the hotel. Jon Sunvold, who headed the search committee, has publicly said he told Alden to hire Self.

The rest is history.

[Izulde]

Am I the only one who keeps reading the thread title as UT-Martin and think an away game at Cal has been scheduled?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm not sold that Alden can't get the donor support because he has the donor support for football. The biggest problem is the biggest basketball boosters were the Walton/Laurie/Kroenke families, and they have been very low-key since the Paige Arena disaster. There are reports that the boosters are all in on football but not on basketball.

Missouri also isn't going to pay Pinkel money to a basketball coach, so the ceiling for the job is probably $2 million or so. That rules out stealing another power conference coach and probably most top level mid-major coaches.

It's no surprise who the top candidates are: Marshall, Cronin, Mack, and A. Miller. They'll likely go through those candidates in order and see who they can land.

Mizzou has already been told Marshall's salary expectations via his agent and it's very similar to what he asked of Wake Forest when they approached him: 7 years/$24M. So Alden at least has a target if he wants to land Marshall. That would make him one of the top paid coaches in the country (top 6 I believe).

Mizzou would be a good fit for Cronin and Mack. I'm not personally sold on Miller. Howland could be a possible option as well.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

dola

Looks like Coach Fuller is the only one of Haith's staff that will remain at Mizzou. That's HUGE news for the program, as Fuller is the guy who was the primary recruiter of most of the 2014 recruiting class. Should help keep the players at the program.

[ColtCrazy]

Cuonzo is a Purdue guy, ColtCrazy is an IU guy. It's that simple.

:D Guilty as charged.

[INDalltheway]

:D Guilty as charged.
At least you can admit it! :D

[kcchief19]

dola

Looks like Coach Fuller is the only one of Haith's staff that will remain at Mizzou. That's HUGE news for the program, as Fuller is the guy who was the primary recruiter of most of the 2014 recruiting class. Should help keep the players at the program.
Yeah, that could be an interesting dynamic. I haven't listened to the presser, but reports are Haith said the assistants were coming with him but Alden said he did not believe all the assistants would. There was clearly friction between Haith and Fuller when Haith said some players on the team were inexperienced because Fuller didn't play them enough during Haith's suspension. Just more of the class that comes with Frank Haith. Fuller has accepted the role of interim head coach, so that certainly suggests he's not going to Tulsa and lends validity to the idea that Missouri wants him to stay with the next coach. That would definitely help the recruiting.

I'd love Cronin, and it seems like there's smoke there. Reports out of Cincy in February was they were offering him a new contract that bumped him up to $2.2 million but it doesn't appear he's signed it.

Several reports have said that Marshall won't leave Wichita State for anything other than a "blue blood" program unless he gets at least $3 million per year. I can't see Missouri going that high.

Richard Pitino is apparently only at $1.2 million. I love the Pitino coaching tree. I'd throw some money at him. Marvin Menzies is a hot name from the Pitino tree too, but I'm not sold. Archie Miller is a boom/bust guy but I like him. Good pedigree and pretty good results for a guy his age. I'd be willing to take a flyer on him. Ha!

[kcchief19]

All that said, we will probably end up a disappointing choice. Please, someone send Matt Painter on vacation for a month!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sounds like Mizzou put out feelers to their top few candidates. All were interested except Shaka Smart. Marshall, Cronin, Mack, and A. Miller all expressed interest. Mizzou has already communicated a starting offer of $2.5M for Marshall. That shows me that the boosters are on-board this time around because I know Alden never had that much to offer in the last coaching search.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Wow. White says no to the Tennessee job.

WHITE HAS TOLD TENNESSEE NO (http://s1.zetaboards.com/thevolunteeronline/topic/5452363/1/#new)

Edit: And now they say they may have smoothed over their differences.

[britrock88]

Am I the only one who keeps reading the thread title as UT-Martin and think an away game at Cal has been scheduled?

Cheers to you, friend.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like Marshall is Mizzou's primary target with Howland as the second option if they can't reach a deal with Marshall. Just hope that Howland doesn't get hired up by Tennessee while he's waiting for Mizzou to finish discussions with Marshall. Then Missou would have to convince a guy like Mack to leave his alma mater, which would likely not be easy.

Funny poll over on Buzzfeed. You just can't make this stuff up.

What Was The Weirdest Thing Frank Haith Did This Week (http://www.buzzfeed.com/danoshinsky/what-did-frank-haith-do-now)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Lots of chatter that Tyndall is the next Vols head coach.

Looks like Mizzou may be looking at Kim Anderson if Marshall or Howland don't pan out per ESPN. For those that don't know, he's the former assistant coach for Norm Stewart. His team just won the Division II national championship.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

kcchief19, looks like our opinions on donors at Mizzou are about to be put to the test. The top donors all received phone calls from Alden requesting a higher commitment per year to cover the cost to hire Marshall. Alden is looking to secure enough money to meet Marshall's request of $3.2M/year. Has told the donors that if he can't secure the amount needed, the hire will be Kim Anderson (or at least that's what he's telling them).

Two things. Really excited that it has reached this level. On the other hand, if true, it somewhat saddens me that Kim Anderson is being used as a possible pawn. He's a very good coach and a great guy. Deserves better than to be used as a leaked pawn.

[jbergey22]

Do you have a link to this "leak"?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Do you have a link to this "leak"?

I do, but you can't access it. Premium board.

Edit: Just posted on non-premium board, so I'll post.

http://www.secrant.com/rant/p/49475675/Inside-rumors-indicate-Gregg-Marshall-to-Mizzou.aspx

[MrBug708]

Tim Floyd?

[Logan]

Tim Floyd?

A source tells ESPN...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Tim Floyd?

Sounds like Mizzou has cooled on Howland as a second option and moved towards Floyd. I'd love Tim Floyd. Very good coach and a great consolation prize if Marshall doesn't work out.

[jbergey22]

I do, but you can't access it. Premium board.

Edit: Just posted on non-premium board, so I'll post.

http://www.secrant.com/rant/p/49475675/Inside-rumors-indicate-Gregg-Marshall-to-Mizzou.aspx

Thanks!

I think Floyd would do a nice job and be very motivated to do well.

[Logan]

Sounds like Mizzou has cooled on Howland as a second option and moved towards Floyd. I'd love Tim Floyd. Very good coach and a great consolation prize if Marshall doesn't work out.

Plus you can dig up the USC infractions thread and start updating that as well!

[panerd]

Sounds like Mizzou has cooled on Howland as a second option and moved towards Floyd. I'd love Tim Floyd. Very good coach and a great consolation prize if Marshall doesn't work out.

Good lord. From one bag of cash to another. Why not bring Gene Chisak to coach the football team while we are at it? You confuse me. You are all about exposing the ills of Bill Self and others but seem to think Frank Haith was the target of a KU conspiracy and now support Tim Floyd as the back-up to a coach (Marshall) we have zero shot of landing. I like when you are a homer but can't stand it when people choose winning over integrity. I'm torn on what I would do if Floyd is hired because I love Mizzou basketball but I'm thinking I might be done until that piece of slime gets in trouble again. (Which is highly likely within a few years)

[Logan]

I'm more curious to know what happened with Cronin, Mack, and Miller since they were initially interested.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm more curious to know what happened with Cronin, Mack, and Miller since they were initially interested.

Cronin is out. Mack has told Mizzou that he'd take the job if offered. Miller is pretty far down the list. Not sure if they've done much other than gauge his interest.

Generally speaking, silence is golden thus far. The less you hear, the better it is. When you have coaches coming out to deny interest, that's when you start moving down the list in a hurry.

[MrBug708]

It's hard to replace a legend like Norm

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

It's hard to replace a legend like Norm

It's interesting that you bring that up. That's been part of the problem at some level. For those that aren't aware, Norm was quietly pushed out the door by Mike Alden, the current AD. The 'old guard' in regards to donors still harbors some resentment about that move. They've let him know in the form of holding back donations at times. That's why people are very interested to see if the donors push the money out to chase Marshall this time. We'll find out if they money was there, even if Marshall doesn't take the job. People will leak it to show that the donors are backing Alden again.

It's also the reason that most people believe that Kim Anderson has been leaked as a serious candidate. It's an olive branch by the AD to show that he's buried the hatchet in regards to the 'old guard'. They'll have to decide if it's a legitimate olive branch, but it's definitely out there.

Never a dull moment in college athletics.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Dola

Will be interesting to see what Marshall does at this event. Seems like a perfect time to say he's staying if he's truly not going anywhere.

Wichita State to celebrate record-setting season April 24 (http://www.kake.com/sports/headlines/Wichita-State-to-celebrate-record-setting-season-April-24-254106501.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like more of the same thus far. Mike Alden met with Marshall's agent in Atlanta yesterday. WSU event was last night and Marshall didn't say anything remotely close to 'I'm staying.' You have to think that they want to get this wrapped up at some level today with recruiting opening back up this weekend. Probably a go/no-go decision has to be made today on Marshall and then move on to Howland, Mack, or Anderson if he says no.

[Butter]

Thought some might enjoy reading about Marshall University's coaching search.

Sounds like a cluster-eff of the highest order.

Chuck Landon: Oh brother, what a ride MU took to find coach | The Herald-Dispatch (http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x571850742/Oh-brother-what-a-ride-MU-took-to-find-coach)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Mizzou calls a closed meeting of Board of Curators for Monday at 1:00 PM. Looks like the next coach has been selected. Feel like we need white smoke out of the top of Jesse Hall or something like that.

[Young Drachma]

I'm Young Drachma and I approve of this thread change.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm Young Drachma and I approve of this thread change.

I approve the title change on behalf of no one.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Alright, so Kim Anderson denies that he has received any coaching offer, so he's likely out. You'd have to think he'd just say 'no comment' if he had an signed offer on the table.

Marshall got a LOI this morning from a Juco player. Have to believe he reassured that player that he was staying if he secured that signing. Though it should be noted that WSU can't restrict where a player goes even if on LOI if he hasn't stepped on campus yet. Cuonzo Martin did leave his job a day after receiving a commit, so it's not out of the question.

The flightaware.com geeks have zeroed in on a flight coming from the Philly area, but that doesn't seem to fit any names we've heard thus far.

Going to be a long weekend of rumors. You can tell that Mizzou doesn't want to relive the Matt Painter fiasco this time around. They've been locked down tight.

[MrBug708]

Just need to hire Howland. He'd already be the best coach Missouri has ever had

[mckerney]

Just need to hire Howland. He'd already be the best coach Missouri has ever had

I believe you mean second best behind Quin Snyder.

[MrBug708]

I believe you mean second best behind Quin Snyder.

Snyder is tied for the most accomplished coach in Missouri history, as far as how far he went in the NCAA tournament. With Norm and Anderson, though only one is revered in Tiger lore while the other two are looked at with some disdain.

[sterlingice]

I think Howland would be a great hire and Floyd would be solid but unspectacular. I'd take either before Kim Anderson as I think I'd want someone who was more proven at a Div I mid-major before jumping down to the Div II ranks.

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I think Howland would be a great hire and Floyd would be solid but unspectacular. I'd take either before Kim Anderson as I think I'd want someone who was more proven at a Div I mid-major before jumping down to the Div II ranks.

SI

While I'd certainly prefer a big name over Anderson, let's not downplay his experience. He was a lead assistant for a coaching legend for 20+ years at the D-I level. Lead assistants with less years under a HOF coach have regularly been given HC jobs at the high D-I levels of coaching over the last decade. If we're citing experience, that should be a plus for Anderson, not a negative.

FYI......Floyd has already said Mizzou declined his interest.

[sterlingice]

While I'd certainly prefer a big name over Anderson, let's not downplay his experience. He was a lead assistant for a coaching legend for 20+ years at the D-I level. Lead assistants with less years under a HOF coach have regularly been given HC jobs at the high D-I levels of coaching over the last decade. If we're citing experience, that should be a plus for Anderson, not a negative.

FYI......Floyd has already said Mizzou declined his interest.

I don't think it's a negative and I think years of assistant coaching under good coaches is a real benefit. However, it's not in a vacuum and those he's competing against for a job will have spent that time being a head coach more likely than not rather than logging more assistant years. I think 10 years of assistant coach experience + 10 years of head coach experience > 20 years of assistant coach experience in most cases.

Or, in this case, 17 years of assistant coaching, mostly under Norm (so he's not learning different skills and styles but again with the same teacher) and 12 years of Div II coaching, well, I think there are better candidates and fits. I think this is a case of trying too hard to stay within the family and selling themselves short.

What does your list look like for the top 3 right now? It sounds like Floyd is off the table so spending time on him is wasting resources and Marshall just feels out of the equation as a mix between "he's not interested" and "Mizzou doesn't want to put the stupid type of money up that would make him interested".

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I don't think it's a negative and I think years of assistant coaching under good coaches is a real benefit. However, it's not in a vacuum and those he's competing against for a job will have spent that time being a head coach more likely than not rather than logging more assistant years. I think 10 years of assistant coach experience + 10 years of head coach experience > 20 years of assistant coach experience in most cases.

Or, in this case, 17 years of assistant coaching, mostly under Norm (so he's not learning different skills and styles but again with the same teacher) and 12 years of Div II coaching, well, I think there are better candidates and fits. I think this is a case of trying too hard to stay within the family and selling themselves short.

What does your list look like for the top 3 right now? It sounds like Floyd is off the table so spending time on him is wasting resources and Marshall just feels out of the equation as a mix between "he's not interested" and "Mizzou doesn't want to put the stupid type of money up that would make him interested".

SI

It's pretty much only three options from what I understand. Marshall, Howland, and Anderson. I personally think Marshall is out and it's down to the other two. I'd like either option, but Howland is definitely the better option out of the two. The good news is that I don't think any of these three options would leave anytime soon. Marshall tends to stay at jobs for awhile and the other two candidates are around 60 and likely would both want to make this job their last one.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Man, this hire can't come soon enough. Sounds like Howland has gone 'radio silent' to his relatives here in Missouri. They told friends that usually means something big is about to happen. We'll have to see if they're right. I'd love for Howland to be the hire. I personally want him more than Marshall.

[CU Tiger]

Marshall is a good, scratch that very good, coach.
He is also an enormous ego asshat.

Seriously. He makes Coach K look gracious and humble.

He will eventually go somewhere big...but Im not sure it'll work. Hes better at recruiting chip's onto shoulders than McD's AA.

[sterlingice]

Man, this hire can't come soon enough. Sounds like Howland has gone 'radio silent' to his relatives here in Missouri. They told friends that usually means something big is about to happen. We'll have to see if they're right. I'd love for Howland to be the hire. I personally want him more than Marshall.

I think Howland would be an excellent hire and also agree that he would be better than Marshall

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Lots of leaks starting to come. Mizzou's top recruit tweeted that he was solid Mizzou. That likely means that Tim Fuller will stay as an assistant.

Sounds like most of the insiders are confident that the name will be leaked before tomorrow's meeting, possibly even tonight.

[lungs]

I remember when Wisconsin fans were looking for a big name hire after Dick Bennett retired (and Brad Soderberg finished the year). Instead they went with a former assistant and Division III Head Coach named Bo Ryan.....

edit: to be fair, he had jumped to D1 at UW-Milwaukee

[Izulde]

But Ryan had also won multiple national titles at UW-Platteville, so it's not like Wisconsin folks didn't know who he was.

[lungs]

But Ryan had also won multiple national titles at UW-Platteville, so it's not like Wisconsin folks didn't know who he was.

Multiple DIII championships versus one DII championship is where my comparison does fall apart.......

Point still stands, Bo Ryan wasn't a "sexy" hire though Wisconsin had just had success with a coach with a similar career trajectory (Dick Bennett).

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Multiple DIII championships versus one DII championship is where my comparison does fall apart.......

Point still stands, Bo Ryan wasn't a "sexy" hire though Wisconsin had just had success with a coach with a similar career trajectory (Dick Bennett).

It's actually not far off. Kim took over a downtrodden program and only won 12 games his first year. Since then, they've averaged 24 wins a season over the next 11 seasons and have been to three D-II Final Fours and a D-II national title.

He's also one of those guys who never met a person he didn't like. Great guy who has no enemies.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Got some rumored offers leaking. One of the major boosters has leaked that Marshall is primary option. Was offered $19.2M for six year deal. Backup option is Howland at $13.2M for six year deal. Says that Kim Anderson is no longer an option.

Funny earlier leak from Jeff Goodman on Twitter. He stated that Kim Anderson was already receiving mail on campus. Unfortunately, he forgot to double check that there is a female who is a faculty member named........Kim Anderson.

[Scarecrow]

Jeff Rosen ‏@jeff_rosen88 1m
It's official: #Mizzou has hired Kim Anderson to coach the hoops program. More soon at Kansas City's Best Source for News, Weather, Sports & More | KansasCity.com (http://kansascity.com) .

there you go...

[Logan]

You can't make this shit up.

[digamma]

Marshall is still set to coach the Big Ten schedule for Mizzou.

[Logan]

Wait...maybe they just ended up hiring the female version after all?

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

BUT THE PREMIUM BOARDS

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

LOL.......love the rumor mill.

Excited to see how he does. I think a lot of Mizzou fans are going to whine about it generally speaking.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting stuff. Jason King reporting that Marshall and Mizzou talked, but couldn't agree on final terms.

Also, some talk that Anderson wasn't the only contract presented to the Board of Curators, but it was the only one approved.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

dola

Great interview of Kim. I'm old enough to remember when Kim was on our bench. He was Norm's main man. It's clear from this video how much this opportunity means to him to come back and coach Mizzou. I can't even imagine how excited Coach Norm was today when he got the call. Like a proud papa.

<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PkSsbE7QFLg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Got confirmation today that Tim Fuller will be on the new staff. Fantastic news, as it makes sure that the 2014 recruits coming in will remain with Mizzou.

[cartman]

Myles Turner picks Texas

[sterlingice]

Myles Turner picks Texas

Yup. I didn't have a sense Kansas had much of a shot, though they were mentioned as his 2nd choice coming into this. I would have thought SMU would have been the best fit but it's not in a major conference

SI

[molson]

You can't make this shit up.

The rest of the board really blew it by not immediately declaring that Anderson would be the coach as soon as Mizzou B-ball fan said he was no longer an option. I mean, come on guys.

[Balldog]

His father openly said they would've welcomed a visit from the Buckeyes

I don't think Ohio State had much of a chance but I'm a little disappointed Thad & Co. didn't even make an effort to get Turner over the last 2 weeks.

[HomerSimpson98]

Myles Turner picks Texas

Dammit.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The rest of the board really blew it by not immediately declaring that Anderson would be the coach as soon as Mizzou B-ball fan said he was no longer an option. I mean, come on guys.

For the record, I was quoting an 'insider' as was clearly stated in the post. It was not my opinion. I came to Kim's defense in another post. I also clearly stated in another post that I was happy with all the choices because I felt that all of them would likely be at Mizzou for a long period of time, which is something we desparately needed. My number one option was Howland, but I certainly understand why they made the choice they did and I'm still quite happy with it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Excited to see Mizzou book a home and home with Xavier. They play in Columbia this year with a trip to Xavier in the 2015-16 season.

[tarcone]

Iowa travels to Chapel Hill to play UNC in the B1G/ACC challenge. Im really excited about this one.

[britrock88]

Great excuse to visit CH!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Bug, this may interest you. Sounds like Namon Wright (4 star SG) is getting a lot of pressure from UCLA handlers to ask out of his Mizzou LOI and come back to California.

[MrBug708]

It's been rumored for a while. What's funny is that his handlers are what prevented him from coming to Ucla in the first place

[Lathum]

Iowa travels to Chapel Hill to play UNC in the B1G/ACC challenge. Im really excited about this one.

Nice, one of my best friends was born and raised in Iowa and is a die hard alum.

His wife- born and raised in NC and is a die hard UNC alum.

Should be fun for them.

[Lathum]

Oregon State fires head basketball coach Craig Robinson - College Basketball - Pete Thamel - SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140505/oregon-state-craig-robinson-fired/)

now if only we can do something about his brother in law

[jbergey22]

Oregon State fires head basketball coach Craig Robinson - College Basketball - Pete Thamel - SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20140505/oregon-state-craig-robinson-fired/)

now if only we can do something about his brother in law

Wow. Never thought it would happen since this should have been done 5 years ago.

[cartman]

Texas plays consecutive games at UConn (Nov. 30th) and at Kentucky (Dec. 5th). The Kentucky game is part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Robert Carter transferring from Tech | www.ajc.com (http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/college/robert-carter-transferring-from-tech/nfwLS/)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Antoine Mason transferring to Auburn Tigers from Niagara Purple Eagles - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11065676/antoine-mason-transferring-auburn-tigers-niagara-purple-eagles)

That would be the nation's leading returning scorer.

[digamma]

Mr. Carter from two posts above ended up at Maryland after visiting Auburn, South Carolina, St. John's and Maryland. An astute observer of sports licensing might notice a common theme among those schools.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Antoine Mason transferring to Auburn Tigers from Niagara Purple Eagles - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11065676/antoine-mason-transferring-auburn-tigers-niagara-purple-eagles)

That would be the nation's leading returning scorer.

Going to play in a Pearl system was probably the best decision for this kid. While he has some gaudy point totals, he's not a very good shooter at all and he turns the ball over a lot. He reminds me a lot of Conley when he transferred from VCU as the nation's leading scorer to Mizzou. In Pearl's system, he'll be able to capitalize on chaos and not rely on his jump shot, which should help.

[sterlingice]

Mr. Carter from two posts above ended up at Maryland after visiting Auburn, South Carolina, St. John's and Maryland. An astute observer of sports licensing might notice a common theme among those schools.

I didn't realize how many schools UA had. Interesting for a kid to pick based on that- implication being money under the table?

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I didn't realize how many schools UA had. Interesting for a kid to pick based on that- implication being money under the table?

SI

And/or deals on the back end should he be successful enough. That's just part of the game. Depending on which schools you attend, you know which deals will be waiting for you if you do well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I didn't realize how many schools UA had. Interesting for a kid to pick based on that- implication being money under the table?

In the case of Carter, his AAU coach is an UnderArmour guy (as are the schools mentioned).

Jus. Sayin.

[CU Tiger]

AAU coach


(See also:)
Handler
Funnel
Bag Man
Confidant
Friend


College Football is getting dirty. The cleanest program in NCAA D1 basketball would scare Auburn's or Ole Miss' football regime...

[JonInMiddleGA]

(See also:)
Handler
Funnel
Bag Man
Confidant
Friend


Hey, at least he's not the ever popular "guardian" ;)

(That's becoming a common dodge at the HS level around here)

[digamma]

Maryland completed their end of the Robert Carter trade by sending the player to be named later, Forward Charles Mitchell, to Ga Tech.

[Logan]

This is apparently now a done deal.

Sources: Nation's top high school guard considering playing overseas - Yahoo Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--nation-s-top-high-school-guard-considering-playing-overseas-155248029.html)

[JonInMiddleGA]

This is apparently now a done deal.

Sources: Nation's top high school guard considering playing overseas - Yahoo Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--nation-s-top-high-school-guard-considering-playing-overseas-155248029.html)

Considering players that do manage to get through the clearing house academically I can't help but wonder how players who can't manage to stay eligible in high school.

[Logan]

Apparently that's not the type of eligibility that was the worry...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>To recap, Emmanuel Mudiay told SI that he's pursing pro opportunities immediately -- rather than going to SMU -- so he can help his mother.</p>&mdash; Luke Winn (@lukewinn) <a href="https://twitter.com/lukewinn/statuses/488747651958312960">July 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Stephane Mudiay said this was a recent decision and insisted that it was not the result of an NCAA investigation.</p>&mdash; Luke Winn (@lukewinn) <a href="https://twitter.com/lukewinn/statuses/488747069889601536">July 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Glad to see the Mayor is doing OK. Have met him on a couple of occasions and he's one of the good guys in college athletics.

Twitter / mayorswife32: Surgery went well and @ISUMayor32 ... (http://twitter.com/mayorswife32/status/489069122668351488)

[Butter]

Sounds like Billy Donovan is on the verge of leaving Florida and heading to the NBA.

Maybe for good this time instead of just most of a day.

[stevew]

Sounds like Billy Donovan is on the verge of leaving Florida and heading to the NBA.

Maybe for good this time instead of just most of a day.

i guess his statute of limitations of jumping to the NBA is finally over

[Butter]

Apparently, UD's Archie Miller is on the short list for Florida.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO*inhales*OOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[BishopMVP]

Wow. Jaylen Brown commits to Cal. HUGE class for them.

[MrBug708]

Ucla is just sad now..

[nol]

Wow. Jaylen Brown commits to Cal. HUGE class for them.

Whoa, he goes to the same high school that Shareef Abdur-Rahim attended. That makes it a little less random.