Aboz, sell me on Tom Crean. What do you know about him? I know he was an assistant to Tom Izzo but for how long? What else ya got on him?

 

Educate me, damnit!

Oh I shouldn't forget:

 

Please and Thank You

Aboz, sell me on Tom Crean.  What do you know about him?  I know he was an assistant to Tom Izzo but for how long?  What else ya got on him?

 

Educate me, damnit!

I know a pretty good amount on him.

 

First off, he was a big part of the reason MSU won the title in 2000. Although he'd already left to go to Marquette by then (it was his first season), he was a big part of bringing many of those recruits to the program.

 

He began at MSU, went to Western Kentucky, then to Pittsburgh then back to MSU before landing the Marquette job.

 

Of course many people remember he took Marquette to the Final Four in 2003 behind Dwayne Wade. Now its a knock from some that well, he only went to the final four because of Dwayne Wade. Well, you've got to have good players to go to the final four. IU this year is final four talented and look what they have done. I think Crean with good talent can make a team great.

 

He's also had some other standouts at Marquette, like Travis Diener, now of the Orlando Magic and current player Steve Novak.

 

His best current player is Dominic James, from Indianapolis.

 

What I like about Crean is that he has a lot of Big 10 experience, he's coached in the final four multiple times and he is a relentless recruiter. He's really got a knack for recruiting in the midwest. Marquette is not exactly a basketbal powerhouse and he's done well there.

 

This year will be the 3rd time they are in the dance in seven years. Not acceptable at IU, but for Marquette, pretty damn solid.

 

I've met Crean before as well and he is a classy guy. I think he'd be a good fit at IU, I just don't know how big of an interest they have in him.

Thanks for the info. He sounds impressive. I guess we shall see how IU handles the search.

Thanks for the info.  He sounds impressive.  I guess we shall see how IU handles the search.

Latest I've heard is that it's Alford's job to lose.

 

So, Zach, Rex, Balta, anyone...

 

What's the big surprise for Sunday?

So, Zach, Rex, Balta, anyone...

 

What's the big surprise for Sunday?

 

Big surprise? Am I missing something? I worked 64 hours this week, so I must have if you are referring to something specific.

 

I may not be able to watch Sunday's game (live at least). I have tickets to the Alabama-Florida game Sunday afternoon.

Big surprise?  Am I missing something?  I worked 64 hours this week, so I must have if you are referring to something specific.

 

I may not be able to watch Sunday's game (live at least).  I have tickets to the Alabama-Florida game Sunday afternoon.

Davis said there is a big surprise for Sunday's game.

I hung out w/ Adam Ahlfeld yesterday, and he has no clue.

I hung out w/ Adam Ahlfeld yesterday, and he has no clue.

Maybe they'll win?

 

Good enough for me. 3 wins and we're in.

Be afraid Greasy, be very afraid;

 

It's not all bad news for Thomas. The Indiana University coaching position comes open after this season. Before he came to New York, Thomas had serious conversations with IU officials about replacing Mike Davis. Thomas can't manufacture a more flawless face-saving excuse to bolt the Knicks than to accept (if offered) his "dream job."

No one's that dumb to offer him a coaching job now. Not gonna happen. Everyone's seen what he's done in NY; he won't get another job after that mess.

I sure as hell hope not.

 

I'll say this..... I don't think he would ever do it, but I'd take Larry Bird in a heartbeat.

I sure as hell hope not.

 

I'll say this.....  I don't think he would ever do it, but I'd take Larry Bird in a heartbeat.

 

I just creamed myself.

Great performance by IU today.

 

Truly remarkable to watch first hand.

 

They'll need to keep it up and I see them IN.

aboz, do you really think Crean would take the IU job if pursued?

aboz, do you really think Crean would take the IU job if pursued?

Yes. No doubt about it.

In my mind, he is gaining favor at this point. Obviously we don't know who the true candidates are and may never know completely, but I am liking Crean more and more.

 

Not totally against Alford, but not pro-Alford either.

In my mind, he is gaining favor at this point.  Obviously we don't know who the true candidates are and may never know completely, but I am liking Crean more and more.

 

Not totally against Alford, but not pro-Alford either.

 

I was telling Boz earlier that I'm really liking Crean too. Matta's my favorite, but tOSU sanctions are the only way that will happen.

 

And I will never accept Alford as a choice at this point in time. We can do much better than that.

I was telling Boz earlier that I'm really liking Crean too.  Matta's my favorite, but tOSU sanctions are the only way that will happen. 

 

And I will never accept Alford as a choice at this point in time.  We can do much better than that.

 

Although I would be skeptical, I would give Alford a chance. I'm old enough to have loved him as a player, both for his talents and his ability to maximize those abilites with effort. I can still remember the 87 National Championship very vividly as well as the 1993 team that should have been there had Alan Henderson not gotten hurt.

 

If Alford could recruit the state, get the fans, alumni and formal players all back together, then he could win at IU.

Although I would be skeptical, I would give Alford a chance.  I'm old enough to have loved him as a player, both for his talents and his ability to maximize those abilites with effort.  I can still remember the 87 National Championship very vividly as well as the 1993 team that should have been there had Alan Henderson not gotten hurt.

 

If Alford could recruit the state, get the fans, alumni and formal players all back together, then he could win at IU.

Don't under-estimate the recruiting power Alford would bring to Indiana. And let's face it, that's more what this is about then 'winning'. If you can recruit, you will win more often then not.

My favorite is Crean too. Crean is a former Izzo assistant so he does know the big ten. If you like Izzo you will probably like Crean.

In my mind, he is gaining favor at this point.  Obviously we don't know who the true candidates are and may never know completely, but I am liking Crean more and more.

 

Not totally against Alford, but not pro-Alford either.

I'd rather lose Alford and get Crean. Of course I'm just hoping for McDermott after IU takes Alford away.

I'd rather lose Alford and get Crean.  Of course I'm just hoping for McDermott after IU takes Alford away.

 

 

At least it means I could keep hating him. Missouri would be good, as well.