Just announced it on ESPN, per Andy Katz. So how long until we hear "Buzz to Illinois"?
http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=17753
I'll repeat what I've said before ... Weber is very close to Jabari Parker. If Benford takes a Head Coaching job (SIU?) then Buzz should hire Weber as an associate head coach.
(and yes Weber could also take the SIU job but he would have a 0.000% chance of getting Parker down to Carbondale.)
How about Junior to Illinois?
You beat my post on this subject by 25 seconds.
You guys have it all wrong. This is great opportunity for MU ....
I'll repeat what I've said before ... Weber is very close to Jabari Parker. If Benford takes a Head Coaching job (SIU?) then Buzz should hire Weber as an associate head coach.
(and yes Weber could also take the SIU job but he would have a 0.000% chance of getting Parker down to Carbondale.)
Quote from: AnotherMU84 on March 09, 2012, 08:35:45 AM
You beat my post on this subject by 25 seconds.
You guys have it all wrong. This is great opportunity for MU ....
I'll repeat what I've said before ... Weber is very close to Jabari Parker. If Benford takes a Head Coaching job (SIU?) then Buzz should hire Weber as an associate head coach.
(and yes Weber could also take the SIU job but he would have a 0.000% chance of getting Parker down to Carbondale.)
I don't see Weber going the Larry Shyatt way. However, there should already have been a conversation with Jerrance Howard though I suspect Theus will make him a priority and possibly elevate him a slot or two on the AC chain.
Quote from: AnotherMU84 on March 09, 2012, 08:35:45 AM
You beat my post on this subject by 25 seconds.
You guys have it all wrong. This is great opportunity for MU ....
I'll repeat what I've said before ... Weber is very close to Jabari Parker. If Benford takes a Head Coaching job (SIU?) then Buzz should hire Weber as an associate head coach.
(and yes Weber could also take the SIU job but he would have a 0.000% chance of getting Parker down to Carbondale.)
Weber is a Milwaukee native and UWM grad. Just sayin'.
Quote from: AnotherMU84 on March 09, 2012, 08:35:45 AMYou guys have it all wrong. This is great opportunity for MU ....
I'll repeat what I've said before ... Weber is very close to Jabari Parker. If Benford takes a Head Coaching job (SIU?) then Buzz should hire Weber as an associate head coach.
(and yes Weber could also take the SIU job but he would have a 0.000% chance of getting Parker down to Carbondale.)
Don't get me wrong, I don't think there's any way Buzz takes a step down by going to Illinois. If (and I definitely think it's if, NOT when) Buzz ever leaves, it will be for a marquee job, a Duke, Kansas, or UNC. I don't think anyone will be confusing Illinois with Duke any time soon (obviously Jon Scheyer didn't). I just expect the talking heads to put Buzz at the front of the list, because that's just what they do. Same thing will happen if Texas misses the dance and Rick Barnes finds himself on the outs. I still think Buzz stays.
Anyway...I think either Benford or Weber will end up at SIU. Honestly, with Marquette headed to March, I could see Weber being back at SIU in less than 48 hours. I suspect Theus will be a hot candidate for Illinois, but I think they'll wait until after the NCAAs and possibly make a play for Shaka Smart. Jerrance Howard might be in the mix, but I can't see them simply promoting from within, similar to how MU went outside for Larry Williams.
I really hope Buzz makes a quick play for Howard. My guess is that at least one of Benford, Collins, or Monarch will get a HC gig after this year. I can't see Weber taking an assistant job, there will be some mid-major openings, and his track record will get him one of them (even if not SIU). Howard could help us get closer to Parker, but I suspect more than anything, this has pushed him closer to Michigan State. I'd love to see us bag Kendrick Nunn now, giving us the chance of the Simeon reunion, but then where do the scholarships come from? I can see us making up one scholarship from a transfer, but two by 2013? I sure don't know who they would be.
But I agree, this is great news for Marquette. If we have any hope at Parker, it just got a sliver better, one of the best assistants in the game may now be available, and as this shakes out, it could give one of Buzz's assistants a chance to be the first leaf off his coaching tree (admittedly not likely at IU, but as it all shakes out).
Weber will go to Southern.
Reggie Theus (who has been getting close with Parker) will go to Illinois.
If Weber really could go back to SIU, where he is loved and where he had great success, why would he even think about being an assistant at Marquette? On the off chance that he could help bring a teenager to MU to play for one season? That is absurd.
And of course Buzz will be mentioned for the Illinois job. It will just be so much blah-blah-blah, though. Hard to believe that's the one he'd leave Marquette for.
The single best thing Marquette can get out of Weber being fired is for Illinois to not promote Jerrance Howard at least to associate coach, and for a disappointed Howard to bolt for Marquette. He is a major talent as a recruiter.
Buzz will not go to Illinois.
Weber will not come to MU in any capacity.
Illinois will have a minority coach.
Parker will not come to MU.
Quote from: nyg on March 09, 2012, 09:42:03 AM
Illinois will have a minority coach.
This is guaranteed.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on March 09, 2012, 09:43:56 AM
This is guaranteed.
Apparently their AD has a relationship with Shaka Smart
But it's ILLINOIS!!
Smart money is on Shaka Smart. Reggie Theus will be lucky to get interviewed.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on March 09, 2012, 09:47:23 AM
Apparently their AD has a relationship with Shaka Smart
Buzz to VCU?
ESPN has an article on the leading candidates, and includes Tony Benford as a name to consider. Leaders include Shaka Smart, Anthony Grant, Chris Collins, and Reggie Theus (my pick). They also say Jerrance Howard wants to stay, but that his feelings could change if he goes for the HC job and is passed over.
Quote from: ESPNWe knew Illinois would make a coaching change after their season ended, but the prevailing thought was AD Mike Thomas would let Bruce Weber coach the squad through any possible postseason play (there had been talk of the Illini and the NIT). However, ESPN's Andy Katz reports Weber has been fired.
Some may knock Illinois as not being a major college hot-spot, but it is the best coaching job in the state. Our hunch is the first coach that Thomas and the athletic department could target is VCU's Shaka Smart. Even though Smart signed a long-term contract after the 2011 season, he should be the Illini's primary target. Smart's fast-paced style of play, along with his HAVOC defense, is attractive to high-major recruits. Even though the NCAA tournament has yet to start, Smart has already had to address concerns he may depart the CAA school, telling the Richmond Times-Dispatch that his sole focus is on the NCAAs.
Brad Stevens' name will certainly pop up, but we are pretty sure the Butler coach will stay put in the Horizon League. The addition of Rotnei Clarke should make the Bulldogs one of the conference's preseason favorites, and it doesn't feel like Stevens would jump at the Illini's opening.
Even though some are not impressed with the Duke associate head coach, Chris Collins could be a potential candidate. The longtime assistant has been a popular name in the coaching carousel the past few seasons, and Thomas, as the first-year athletic director, could go in the direction of winning pedigree for his second-major hire.
We have heard whispers that Alabama coach Anthony Grant might work in Champaign. Grant has been able to turn the Tide into one of the SEC's top defensive teams. Another possible name is Reggie Theus, who was connected to UNLV's opening last offseason. Theus has wanted to rejoin the coaching ranks since his stint in Las Cruces, and we feel if his name could prove helpful in navigating the Chicago basketball scene.
A few other names to consider: Marquette's Tony Benford (the Golden Eagles have done a solid job recruiting Chicago players within the past few classes), Michigan State's Dwayne Stephens, and Michigan's LaVall Jordan.
We wonder if Ernie Kent, the former Oregon coach, will also try to throw his hat in the ring. During his tenure in Eugene, Kent was able to build a very fruitful Chicago pipeline to the Pac-12 school. His name was connected to the Wyoming opening last offseason, but a vacancy at Illinois could again stoke his coaching desire.
Though he has proved pivotal in Illinois' recruiting efforts the past several seasons, we don't think Jerrance Howard will replace Weber. While there will be a push to keep Howard on the incoming head coach's staff, it will be interesting if Howard does go for the head job, and if he becomes a serious candidate. Paul Klee of the Champaign News-Gazette has mentioned countless times that Howard wants to remain at the Big Ten school, but if the coaching search passes him by, will his mindset change?
Quote from: nyg on March 09, 2012, 09:42:03 AM
Buzz will not go to Illinois.
Weber will not come to MU in any capacity.
Illinois will have a minority coach.
Parker will not come to MU.
Simple, to the point, and 100% accurate. Here is your gold star:
(http://images.paraorkut.com/img/clipart/images/g/gold_star-850.jpg)
Quote from: chapman on March 09, 2012, 10:55:45 AM
Simple, to the point, and 100% accurate. Here is your gold star:
(http://images.paraorkut.com/img/clipart/images/g/gold_star-850.jpg)
+1
Quote from: Goose on March 09, 2012, 08:33:25 AM
How about Junior to Illinois?
I'll spring for the one-way Greyhound fare.
OK, Amtrak, then.
My bet is that Weber will do analysis for one of the networks for a year or two before getting another high major job.
Quote from: Donnybrook on March 09, 2012, 12:07:22 PM
My bet is that Weber will do analysis for one of the networks for a year or two before getting another high major job.
Bruce doesn't have the voice for TV.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on March 09, 2012, 11:26:21 AM
I'll spring for the one-way Greyhound fare.
I'll go halvsies with you.
Quote from: Jam Chowder on March 09, 2012, 12:35:08 PM
I'll go halvsies with you.
Who's going to make sure he doesn't lose possession of his luggage on the way down?
Quote from: Henry Sugar on March 09, 2012, 12:36:55 PM
Who's going to make sure he doesn't lose possession of his luggage on the way down?
+1
Bernstein's (the Score in Chicago) source says it's Shaka Smart's if he wants it. After that, the choice is Anthony Grant, then Reggie Theus. Definitely will be a minority hire.
Quote from: Henry Sugar on March 09, 2012, 12:36:55 PM
Who's going to make sure he doesn't lose possession of his luggage on the way down?
Heard Junior, Vander and DJO all had their pockets picked walkin' back to the hotel after the game.
Quote from: Goose on March 09, 2012, 08:33:25 AM
How about Junior to Illinois?
While at times, Junior has high numbers of turnovers, he does not show the necessary consistency at turning the ball over game in and game out to interest Illinois.
Maybe Weber can just switch places with Smart, one on the way up, one on way down..
One thing I hadn't considered and really should have when Weber was fired...
...Transfers.
Mike Shaw was a top-100 guy that was down to us and Illinois and picked the Illini. He barely played during his freshman campaign. Of course, we have no scholarships available right now, and the need for Shaw may have diminished when Steve Taylor inked his LOI, but might we find room if he wants to come?
Nnanna Egwu (center), Mychael Henry (small forward) and Tracy Abrams (point guard) were also top-100 guys that went to IU last year and may be looking to transfer. All three are from Chicago and wouldn't be able to transfer to Big Ten schools, which was where they drew most of their interest.
With no scholarships available until 2014, I highly doubt any of these materialize, but MU would be a close-to-home destination for any one of them.
Anyone else find it interesting that the Illinois job was open in 2003 also? And the CUSA conf final was Louisville against Cinci? I see many more parallels between that season and this one. Interesting...
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 10, 2012, 08:16:12 AM
One thing I hadn't considered and really should have when Weber was fired...
...Transfers.
Mike Shaw was a top-100 guy that was down to us and Illinois and picked the Illini. He barely played during his freshman campaign. Of course, we have no scholarships available right now, and the need for Shaw may have diminished when Steve Taylor inked his LOI, but might we find room if he wants to come?
Nnanna Egwu (center), Mychael Henry (small forward) and Tracy Abrams (point guard) were also top-100 guys that went to IU last year and may be looking to transfer. All three are from Chicago and wouldn't be able to transfer to Big Ten schools, which was where they drew most of their interest.
With no scholarships available until 2014, I highly doubt any of these materialize, but MU would be a close-to-home destination for any one of them.
I'm a dual Illinois and Marquette fan (Sorry!!!), so I thought I could weigh in.
I don't see any of Illinois' freshmen transferring at this time. Meyers Leonard will almost certainly leave for the NBA, and Nnanna Egwu will slide right into the starting center role. Tracy Abrams already wrestled the starting PG role from Maniscalco when he went down with an injury (plus Maniscalco is gone anyway).
It'll be harder to tell with Shaw and Henry, but without much room at MU, I don't see it happening. MU already has a player similar to Henry in Jamail Jones, but that doesn't necessarily preclude them from bringing him in.
As has been stated earlier, Illinois will hire a minority coach, so I wouldn't worry too much about Buzz leaving (for Illinois, anyway).
The telling thing is that the ESPN talking heads are mentioned Tony B. (an MU assistant) as a candidate for the Illinois job, but not Buzz. Thus, they have at least learned the lesson that Buzz is not going to Illinois. I'm sure, however, that we will hear the "Buzz to School X" talk ramp up again come tournament time. But what big time (and I don't mean Nebraska) jobs are likely to come open this year?
Quote from: Aaronj2005 on March 10, 2012, 10:26:56 AMThe telling thing is that the ESPN talking heads are mentioned Tony B. (an MU assistant) as a candidate for the Illinois job, but not Buzz. Thus, they have at least learned the lesson that Buzz is not going to Illinois. I'm sure, however, that we will hear the "Buzz to School X" talk ramp up again come tournament time. But what big time (and I don't mean Nebraska) jobs are likely to come open this year?
The only marquee job that might open is UCLA. Not sure they'd come after Buzz, but that is a legitimately big job that might draw some interest. Still not convinced Howland will be out, however.
Buzz and MU have effectively priced him out of all but the highest profile jobs. He isn't taking a pay cut to go somewhere else. So, if UCLA showed up with $3+ million a year, I could see it. Short of that, he isn't leaving anytime soon.
Quote from: Aaronj2005 on March 10, 2012, 10:26:56 AM
The telling thing is that the ESPN talking heads are mentioned Tony B. (an MU assistant) as a candidate for the Illinois job, but not Buzz. Thus, they have at least learned the lesson that Buzz is not going to Illinois. I'm sure, however, that we will hear the "Buzz to School X" talk ramp up again come tournament time. But what big time (and I don't mean Nebraska) jobs are likely to come open this year?
UI is hiring a minority. Buzz isn't a minority, that's why they are saying it. Nothing to do with a lesson learned, UI has their sites on a specific hire that meets specific guidelines. Benford meets those guidelines. Smart meets those guidelines. Grant meets those guidelines. Buzz does not.
Buzz has put himself in the upper tier money jobs only provided he is wanted here at MU. If for some reason the school would not want Buzz back it open up many more opportunities for schools to come knocking. I am not trying to scare anyone, but my sources tell me that there is a major divide in the inner circle over Buzz. Circumstances from last years assault remain to be far bigger than the media reports.
I love Buzz, I love the style of play and I love us being in the spotlight. But, this fan is scared that something bad could happen. Everybody can bust my balls but the suspensions were based off new rules placed on Buzz. The new hires did not hire Buzz and that is a dangerous situation guys.
LWilliams and Pilarz come from ND and G-town, respectively. They get the idea that basketball and MU are irrevocably intertwined. They cannot get a better coach than Buzz to come to MU. There may be growing and adjustment pains, but if they for one second are considering letting him go, then their entire judgement gets called into question. I am skeptical of your sources.
Tower
I can assure you I have multiple sources and hearing same thing over and over. I agree with the backgrounds of new hires but also know Penn State and Syracuse issues have made everyone on edge. They might fully understanfpd what basketball means and still error on side of caution. I think most folks have not looked at the big picture in last years .
Quote from: Goose on March 10, 2012, 01:23:07 PM
Tower
I can assure you I have multiple sources and hearing same thing over and over. I agree with the backgrounds of new hires but also know Penn State and Syracuse issues have made everyone on edge. They might fully understanfpd what basketball means and still error on side of caution. I think most folks have not looked at the big picture in last years .
This makes no sense. "Multiple sources" are telling you there is a "major divide?" Our AD has been here for 2 months, hardly enough time to form a "major divide," particularly coming off a second place Big East finish one year after a Sweet 16.
Big Daddy, who proved himself to be an impeccable "source" indicated the suspensions had nothing to do with last year.
I don't believe you have sources. I believe you are stirring the pot, just as you did last year around tournament time...before any of this "assault" business came to light. No idea why you would do that. But it's deja vu.
PRN
If memory serves me last year my fear was MU would not pony up the money, not that they might not want Buzz. I was very happy they rewarded Buzz and kept him as coach. You have right to any opinion you want regarding my comments. Believe sources or not, that is your call. For the record I have zero idea what the AD thinks or what is goals are for the program. My comments, based off very good sources, are based off opinions with far more pull than the AD.
You can accept Big Daddy for his comments and think I am an idiot, what do I care? I have zero interest in stirring any pot. I will add that if someone had information, even possible negative, on the program I would want them to share that on here. Unlike Big Daddy I am not going to run away because PRN does not like my comments.
For the record were you living in a cave last March? The assault issue definitely was on the minds of many of the MU brass last March. Just because Local media made little out of the problem does not mean the school had not been monitoring very closely. My comments on the topic are based off numerous conversations I have had in past few weeks.
You must be part of this "inner circle" if they're confiding in you about this "major divide." I'm sure Dick Strong has a never ending, Gatsby-like cocktail party where he and his well heeled cronies share their opinions for guys like you to float on message boards.
I think you are absolutely full of crap. Even if all this was true, which its not, what's the purpose of posting it other than to create doubt amongst fans?
We are 25-7. Should get a 3 seed. We have two of the best players MU has had in a decade...pairings come out tomorrow...let's focus on your "sources" and their "divide" about the most charismatic coach we've had since McGuire.
Let me guess, you have a graduate degree from Purdue?
Quote from: Goose on March 10, 2012, 02:32:24 PM
PRN
If memory serves me last year my fear was MU would not pony up the money, not that they might not want Buzz. I was very happy they rewarded Buzz and kept him as coach. You have right to any opinion you want regarding my comments. Believe sources or not, that is your call. For the record I have zero idea what the AD thinks or what is goals are for the program. My comments, based off very good sources, are based off opinions with far more pull than the AD.
You can accept Big Daddy for his comments and think I am an idiot, what do I care? I have zero interest in stirring any pot. I will add that if someone had information, even possible negative, on the program I would want them to share that on here. Unlike Big Daddy I am not going to run away because PRN does not like my comments.
For the record were you living in a cave last March? The assault issue definitely was on the minds of many of the MU brass last March. Just because Local media made little out of the problem does not mean the school had not been monitoring very closely. My comments on the topic are based off numerous conversations I have had in past few weeks.
My concern, assuming their is some friction there, is that they try to dictate to Buzz how to run his program, and he tells them to shove it and walks. I'm sure there are plenty of places that would take him in and leave him alone.
Thank you Muskie. That is the point, Buzz is not getting canned but putting handcuffs on him could make him want to leave. The whole issue is that I have heard he under watchful eye and that makes things difficult.
Goose, not questioning your sources if valid but some things:
Your comments were based on opinions of those above the AD? Doesn't the AD report directly to MU's President? To be honest I don't know.
The assault issues were on the minds of the MU brass last March. Again, was that the MU President or just high level alumni like PRN states.
If this was such a huge issue, you stated the circumstances were far larger than the media stated, why wasn't Buzz disciplined in some manner last March (12 months ago).
The school has been monitoring Buzz for the past year. Was he placed on a "probationary watch" and with the suspensions two weeks ago, he either violated his probation or caused additional concern for media attention. Having such an oversight with someone constantly looking over your shoulder, second guessing all your moves is a difficult task.
With a new President and a new AD, coinciding with Buzz's well, different behavior, I still don't see them even coming close to considering cutting ties. He has done a wonderful job to date with the program.
nyg, excellent comments/questions. I wanted to answer the reporting question. According to the MU Org Chart on the President's page, Larry is a direct report to the Pres.
The last AD was pushed out due to the events of last year. Could the new AD be tightening the reins on Buzz to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to him?
Quote from: MUMac on March 10, 2012, 03:27:22 PM
nyg, excellent comments/questions. I wanted to answer the reporting question. According to the MU Org Chart on the President's page, Larry is a direct report to the Pres.
OK, then that should be the concern if Goose's source is valid. Thanks.
NYG
I do believe one important of the story never was in the media and that part of the story is the root of the problem. Nobody on this site loves Buzz more than I do....I think a lot of us are tied in the man crush, but that does not make everything perfect. There are several smart guys on this site regarding MU and I believe those folks do not think my posts are crazy.
My stirring the pot, as PRN called it, is merely an attempt to inform those who love this program. I would hate to see us go backwards because of last year. Maybe Buzz was punished last spring, maybe the suspensions are a result of that. Again, this fan, alum, donor, parent of incoming freshman and another in 2013 is completely behind Buzz!
Quote from: Goose on March 10, 2012, 03:42:24 PM
NYG
I do believe one important of the story never was in the media and that part of the story is the root of the problem. Nobody on this site loves Buzz more than I do....I think a lot of us are tied in the man crush, but that does not make everything perfect. There are several smart guys on this site regarding MU and I believe those folks do not think my posts are crazy.
My stirring the pot, as PRN called it, is merely an attempt to inform those who love this program. I would hate to see us go backwards because of last year. Maybe Buzz was punished last spring, maybe the suspensions are a result of that. Again, this fan, alum, donor, parent of incoming freshman and another in 2013 is completely behind Buzz!
OK, thanks. Lets see how this thing works itself out.
Quote from: Goose on March 10, 2012, 03:42:24 PM
There are several smart guys on this site regarding MU and I believe those folks do not think my posts are crazy.
My stirring the pot, as PRN called it, is merely an attempt to inform those who love this program. I would hate to see us go backwards because of last year. Maybe Buzz was punished last spring, maybe the suspensions are a result of that. Again, this fan, alum, donor, parent of incoming freshman and another in 2013 is completely behind Buzz!
At best you're full of it. At worst, you are guilty of sharing confidences that were meant to remain just that. I find it hard to believe that those in the know would share such info with someone that would spread it on the internet. I know if I had friends in those places, I would not blab what they shared confidentially on the internet.
Maybe your just blabbing hearsay, advertising it as 1st hand. I guess that is part of the world of internet gossip.
goose, if I'm reading you right, you're saying the biggest threat to retaining Buzz is an internal one. I think your credibility woud be enhanced if you would present all the facts you allude to additional assault details as the crux of the problem. What have we not been told? Is Buzz in a probationary status? Has he violated the terms and is it a hanging offense? Unless you know and will share this info you will come off as stirring the pot. Then there is the question of motivation.
After reading the attacks on this board on anyone who gives any inside information the past month or so. Note to self: Never share any information with this board. You will only get attacked.
This is getting ridiculous. Looks like people want to drive everyone away.
MuMac
I am not afraid of being bashed on here and I am also not going to quote sources on the general site. I have shared comments with several posters on here and I appreciate their respect of my posts. Not all of agreed in private, but most of respected my posts as being possible or highly possible.
At this point whoever believes my posts as being a possibility have been kind and those who think I am trying to cause trouble have voiced that as well. Bottom line is I love MU ball and hope we succeed over the next few weeks.
My wife attacks me more than anyone on here could and that is why I love my wife. I have no problem being taken to task or attacked. I know my comments come from real sources. Contrary to Ringout's post I have not blabbed by sources. I have taken the heat on this solo, and that is fine.