So I got a chance to communicate with buddy of mine today who worked at UCLA for a number of years, including the Howland era. This person knows MU well, as he worked at MU in a former life as well.
He thought it would be a home run hire for us. Funny, he mentioned all of Ben's idiosyncrasies like keeping a meeting room at a certain temperature, etc...stuff you would expect of Buzz. Ben can be really gruff, also a Buzz trait.
Should be an interesting week or so.
My UCLA friend says the same thing. And MU is his second favorite program because he's had family go there, and he's really hoping to see Ben in Milwaukee.
nm
There is supposed to be some kind of announcement Wednesday by Marquette.
I have absolutely no idea what the announcement is, but leaves one to wonder. This should be a fun week or two.
Quote from: Stone Cold on March 22, 2014, 10:18:48 PM
You know Bill Walton too?
What are his thoughts?
His thoughts - like some older UCLA fans - are that you suck if you don't win 10 National Championships.
Quote from: Avenue Commons on March 22, 2014, 10:19:43 PM
There is supposed to be some kind of announcement Wednesday by Marquette.
I think they are announcing that Sandy Cohen asked for and has received a release from his National LoI.
Hope they hire him and do it quick. Don't want to risk a screw up and end up with a risk hire like Buzz was. He worked out, but man I don't want to have to go a bunch of seasons wondering how our coach will pan out because he is so new to coaching. Need a guy that we know what to expect.
Hire him. Give him a fat check. Let's keep him here 10+ years until he retires.
Quote from: GoldenEagle2002 on March 22, 2014, 10:21:33 PM
Hope they hire him and do it quick. Don't want to risk a screw up and end up with a risk hire like Buzz was. He worked out, but man I don't want to have to go a bunch of seasons wondering how our coach will pan out because he is so new to coaching. Need a guy that we know what to expect.
We need a guy that can teach an inbounds play, draw up a successful play during a timeout and doesn't do hockey-like mass player substitutions.
Quote from: GooooMarquette on March 22, 2014, 10:20:23 PM
His thoughts - like some older UCLA fans - are that you suck if you don't win 10 National Championships.
I don't know Bill Walton. He has his opinions, and they are strong ones. He certainly did Ben no favors the last few years, that is for sure.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 22, 2014, 10:26:26 PM
I don't know Bill Walton. He has his opinions, and they are strong ones. He certainly did Ben no favors the last few years, that is for sure.
Bill ingested a lot of psychedelics all those years touring with the Dead...
Howland did have plenty of UCLA teams that looked like utter sh..t during that last half decade of b ball....
Howland better leave the fly fishing sh..t at home....and bring some passion.
Quote from: Bleuteaux on March 22, 2014, 10:22:10 PM
Hire him. Give him a fat check. Let's keep him here 10+ years until he retires.
Unless, of course, he has one or -- gasp! -- two mediocre seasons. Then we can dump him and say we never liked him anyway.
Quote from: MU82 on March 22, 2014, 10:49:00 PM
Unless, of course, he has one or -- gasp! -- two mediocre seasons. Then we can dump him and say we never liked him anyway.
Well, I don't think Howland is going to be an MU coach til he retires.
So it helps MU and him out: the void is filled with an experienced coach who has placed many players in the League, and MU gets to work on the short-term and long-term plans.
Howland never impressed me as having the energy level nor the drive required to win consistently. He carried the UCLA banner well, and used it to his best effect. Not much more.
Slow down on Howland. No need to rush things here. He will wait a week or two and we can check out the options in meantime.
Quote from: keefe on March 22, 2014, 10:44:08 PM
Bill ingested a lot of psychedelics all those years touring with the Dead...
The apple didn't fall far from the tree either...
Quote from: Goose on March 22, 2014, 10:58:43 PM
Slow down on Howland. No need to rush things here. He will wait a week or two and we can check out the options in meantime.
Unless of course Wake Forest jumps on him and adds another quality coach to the ACC. Time could be of the essence. Howland is solid enough to jump on immediately. And the rest of the Big East would pat us on the back for the hire.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on March 22, 2014, 10:52:57 PM
Well, I don't think Howland is going to be an MU coach til he retires.
So it helps MU and him out: the void is filled with an experienced coach who has placed many players in the League, and MU gets to work on the short-term and long-term plans.
Folks here are talking about him staying 10 years. That's pretty close to him retiring given his age.
Aside from you, I haven't heard a soul here talking about Howland as a stopgap-till-we-get-our-long-term-coach hire.
Quote from: Goose on March 22, 2014, 10:58:43 PM
Slow down on Howland. No need to rush things here. He will wait a week or two and we can check out the options in meantime.
I kind of agree on this. If I could get Marshall, I'd announce asap. Howland I would wait a week or so. See how it plays out. Cords will have a list and if the rumors are true that I've heard, that list has been dusted off for a little while now.
Latest from the suddenly awake and alert Hunt: Marquette has contacted Howland.
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/goldeneagles/marquette-has-contacted-ben-howland-about-coaching-position-b99230955z1-251743241.html#
Quote from: Avenue Commons on March 22, 2014, 10:19:43 PM
There is supposed to be some kind of announcement Wednesday by Marquette.
MU's going to announce that all recruits are being held to their LOIs. That actions have consequences. And that it's a "life lesson". ;)
Quote from: chapman on March 22, 2014, 11:25:04 PM
Latest from the suddenly awake and alert Hunt: Marquette has contacted Howland.
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/goldeneagles/marquette-has-contacted-ben-howland-about-coaching-position-b99230955z1-251743241.html#
Good summary of everything so far.
Hunt is 2/2 in the post-Buzz era
Maybe Buzz wasn't communicating with Hunt
Quote from: WarriorFan on March 22, 2014, 10:56:53 PM
Howland never impressed me as having the energy level nor the drive required to win consistently. He carried the UCLA banner well, and used it to his best effect. Not much more.
What on earth are you talking about? All he did was win consistently. What was that, coincidence?
Just not feeling the Howland aura. I think the guy will use Marquette to get a better job - IF he is successful in the first several years. No way he stays longer than 3-4 if he gets us back to the NCAAs. Plus, his style of play is not fan friendly.
Quote from: Norm on March 23, 2014, 12:08:06 AM
Just not feeling the Howland aura. I think the guy will use Marquette to get a better job - IF he is successful in the first several years. No way he stays longer than 3-4 if he gets us back to the NCAAs. Plus, his style of play is not fan friendly.
His style of play is proven and successful...
Quote from: Rockmic87 on March 23, 2014, 12:14:46 AM
His style of play is proven and successful...
All those Final Fours and winning seasons.
Snore.....
Obviously Howland is unlikely to replicate what he did at UCLA at MU, but the notion that this guy is beneath us is laughable.
How is winning not fan friendly? I don't care how ugly a win is. Winning is winning.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 23, 2014, 12:21:58 AM
All those Final Fours and winning seasons.
Snore.....
Obviously Howland is unlikely to replicate what he did at UCLA at MU, but the notion that this guy is beneath us is laughable.
Well, if he replicates what he did at Pitt, that would keep MU fans at least content. I also think Howland can land Stone through his success with Kevin Love.
Quote from: WarriorFan on March 22, 2014, 10:56:53 PM
Howland never impressed me as having the energy level nor the drive required to win consistently. He carried the UCLA banner well, and used it to his best effect. Not much more.
Considering how his tenure at UCLA ended, I think Ben Howland will have some things to prove and will be plenty motivated. Also, in an interview with Seth Davis last fall he said he would play a more up-tempo style the next place he goes. His name has been linked to other schools (Wake Forest, Boston College) but I get the sense he's giving Marquette the first place in line to hire him.
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/21/sports/la-sp-ben-howland-dwyre-20131221
Quote from: Norm on March 23, 2014, 12:08:06 AM
Just not feeling the Howland aura. I think the guy will use Marquette to get a better job - IF he is successful in the first several years. No way he stays longer than 3-4 if he gets us back to the NCAAs. Plus, his style of play is not fan friendly.
Some of this is perception, not truth but as we all know, perception can become the truth in one's eyes. In some ways the issue is that he stresses defense so much that people forget the offense. Or they will see guys do well at UCLA, but explode in the NBA like Russel Westbrook or Kevin Love. That's partly unfair as that scenario happens quite often when players move to the NBA.
Last year when UCLA won the Pac 12, they averaged 75 points per game, tops in the conference....ahead of Arizona.
The current version of UCLA has 6 of its 7 players are Howland recruits.
Quote from: Jamil_toMU10 on March 23, 2014, 12:31:32 AM
How is winning not fan friendly? I don't care how ugly a win is. Winning is winning.
I know. That's what we all say on this board regarding the Badgers.
Please.
Quote from: Niv Berkowitz on March 23, 2014, 12:49:50 AM
I know. That's what we all say on this board regarding the Badgers.
Please.
Well, I do. People here rip on the Vadgers all the time for style of play, but all they do is win. Can't stand their arrogant prick fans, but they win on the court.
Quote from: Niv Berkowitz on March 23, 2014, 12:49:50 AM
I know. That's what we all say on this board regarding the Badgers.
Please.
The Badgers were certainly more entertaining to watch than we were this year.
Anyway, good Howland videos here (5 parts): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAiHZhQZksQ
Quote from: Norm on March 23, 2014, 12:08:06 AM
Just not feeling the Howland aura. I think the guy will use Marquette to get a better job - IF he is successful in the first several years. No way he stays longer than 3-4 if he gets us back to the NCAAs. Plus, his style of play is not fan friendly.
Not even that worried about him leaving. He's 56. What better jobs will come calling for a 60 year old in 3-4 years? The blue bloods will see their coaches retire, and won't be looking to bring in a successor who could be right behind him in retiring, as well as one who may have the perception of failing at a blue blood previously. Much more potential for stability than a fast-rising mid-major coach or assistant.
Quote from: Jamil_toMU10 on March 23, 2014, 12:51:29 AM
The Badgers were certainly more entertaining to watch than we were this year.
Anyway, good Howland videos here (5 parts): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAiHZhQZksQ
In Part 4, he also points to his UCLA team last year being near the top in the nation in fast break points, as well as promising that he would want to run more at his next destination.
Quote from: chapman on March 23, 2014, 12:54:16 AM
Not even that worried about him leaving. He's 56. What better jobs will come calling for a 60 year old in 3-4 years? The blue bloods will see their coaches retire, and won't be looking to bring in a successor who could be right behind him in retiring, as well as one who may have the perception of failing at a blue blood previously. Much more potential for stability than a fast-rising mid-major coach or assistant.
In Part 4, he also points to his UCLA team last year being near the top in the nation in fast break points, as well as promising that he would want to run more at his next destination.
What's nuts is how Stockton played 5 mpg as a frosh and Russell Westbrook only 9. Not to mention Howland has a great track record with stud point guards lately. Sure would be nice to put out PG debate to rest. I think he could get a lot out of Duane and Dawson.
Quote from: Norm on March 23, 2014, 12:08:06 AM
Just not feeling the Howland aura. I think the guy will use Marquette to get a better job - IF he is successful in the first several years. No way he stays longer than 3-4 if he gets us back to the NCAAs. Plus, his style of play is not fan friendly.
Howland is 56. What "better job" than MU hires a guy who is 60+? Texas Tech? SMU?
If Howland wins the NC at MU, and Boeheim retires, you think Syracuse would replace him with a 60yr old?
This would be Howland's last high major job. If he wins, he stays until he retires. Loses and he is fired and it's off to a studio job or mid-major.
I just hope that if we hire Howland that he has kept in contact with lots of potential recruits when during this period he was not governed by any NCAA recruit contact rules during his year off. (I think Huggy did this after he was fired from Cincy before he was hired at Kansas State.)
Quote from: GoldenEagle2002 on March 22, 2014, 10:21:33 PM
Hope they hire him and do it quick. Don't want to risk a screw up and end up with a risk hire like Buzz was. He worked out, but man I don't want to have to go a bunch of seasons wondering how our coach will pan out because he is so new to coaching. Need a guy that we know what to expect.
Uhh..sorry...Buzz did not work out. This fiasco proves that!
Quote from: keefe on March 22, 2014, 10:44:08 PM
Bill ingested a lot of psychedelics all those years touring with the Dead...
And that is highly likely. They must have helped him with his BB skill set. Now there is an interesting scientific study that should be conducted.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 23, 2014, 12:47:05 AM
Some of this is perception, not truth but as we all know, perception can become the truth in one's eyes. In some ways the issue is that he stresses defense so much that people forget the offense. Or they will see guys do well at UCLA, but explode in the NBA like Russel Westbrook or Kevin Love. That's partly unfair as that scenario happens quite often when players move to the NBA.
Last year when UCLA won the Pac 12, they averaged 75 points per game, tops in the conference....ahead of Arizona.
The current version of UCLA has 6 of its 7 players are Howland recruits.
I guess not many asked to be released from their LOIs at UCLA.
Quote from: Stone Cold on March 22, 2014, 10:46:17 PM
Howland did have plenty of UCLA teams that looked like utter sh..t during that last half decade of b ball....
Howland better leave the fly fishing sh..t at home....and bring some passion.
Hunt article: Howland was let go last season at tough-to-please UCLA after winning the Pacific-12 title with a record of 25-9.
25-9 and a Big East title? Yes, please.
ESPN just posted the Howland-Marquette connection on their home page. Gives the story a little more traction.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10658826/marquette-golden-eagles-contact-ben-howland (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10658826/marquette-golden-eagles-contact-ben-howland)
Quote from: MU82 on March 22, 2014, 10:49:00 PM
Unless, of course, he has one or -- gasp! -- two mediocre seasons. Then we can dump him and say we never liked him anyway.
Spoken like a true Buzz Slurper.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 22, 2014, 11:02:41 PM
I kind of agree on this. If I could get Marshall, I'd announce asap. Howland I would wait a week or so. See how it plays out. Cords will have a list and if the rumors are true that I've heard, that list has been dusted off for a little while now.
Marshall should already have communicated an interest/or lack of to Cords through his agent. He would be a good get. However, he is riding high now, has a good gig and may want to wait for a better name comes calling. Although, what better name could there be than MU?
Quote from: windyplayer on March 23, 2014, 09:47:55 AM
ESPN just posted the Howland-Marquette connection on their home page. Gives the story a little more traction.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10658826/marquette-golden-eagles-contact-ben-howland (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10658826/marquette-golden-eagles-contact-ben-howland)
QuoteMultiple sources close to Howland told ESPN that he is "extremely interested" in the Marquette opening.
Awesome!
Quote from: muwarrior69 on March 23, 2014, 07:43:08 AM
I guess not many asked to be released from their LOIs at UCLA.
One of three Howland recruits got out of his LOI. Allerik Freeman, who I believe redshirted with an injury at Baylor this year.
(https://o.twimg.com/2/proxy.jpg?t=HBhQaHR0cDovL2kua2luamEtaW1nLmNvbS9nYXdrZXItbWVkaWEvaW1hZ2UvdXBsb2FkL3Rfay1iaWdwaWMvMThnOW1qajlueTIyNmpwZy5qcGcUlA8UxAgAFgASAA&s=VZgU4YpwFabvgG2Mv55IORWRBU5LxfOEvmmlX6epDlQ)
Howland playing beer pong at UCLA. He'll fit right in
I can't get over how big this would be if MU could land this. The new big east is just that....the NEW big east. We have fellow schools rooting for this as well because of what it could mean for the conference. To take on a coach of his caliber and history would just assist in saying this conference is going to compete, regardless of how this past season went down. FWIW I'm all in on this.
Thinking of How lands first presser saying "we are going to win and win big" from a proven winner gets me a whole lot more excited for the future than what i was a week ago before the bomb fell.
Quote from: Norm on March 23, 2014, 12:08:06 AM
Just not feeling the Howland aura. I think the guy will use Marquette to get a better job - IF he is successful in the first several years. No way he stays longer than 3-4 if he gets us back to the NCAAs. Plus, his style of play is not fan friendly.
Don't understand that line of thinking. You'd rather have a less accomplished coach because he won't leave? Hire the best guy, it's a great job. If he wants to leave so be it. Hire the next best coach.
Howland would be a disaster. Read these two articles and tell me you still think he'd be a good hire.
SI's 5-page article on his time at UCLA. A lot of bad stuff went on. (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/magazine/02/28/ucla/)
Questionable recruiting methods. (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaab--losing--off-court-issues-justifiably-lead-to-firings-of-ben-howland--tubby-smith-000403175.html)
Quote from: MULawAlum on March 23, 2014, 10:47:26 AM
Howland would be a disaster. Read these two articles and tell me you still think he'd be a good hire.
SI's 5-page article on his time at UCLA. A lot of bad stuff went on. (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/magazine/02/28/ucla/)
Questionable recruiting methods. (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaab--losing--off-court-issues-justifiably-lead-to-firings-of-ben-howland--tubby-smith-000403175.html)
He'd be a good hire.
Quote from: MULawAlum on March 23, 2014, 10:47:26 AM
Howland would be a disaster. Read these two articles and tell me you still think he'd be a good hire.
SI's 5-page article on his time at UCLA. A lot of bad stuff went on. (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/magazine/02/28/ucla/)
Questionable recruiting methods. (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaab--losing--off-court-issues-justifiably-lead-to-firings-of-ben-howland--tubby-smith-000403175.html)
This is an outrage. These articles almost make him sound like a college basketball coach.
Howland is starting to really feel like a win win. Upgrade in actual coaching ability on the floor and he wants to be here. It's not the most exciting hire but certainly not an unknown....remember when it was Buzz who??? No more gambles. Big name hire, keep on keeping on.
I can't believe some are questioning what type of hire Howland would be and suggesting a "let's wait and see who else we can get" attitude. This is a no freaking brainer. A great coach with an established track record of winning who wants to come here?? Done, done and done. He's exactly the stabilizing force of a hire MU needs right now
Quote from: MULawAlum on March 23, 2014, 10:47:26 AM
Howland would be a disaster. Read these two articles and tell me you still think he'd be a good hire.
There's a rebuttal to all of this, or it may just be easier to note that UCLA is a cesspool.
Quote from: marquetteff03 on March 23, 2014, 11:10:02 AM
Howland is starting to really feel like a win win. Upgrade in actual coaching ability on the floor and he wants to be here. It's not the most exciting hire but certainly not an unknown....remember when it was Buzz who??? No more gambles. Big name hire, keep on keeping on.
And the media has now put the pressure on MU to make a splash - they had rumors of Howland and Marshall interest out almost simultaneously with the Buzz leaving story. Six years ago, names of that magnitude were wishful thinking by Scoop posters, not coming from credible sources. The media's angle has painted the MU program in high regard this time, and hopefully they're proven right.
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 23, 2014, 11:12:06 AM
I can't believe some are questioning what type of hire Howland would be and suggesting a "let's wait and see who else we can get" attitude. This is a no freaking brainer. A great coach with an established track record of winning who wants to come here?? Done, done and done. He's exactly the stabilizing force of a hire MU needs right now
If Wichita State loses today, I'd bump Marshall up to #1, if we could get him. Timing is everything.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 23, 2014, 11:18:55 AM
If Wichita State loses today, I'd bump Marshall up to #1, if we could get him. Timing is everything.
Yes, the timing worries me here. As that is a variable that is somewhat out of MU's control.
Chicos, I can't remember, but when MU hired Crean, was MSU out of the tournament then?
And, I realize it is different for an assistant coach.
Quote from: RJax55 on March 23, 2014, 11:23:21 AM
Yes, the timing worries me here. As that is a variable that is somewhat out of MU's control.
Chicos, I can't remember, but when MU hired Crean, was MSU out of the tournament then?
And, I realize it is different for an assistant coach.
MU hired Crean on March 30, 1999. Michigan State was eliminated in the Final Four on March 27, 1999.
If you will recall, Michigan State was sent to Milwaukee for the first two rounds against Mount Saint Mary's and then Ole Miss. So Crean was in town. It worked out nicely from a timing perspective and location.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 23, 2014, 11:18:55 AM
If Wichita State loses today, I'd bump Marshall up to #1, if we could get him. Timing is everything.
Agree that he absolutely enters the picture if he becomes available and has interest. But some are suggesting we wait two weeks and put Howland on the back burner in hopes of landing someone like Marshall. I think that's foolish. In fact an argument could be made that Howland is the better hire given his track record. Not saying I think he is but one could make that argument
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 23, 2014, 11:32:49 AM
MU hired Crean on March 30, 1999. Michigan State was eliminated in the Final Four on March 27, 1999.
If you will recall, Michigan State was sent to Milwaukee for the first two rounds against Mount Saint Mary's and then Ole Miss. So Crean was in town. It worked out nicely from a timing perspective and location.
Thanks. Timing and circumstances were definitely in MU's favor for that search.
Quote from: RJax55 on March 23, 2014, 11:23:21 AM
Yes, the timing worries me here. As that is a variable that is somewhat out of MU's control.
Chicos, I can't remember, but when MU hired Crean, was MSU out of the tournament then?
And, I realize it is different for an assistant coach.
Cords was interviewin' Clappy during the Tourney as MSU was seeded in MKE. Big difference was T-Cubed was a lowly ass. coach at the time, not the head bs'er.
I want Howland, Marshall, or Miller, in that order.
Any of these guys would be a win, but if Howland wants it the job should be his.
As long as Howland has some fire in his belly, I'm fine. I like what he did early in his tenure, but there's no denying he had inexcusably weak teams at UCLA. They were painful to watch a couple seasons.
If Marshall has interest, MU already knows it. If he doesn't, they know that too, and I'm sure they're also talking to guys that haven't even been mentioned. My hope is that Howlands lawyers are already involved, but regardless of that, it doesn't appear this is going to be something that drags on for a terribly long time, but won't necessarily be settled tomorrow either.
I think Howland would know what kind of program he would be joining and .perhaps, the pressure to sign Burger Boys would be less here. Hence, a cleaner recruiting process.
Quote from: Stone Cold on March 23, 2014, 12:53:59 PM
As long as Howland has some fire in his belly, I'm fine. I like what he did early in his tenure, but there's no denying he had inexcusably weak teams at UCLA. They were painful to watch a couple seasons.
I think after the ways things went down at UCLA he has plenty to prove and to motivate him.
Quote from: Stone Cold on March 23, 2014, 12:53:59 PM
As long as Howland has some fire in his belly, I'm fine. I like what he did early in his tenure, but there's no denying he had inexcusably weak teams at UCLA. They were painful to watch a couple seasons.
Howland wants the gig. It is all over the media. The public vetting has begun. Cords is doing a great job with this. If Smart is not interested, and they know by now, then it is either Howland or Marshall. Either way, we stand to land on our feet big time and will not suffer the embarrassment of being declined in public.
Quote from: 79Warrior on March 23, 2014, 01:10:08 PM
Howland wants the gig. It is all over the media. The public vetting has begun. Cords is doing a great job with this. If Smart is not interested, and they know by now, then it is either Howland or Marshall. Either way, we stand to land on our feet big time and will not suffer the embarrassment of being declined in public.
I really want Howland, but would be fine with the others.
In any case, I really hope that our new coach specifically points to the vitality and the potential of the Big East. Totally fly in the face of what Buzz said.