According to the article, we offer a "tradition rich" program and double the moola.
Working against us...Interim ______.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/sports/college/vcu/marquette-wake-forest-interested-in-shaka-smart/article_e54dc7d0-b378-11e3-bf81-0017a43b2370.html?mode=jqm
"Marquette is in Milwaukee." Sheesh.
Working against us:
- an "Interim" everything when it comes to the coach's boss, which should be something a young, smart guy like Smart considers (and probably doesn't like)
- a conference that is not nearly as good as it was, and making matters worse, it had a terrible first year which has only made the new "perception" of the "weakened" conference worse. And we can all argue here til we're blue in the face...but perception is reality.
Those are two big factors. Sorry. And if you're a rationale young guy like Smart, reason one is huge and why I'm not seeing this happen and haven't been optimistic since the get go.
Howland, Howland, Howland. Get it done. (and I'll eat crow and be thrilled if Smart comes...but he ain't).
Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think the interim thing is a big deal. Marquette has a rich tradition and is extremely stable. Put everything you want in a contract and move forward. If he's as good as advertised then there isn't much to worry about.
Conference thing is legit, not as good as it once was. But still top 4 in the BBall world, it will be fine. Lots of programs that are all in on basketball.
You're naïve.
Let's say you got an offer to leave your job. Uproot your family. You have a great situation now. You also know you can probably pick and choose wherever you land next (depending, of course, on opportunities if they do/do not come...but I digress).
Would you take an offer from a good company, for a great salary, but at the end of the day, you didn't know who your boss, or your boss' boss will be? Put yourself in Smart's shoes and be honest with yourself.