@steve_wojo: Proud & excited to add @tythornton3 to our staff today. Will impact our program/players big time! Honored to give him his start. #family
Probably will be in the Sports Leadership program - same track that Blair and Lyle were in.
Posted: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 8:10 pm | Updated: 8:16 pm, Wed Jun 25, 2014.
Staff and wire report
Tyler Thornton, who completed his Duke career three months ago, could join Marquette's coaching staff as a graduate assistant.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Thornton is working a summer camp at Marquette, where former Duke assistant Steve Wojciechowski is a first-year head coach, and Thornton hopes to get admitted to graduate school.
"All the guys that he's been around a lot over the past year, anything that we can do to ease his transition here, we would be willing to do," Wojciechowski told the AP.
Wojciechowski's staff already includes former Duke standout Chris Carrawell.
Thornton, a point guard, committed to Duke even though the Blue Devils were also recruiting Kyrie Irving, the top-ranked point guard in the same class.
Irving played one season at Duke and was the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Thornton had a four-year career in Durham, contributing tough defense, strong leadership, an unselfish approach, plenty of fouls and the occasional clutch shot.
Despite being less talented than many of the players at a program that attracts McDonald's All-Americans, Thornton started 53 career games, including 25 as a senior.
"Tyler is going to be a coach one day," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said during Thornton's junior season. "He really understands the game."
Finally!
It's about time we got a coach who was a former point guard.
Quote from: barfolomew on July 25, 2014, 02:35:50 PM
Finally!
It's about time we got a coach who was a former point guard.
I think now the coaches can beat the varsity!
How many grad assistants are you allowed to have?
Hope he gets inta grad school comin' from Duke and such.
Quote from: swoopem on July 25, 2014, 02:54:58 PM
How many grad assistants are you allowed to have?
Probably as many ex Blue Devils as can get into grad school
A guy who started 53 games at Duke despite being lower rated/less talented than the average Blue Devil. Coach K's very own version of Derrick Wilson? (Please, Ners, don't respond that Derrick made 1 three point shot and 42% from the line or that we were 17-15 last year. That's been established. Just sayin' that I'm sure some Dookies were scratching their heads wondering how Coach K could play this guy ahead of the burger boys.)
Quote from: 4everwarriors on July 25, 2014, 02:56:31 PM
Hope he gets inta grad school comin' from Duke and such.
You read my thoughts, Doc. Does MU's grad school have a FFP program to help those who are academically deficient get up to speed?
Now I'm confident the coaches can beat the players in a game of pickup
Quote from: keefe on July 25, 2014, 03:32:18 PM
You read my thoughts, Doc. Does MU's grad school have a FFP program to help those who are academically deficient get up to speed?
Nah, Pilarz decided it'd be a good idea to get rid of FFP. Horrible idea.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on July 25, 2014, 03:33:47 PM
Now I'm confident the coaches can beat the players in a game of pickup
Only bc the coaches have the height advantage
/teal
Quote from: swoopem on July 25, 2014, 03:38:26 PM
Nah, Pilarz decided it'd be a good idea to get rid of FFP. Horrible idea.
Seriously? Was FFP dropped?
Tyler Thornton @tythornton3 · 3h
I have been blessed with a great opportunity to join coach @Steve_Wojo at Marquette University. I'm really excited to be here. #GoEagles
Miles Plumlee @milesplumlee13 · 2h
Congrats @tythornton3 on the new job! You have the knowledge, work ethic, and demeanor to be a great coach!! Proud of you man
Matt jones @matt13jones_ · 2h
In just one year my man @tythornton3 Taught me so much and now he's a coach! Thanking God for him being in my life #Marquette #congrats
I dunno guys. These hires really make me feel like Wojo is in for the long haul. I feel like MU has found their guy for the next 15+ years.
Let's just keep the Duke coaching hires away from our lacrosse team.
But seriously, as one poster pointed out, when was the last time the coaching staff could really hang with the team in practices?
This coaching staff lacks height, but there are some (still) young legs out there.
Maybe Duke will hire Thornton instead of Wojo when Coach K retires
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on July 26, 2014, 01:59:49 AM
Maybe Duke will hire Thornton instead of Wojo when Coach K retires
Now
THAT was clever
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on July 26, 2014, 01:59:49 AM
Maybe Duke will hire Thornton instead of Wojo when Coach K retires
Everyone thinks Duke will hire another Dukie to replace Coach K but I think they might have noticed how that didn't work for UNC when Dean Smith retired, lucky for them they did have a Roy Williams which Duke doesn't.
Quote from: madhouse on July 26, 2014, 06:53:53 AM
Everyone thinks Duke will hire another Dukie to replace Coach K but I think they might have noticed how that didn't work for UNC when Dean Smith retired, lucky for them they did have a Roy Williams which Duke doesn't.
In case you don't know, teal is used to denote sarcasm on this site.
I happen to agree with you. I think all the assumptions about Wojo being the automatic choice for the Duke job are unfounded and are a result of having 3 of the last four coaches leave for greener pastures. I think there will be a lot of big names up for that job. Wojo will have to do a helluva lot to earn that spot. I also don't buy Coach K's recent (few months ago) statement about "wanting to coach for 5 more years." I think he's gone in three. Which gives Wojo even less time to build a resume.
Quote from: madhouse on July 26, 2014, 06:53:53 AM
Everyone thinks Duke will hire another Dukie to replace Coach K but I think they might have noticed how that didn't work for UNC when Dean Smith retired, lucky for them they did have a Roy Williams which Duke doesn't.
What do you mean by saying that UNC "did have a Roy Williams which Duke doesn't"? Do you mean a former assistant who got head coaching experience elsewhere? Won't Duke have Amaker, Chris Collins, and Wojo fit that description when Coach K retires?
IIRC, the guy who replaced Dean at UNC who didn't work out was Guthridge who had stayed at UNC as an assistant and hadn't gotten HC experience elsewhere.
Quote from: LittleMurs on July 25, 2014, 05:26:53 PM
Seriously? Was FFP dropped?
No. They upped the admittance requirements.
(Hopefully) Wojo will be to MU what Roy Williams was to Kansas!
nm
Quote from: LittleMurs on July 26, 2014, 07:57:56 AM
What do you mean by saying that UNC "did have a Roy Williams which Duke doesn't"? Do you mean a former assistant who got head coaching experience elsewhere? Won't Duke have Amaker, Chris Collins, and Wojo fit that description when Coach K retires?
IIRC, the guy who replaced Dean at UNC who didn't work out was Guthridge who had stayed at UNC as an assistant and hadn't gotten HC experience elsewhere.
There was also the Matt Doherty experience...
Doherty had distinguished himself at ND
Quote from: madhouse on July 26, 2014, 06:53:53 AM
Everyone thinks Duke will hire another Dukie to replace Coach K but I think they might have noticed how that didn't work for UNC when Dean Smith retired, lucky for them they did have a Roy Williams which Duke doesn't.
Coach K and Dean Smith are the best coaches ever at their respective programs.
However both Duke and North Carolina were good before each of them got there...and North Carolina has been good since.
Duke will be fine. Even if they struggle without Coach K at first, they will eventually find someone who will make it work.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on July 26, 2014, 08:21:27 AM
No. They upped the admittance requirements.
No. The FFP that we all know and love is gone. Thanks Scott.
Quote from: swoopem on July 26, 2014, 10:24:40 AM
No. The FFP that we all know and love is gone. Thanks Scott.
I didn't know it. I didn't love it.
But FFP is still around. It has changed however. Such is life.
Quote from: keefe on July 26, 2014, 09:57:47 AM
There was also the Matt Doherty experience...
Doherty had distinguished himself at ND
Keefe--you are slipping. There is nothing to be distinguished with at No Dick. Just like Geico, everybody (except arrogant ND fans) knows that.
Quote from: willie warrior on July 26, 2014, 11:31:30 AM
Keefe--you are slipping. There is nothing to be distinguished with at No Dick. Just like Geico, everybody (except arrogant ND fans) knows that.
Willie
I was kidding, mate
I still think Brad Stevens ends up coaching Duke.
Maybe eventually, but I think it will go to a Duke insider first.
Quote from: keefe on July 26, 2014, 11:35:35 AM
Willie
I was kidding, mate
I figured you were. But even to put distinguished and ND together in a sentence must be called out. Unless it is in reference to old school ND, as in Rockne, Hornung, Parsegian, or Montana.
Quote from: Slim on July 26, 2014, 11:36:38 AM
I still think Brad Stevens ends up coaching Duke.
Brad is the next coach at IU, not Duke.
Quote from: tower912 on July 26, 2014, 02:45:33 PM
Brad is the next coach at IU, not Duke.
You really think so?
Quote from: tower912 on July 26, 2014, 02:45:33 PM
Brad is the next coach at IU, not Duke.
Bring back Bobby Knight. His time has come again, especially to counterpoint the PC crowd. We need a General Patton patrolling the sidelines, beating the hell out of telephones, throwing chairs at the Commies, and slapping players around. The horsewhip with Calvin Cheyney is an all time classic. Especially if you compare it to Crean's kiss.
Quote from: keefe on July 26, 2014, 03:02:49 PM
You really think so?
I don't know. The prevailing wisdom on their boards seems to be that Crean gets to stay until his buyout is manageable. If the results aren't there, they let him go and make the big push for Brad.
Quote from: tower912 on July 26, 2014, 04:16:43 PM
I don't know. The prevailing wisdom on their boards seems to be that Crean gets to stay until his buyout is manageable. If the results aren't there, they let him go and make the big push for Brad.
They aren't going to outpay the Boston Celtics and Stevens does not like the recruiting aspect of college basketball.
Fair enough.
Hunt just posted this ... nothing gets past this guy! And I love the detail, so enlightening.
--------------------------------------
Tyler Thornton joins men's basketball staff
By Michael Hunt of the Journal Sentinel
July 26, 2014 6:14 p.m.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/268746361.html
Former Duke point guard Tyler Thornton has joined the Marquette staff, coach Steve Wojciechowsk tweeted.
Thornton's job has yet to be specified, but it is believed he will be a graduate assistant.
Quote from: LittleMurs on July 26, 2014, 07:57:56 AM
What do you mean by saying that UNC "did have a Roy Williams which Duke doesn't"? Do you mean a former assistant who got head coaching experience elsewhere? Won't Duke have Amaker, Chris Collins, and Wojo fit that description when Coach K retires?
IIRC, the guy who replaced Dean at UNC who didn't work out was Guthridge who had stayed at UNC as an assistant and hadn't gotten HC experience elsewhere.
That's like Hank Raymonds replacing Al, right?
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on July 27, 2014, 12:03:23 PM
That's like Hank Raymonds replacing Al, right?
We had Denny f ucking Crum jumping up and down doing the Arnold Horshak "Ooooh Pick Me!" but Marquette hired Hank. The long winter of our discontent could have been avoided completely.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 26, 2014, 04:45:42 PM
They aren't going to outpay the Boston Celtics and Stevens does not like the recruiting aspect of college basketball.
Both true. I personally don't think Stevens will last as the Celtics head coach. Or as any NBA head coach for that matter. Being an NBA head coach is more about being a figurehead, providing motivation, creating team culture, and dealing with people that tend to have massive egos. I think Xs and Os have little to do with success at the professional level of American basketball. Brads Stevens is an Xs and Os coach. I think he will find the most success at the college level.
Besides, the Celtics faithful might have forgiven last years 25-57 performance because it was a rebuilding year, but they won't forgive very many more.
Quote from: VegasWarrior77 on July 25, 2014, 06:20:41 PM
Tyler Thornton @tythornton3 · 3h
I have been blessed with a great opportunity to join coach @Steve_Wojo at Marquette University. I'm really excited to be here. #GoEagles
Miles Plumlee @milesplumlee13 · 2h
Congrats @tythornton3 on the new job! You have the knowledge, work ethic, and demeanor to be a great coach!! Proud of you man
Matt jones @matt13jones_ · 2h
In just one year my man @tythornton3 Taught me so much and now he's a coach! Thanking God for him being in my life #Marquette #congrats
He's new so I'll give him a pass, but that might be the first time I've ever seen someone write Go Eagles in reference to dear old MU. It doesn't look or sound quite right. I hear go Eagles and think Philadelphia.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on July 27, 2014, 02:01:42 PM
Both true. I personally don't think Stevens will last as the Celtics head coach. Or as any NBA head coach for that matter. Being an NBA head coach is more about being a figurehead, providing motivation, creating team culture, and dealing with people that tend to have massive egos. I think Xs and Os have little to do with success at the professional level of American basketball. Brads Stevens is an Xs and Os coach. I think he will find the most success at the college level.
I think being a good Xs and Os coach, especially on the defensive side of the ball, is a lot more important than you are letting on here. And yeah given how young (and bad) the Celtics are, I am not sure how long he will last.
But the question becomes, is he going to take the route of a PJ Carlesimo or Stan Van Gundy and stick with the pro game? Or the route of a Lon Kruger or Rick Pitino and go back to college?
Given that Kruger and Pitino seem to enjoy the recruiting aspects of college, while Carlesimo and Van Gundy do not (like Stevens), my guess is that he will make a career out of the NBA.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on July 29, 2014, 08:28:52 AM
I think being a good Xs and Os coach, especially on the defensive side of the ball, is a lot more important than you are letting on here. And yeah given how young (and bad) the Celtics are, I am not sure how long he will last.
But the question becomes, is he going to take the route of a PJ Carlesimo or Stan Van Gundy and stick with the pro game? Or the route of a Lon Kruger or Rick Pitino and go back to college?
Given that Kruger and Pitino seem to enjoy the recruiting aspects of college, while Carlesimo and Van Gundy do not (like Stevens), my guess is that he will make a career out of the NBA.
If he stays NBA, I can see him landing at the Woofies. Flip has a full time job as Prez. He will probably split his time as coach for a year, then do the prez gig full time.