So there's a rumor that Marquette assistant Brett Nelson may take over as head coach at Drake. Nelson was previously an assistant at Drake. The Drake AD Brian Hardin came from Marquette's athletic department. Hardin and Nelson also worked together at Ball State.
That got me thinking about possible replacements. Wojo usually looks to former players, but I wonder if he'd consider a former head coach. A few names came to mind:
Mark Fox: Total dream hire, but unlikely. He'll probably have mid major offers, but it's possible MU could pay more. Fox is a solid defensive coach and also successfully recruited Ashton Hagans to Georgia.
Bob Walsh: Walsh has a previous relationship with Mike Broeker. He didn't have a great team but did improve Maine's defensive efficiency every year and was formerly a Big East assistant at Providence.
Matthew Graves: Graves was a long time assistant at Butler and just lost his job as head coach at South Alabama. He was highly regarded as an assistant and puts an emphasis on culture and defense.
Crap, we will need a new lead Twitter follower for Joseph Chartouny.
Yeah Fox if he can get Hagans, but I would think that would be a stretch on both sides. Id hope wojo has a feeling for what he's missing, sort of necessary as a leader. No idea if any of those guys would be a fit, but a defensive minded specialist seems like it's obviously needed. Maybe Wojo doesn't feel the same though.
If true, would be a great opportunity to bring in defensive help. Can only help
I'd be worried if Wojo doesn't have a list of potential coaches for his bench at all times.
Maybe Tony Bennett can take over the Bucks for his day job and assist Wojo as a second source of income?
Nelson is the shooting guru that helped Greg and Jamal with their 3pt-ers and Matt and Theo with their FTs, right? Shooting is a position of strength, but it hurts to lose a key unrecognized component of that strength.
Nelson has been a primary recruiter but recent Carawell has been hitting the road. Good for Coach Nelson.
And it's not a done deal yet, but if you search "Brett Nelson Drake" there's a ton of talk. Also some very complimentary words from Hardin there.
The homie Dave Thorson may convert by dropping the "interim" label, but would be happy for Nelson if that's how it goes.
Quote from: dw3dw3dw3 on March 23, 2018, 08:25:33 PM
Crap, we will need a new lead Twitter follower for Joseph Chartouny.
Yeah Fox if he can get Hagans, but I would think that would be a stretch on both sides. Id hope wojo has a feeling for what he's missing, sort of necessary as a leader. No idea if any of those guys would be a fit, but a defensive minded specialist seems like it's obviously needed. Maybe Wojo doesn't feel the same though.
Maybe the defensive minded specialist Wojo can hire a defensive minded specialist to assist in teaching this team defense.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 23, 2018, 08:56:15 PM
And it's not a done deal yet, but if you search "Brett Nelson Drake" there's a ton of talk. Also some very complimentary words from Hardin there.
Brian Hardin loves me. I should apply for the Drake job. ;)
Can we trade Nelson for Sr. Jean????? :o
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 23, 2018, 08:07:43 PM
So there's a rumor that Marquette assistant Brett Nelson may take over as head coach at Drake. Nelson was previously an assistant at Drake. The Drake AD Brian Hardin came from Marquette's athletic department. Hardin and Nelson also worked together at Ball State.
That got me thinking about possible replacements. Wojo usually looks to former players, but I wonder if he'd consider a former head coach. A few names came to mind:
Mark Fox: Total dream hire, but unlikely. He'll probably have mid major offers, but it's possible MU could pay more. Fox is a solid defensive coach and also successfully recruited Ashton Hagans to Georgia.
Bob Walsh: Walsh has a previous relationship with Mike Broeker. He didn't have a great team but did improve Maine's defensive efficiency every year and was formerly a Big East assistant at Providence.
Matthew Graves: Graves was a long time assistant at Butler and just lost his job as head coach at South Alabama. He was highly regarded as an assistant and puts an emphasis on culture and defense.
Great list. I personally would hope for Fox, if only because it would be nice to leverage the Hagans relationship in combination with defensive know how. Treat it more like an Adam Gase type hire (we know you're gonna be a HC somewhere, but for now head here?)
If Nelson goes to Drake - which would be a great opportunity for him - I would hope Wojo seriously looks at John Giannini (formerly of La Salle) for an assistant role. He is from Chicago, has strong Midwestern ties, has had postseason success as a head coach, and would likely provide valuable experience to the staff. Additionally, he might be interested in a one-year stop-gap as an assistant at a well-know program in order to prepare for his (probable) last head coaching opportunity next offseason.
Also seems to be some Nelson as a new Florida assistant talk. I'd guess if Wojo was sick for a game, Stan would get the call right now. 4 years in, probably time to see if he can move up somewhere. I feel like we don't get much info on Carrawell, would be a good piece for Steele to go in depth on in the off-season.
Quote from: dw3dw3dw3 on March 26, 2018, 09:23:29 AM
I feel like we don't get much info on Carrawell, would be a good piece for Steele to go in depth on in the off-season.
I fear that might be a very short read.
Wojo needs to follow beilen's lead: put the ego aside and admit you stink at coaching defense, find someone who's good at it and stay out of their way letting them be the essential defensive coordinator.
Anyone know if Steve Novak has any interest in entering the coaching ranks?
Quote from: 2TimeWarrior on March 26, 2018, 12:35:53 PM
Anyone know if Steve Novak has any interest in entering the coaching ranks?
As "defensive coordinator"?
That would be interesting - ha!
Maybe what we really need to do is find out who Chartouny's favorite person in the world is and hire that person for a year!
Adding my pick: Dave Thorson
Jeff Goodman just tweeted that a Creighton assistant is the frontrunner for the Drake job.
Quote from: mubb3434 on March 29, 2018, 07:39:54 AM
Jeff Goodman just tweeted that a Creighton assistant is the frontrunner for the Drake job.
its a #donedeal, was with Creighton for 20 years.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 29, 2018, 05:11:55 AM
Adding my pick: Dave Thorson
Our version of Luke Yaklich?
I know he knows Sacar... but how bout Suggs & Hurt? Any Carton connection from Iowa?
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 29, 2018, 05:11:55 AM
Adding my pick: Dave Thorson
Is there some Wojo connection to Drake or is it a stepping stone for assistant coaches? Phelps and Nelson both spent time at Drake.
Quote from: cheebs09 on March 29, 2018, 08:43:48 AM
Is there some Wojo connection to Drake or is it a stepping stone for assistant coaches? Phelps and Nelson both spent time at Drake.
The connection was between Wojo and Phelps, as I recall. Phelps was an ACC assistant (NC State, I think) and got to know Wojo then. Wojo brought Phelps in and that was the connection to Nelson. Also believe Nelson was then the connection that brought Stan in.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 29, 2018, 05:11:55 AM
Adding my pick: Dave Thorson
Is he not following the former coach to CSU?
It's too bad for Nelson but he's been a good assistant IMO.
Quote from: cheebs09 on March 29, 2018, 08:43:48 AM
Is there some Wojo connection to Drake or is it a stepping stone for assistant coaches? Phelps and Nelson both spent time at Drake.
Stan did as well.
Quote from: #bansultan on March 29, 2018, 09:00:38 AM
Is he not following the former coach to CSU?
It's too bad for Nelson but he's been a good assistant IMO.
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/03/26/colorado-state-rams-basketball-medved-farokhmanesh-blount/
Doesn't look like it.
Agreed on Nelson. Hope he stays one more year at least.
Quote from: WindyCityGoldenEagle on March 26, 2018, 11:19:29 AM
I fear that might be a very short read.
Wojo needs to follow beilen's lead: put the ego aside and admit you stink at coaching defense, find someone who's good at it and stay out of their way letting them be the essential defensive coordinator.
Yes! This.
Creighton assistant Devries got the gig
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.desmoinesregister.com/amp/468525002
Stan Johnson is a finalist for the head coaching job at Fresno State:
Quote from: Nick KingSources: unless something major changes, one of these five will be named Fresno State men's basketball coach next week - Bulldogs interim head coach Byron Jones; SDSU Assoc HC Justin Hutson; UCLA asst David Grace; Marquette Assoc HC Stan Johnson; UC Irvine HC Russell Turner.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 30, 2018, 10:10:32 AM
Stan Johnson is a finalist for the head coaching job at Fresno State:
This would be not good
That would not be good if Stan got the Fresno job.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 30, 2018, 10:10:32 AM
Stan Johnson is a finalist for the head coaching job at Fresno State:
For what it's worth, this Fresno Bee story has the UCLA assistant as the clear favorite and doesn't mention Stan as one of the candidates.
http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/marek-warszawski/article207005589.html
Pakuni
Thanks for the update!!
Oddly, there is still no official announcement of Carrawell's return to Durham.
I don't think Stan gets this job, but it shows the level of job that he is looking and being considered for. Head coach of Fresno State is not a bad first head coaching gig. I think Stan could be very successful there.
Quote from: Waldo Jeffers on March 30, 2018, 10:21:07 AM
Oddly, there is still no official announcement of Carrawell's return to Durham.
And there is a picture of him on MU Twitter with the other assistants and Bill Scholl at the 3 point contest with Rowsey last night.
Thought there was some recruiting advantage to not officially hiring people right away.
Stan stuff sounds like hes putting his name out there. Maybe it won't happen this year, but he's looking. Hope he wouldnt jump for a similar job in the southwest. Writing is on the wall. Same with Nelson obviously. Don't think Markus would want to sit a year to follow him, but you never know.
TAMU
It actually would be a great job for Stan. I agree he would do very well there, if given a chance.
Quote from: dw3dw3dw3 on March 30, 2018, 10:39:23 AM
Thought there was some recruiting advantage to not officially hiring people right away.
Yeah but they have to be fired from their employer first. Unless Marquette has let him go, he can't just go around recruiting on behalf of Duke.
Quote from: dw3dw3dw3 on March 30, 2018, 10:39:23 AM
Stan stuff sounds like hes putting his name out there. Maybe it won't happen this year, but he's looking. Hope he wouldnt jump for a similar job in the southwest. Writing is on the wall. Same with Nelson obviously. Don't think Markus would want to sit a year to follow him, but you never know.
Yep. Talented people leave your organization and will need to be replaced. Tale as old as time.
Quote from: dw3dw3dw3 on March 30, 2018, 10:39:23 AM
Thought there was some recruiting advantage to not officially hiring people right away.
Stan stuff sounds like hes putting his name out there. Maybe it won't happen this year, but he's looking. Hope he wouldnt jump for a similar job in the southwest. Writing is on the wall. Same with Nelson obviously. Don't think Markus would want to sit a year to follow him, but you never know.
I worry about a lot of things.....Markus following Stan to Fresno State isn't one of them.
Not really either, but Stan was the pull to MU. He's obviously built strong connection s throughout the university and with Wojo, but you never know. Pretty much any top 25 program would take him for 3 years.
Quote from: Waldo Jeffers on March 30, 2018, 10:21:07 AM
Oddly, there is still no official announcement of Carrawell's return to Durham.
Announced today.
Quote from: Nukem2 on March 30, 2018, 02:19:04 PM
Announced today.
And there it is
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211708604&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Quote from: MuMark on March 30, 2018, 11:33:27 AM
I worry about a lot of things.....Markus following Stan to Fresno State isn't one of them.
Lol. Yup.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 30, 2018, 02:32:27 PM
And there it is
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211708604&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Do you know if the Dave Thorson to MU is official? Thanks.
Dwayne Killings (UConn asst) to Marquette, per Twitter
Quote from: jesmu84 on April 08, 2018, 05:34:51 PM
Dwayne Killings (UConn asst) to Marquette, per Twitter
That is a helluva name.
NM
Another coach for the lunchtime games. Charlotte Hornets, Temple, and UConn. If accurate, his resume' says he is a decent pick up. I hope he is a defensive guru.
Welcome to the Marquette family Dwayne. Just in time for our big year in 2018-19.
I asked at The Boneyard, which is the UConn version of Scoop. Consensus seems to be that he's good at recruiting under the radar recruits, but he wasn't there long enough for anyone to get much of a sense of his exact role.
https://the-boneyard.com/threads/dwayne-killings.127950/#post-2679547
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 08, 2018, 07:40:20 PM
I asked at The Boneyard, which is the UConn version of Scoop. Consensus seems to be that he's good at recruiting under the radar recruits, but he wasn't there long enough for anyone to get much of a sense of his exact role.
https://the-boneyard.com/threads/dwayne-killings.127950/#post-2679547
Obviously for East Coast recruiting. UCONN 178 on defense, though. And, I hope none of the Ollie stink comes attached (although he wasn't there long enough it would seem). I was kinda surprised this wasn't a more experienced name hire geared toward defense.
Mark Fox is still unemployed.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on April 08, 2018, 07:47:21 PM
Obviously for East Coast recruiting. UCONN 178 on defense, though. And, I hope none of the Ollie stink comes attached (although he wasn't there long enough it would seem). I was kinda surprised this wasn't a more experienced name hire geared toward defense.
I think east coast recruiting is correct. My understanding of Coach Carawell's role was that he coached big men and was the player's coach. The coach that players felt comfortable being real with for lack of a better way to phrase it. I don't know Coach Killings background but I'd assume he could fill in some of what Carawell brought.
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 08, 2018, 08:04:53 PM
Mark Fox is still unemployed.
You think he would take an assistant job though?
Quote from: jesmu84 on April 08, 2018, 05:34:51 PM
Dwayne Killings (UConn asst) to Marquette, per Twitter
Why would we want a coach from a mid major program?
Quote from: cheese ball chaser on April 08, 2018, 08:48:49 PM
You think he would take an assistant job though?
Honestly not sure. My guess is he could have some assistant jobs that would pay more than the head jobs still out there. I'd think we're one of those.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on April 08, 2018, 09:03:26 PM
Why would we want a coach from a mid major program?
Ha—well done.
Why would we want an assistant coach who doesn't even know how to spell his first name?
Quote from: Lennys Tap on April 08, 2018, 09:03:26 PM
Why would we want a coach from a mid major program?
Because he's possibly a good coach?
Quote from: TAMU Chardonnay on April 08, 2018, 10:32:12 PM
Because he's possibly a good coach?
Methinks Lenny was being a tad playful.
Quote from: jesmu84 on April 08, 2018, 05:34:51 PM
Dwayne Killings (UConn asst) to Marquette, per Twitter
So far there's been no confirmation from any other Twitter feeds nor from Marquette. Possible he is coming, but @CoachingChanges isn't known to be the most accurate account, from a few different sources.
@EvanDaniels: Minnesota's Richard Pitino will hire Rob Jeter as an assistant coach, a source tells @247Sports.
Jeter has spent last two seasons at UNLV. Was previously the head coach at Milwaukee.
Guessing we won't see an official announcement for about a month. While Stan Johnson was announced fairly early (actually announced at Marquette before Phelps was announced at Arizona), I believe the last vacancy before that was when Tony Benford left on April 24, 2012. His replacement (Isaac Chew) wasn't announced until May 29. If Wojo is looking at someone currently unaffiliated like Killings, agreeing to hire them quietly would allow that individual to recruit unfettered for a month or so through one of the busier AAU periods.
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 09, 2018, 08:55:44 AM
So far there's been no confirmation from any other Twitter feeds nor from Marquette. Possible he is coming, but @CoachingChanges isn't known to be the most accurate account, from a few different sources.
Officially not on the new UConn roster per Goodman.
His twitter account @coachkillings has him following Wojo as his most recent head coaching follow. So there's a little smoke there at least. Seems to be close to Ashley Howard, so maybe there is opportunity for him with one of the Philly opening too.
Quote from: dw3dw3dw3 on April 09, 2018, 12:30:36 PM
Officially not on the new UConn roster per Goodman.
His twitter account @coachkillings has him following Wojo as his most recent head coaching follow. So there's a little smoke there at least. Seems to be close to Ashley Howard, so maybe there is opportunity for him with one of the Philly opening too.
He was previously a Temple assistant, so it wouldn't surprise me to see him on their radar as well.
Quote from: dw3dw3dw3 on April 09, 2018, 12:30:36 PM
Officially not on the new UConn roster per Goodman.
His twitter account @coachkillings has him following Wojo as his most recent head coaching follow. So there's a little smoke there at least. Seems to be close to Ashley Howard, so maybe there is opportunity for him with one of the Philly opening too.
I have a feeling he is recruiting for MU without being under contract.
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 09, 2018, 11:35:59 AM
Guessing we won't see an official announcement for about a month. While Stan Johnson was announced fairly early (actually announced at Marquette before Phelps was announced at Arizona), I believe the last vacancy before that was when Tony Benford left on April 24, 2012. His replacement (Isaac Chew) wasn't announced until May 29. If Wojo is looking at someone currently unaffiliated like Killings, agreeing to hire them quietly would allow that individual to recruit unfettered for a month or so through one of the busier AAU periods.
Perhaps I am a bit of a neophyte when it comes to recruiting, but why would you want someone to be hired quietly to "recruit unfettered?" What is the advantage to this--less pushback and restrictions?
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 09, 2018, 12:56:19 PM
Perhaps I am a bit of a neophyte when it comes to recruiting, but why would you want someone to be hired quietly to "recruit unfettered?" What is the advantage to this--less pushback and restrictions?
Yes. Less restricted by NCAA rules.
I suspect a lot of the assistants came back this season for two major reasons: not a ton of good openings this off-season and banking on next year being a big year for MU. Between the Big East being down and best roster under Wojo next year should result in MU being very good and likely to be a lot of openings to jump into.
Quote from: MU82 on April 08, 2018, 09:39:51 PM
Why would we want an assistant coach who doesn't even know how to spell his first name?
(https://i.gifer.com/5jG.gif)
Quote from: warriorchick on April 09, 2018, 01:08:38 PM
(https://i.gifer.com/5jG.gif)
Me not likey teal, chickadee, you know that!
Quote from: MU82 on April 09, 2018, 06:17:17 PM
Me not likey teal, chickadee, you know that!
You don't mess with The Rock, teal or no.
Quote from: warriorchick on April 09, 2018, 07:05:00 PM
You don't mess with The Rock, teal or no.
Unless you're Chuck Norris....
Quote from: TAMU Chardonnay on April 10, 2018, 09:23:27 AM
Or Jeronne Maymon
You got the wrong guy. It's Trevor Mbakwe.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 09, 2018, 12:56:19 PM
Perhaps I am a bit of a neophyte when it comes to recruiting, but why would you want someone to be hired quietly to "recruit unfettered?" What is the advantage to this--less pushback and restrictions?
If I remember correctly, Buzz took a week or two to officially hire his staff when he left for VT exactly for this purpose. His assistants weren't under contract so their contact with recruits weren't subject to NCAA guidelines.
Not sure if that loophole still exists.
Quote from: wadesworld on April 10, 2018, 09:41:38 AM
You got the wrong guy. It's Trevor Mbakwe.
Ah that's right. My bad
Quote from: lurch91 on April 10, 2018, 09:49:39 AM
If I remember correctly, Buzz took a week or two to officially hire his staff when he left for VT exactly for this purpose. His assistants weren't under contract so their contact with recruits weren't subject to NCAA guidelines.
Not sure if that loophole still exists.
Interesting. Thanks everyone for bearing with me on the questions. This is a weird grey area for sure.
Quote from: lurch91 on April 10, 2018, 09:49:39 AM
If I remember correctly, Buzz took a week or two to officially hire his staff when he left for VT exactly for this purpose. His assistants weren't under contract so their contact with recruits weren't subject to NCAA guidelines.
Not sure if that loophole still exists.
Its not a loophole, it's called pushing the edge of the envelope.
https://twitter.com/JSteppe1/status/983772116150611970
Killings on campus today
Killings is on campus meeting with Wojo per MUWire John Steppe, quoting "multiple sources."
John Steppe
Verified account
@JSteppe1
Per multiple sources, former #UConn assistant Dwayne Killings is on campus today with the #mubb staff.
11:22 AM - Apr 10, 2018
Quote from: KampusFoods on April 10, 2018, 01:36:35 PM
https://twitter.com/JSteppe1/status/983772116150611970
Killings on campus today
Oh my god, I thought this meant murders.
Quote from: Nukem2 on April 10, 2018, 01:06:48 PM
Its not a loophole, it's called pushing the edge of the envelope.
Know the rules, use them to your advantage - it's called being smart.
Quote from: VegasWarrior77 on April 10, 2018, 01:40:18 PM
John Steppe
Verified account
@JSteppe1
Per multiple sources, former #UConn assistant Dwayne Killings is on campus today with the #mubb staff.
11:22 AM - Apr 10, 2018
With brewcity77 as the first post in the thread.
https://the-boneyard.com/threads/dwayne-killings.127950/
Quote from: Lennys Tap on April 10, 2018, 01:49:49 PM
Know the rules, use them to your advantage - it's called being smart.
Its not even about knowing the rules. Just pretending that the guy is not working for you.
Quote from: KampusFoods on April 10, 2018, 01:36:35 PM
https://twitter.com/JSteppe1/status/983772116150611970
Killings on campus today
(http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/27/279af1e2564b709adc8adb7bf4c2df3605906c143c472dd1df3b0027af5dacb0.jpg)
Quote from: Warrior Code on April 10, 2018, 01:43:37 PM
Oh my god, I thought this meant murders.
Woops. But it would be a strange thread in which to post about on-campus killings.
Maybe he just dropped in for noon ball, hey?
Quote from: MomofMUltiples on April 10, 2018, 03:27:28 PM
Maybe he just dropped in for noon ball, hey?
That is what will come down to, how he performs in noon ball.
Quote from: mug644 on April 10, 2018, 10:13:37 PM
TAMU, Trevor is coming for you right now. And he never, ever has to say, "my bad."
I've already relocated and changed my name.
Yes I know....it won't be enough.
It's been nice knowing you fellas
Quote from: VegasWarrior77 on April 10, 2018, 01:40:18 PM
John Steppe
Verified account
@JSteppe1
Per multiple sources, former #UConn assistant Dwayne Killings is on campus today with the #mubb staff.
11:22 AM - Apr 10, 2018
Anyone know this guy? What needed strengths does he bring to the staff and team?
Quote from: Daniel on April 10, 2018, 11:33:20 PM
Anyone know this guy? What needed strengths does he bring to the staff and team?
Scroll up to see the thread I started at The Boneyard, which is essentially the UConn version of Scoop.