I've been told by some here that MU would struggle to find a competent replacement willing to take the job if Shaka were to leave.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-JoUxVW0AAVs4a?format=jpg&name=small)
https://x.com/TheFieldOf68/status/2009263960373997728?s=20
And that Marquette doesnt have the resources to get into bidding wars for talent. Even though we absolutely do, Shaka just chooses not use all the money available because God forbid he recruits over his own HS recruits that arent developing as needed.
That list is going to upset quite a few fan bases.
The "all we can get are mid major dart throws" and "we just don't have the resources to compete" crowds aren't gonna like this list.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 08, 2026, 08:04:25 AMI've been told by some here that MU would struggle to find a competent replacement willing to take the job if Shaka were to leave.
https://x.com/TheFieldOf68/status/2009263960373997728?s=20
So this season is just a gigantic wasted opportunity?
MU could certainly hire a competent replacement. To think they're going to pull a successful coach at his peak (e.g., Otzelberger) from a major football conference school, however, is a pipe dream IMO.
I always chuckle when folks here cry poor. While we are not Duke, BYU, Kentucky etc. (no duh) we are more than capable of spending enough to -
1. Keep a highly competitive team on the floor
2. Pay for competitive talent from the high school, transfer ranks
3. Pay for a tenured coach with higher salary demands
This is the same program/boosters who within 5 years, bought out Wojo's big contract, warded off big money offers for Kam Jones multiple times and put together a compelling offer for Kolek to stay for his COVID year.
The money is available sports fans and there is no reason we need to be in the position we're in this year.
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 08, 2026, 08:43:32 AMSo this season is just a gigantic wasted opportunity?
I guess that depends on whether any lessons are learned.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on January 08, 2026, 09:13:08 AMMU could certainly hire a competent replacement. To think they're going to pull a successful coach at his peak (e.g., Otzelberger) from a major football conference school, however, is a pipe dream IMO.
Wrong. Also, ISU is not a good job. He will be gone from there sooner rather than later.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 08, 2026, 08:04:25 AMI've been told by some here that MU would struggle to find a competent replacement willing to take the job if Shaka were to leave.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-JoUxVW0AAVs4a?format=jpg&name=small)
https://x.com/TheFieldOf68/status/2009263960373997728?s=20
So a program voted higher than ours was able to attract Kevin Willard this past offseason? Not sure what your point is here, but thinking MU would do better than Shaka is a massive gamble, and again, getting all bent out of shape over 1 really bad year is just stupid. The fact you along with others think Shaka's seat should be warm is about the dumbest take in Scoop history.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on January 08, 2026, 09:44:12 AMSo a program voted higher than ours was able to attract Kevin Willard this past offseason? Not sure what your point is here, but thinking MU would do better than Shaka is a massive gamble, and again, getting all bent out of shape over 1 really bad year is just stupid. The fact you along with others think Shaka's seat should be warm is about the dumbest take in Scoop history.
"That's right, pay no mind to the guy that past his first season, has taken a single NAIA transfer and tanked the program to depths never seen before. Everything will be totally fine with his approach."
Quote from: panda on January 08, 2026, 09:55:22 AM"That's right, pay no mind to the guy that past his first season, has taken a single NAIA transfer and tanked the program to depths never seen before. Everything will be totally fine with his approach."
3/10 on your troll. You can do better.
Marquette can land a good college basketball coach and is an attractive job, but if they're landing a high major coach it's most likely a situation like Shaka when he came to Marquette. Someone running away from their current job. The most likely scenario would be a good mid major coach moving up, which can certainly be a great hire.
I think it's fair to say Louisville is a better job than Marquette. They hired a coach from the College of Charleston (who was far from their first choice, as guys like Mick Cronin, Scott Drew, Dusty May, and Eric Mussleman were rumored to have been their targets). Indiana is a better job than Marquette, and hired a guy who spent one year at West Virginia after having been the coach of Drake. Kentucky hired the head coach from BYU, before BYU was able to use their Mormon money to make it an attractive place to be a student athlete and had been in the WCC. Michigan hired the coach at Florida Atlantic.
If Otz wants out of Iowa State, there will be plenty of competition for him. Do any of Oregon, Gonzaga, Michigan State, Houston, or Kansas open up from their coaches retiring? If UNC's season takes a turn for the worst, does UNC open? Ohio State? Will Arizona State commit more money to their NIL than Marquette can? Kansas State is certainly willing to spend.
We could ultimately become what we hoped and get Scherz.
But I've said all along that Shaka is a good coach and competitive guy who has a lot of money on the line. My opinion is he will adjust his roster building strategy and have success here.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on January 08, 2026, 09:44:12 AMThe fact you along with others think Shaka's seat should be warm is about the dumbest take in Scoop history.
Would you say it's dumber than comparing John Dawson to Magic Johnson?
Anyhow, I've repeatedly said I don't think Shaka's seat is hot right now, so I'm, not sure why you keep saying otherwise. Unless, you know, you've got no other intelligent response here.
Why not just admit your claims that Marquette is poor and couldn't hope to be an attractive job is a canard? It would be far less embarrassing for you than these responses.
So they polled coaches......not necessarily head coaches.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 08, 2026, 10:17:19 AMSo they polled coaches......not necessarily head coaches.
The Field of 68 will unveil a series through January in which we'll rank the jobs in every league from top to bottom – and will do it by anonymously polling veteran coaches (head coaches and assistants) in each conference.
There are no specific parameters. Each coach was able to utilize their own specific parameters to determine their list from top to bottom.
However, while recruiting base and facilities were a major factor when I did a similar exercise in 2018, now it's obviously financial resources (NIL) that are paramount.https://www.on3.com/sites/field-of-68/news/big-east-basketball-job-rankings/
Quote from: wadesworld on January 08, 2026, 10:06:02 AMIf Otz wants out of Iowa State, there will be plenty of competition for him. Do any of Oregon, Gonzaga, Michigan State, Houston, or Kansas open up from their coaches retiring? If UNC's season takes a turn for the worst, does UNC open? Ohio State? Will Arizona State commit more money to their NIL than Marquette can? Kansas State is certainly willing to spend.
We could ultimately become what we hoped and get Scherz.
But I've said all along that Shaka is a good coach and competitive guy who has a lot of money on the line. My opinion is he will adjust his roster building strategy and have success here.
Really good analysis, Wades.
Otz would likely be the hottest candidate, so we would have to hope that coming home to WI and being the big dog at the school is a greater draw than being at a place like UNC.
Houston and Gonzaga already have succession plans in place, so they're out. I do think Altman "retires" after the season. Honestly, for as much as Oats wants the MSU job, I think Otz is their guy, but Izzo still has the fire to keep going, and Otz wouldn't take a "coach in waiting" position like Huss did at Creighton.
That said, hopefully we are not in a position to have to make a change after this season.
I think that's actually a really good list, however, whoever takes the UConn job after Hurley is going to have large shoes to fill.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on January 08, 2026, 10:02:48 AM3/10 on your troll. You can do better.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/18/article-2525602-1A2B2A3600000578-553_634x408.jpg)
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 08, 2026, 10:17:19 AMSo they polled coaches......not necessarily head coaches.
IMO, that is better than just HCs. Is that your point?
Quote from: Zog from Margo on January 08, 2026, 09:13:08 AMMU could certainly hire a competent replacement. To think they're going to pull a successful coach at his peak (e.g., Otzelberger) from a major football conference school, however, is a pipe dream IMO.
Huh...the kind of coach you'd throw in a Wishlist thread of a hoops message board, perhaps??
You're right, should have just put in Brian Wardle.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on January 08, 2026, 10:39:23 AMReally good analysis, Wades.
Otz would likely be the hottest candidate, so we would have to hope that coming home to WI and being the big dog at the school is a greater draw than being at a place like UNC.
Houston and Gonzaga already have succession plans in place, so they're out. I do think Altman "retires" after the season. Honestly, for as much as Oats wants the MSU job, I think Otz is their guy, but Izzo still has the fire to keep going, and Otz wouldn't take a "coach in waiting" position like Huss did at Creighton.
That said, hopefully we are not in a position to have to make a change after this season.
Good call on Gonzaga and Houston already having succession plans, forgot about those.
Quote from: onepost on January 08, 2026, 11:02:01 AMHuh...the kind of coach you'd throw in a Wishlist thread of a hoops message board, perhaps??
You're right, should have just put in Brian Wardle.
Ah, another "Have to make him say no" candidate.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 08, 2026, 09:37:41 AMWrong. Also, ISU is not a good job. He will be gone from there sooner rather than later.
absolutely have to make that phone call. We have A LOT to sell. And, a state guy might want to come back.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on January 08, 2026, 09:44:12 AMSo a program voted higher than ours was able to attract Kevin Willard this past offseason? Not sure what your point is here, but thinking MU would do better than Shaka is a massive gamble, and again, getting all bent out of shape over 1 really bad year is just stupid. The fact you along with others think Shaka's seat should be warm is about the dumbest take in Scoop history.
take the gamble. Your coach is about to set a record for losing!!!
Looking at this list, which is a fair assessment IMO (certainly some wiggle room based on argument), it is interesting to see how the BE programs made hires in recent seasons:
Villanova #2 - for arguably being the second most desired job in the conference, and hiring a coach like Kevin Willard is interesting. Willard is a strong coach, no doubt. He is a clear improvement from Neptune, but certainly many steps down from Wright. Willard never previously made it beyond the S16 before last year (and that was the only S16 appearance he has ever had as a HC). If it is the second-most desired job in the conference, and a candidate like Willard is the best you can get at a program like Nova, not sure I would place Villanova as #2 IMO.
Creighton #4 - McDermott has been there over fifteen years, and has elevated the program into being in the top-half of the Big East; however, in his announced succession plan, they did not really open it up and conduct a national search. They hired Huss, a former assistant and (then) sitting head coach at High Point. I think Huss will keep the train moving at Creighton, but it would have been interesting to see what they could have done if they actually opened it up. Again, if Huss is the best candidate for the #4 in the league, not sure how desired it really was.
I'd argue, based on Pitino, St. John's is higher. They are clearly spending a ton on its roster and staff. Would they do that for any head coach? Probably not, but a successful name head coach could easily go there with resources if/when Pitino retires.
I'd also argue that Georgetown should be lower and Butler should be higher. Georgetown is not the Georgetown of old. Can they be a perennial tournament program? Absolutely. But the last two hiring cycles that led to Ewing and Cooley - if that is the best that they could have gotten, based on program history, not sure they are in the upper half. Butler is a program, regardless of head coach, that can compete and make the NCAAT annually. It should be a highly desired job for any successful mid-major head coach looking to jump into the high-major pool.
DePaul being at #11 is spot-on. They still don't have an on-campus practice facility (designated for basketball); their home arena isn't on campus and far away; they are building a fan base (again), but it still is not here. They have no history (past 25 years) to build on, and the record of previous head coaches after DePaul is not good.
Butler is a dump and should have never been invited to the Big East.
I have had this opinion since they came in.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 08, 2026, 11:34:09 AMButler is a dump and should have never been invited to the Big East.
I have had this opinion since they came in.
Just be grateful it wasn't Dayton.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 08, 2026, 11:34:09 AMButler is a dump and should have never been invited to the Big East.
I have had this opinion since they came in.
agreed. They caught lightning in a bottle with Stevens. I never liked the Creighton add either (new BE needed teams and they checked boxes), but they have nice facilities and have done well.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on January 08, 2026, 11:30:45 AMI'd also argue that Georgetown should be lower and Butler should be higher. Georgetown is not the Georgetown of old. Can they be a perennial tournament program? Absolutely. But the last two hiring cycles that led to Ewing and Cooley - if that is the best that they could have gotten, based on program history, not sure they are in the upper half.
Cooley was the best they could get. The backup plan, assuming there was one, was Shrewsberry, and look how that's turning out. The next coaching search won't even draw candidates at that level.
Quote from: Viper on January 08, 2026, 11:39:21 AMagreed. They caught lightning in a bottle with Stevens. I never liked the Creighton add either (new BE needed teams and they checked boxes), but they have nice facilities and have done well.
Yes, they did, but they were able to sustain it for a while. They have made three NCAA tournaments since joining the BE (with four total wins, one more than Shaka has at MU) and would have made it in 2020 (22-9). They are upping their NIL, too.
The BE got it right in inviting Butler and Creighton over SLU and Dayton, who desperately wanted an invite. What were better options to get to 10?
Quote from: Viper on January 08, 2026, 11:39:21 AMagreed. They caught lightning in a bottle with Stevens. I never liked the Creighton add either (new BE needed teams and they checked boxes), but they have nice facilities and have done well.
Stevens obviously took them to new heights, but Butler made the tournament six times in the 11 years before Stevens got the job. And made two Sweet 16s in that time.
They were arguably better in the decade before Stevens than they have been since joining the BE.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on January 08, 2026, 11:30:45 AMCreighton #4 - McDermott has been there over fifteen years, and has elevated the program into being in the top-half of the Big East; however, in his announced succession plan, they did not really open it up and conduct a national search. They hired Huss, a former assistant and (then) sitting head coach at High Point. I think Huss will keep the train moving at Creighton, but it would have been interesting to see what they could have done if they actually opened it up. Again, if Huss is the best candidate for the #4 in the league, not sure how desired it really was.
I'd argue, based on Pitino, St. John's is higher. They are clearly spending a ton on its roster and staff. Would they do that for any head coach? Probably not, but a successful name head coach could easily go there with resources if/when Pitino retires.
DePaul being at #11 is spot-on. They still don't have an on-campus practice facility (designated for basketball); their home arena isn't on campus and far away; they are building a fan base (again), but it still is not here. They have no history (past 25 years) to build on, and the record of previous head coaches after DePaul is not good.
On Creighton, a succession plan was always the plan for them. For a while, it was DeVries until Mac decided to keep coaching, and DeVries decided to move on from Drake. Gonzaga was in a similar situation: Tommy Lloyd was the guy, but Few kept coaching, and like DeVries, he got tired of waiting, so they designated Michaelson as their coach-in-waiting. I don't think that says anything negative about the program. Creighton is probably the strongest overall athletic program in the BE and has major money backing hoops. They are the pro team in Omaha.
St John's has pretty poor on-campus facilities, and until the Slickster was hired, it was striking out on coaching searches constantly. And let's face it, if he hadn't been banished to Iona, they would not have been able to hire Pitino.
DePaul does have a really nice practice facility that was recently approved for construction. Considering it's Chicago and Lincoln Park specifically, I anticipate it being opened sometime around 2037. They are likely to lose their AD soon, too.
Butler needs to do some soul-searching about Matta.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on January 08, 2026, 11:30:45 AMI'd argue, based on Pitino, St. John's is higher. They are clearly spending a ton on its roster and staff. Would they do that for any head coach? Probably not, but a successful name head coach could easily go there with resources if/when Pitino retires.
The thing about Pitino is he'd be toxic/untouchable for a lot of programs, including Marquette. So his hiring is less reflection of the desirability of that job than it is the program's tolerance for the risks (and future sanctions) that come with the hire.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 08, 2026, 10:06:02 AMMarquette can land a good college basketball coach and is an attractive job, but if they're landing a high major coach it's most likely a situation like Shaka when he came to Marquette. Someone running away from their current job. The most likely scenario would be a good mid major coach moving up, which can certainly be a great hire.
I think it's fair to say Louisville is a better job than Marquette. They hired a coach from the College of Charleston (who was far from their first choice, as guys like Mick Cronin, Scott Drew, Dusty May, and Eric Mussleman were rumored to have been their targets). Indiana is a better job than Marquette, and hired a guy who spent one year at West Virginia after having been the coach of Drake. Kentucky hired the head coach from BYU, before BYU was able to use their Mormon money to make it an attractive place to be a student athlete and had been in the WCC. Michigan hired the coach at Florida Atlantic.
To be fair, Louisville, while I agree is a better job in totality, had been an absolute disaster post-Pitino. Mack is a fantastic coach and had struggles there for a variety of reason, beyond assistant coach extortion. And then Kenny Payne took the wheel of program that was taking on water and drove it full steam ahead into an iceberg. I don't blame guys in good gigs/that had plenty of suitors for avoiding that. I think Marquette in the open market for a coach in the same cycle would have been more attractive than Louisville, post-Kenny Payne.
And I think thats a bit of an undersell on Indiana and Devries. Short of MAKING THE CALL TO BRAD STEVENS or the idea that they could lure Scott Drew, Devries was amongst the hottest candidates in the country for a few years before going to WVU. He was as coveted, if you believe most reports, as any of the power conference coaches (within reason). Same with Dusty May.
Kind of funny that the one very successful high major coach that got lured to another job went to USC, of all places, which isn't even a top 5 job in their conference.
But overall, I actually agree with you. And its not even a slight to Marquette, I just think at this point there are VERY VERY few jobs that would snatch a successful high major HC away (Kansas, Duke, and maybe MSU are all I can think of) short of there being an alumni or family connection. Marquette is in a large group of programs, some a bit better and some a bit worse, that can attract very good coaches situationally, but aren't going to poach a consistent S16/conference title winning coach from a P5 conference unless they, like you said, are wanting out for some reason.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 08, 2026, 11:53:44 AMStevens obviously took them to new heights, but Butler made the tournament six times in the 11 years before Stevens got the job. And made two Sweet 16s in that time.
They were arguably better in the decade before Stevens than they have been since joining the BE.
If Stevens had never made a championship game (much less 2 obviously) and instead had 2 Round of 32 exits those years, maybe a S16...they still would have been a no brainer. Butler was the most consistent and well run mid major program in the country (IMO) for 15 years before they got into the BE. That 15 years included 10 conference championships and 11 NCAA trips.
Until Brandon Miller struggled that first year in the BE, every coach since and including Barry Collier made multiple NCAA tournaments and had multiple conference titles (ok I guess Matta was just there for a year but given what he did in his season and what he left for Lickliter/what Lickliter did in year 1, I'm pretty confident he would have had 2 in a row)
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on January 08, 2026, 11:51:59 AMYes, they did, but they were able to sustain it for a while. They have made three NCAA tournaments since joining the BE (with four total wins, one more than Shaka has at MU) and would have made it in 2020 (22-9). They are upping their NIL, too.
The BE got it right in inviting Butler and Creighton over SLU and Dayton, who desperately wanted an invite. What were better options to get to 10?
that was the conundrum...what better options.
Reality.
Quote from: onepost on January 08, 2026, 11:02:01 AMHuh...the kind of coach you'd throw in a Wishlist thread of a hoops message board, perhaps??
You're right, should have just put in Brian Wardle.
No offense, but I'm not sure what your point is. If Otzelberger comes to MU, I guess I'll give you credit for predicting it. Wish away. I expect the past to be the best predictor of MU's future actions. MU's next coach will be an assistant from another program, a mid-major HC, or a power football conference coach who's not at his peak. Maybe they could get Chris Beard as a reclamation project. He's a very good coach.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on January 08, 2026, 12:45:59 PMNo offense, but I'm not sure what your point is. If Otzelberger comes to MU, I guess I'll give you credit for predicting it. Wish away. I expect the past to be the best predictor of MU's future actions. MU's next coach will be an assistant from another program, a mid-major HC, or a power football conference coach who's not at his peak. Maybe they could get Chris Beard as a reclamation project. He's a very good coach.
Huh? Where did I ever predict this? I said I'd love him as our coach, literally nothing more than that. It was Elonsmusk and withoutbias who took that simple post and encouraged me to go out and get laid.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on January 08, 2026, 12:45:59 PMNo offense, but I'm not sure what your point is. If Otzelberger comes to MU, I guess I'll give you credit for predicting it. Wish away. I expect the past to be the best predictor of MU's future actions. MU's next coach will be an assistant from another program, a mid-major HC, or a power football conference coach who's not at his peak. Maybe they could get Chris Beard as a reclamation project. He's a very good coach.
Now that's an idea!
Quote from: JWags85 on January 08, 2026, 12:14:33 PMIf Stevens had never made a championship game (much less 2 obviously) and instead had 2 Round of 32 exits those years, maybe a S16...they still would have been a no brainer. Butler was the most consistent and well run mid major program in the country (IMO) for 15 years before they got into the BE. That 15 years included 10 conference championships and 11 NCAA trips.
Until Brandon Miller struggled that first year in the BE, every coach since and including Barry Collier made multiple NCAA tournaments and had multiple conference titles (ok I guess Matta was just there for a year but given what he did in his season and what he left for Lickliter/what Lickliter did in year 1, I'm pretty confident he would have had 2 in a row)
Turns out it hard to run with the big boys. They have a small school (2nd smallest behind legacy Providence), old facilities, and it isn't even a nationally ranked school.
If you want my other hot take, Xavier probably shouldn't have been invited either for the exact same reasons (though it is ranked... but not highly).
At the end of the day, I know why those schools were invited (media market, recent success, coaches). Creighton is a much better fit than either of them.
Say what you want about SLU and Dayton, but they're better fits in every way long term... even though they're both gross.
Quote from: Viper on January 08, 2026, 12:27:26 PMthat was the conundrum...what better options.
Considering the overall athletic success Creighton has achieved, and not just in Men's hoops (5 BET finals appearances, two sweet 16 appearances, and one weak foul call from a Final Four), they were the right choice.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on January 08, 2026, 10:58:05 AMIMO, that is better than just HCs. Is that your point?
I say like coaches poll, it's student managers answering
Quote from: Pakuni on January 08, 2026, 10:10:49 AMWould you say it's dumber than comparing John Dawson to Magic Johnson?
Anyhow, I've repeatedly said I don't think Shaka's seat is hot right now, so I'm, not sure why you keep saying otherwise. Unless, you know, you've got no other intelligent response here.
Why not just admit your claims that Marquette is poor and couldn't hope to be an attractive job is a canard? It would be far less embarrassing for you than these responses.
Saying a guy made some Magic Johnson like passes in a game isn't saying he's going to be Magic Johnson as a player - just another strawman argument from you the king of strawmans.
As for MU being a good job - yes, it is a good job. I never said it wasn't. I've said MU needs Shaka more than Shaka needs MU. Marquette isn't going to get a better proven high major coach than Shaka. I mean I know you have a hard on for Chris Gerlufsen from San Francisco (for reasons unknown) but it is super odd that he's your suggested candidate for the job were it to open.
Of course the MU job would be attractive to a guy like that with his thin resume, still in his search for his first NCAA tournament selection. But why would you think firing Shaka (as you've suggested should happen if he has another bad season next year) would be the best move to replace him with a guy like Gerlufsen??
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on January 08, 2026, 01:04:35 PMConsidering the overall athletic success Creighton has achieved, and not just in Men's hoops (5 BET finals appearances, two sweet 16 appearances, and one weak foul call from a Final Four), they were the right choice.
Creighton turned out to be a great addition to the BE. Plus they went from USNWR Regional University to a National University about 5 years ago. They have added as much as they have gained from the BE. Now, about that team in Lincoln Park ....
Quote from: Newsdreams on January 08, 2026, 01:07:04 PMI say like coaches poll, it's student managers answering
Well your point is valid if they are not actually polling HCs and ACs, but assuming they are being truthful, I think the assistant's would add a lot of perspective that HCs would not, and thus make it more valid as to the perception of jobs.
But, yes the whole thing trash if it is a bunch of assistant ADs responding.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 08, 2026, 01:02:19 PMTurns out it hard to run with the big boys. They have a small school (2nd smallest behind legacy Providence), old facilities, and it isn't even a nationally ranked school.
If you want my other hot take, Xavier probably shouldn't have been invited either for the exact same reasons (though it is ranked... but not highly).
At the end of the day, I know why those schools were invited (media market, recent success, coaches). Creighton is a much better fit than either of them.
Say what you want about SLU and Dayton, but they're better fits in every way long term... even though they're both gross.
That's a pretty wild hot take, Xavier was more successful for longer than either of those two and farther east. They were the only one that was a shoe in. Maybe I'm underestimating how much a school's ranking counts in high major athletics but not long ago Nova was only regionally ranked in US news so I can't imagine it's that big of a deal.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 08, 2026, 08:04:25 AMI've been told by some here that MU would struggle to find a competent replacement willing to take the job if Shaka were to leave.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-JoUxVW0AAVs4a?format=jpg&name=small)
https://x.com/TheFieldOf68/status/2009263960373997728?s=20
Marquette has been strong since Shaka got here but Up until 2026 this year was a complete bust. The program is strong and this year should have been better. All we can do is try and salvage this year by The Crown or NIT. Shaka helped destroy the beginning part of this year but his record is Very solid and believe Shaka is not going anywhere and Marquette will Bounce back.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on January 08, 2026, 01:30:45 PMThat's a pretty wild hot take, Xavier was more successful for longer than either of those two and farther east. They were the only one that was a shoe in. Maybe I'm underestimating how much a school's ranking counts in high major athletics but not long ago Nova was only regionally ranked in US news so I can't imagine it's that big of a deal.
And yet, their coach always left. For a long time Xavier was beating up on A10 schools. They had great success in the tournament, but a lot of coaching turn over has always been their problem. Probably a good reason for that.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on January 08, 2026, 01:11:12 PMAs for MU being a good job - yes, it is a good job. I never said it wasn't. I've said MU needs Shaka more than Shaka needs MU.
Yes, and you're wrong. We've already been over this.
Anyhow, Shaka's probably gone next year to Kentucky. He'll be their first call, or so I've been told.
And yes, if Shaka has another year like this one, he should be fired. How much does the program need to bottom out before you let go of the guy who got you there?
Quote from: Galway Eagle on January 08, 2026, 01:30:45 PMThat's a pretty wild hot take, Xavier was more successful for longer than either of those two and farther east. They were the only one that was a shoe in.
Agree Xavier has appeared in the NCAA tournament 30 times, 16 times in the 18 tournaments between 2001 and 2018 3 Elite 8's in that Span. Xavier also has 2 NIT titles the last in 2022. With NCAA appearances Sweet 16 in 2023 and made the Big Dance in 2025.
They also did a fanbase ranking and we came in last :( (pawz)
Marquette's a real good job and we will be able to find an outstanding coach whenever Shaka's time here is over.
"But who would we be able to get?" was a terrible reason to keep Wojo, and it would be a terrible reason to keep Shaka if he proves not to be up for the job.
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 08, 2026, 02:09:06 PMThey also did a fanbase ranking and we came in last :( (pawz)
Eh. Our fanbase sucks but we're in a conference with Providence, Creighton, St. John's, Seton Hall, and UCONN. I'd rank them in that order (worst to first), with Marquette coming next. Not sure Georgetown or DePaul have fanbases, so don't know how to rank those two.
Worst by what standards? I need to know before I decide to agree or be offended.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 08, 2026, 02:11:22 PMEh. Our fanbase sucks but we're in a conference with Providence, Creighton, St. John's, Seton Hall, and UCONN. I'd rank them in that worder (worst to first), with Marquette coming next. Not sure Georgetown or DePaul have fanbases, so don't know how to rank those two.
Agree wholeheartedly with this list, wades.
Providence is in a different stratosphere than everyone else, but Creighton is lowkey an insufferable bunch. And boy do I know insufferable.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 08, 2026, 01:02:19 PMTurns out it hard to run with the big boys. They have a small school (2nd smallest behind legacy Providence), old facilities, and it isn't even a nationally ranked school.
If you want my other hot take, Xavier probably shouldn't have been invited either for the exact same reasons (though it is ranked... but not highly).
At the end of the day, I know why those schools were invited (media market, recent success, coaches). Creighton is a much better fit than either of them.
Say what you want about SLU and Dayton, but they're better fits in every way long term... even though they're both gross.
They're the #1 ranked school among MW regional non-doctoral universities. That's pretty good. PC is #2 in their NE region.
Nationally, SJU is 151, Seton Hall is 153, and X is 205 (after recently moving up from a top-ranked regional university). X is hurt by the lack of professional schools, but it will soon have a College of Osteopathic Medicine. But I'll take X for athletics over some private schools in the BE footprint that are ranked higher, such as Detroit Mercy, Valpo, and St. Thomas, since we're an ATHLETIC conference.
BTW, Dayton is 143 (or #1 nationally above Yale, Princeton, and Harvard, per Fieldhouse Flyer),
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 08, 2026, 02:09:06 PMThey also did a fanbase ranking and we came in last :( (pawz)
I need to see a link to that. Who did they ask? SLU and Dayton fans?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on January 08, 2026, 02:27:40 PMThey're the #1 ranked school among MW regional non-doctoral universities. That's pretty good. PC is #2 in their NE region.
Nationally, SJU is 151, Seton Hall is 153, and X is 205 (after recently moving up from a top-ranked regional university). X is hurt by the lack of professional schools, but it will soon have a College of Osteopathic Medicine. But I'll take X for athletics over some private schools in the BE footprint that are ranked higher, such as Detroit Mercy, Valpo, and St. Thomas, since we're an ATHLETIC conference.
BTW, Dayton is 143 (or #1 nationally above Yale, Princeton, and Harvard, per Fieldhouse Flyer),
Yep, they're a regional school. Not even nationally ranked.
I have no doubt Marquette is a great opportunity and can find another good coach if Shaka decides to leave or is fired.
We could also very well end up with another Wojo and 7 years comprised mostly of mediocrity.
The main reason I want Shaka to turn this around is because he's given many indications he'd stay long-term.
Otherwise, we'll be back to being a stepping stone job that a successful coach will leave after 5-6 years.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on January 08, 2026, 02:30:09 PMI need to see a link to that. Who did they ask? SLU and Dayton fans?
I AM THE SOURCE!... and I was just kidding. We tha best! Or at least pretty high up there.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 08, 2026, 03:03:10 PMI have no doubt Marquette is a great opportunity and can find another good coach if Shaka decides to leave or is fired.
We could also very well end up with another Wojo and 7 years comprised mostly of mediocrity.
The main reason I want Shaka to turn this around is because he's given many indications he'd stay long-term.
Otherwise, we'll be back to being a stepping stone job that a successful coach will leave after 5-6 years.
I agree, going into this season I got the impression that Shaka was a lifer. That's why I'm a big Shaka guy and I'm rooting for him.
But if he runs this team back without any additional transfers. His seat should be scorching going into next year
Quote from: swoopem on January 08, 2026, 03:48:21 PMI agree, going into this season I got the impression that Shaka was a lifer. That's why I'm a big Shaka guy and I'm rooting for him.
But if he runs this team back without any additional transfers. His seat should be scorching going into next year
Yeah, that's totally fair. Ultimately, he has to win and it's unlikely to expect that to happen next season unless he adds at least two high-quality transfers.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 08, 2026, 02:11:22 PMEh. Our fanbase sucks but we're in a conference with Providence, Creighton, St. John's, Seton Hall, and UCONN. I'd rank them in that order (worst to first), with Marquette coming next. Not sure Georgetown or DePaul have fanbases, so don't know how to rank those two.
St. John's doesn't belong there. Their fans are fairweather AF, they were loud last year but this year are talking more about Tyler Kolek than anyone on their own team. Other than these last two years, their fanbase basically didn't exist.
PC, Creighton, and UConn have great fanbases. Don't know that Providence's have the best understanding of the modern game, but they are certainly vocal. X & Butler both have good fanbases, but probably smaller than the others you list.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 08, 2026, 02:00:30 PMAnd yet, their coach always left. For a long time Xavier was beating up on A10 schools. They had great success in the tournament, but a lot of coaching turn over has always been their problem. Probably a good reason for that.
From an A10 school to head to Arizona, Ohio State, Providence, & Wake Forest. I mean that's not different than Tennessee, Indiana & Virginia Tech which was 75% of our last 4 coaches when the new league formed.
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 08, 2026, 03:35:57 PMI AM THE SOURCE!... and I was just kidding. We tha best! Or at least pretty high up there.
Agree. Believe I read somewhere Marquette is the only non football school with attendance in the Top 25 like the last 25 years in a row. Believe Marquette's Attendance was top Ten last year. We are the Best or close too!
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on January 08, 2026, 05:17:46 PMAgree. Believe I read somewhere Marquette is the only non football school with attendance in the Top 25 like the last 25 years in a row. Believe Marquette's Attendance was top Ten last year. We are the Best or close too!
It'll be interesting to see if they keep this up. The STH numbers were still pretty good, but I'm guessing mini-plans were down and the single-game and promotional have been low. STH might be enough to carry us to top-25 in sales. Good thing they don't count butts in seats.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on January 08, 2026, 05:05:09 PMFrom an A10 school to head to Arizona, Ohio State, Providence, & Wake Forest. I mean that's not different than Tennessee, Indiana & Virginia Tech which was 75% of our last 4 coaches when the new league formed.
I would not count Va Tech as them stealing Buzz since that was not the case at all.
Also, the school finances are not at all comparable.
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on January 08, 2026, 05:17:46 PMAgree. Believe I read somewhere Marquette is the only non football school with attendance in the Top 25 like the last 25 years in a row. Believe Marquette's Attendance was top Ten last year. We are the Best or close too!
MU does have great fans and our attendance proves that.
Not sure about the rest of the BE, but I think Creighton has been in the Top 25 for a long time too, often higher than MU. (even with all the other options in Omaha ;) )
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on January 08, 2026, 01:04:35 PMConsidering the overall athletic success Creighton has achieved, and not just in Men's hoops (5 BET finals appearances, two sweet 16 appearances, and one weak foul call from a Final Four), they were the right choice.
when McDermott has em all on the planta...er, same page, they've been good, no doubt
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 08, 2026, 03:03:10 PMI have no doubt Marquette is a great opportunity and can find another good coach if Shaka decides to leave or is fired.
We could also very well end up with another Wojo and 7 years comprised mostly of mediocrity.
The main reason I want Shaka to turn this around is because he's given many indications he'd stay long-term.
Otherwise, we'll be back to being a stepping stone job that a successful coach will leave after 5-6 years.
you take hot steamers on MU hoops a lot. Question. when has MU been a stepping stone school? Crean, but wasn't he here 8 seasons? Majerus encouraged to go to the Bucks. Piano Man canned. KO only bailed because he apparently got a shiit contract offer. Deane? fired. Buzz? He downgraded himself in a tantrum. Woj? Smoked. Where's the stepping stone aspect to MU coaches that I'm missing?
% of capacity or stfu (kindly)
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 08, 2026, 05:19:51 PMIt'll be interesting to see if they keep this up. The STH numbers were still pretty good, but I'm guessing mini-plans were down and the single-game and promotional have been low. STH might be enough to carry us to top-25 in sales. Good thing they don't count butts in Quote from: brewcity77 on January 08, 2026, 05:19:51 PMIt'll be interesting to see if they keep this up. The STH numbers were still pretty good, but I'm guessing mini-plans were down and the single-game and promotional have been low. STH might be enough to carry us to top-25 in sales. Good thing they don't count butts in seats.
I've been to every home game this year, and have actually been very surprised by the turnout.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 08, 2026, 08:04:25 AM(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-JoUxVW0AAVs4a?format=jpg&name=small)
If I were a Georgetown fan, these results would worry me.
This program is losing its cache.
Quote from: Heisenberg on January 08, 2026, 07:50:53 PMIf I were a Georgetown fan, these results would worry me.
This program is losing its cache.
Losing? Or lost years ago
Quote from: Heisenberg on January 08, 2026, 07:50:53 PMIf I were a Georgetown fan, these results would worry me.
This program is losing its cache.
I can't believe they're ranked that high. The DMV recruiting isn't worth what it once was with players going all over the country and transfers being a bigger priority than high school recruits. Their location being difficult to reach and fan support at games being low doesn't help either.
There are two distinct Georgetowns. The one that 40+ year old fans remember from their youth and the one that 10-22 year olds have watched for the past decade that has never done anything of note. Unless a family reveres Big John (the way Ed Cooley does) his accomplishments probably carry the same weight with prospective recruits as Al McGuire's do with players Marquette is targeting.
I'd put them behind Providence, though ahead of Xavier (X is too high, their NIL situation is not good, I've heard).
Quote from: Viper on January 08, 2026, 05:52:28 PMyou take hot steamers on MU hoops a lot. Question. when has MU been a stepping stone school? Crean, but wasn't he here 8 seasons? Majerus encouraged to go to the Bucks. Piano Man canned. KO only bailed because he apparently got a shiit contract offer. Deane? fired. Buzz? He downgraded himself in a tantrum. Woj? Smoked. Where's the stepping stone aspect to MU coaches that I'm missing?
You're kidding, right?
Post-Al, what coaches that have had success decided to stay longer than 6 years?
One, Crean, who chose to leave after 9 years for what he considered to be a better job.
That's not crapping on the program, that's reality.
I love Shaka as our Coach, and hope he modifies his approach, becomes wildly successful here and synonymous with Marquette as our "forever" coach. If he doesn't, any chance he would make a push someday at either becoming AD or President of MU?
He's probably the latter before he's the former, as he seems to have moral issues with the current state of college sports, as do many of us, and you can't really distance yourself from how the sausage is made, and still claim the moral high ground. IOW, I couldn't picture an AD Smart to a new coach: "I will look away, TJ, just get it done however you need to."
However I do feel Shaka would be an outstanding college President. He has the intellect and people skills, and he's an engaging community leader who inspires both school and civic pride.
Again, hope it's a moot point.
Quote from: Heisenberg on January 08, 2026, 07:50:53 PMIf I were a Georgetown fan, these results would worry me.
This program is losing its cache.
I'd be more worried that a new president walks in the door on July 1 and asks why he wants to spend $17 million a year for 3,000 people to show up to a downtown arena.
I think because the climate has changed dramatically, it's very difficult to know which coaches might be a good fit at MU. I think it's pretty much inconceivable that Shaka won't pivot and make drastic changes for '26-27. We know Shaka is a very solid coach with tbe right pieces.
Quote from: GoFastAndWin on January 08, 2026, 10:26:31 PMI love Shaka as our Coach, and hope he modifies his approach, becomes wildly successful here and synonymous with Marquette as our "forever" coach. If he doesn't, any chance he would make a push someday at either becoming AD or President of MU?
He's probably the latter before he's the former, as he seems to have moral issues with the current state of college sports, as do many of us, and you can't really distance yourself from how the sausage is made, and still claim the moral high ground. IOW, I couldn't picture an AD Smart to a new coach: "I will look away, TJ, just get it done however you need to."
However I do feel Shaka would be an outstanding college President. He has the intellect and people skills, and he's an engaging community leader who inspires both school and civic pride.
Again, hope it's a moot point.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 08, 2026, 08:40:58 PMYou're kidding, right?
Post-Al, what coaches that have had success decided to stay longer than 6 years?
One, Crean, who chose to leave after 9 years for what he considered to be a better job.
That's not crapping on the program, that's reality.
Other than a handful of programs (Michigan State, Gonzaga, Kansas, etc), this description fits 95% of college basketball programs.
And in the portal/NIL era, it's probably going to 98%
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 08, 2026, 08:09:21 PMI can't believe they're ranked that high. The DMV recruiting isn't worth what it once was with players going all over the country and transfers being a bigger priority than high school recruits. Their location being difficult to reach and fan support at games being low doesn't help either.
There are two distinct Georgetowns. The one that 40+ year old fans remember from their youth and the one that 10-22 year olds have watched for the past decade that has never done anything of note. Unless a family reveres Big John (the way Ed Cooley does) his accomplishments probably carry the same weight with prospective recruits as Al McGuire's do with players Marquette is targeting.
I'd put them behind Providence, though ahead of Xavier (X is too high, their NIL situation is not good, I've heard).
Maybe DFW Hoya has more insight, but for many years, Gtown didn't even fully fund scholarships for most of their athletic programs. We know that as an institution, Gtown is flush with cash, but how much of that trickles down to athletics?
I know X as an institution is having decreased enrollment issues due to some strategic changes they made a few years ago (recruit and admit based on retention instead of just getting kids in the door), and I don't know their NIL situation, but they have superior facilities to Gtown and they pack Cintas night after night; they're around 95% capacity this season, and it's a great environment to play at. Meanwhile, Gtown plays in a cavernous tomb in front of friends, families, and school groups.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on Today at 08:04:06 AMMaybe DFW Hoya has more insight, but for many years, Gtown didn't even fully fund scholarships for most of their athletic programs. We know that as an institution, Gtown is flush with cash, but how much of that trickles down to athletics?
I know X as an institution is having decreased enrollment issues due to some strategic changes they made a few years ago (recruit and admit based on retention instead of just getting kids in the door), and I don't know their NIL situation, but they have superior facilities to Gtown and they pack Cintas night after night; they're around 95% capacity this season, and it's a great environment to play at. Meanwhile, Gtown plays in a cavernous tomb in front of friends, families, and school groups.
Didn't we make these same changes awhile ago which is why we have an astronomical acceptance rate?
Common application
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on Today at 08:04:06 AMMaybe DFW Hoya has more insight, but for many years, Gtown didn't even fully fund scholarships for most of their athletic programs. We know that as an institution, Gtown is flush with cash, but how much of that trickles down to athletics?
I know X as an institution is having decreased enrollment issues due to some strategic changes they made a few years ago (recruit and admit based on retention instead of just getting kids in the door), and I don't know their NIL situation, but they have superior facilities to Gtown and they pack Cintas night after night; they're around 95% capacity this season, and it's a great environment to play at. Meanwhile, Gtown plays in a cavernous tomb in front of friends, families, and school groups.
Georgetown has roughly 62 scholarships for 400 male student athletes. Four sports consume 47 of the 62 grants, the other 10 sports share about 15. That 62 number has remained more or less stable since the 1970s. The school is resistant to adding more, as football donors can attest.
It's not exactly flush with cash right now.
https://thehoya.com/news/gu-will-continue-hiring-freeze-budget-cuts-groves-says/
Quote from: Galway Eagle on Today at 08:18:15 AMDidn't we make these same changes awhile ago which is why we have an astronomical acceptance rate?
For X it wasn't as much concern over the acceptance rate but rather the retention rate - bringing in too many kids (I've heard schools refer to kids as "customers") just to get tuition money then their either A) couldn't pay the bill, or B) couldn't hack it academically. The refer to the strategy as "Recruiting Sophomores."
Our retention rate for 2024 was over 92%. X's most recent was 87%, an increase from 78% the year before. They (along with other smaller schools) are making a big push into the transfer market as well. But, it's going result in lower enrollment, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Our acceptance rate dropped below 80% for the 2025 cycle, the first time that has happened in a long time. Per the university, the enrollment goal was 1950 and we got 1949 (before "summer melt").
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 08, 2026, 08:40:58 PMYou're kidding, right?
Post-Al, what coaches that have had success decided to stay longer than 6 years?
One, Crean, who chose to leave after 9 years for what he considered to be a better job.
That's not crapping on the program, that's reality.
I asked a simple question...name the coaches that left Marquette...using their MU HC gig as a stepping stone? I mentioned Crean, but he had been here a while. And, IU is the more prestigious job. Who else? The rest were fired, or in Buzz' case, took a step down out of spite, or whatever it was Buzz felt.
Quote from: Viper on Today at 09:17:16 AMI asked a simple question...name the coaches that left Marquette...using their MU HC gig as a stepping stone? I mentioned Crean, but he had been here a while. And, IU is the more prestigious job. Who else? The rest were fired, or in Buzz' case, took a step down out of spite, or whatever it was Buzz felt.
KO did.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 08, 2026, 02:03:23 PMYes, and you're wrong. We've already been over this.
Anyhow, Shaka's probably gone next year to Kentucky. He'll be their first call, or so I've been told.
And yes, if Shaka has another year like this one, he should be fired. How much does the program need to bottom out before you let go of the guy who got you there?
So Kentucky is interested in a coach, who according to some folks, should be fired for poor performance. A coach who does not like dealing with agents, going to a school that drops bags left and right? I find that very hard to believe.
Quote from: DFW HOYA on Today at 09:14:01 AMGeorgetown has roughly 62 scholarships for 400 male student athletes. Four sports consume 47 of the 62 grants, the other 10 sports share about 15. That 62 number has remained more or less stable since the 1970s. The school is resistant to adding more, as football donors can attest.
It's not exactly flush with cash right now.
https://thehoya.com/news/gu-will-continue-hiring-freeze-budget-cuts-groves-says/
Honest question. Why doesn't your alumni base push for admin change. This feels like they're running a top notch institution into the ground for no reason other than indifference.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 09:31:11 AMHonest question. Why doesn't your alumni base push for admin change. This feels like they're running a top notch institution into the ground for no reason other than indifference.
Administrative change overall, or merely as it relates to scholarships?
Quote from: DFW HOYA on Today at 10:05:08 AMAdministrative change overall, or merely as it relates to scholarships?
If they won't budge on scholarships, then overall. It just seems like administration malpractice. Does no one sound the alarms?
Quote from: 79Warrior on Today at 09:29:52 AMSo Kentucky is interested in a coach, who according to some folks, should be fired for poor performance. A coach who does not like dealing with agents, going to a school that drops bags left and right? I find that very hard to believe.
I think you missed the sarcasm. Elon made it clear that Shaka would have multiple offers from the P4 if he parted ways with Marquette after this umm...disappointing season. ::)
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on Today at 09:27:27 AMKO did.
...true...but due to MU taking a dump on him with, as he said, the offer wasn't worth the paper it came on. He would have stayed!!! He had a solid team coming back. Unforced error, MU!
Quote from: 79Warrior on Today at 09:29:52 AMSo Kentucky is interested in a coach, who according to some folks, should be fired for poor performance. A coach who does not like dealing with agents, going to a school that drops bags left and right? I find that very hard to believe.
You'll have to ask Elon about that. He believes Shaka would be atop the list for every single P4 job.
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 11:21:18 AMYou'll have to ask Elon about that. He believes Shaka would be atop the list for every single P4 job.
If he was available, he would be one of the hotter names on the market. In the past 5 years he'd have 4 NCAA bids, BE title, BET title, two 2-seeds, 3 NCAA wins, and a Sweet 16. Even off a bad season that's a strong resume. Might not be the biggest or most desirable, but there are many P4 programs for whom he would be a big step up.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 11:27:00 AMIf he was available, he would be one of the hotter names on the market. In the past 5 years he'd have 4 NCAA bids, BE title, BET title, two 2-seeds, 3 NCAA wins, and a Sweet 16. Even off a bad season that's a strong resume. Might not be the biggest or most desirable, but there are many P4 programs for whom he would be a big step up.
I wonder how he would answer this program building question in the interview setting.
"What will you do to take this team and program to the next level"
"I will leave no stone unturned on the high school level. We're going to recruit guys no one has even heard of!"
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 11:27:00 AMIf he was available, he would be one of the hotter names on the market. In the past 5 years he'd have 4 NCAA bids, BE title, BET title, two 2-seeds, 3 NCAA wins, and a Sweet 16. Even off a bad season that's a strong resume. Might not be the biggest or most desirable, but there are many P4 programs for whom he would be a big step up.
There's a big difference between being a hot name and on the list for somewhere like Kentucky. Kentucky fans would hone in on early high seed flame out at Texas and MU and say no chance.
While respecting everything else that Shaka has accomplished it's warranted to say he has largely underperformed in the tournament. The next two tiers of jobs above MU aren't going to be that impressed by a sweet 16 as a 2 seed an a Cinderella FF run 15yrs ago.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 11:27:00 AMIf he was available, he would be one of the hotter names on the market. In the past 5 years he'd have 4 NCAA bids, BE title, BET title, two 2-seeds, 3 NCAA wins, and a Sweet 16. Even off a bad season that's a strong resume. Might not be the biggest or most desirable, but there are many P4 programs for whom he would be a big step up.
Ehhh ... I think it would largely depend on his willingness to engage in the current player market and the realities of present-day college basketball. I don't think many P4 athletic directors and boosters are looking what RGV has brought Marquette, rubbing their palms and saying, "bring me some of that."
And I think you're understating the effects of recency bias when it comes to the coaching carousel. Juwan Howard had a Big 10 title, National Coach of the Year Award, an Elite 8 and a Sweet 16 in a four-year run at Michigan, and he gets no interest.
When the carousel starts spinning in March, the first thing programs are going to see when they look towards Milwaukee is a guy who built a team that lost 20 games this year, not a guy who won a conference championship three seasons ago. And as much as they'd remember a guy who won a conference championship three seasons ago, they'll also remember a guy who washed out at Texas. They wouldn't see only the good parts of Shaka's resume.
But I'll concede, some lesser P4 programs may still be interested. That's a stretch from believing he'd sit atop UNC's list if they get rid of Hubert Davis, or he'd be Kansas' #1 guy if Self retires. That would have been unlikely three years ago, and ludicrous today.
OT, but Scoop's obsession with 2 seeds is so weird. Nobody cares about your seed (except, I guess, Scoop). Nobody hangs a banner for your seed. They don't host 10-year reunions for teams that got a 2 seed. Having a high seed is meaningful only if you play to it, which we've failed to do in four of our last five tournament appearances.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on Today at 11:36:53 AMThere's a big difference between being a hot name and on the list for somewhere like Kentucky. Kentucky fans would hone in on early high seed flame out at Texas and MU and say no chance.
While respecting everything else that Shaka has accomplished it's warranted to say he has largely underperformed in the tournament. The next two tiers of jobs above MU aren't going to be that impressed by a sweet 16 as a 2 seed an a Cinderella FF run 15yrs ago.
Maybe. But again, there were supposedly legitimate reports that Michigan and Kentucky, at a minimum (I think I remember Louisville being in there as well), at least called Shaka, and Shaka said he had no interest (might've taken more than 1 call from Kentucky before it got to that point).
Were those schools just doing their due diligence in case options 1-5 said no? Maybe. Was he their top target? No idea. But he had those same Tournament losses prior to getting those calls.
I would think a season like this would remove him from consideration for the very top jobs. But somebody would be lucky to have him if he were to be available. He's a very good college basketball coach.
Ok, so the Job ranking is the job destination spot, not the job performance of the coach.
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 11:55:11 AMThey wouldn't see only the good parts of Shaka's resume. Agree.
some lesser P4 programs may still be interested. OK
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 11:55:11 AMOT, but Scoop's obsession with 2 seeds is so weird. Nobody cares about your seed (except, I guess, Scoop). Nobody hangs a banner for your seed. They don't host 10-year reunions for teams that got a 2 seed. Having a high seed is meaningful only if you play to it, which we've failed to do in four of our last five tournament appearances.
I think the point is we had awesome years to earn those 2 seeds. Of course you want to use those high seeds and make deep runs. But losing in a Sweet 16 instead of the expected Elite 8 shouldn't erase 4.5 months of great basketball. Shaka has no doubt given us some great seasons.
Quote from: wadesworld on Today at 12:06:17 PMMaybe. But again, there were supposedly legitimate reports that Michigan and Kentucky, at a minimum (I think I remember Louisville being in there as well), at least called Shaka, and Shaka said he had no interest (might've taken more than 1 call from Kentucky before it got to that point).
Were those schools just doing their due diligence in case options 1-5 said no? Maybe. Was he their top target? No idea. But he had those same Tournament losses prior to getting those calls.
I would think a season like this would remove him from consideration for the very top jobs. But somebody would be lucky to have him if he were to be available. He's a very good college basketball coach.
I'm sure Kentucky and others reached out to Shaka two years ago, and he may have even been among their top candidates (despite them ultimately hiring Scott Drew).
But that candidate Shaka was coming off 29- and 27-win seasons, and a Sweet 16 appearance. That's not the candidate he is today. The candidate he is today is the guy who chose to ignore the shifting college basketball landscape and decided he would do things his own way, with ugly results. Could Shaka sell himself as a guy who's learned from those mistakes and can thrive in the current market? Sure. But I don't think many top-tier programs would take the risk if there are other options out there who've proven it (see: TJO, Hoiberg, Byington, McCasland, etc.).
Quote from: Heisenberg on Today at 06:49:35 AMOther than a handful of programs (Michigan State, Gonzaga, Kansas, etc), this description fits 95% of college basketball programs.
And in the portal/NIL era, it's probably going to 98%
The fact that most programs see that level of coaching turnover is the point.
Marquette and Shaka have a chance to be an exception if he's willing to adjust his approach.
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 12:19:07 PMCould Shaka sell himself as a guy who's learned from those mistakes and can thrive in the current market? Sure. But I don't think many top-tier programs would take the risk if there are other options out there who've proven it (see: TJO, Hoiberg, Byington, McCasland, etc.).
TJO, Byington, McCasland is the short list for Kansas & UNC if they are in the market. There are 79 high major jobs & Shaka would be an upgrade at probably at least 30-40 of them. And it would be easy to say "I tried the HS model, it didn't work, I'll pivot here as long as you give me the money to do so."
RGV is a dirty word here, but he can easily divorce himself from that in an interview. And honestly, anyone hoping Shaka isn't here next year should be glad for the past 4 years. It will make him attractive to many good jobs, and a waived buyout would make it easier for Marquette to move on as well.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 02:30:45 PMRGV is a dirty word here, but he can easily divorce himself from that in an interview.
This is a curious statement, but perhaps I'm misreading.
It seems youve said a few times here that it might be better to part ways with Shaka sooner rather than later because any future success would require him to betray his principles and you don't see him ever doing that.
Now you seem to be suggesting he'd easily divorce himself from those same principles for another job, and do so convincingly in an interview.
Are his principles Marquette-specific?
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on Today at 10:53:22 AMI think you missed the sarcasm. Elon made it clear that Shaka would have multiple offers from the P4 if he parted ways with Marquette after this umm...disappointing season. ::)
I did. Sorry about that.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on Today at 11:36:53 AMThere's a big difference between being a hot name and on the list for somewhere like Kentucky. Kentucky fans would hone in on early high seed flame out at Texas and MU and say no chance.
Yet they hired a coach who had never won a NCAA tourney game and only 2 NCAA berths in 10 years as a HC just cause he was an alum.
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 02:38:15 PMThis is a curious statement, but perhaps I'm misreading.
It seems youve said a few times here that it might be better to part ways with Shaka sooner rather than later because any future success would require him to betray his principles and you don't see him ever doing that.
Now you seem to be suggesting he'd easily divorce himself from those same principles for another job, and do so convincingly in an interview.
Are his principles Marquette-specific?
I think it's harder to divorce from that here because he's preached it to this group of players for years, he's told recruits this model won't recruit over them, and he's sold admin to the point that they made it the center of Spirit Shop marketing.
At Marquette, RGV has become embedded in his brand & culture. That's why I'm so hesitant on bringing him back. Because I don't see how the pivot to even a low transfer Purdue/UConn model works here with Shaka's past comments. At a new program, he can reset all that, including expectations with players/recruits by saying he has to abide by the financial commitments of East Western State or wherever he would land.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 03:51:42 PMI think it's harder to divorce from that here because he's preached it to this group of players for years, he's told recruits this model won't recruit over them, and he's sold admin to the point that they made it the center of Spirit Shop marketing.
At Marquette, RGV has become embedded in his brand & culture. That's why I'm so hesitant on bringing him back. Because I don't see how the pivot to even a low transfer Purdue/UConn model works here with Shaka's past comments. At a new program, he can reset all that, including expectations with players/recruits by saying he has to abide by the financial commitments of East Western State or wherever he would land.
Because people will forgive and forget. He can say the promises of yesterday applied to the old model of college sports that he wasn't willing to adapt to until his way was made impossible. Maybe he loses a couple of guys he was in on in the short term, but that no longer matters if he is willing to use the portal.
If a bunch of guys are gone in the off season, no one will care that "Shaka is a hypocrite" if they start winning. Will it be a very hard pill for him to swallow? Of course. Which is why I said a bit ago that I could see him stepping away from coaching until there is a more structure in the rules.
Having said all this, no one will care about any of this next year if they're winning. It'll be a blip on his record that he and everyone will remember, but the growth will also be acknowledged.
Winning solves everything.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 03:59:27 PMBecause people will forgive and forget. He can say the promises of yesterday applied to the old model of college sports that he wasn't willing to adapt to until his way was made impossible. Maybe he loses a couple of guys he was in on in the short term, but that no longer matters if he is willing to use the portal.
If a bunch of guys are gone in the off season, no one will care that "Shaka is a hypocrite" if they start winning. Will it be a very hard pill for him to swallow? Of course. Which is why I said a bit ago that I could see him stepping away from coaching until there is a more structure in the rules.
Having said all this, no one will care about any of this next year if they're winning. It'll be a blip on his record that he and everyone will remember, but the growth will also be acknowledged.
Winning solves everything.
Yeah - I think everyone except Caedin and Tre wants a portal-using Shaka here next year. If those guys are feeling bad about how Shaka "betrayed" them then they can console themselves with the hundreds of thousands of dollars they were paid to play a tiny bit of D-1 basketball at a very poor level. In fact, we want/need them to leave so we can bring in 2 real basketball players instead.
A 5 of Nigel, Adrian, Royce, and a Portal 5 and Portal switchable is a solid team next year. And maybe a few of the guys in reserve (DO, MP, RS/Frosh) can make some contributions off the bench. If we win with that team, no one will cry about losing our RGV purity.