Okay, so first the disclaimers:
1. I didn't hear the report myself; my Dad did.
2. I have seen absolutely no corroboration of this.
3. I'm skeptical.
Those things being said, during a segment on Rivals Radio on Sirius 123 this morning, every open college hoops job was apparently discussed. The report identified MU and LSU as the two "biggest" jobs available. Then, during the discussion of Marquette, one of the hosts/commentators/guests stated that he had learned that Tony Bennett's interest in the MU job may have changed in a positive direction on Saturday night. I'm told there wasn't much elaboration, but money/control were speculated to be a substanial part of the reason. Is it possible that the BoT gave Cottingham authority over the $2mm/season mark to go get Tony?
Also, did anyone here this exchange directly this morning?
If this happens, I will never say another negative word about Marquette again and I might even buy a Golden Eagles sweatshirt.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 10:48:47 AM
If this happens, I will never say another negative word about Marquette again and I might even buy a Golden Eagles sweatshirt.
Mods: Can you look into PRN's account? I fear it's been hacked into.
Great to hear that kind of support/enthusiasm!
Boy you are really going out on a limb PRN, especially spending $30 for a sweatshirt!!!!
Maybe Buzz Williams wife was buying all that MU gear the other day to give one out to PRN?
'twould be a great hire, if just to see if PRN can live up to his promise.
(hint, he can't)
If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.
He did not say a "sweatshirt." He said a "Golden Eagles Sweatshirt."
Big Diff.
I will buy anything that says Marquette.
But nothing that says Golden Eagles.
Just cannot help myself.
Warrior at heart.
-SERocks
Quote from: Norm on April 07, 2008, 11:00:09 AM
If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.
1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.
Tidbid of info: I averaged MU's and WSU scoring per game and they are (since january 1st):
WSU: 65 pts/game
Marquette: 74 pts/game
I think Bennett gets a little unfairly criticized for being boring. Keep in mind he was playing with his dad's recruits and there is no doubt about the fact that Dick Bennett was as boring as they come. I've heard it reported that Tony is more willing to play a faster tempo if he had the players to do so. Obviously at MU he would have those athletes.
I also think it is unfair to say that his WI ties are the only reason he is a quality candidate. He was rumored to be a candidate in Indiana and Cal. Clearly he has national recognition as a quality coach.
Update: the statements about Bennett were made on the Tim Brando Show (on Sirius 123) by Tony Accorsi (sp?).
Apparently Accorsi also discussed Buzz Williams at length (and in a favorable way) and had seemingly solid information on a number of other openings. He was reporting from the final four. Btw, I looked and it appears as though the Brando show is archived online, so it should be available to listen to later this afternoon.
I'm not holding my breath---okay maybe I am---but this would be great if MU could seal the deal. It might even be an upgrade over TC.
It would be absolutely huge get for MU! Let's not forget that Bennett was IU's first choice. Oh please be true!
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 11:04:01 AM
Quote from: Norm on April 07, 2008, 11:00:09 AM
If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.
1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.
Not to mention his youth + home state appeal could have Bennett at MU for a long time and it would be a giant unnatural carnal knowledge YOU to the Wisconsin program.
Won't happen. But a nice thought.
Quote from: Coobeys Oil Depot on April 07, 2008, 11:32:39 AM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 11:04:01 AM
Quote from: Norm on April 07, 2008, 11:00:09 AM
If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.
1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.
Not to mention his youth + home state appeal could have Bennett at MU for a long time and it would be a giant frack YOU to the Wisconsin program.
Won't happen. But a nice thought.
One negative thought about Bennett. I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years. You think you hate Crean now...
Quote from: CTWarrior on April 07, 2008, 11:39:45 AM
Quote from: Coobeys Oil Depot on April 07, 2008, 11:32:39 AM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 11:04:01 AM
Quote from: Norm on April 07, 2008, 11:00:09 AM
If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.
1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.
Not to mention his youth + home state appeal could have Bennett at MU for a long time and it would be a giant frack YOU to the Wisconsin program.
Won't happen. But a nice thought.
One negative thought about Bennett. I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years. You think you hate Crean now...
My thoughts exactly.
ewww who would want to leave marquette for buckyland....ewwwww
Quote from: CTWarrior on April 07, 2008, 11:39:45 AMOne negative thought about Bennett. I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years. You think you hate Crean now...
Would not happen, I guarantee it. From what I heard, the Bennetts were not happy about the way the whole Soderberg deal went down - thought he got a raw deal. There's a better chance that Bo Ryan takes over at Marquette - if that puts things into perspective for you...
Quote from: CTWarrior on April 07, 2008, 11:39:45 AM
Quote from: Coobeys Oil Depot on April 07, 2008, 11:32:39 AM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 11:04:01 AM
Quote from: Norm on April 07, 2008, 11:00:09 AM
If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.
1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.
Not to mention his youth + home state appeal could have Bennett at MU for a long time and it would be a giant frack YOU to the Wisconsin program.
Won't happen. But a nice thought.
One negative thought about Bennett. I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years. You think you hate Crean now...
Wow - but where are we when he leaves? Top 10? Elite 8 in the tourney? Final 4? Championship!!? Right now, we have no one to worry about leaving.....if we don't GET someone that we WORRY about leaving, then we have the wrong guy.
Quote from: MUAlum99 on April 07, 2008, 11:54:02 AM
Quote from: CTWarrior on April 07, 2008, 11:39:45 AMOne negative thought about Bennett. I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years. You think you hate Crean now...
Would not happen, I guarantee it. From what I heard, the Bennetts were not happy about the way the whole Soderberg deal went down - thought he got a raw deal. There's a better chance that Bo Ryan takes over at Marquette - if that puts things into perspective for you...
It depends how things may change. Richter was the guy when the Soderberg deal went down. It's common thought here in Madison that Dick Bennett was not fond of Barry Alverez. Since he's the AD now, that could come into play. I wouldn't be surprised if Alverez was gone in 5-7 years.
Still, you can't make coaching hires based on who may be willing to hire them in the future. Rick Majerus was promoted to prevent him from going to Wisconsin. Not a good move. We were all worried about Crean going to MSU. I think even he now realized that wasn't going to happen. Things change. If Bennett is successful, and ends up wanting to go to UWGB, that's fine with me. The key is that he's successful. You could also make the case that since his roots are in Wisconsin (SP and GB) that he's less likely to leave than some other hires that we could bring in.
Who cares what this does to Badger fans. Again, get the best candidate. Who gives a crap that he has Wisconsin ties other than all you MU fans from Wisconsin that can claim he's one of your own.
I do think he'd be a great hire. I also think that the style he's playing is due to the one he has too in order to win. And this also shows the bind that fans put on the coaches.
Crean won with a flashy style and it wasn't enough. If Bennett wins, but is boring, will that be enough? DOn't know.
But him and Lowery would be my top choices right now. Hire Lowery, though, and maybe there's never a chance he'll bolt for Badger-town too.
Let's get the best guy that we have to worry about. Better than a crappy guy that we know no one else wants. lol. Let's go GET THE BEST!
Quote from: Niv Berkowitz on April 07, 2008, 12:04:20 PM
Who cares what this does to Badger fans. Again, get the best candidate. Who gives a crap that he has Wisconsin ties other than all you MU fans from Wisconsin that can claim he's one of your own.
I agree we shouldn't care what this would do to Badger fans. I disagree with you about the Wisconsin ties. We both agree he would be a great hire. If he takes the job, why didn't he take the Indiana job? I think the Wisconsin roots might have something to do with it. So in this case, Wisconsin ties could help us get a great hire coach that we would not be able to get otherwise. The other thing with Bennett that doesn't apply to Davis or Weber, or others...the Bennett name carries a ton of weight in Wisconsin. Again, not a reason to hire someone, but that is a nice bonus. So not only would it be perceived as a great get nationally, but it would be locally also. Maybe you're right that it only matters to those of us in Wisconsin. However Marquette is located in Wisconsin, plays its games in Wisconsin and gets covered by the Wisconsin press. I think that would have a wider, more positive impact than you're implying.
MU has no choice but to hire top tier coach. For everyone that wants to keep recruits, get over it. MU will never win by recruiting in Texas.
Bennett is the man and my guess MU will pay the dough needed. Hopefully all of the UW fans will be floored. Hiring Bennett is major step towards the future.
okay... anybody else confirm this? this is driving a lot of excitement on both sites and it would really suck if this was just hot air.
Quote from: LastWarrior on April 07, 2008, 12:25:25 PM
okay... anybody else confirm this? this is driving a lot of excitement on both sites and it would really suck if this was just hot air.
I'd wager that MU used the last four days to hunker down and figure out exactly what they want, who they want, why they want it ...... time to go on offense
I just went through every media outlet site (TV and press) in Spokane, Pullman and Seattle. Not one mention of any of this. Only item of interest was a Spokane article on Saturday which mentioned Bennett as not signing an extension with WSU as earlier reported by the Seattle Post Intelligencer on Friday. Hope this isn't some really hot smoke screen.
The Bennett's may not have liked the way the Soderberg thing went down.... but it was not enough to keep Tony off of Bo's staff the next year.....
I hope there is some juice to this rumor though....
Quote from: nyg on April 07, 2008, 12:32:57 PM
I just went through every media outlet site (TV and press) in Spokane, Pullman and Seattle. Not one mention of any of this. Only item of interest was a Spokane article on Saturday which mentioned Bennett as not signing an extension with WSU as earlier reported by the Seattle Post Intelligencer on Friday. Hope this isn't some really hot smoke screen.
this is exactly what happened with Gillispie at A&M last year........agreed to an extension, then waited to sign it (with an eye on Lexington)
I'l give you that ties to the state are what could get him back. REgarding the statement of "we won't win by recruiting in Texas." That is true, but we certainly won't win by out recruiting people for the athletes (or lack there of) in Wisconsin.
As an aside, with the probably Mbakwe transfer, can we make it mandatory that we no longer recruit in Minnesota? Sincerely,
Mbakwe, R.Amoroso and D.Fitzgerald
Quote from: Niv Berkowitz on April 07, 2008, 12:04:20 PM
Crean won with a flashy style and it wasn't enough. If Bennett wins, but is boring, will that be enough? DOn't know.
If Bennett wins, people will love him because he's from WI.
People around here LOVE when locals do well. Sometimes people act like it's almost "us vs them" or "WI vs the world".
What is wrong with Minnesota recruits?
Sincerely,
Mike Kinsella
If there is any truth to this, I woudl say it is would be based more on lack of positive/enough movement on the WSU end, vs. MU increasing its offer - although probably both.
Now, the question becomes, what comments, if any has Bennett made relative to the MU job?
QuoteIf he takes the job, why didn't he take the Indiana job?
I know nothing about this current speculation about Bennett and Marquette, but as for IU, let's not forget there was the issue of his sister being fired as IU's women's coach just a few years ago. The Bennetts strike me as a close-knit, loyal family, and turning down IU [or, more accurately, saying he wasn't interested in the job] may have roots in that situation.
Quote from: MULS1999 on April 07, 2008, 11:13:19 AM
Update: the statements about Bennett were made on the Tim Brando Show (on Sirius 123) by Tony Accorsi (sp?).
Apparently Accorsi also discussed Buzz Williams at length (and in a favorable way) and had seemingly solid information on a number of other openings. He was reporting from the final four. Btw, I looked and it appears as though the Brando show is archived online, so it should be available to listen to later this afternoon.
Some quick research on the Tim Brando Show has his radio show broadcasting weekdays from 3PM - 6PM, so I really have to question the validity of that content.
Quote from: NYWarrior on April 07, 2008, 12:42:06 PM
Quote from: nyg on April 07, 2008, 12:32:57 PM
I just went through every media outlet site (TV and press) in Spokane, Pullman and Seattle. Not one mention of any of this. Only item of interest was a Spokane article on Saturday which mentioned Bennett as not signing an extension with WSU as earlier reported by the Seattle Post Intelligencer on Friday. Hope this isn't some really hot smoke screen.
this is exactly what happened with Gillispie at A&M last year........agreed to an extension, then waited to sign it (with an eye on Lexington)
I'm willing to bet his new contract extesion has a VERY large buy-out clause included now. It would be interesting being in his shoes, do you take the BE/MU job this year or wait 4-5 years for your buyout to be reduced to the point where other teams could possibly afford you - and who knows what programs will have openings then.
Quote from: mufanatic on April 07, 2008, 12:57:02 PM
Quote from: MULS1999 on April 07, 2008, 11:13:19 AM
Update: the statements about Bennett were made on the Tim Brando Show (on Sirius 123) by Tony Accorsi (sp?).
Apparently Accorsi also discussed Buzz Williams at length (and in a favorable way) and had seemingly solid information on a number of other openings. He was reporting from the final four. Btw, I looked and it appears as though the Brando show is archived online, so it should be available to listen to later this afternoon.
Some quick research on the Tim Brando Show has his radio show broadcasting weekdays from 3PM - 6PM, so I really have to question the validity of that content.
It is broadcast on Sirius radio 10am-1 p.m. ET
Quote from: mufanatic on April 07, 2008, 12:57:02 PM
Quote from: MULS1999 on April 07, 2008, 11:13:19 AM
Update: the statements about Bennett were made on the Tim Brando Show (on Sirius 123) by Tony Accorsi (sp?).
Apparently Accorsi also discussed Buzz Williams at length (and in a favorable way) and had seemingly solid information on a number of other openings. He was reporting from the final four. Btw, I looked and it appears as though the Brando show is archived online, so it should be available to listen to later this afternoon.
Some quick research on the Tim Brando Show has his radio show broadcasting weekdays from 3PM - 6PM, so I really have to question the validity of that content.
10AM - 1PM EST
Actually, Brando's show is on Sirius 123 from 9 a.m. to noon every weekday.
Follow this link for the schedule:
http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/Page&c=Channel&cid=1104779628652&s=sched
My doubt in the report is not whether the words of Bennett's possible change in course were said -- they were -- it's rather a matter of whatever source/information the reporter (Accorsi) was relying on when he said it. I've never heard of the guy myself -- though he did apparently speak authoritatively about a number of positions, for whatever that's worth.
I never quite understood why he wouldn't have considered MU anyway, assuming these items from a Seattle Times article on Friday are true...
Athletic director Jim Sterk confirmed through a WSU spokesman Thursday that there have been talks with Bennett about salary increases for all basketball staff members, improved air travel for both recruiting and games and continued facilities enhancements.
OK, MU's got all of that for him already.
Bennett makes $800,000 annually after his contract was revamped following the 2007 season.
OK, MU can pretty much double that.
One of his priorities is to try to have WSU, the most remote location in the Pac-10 Conference, up the ante for some charter travel.
The Cougars frequently fly out of Lewiston, 30 miles south, or Spokane, 80 miles north, and often must connect into final destinations.
Obviously no issue here.
I can understand him not wanting Indiana given the NCAA issues, the pressure to win, the irrational fan base that can be an asset as well as a liability. But, if the issues above are truly important to him, doesn't MU deliver all of it and more. As I said above, if there is anything to this, it is likely based primarily on WSU's unwillingness/inability to deliver on these things.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/cougars/2004326536_coug04.html?syndication=rss (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/cougars/2004326536_coug04.html?syndication=rss)
Washington State averages less than sixty posessions per game... 335th in the country. See Pomeroy link below. That is sloooooooooow.
I like Bennett a lot, but I hope he picks up the pace if he decided to coach Marquette.
http://www.kenpom.com/stats.php
IF we won every game 2-0, i'd be happy. Give me success, that makes watching any game enjoyable...
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 10:48:47 AM
If this happens, I will never say another negative word about Marquette again and I might even buy a Golden Eagles sweatshirt.
If this happens I'LL buy you a Golden Eagles sweatshirt.
Who cares about pace of play? I know one person who could give a rip about that -- Al McGuire!!
I understand that recruits are more apt to commit to an up tempo team, but I'd rather have the 3 star guys winning than 4 star guys running, dunking and losing.
Guys -- we've won one post season game in 5 years.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 01:54:26 PM
Who cares about pace of play? I know one person who could give a rip about that -- Al McGuire!!
I understand that recruits are more apt to commit to an up tempo team, but I'd rather have the 3 star guys winning than 4 star guys running, dunking and losing.
Guys -- we've won one post season game in 5 years.
Hey.....we won some NIT games. ;D
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 01:54:26 PM
Who cares about pace of play? I know one person who could give a rip about that -- Al McGuire!!
I understand that recruits are more apt to commit to an up tempo team, but I'd rather have the 3 star guys winning than 4 star guys running, dunking and losing.
Guys -- we've won one post season game in 5 years.
You've never been more wrong.
In 2004 we beat Toledo AND Boise State!
NIT Quarters!
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on April 07, 2008, 01:54:26 PM
Who cares about pace of play? I know one person who could give a rip about that -- Al McGuire!!
I understand that recruits are more apt to commit to an up tempo team, but I'd rather have the 3 star guys winning than 4 star guys running, dunking and losing.
Guys -- we've won one post season game in 5 years.
I don't hate the concept of hiring the guy, but he was nearly last in pace in all of basketball. I am not talking about 250th, we are talking 335th. Hopefully, we was forced to play this style given the recruits his Dad brought in.
I hear what everyone is saying about winning. I would surely take winning and being 335th in pace versus losing and being 10th. But, it would be nice to have, let's say, winning and being 250th. Is that asking for too much?
Quote from: DamonKeysContactLens on April 07, 2008, 02:03:38 PM
You've never been more wrong.
In 2004 we beat Toledo AND Boise State!
NIT Quarters!
[/quote]
Teal Please
I guess it depends on the definition of post-season. Before we won a game in the Big East tourny it was viewed as conference tourny and than NCAA/NIT. Than it was conference tourny and NCAA. Now is the definition just the NCAA?
Funny how the definition always changes to fit an agenda but I do understand your point.
Didn't realize the time of his show was that early. I was just going by the time posted on his website. Should be an interesting couple of days here.
You could easily argue that his accomplishments in 2 yrs at WSU are more impressive than Crean's 9 years. Back to back NCAA's with a sweet 16 after how many years of mediocrity, only 2 years on the job. His dad provided some help getting the program turned around of course. He also picked up the pace of play considerably compared to his dad.
With a philosophy of good position defense, ala Bo and his dad vs Crean's grabbing, out of position steals/deflections philosophy, we would also hear less whining about the officiating from some posters on this board. This would be the GET that would make the Caveman Coach's departure a blessing! PRN could officially give the "I told you so EF U" to 99% of the posters that worshiped Crean prior to April 1 and thought Marq bball revolved around him. I am sure nearly 100% hopes this can happen!
Quote from: MarquetteDano on April 07, 2008, 02:06:59 PM
I don't hate the concept of hiring the guy, but he was nearly last in pace in all of basketball. I am not talking about 250th, we are talking 335th. Hopefully, we was forced to play this style given the recruits his Dad brought in.
I hear what everyone is saying about winning. I would surely take winning and being 335th in pace versus losing and being 10th. But, it would be nice to have, let's say, winning and being 250th. Is that asking for too much?
Not only is that a result of the recruits his dad had, but it is also a result of the conference they play in. The Pac-10 is more like the Big Ten in style of play than it is like the ACC. I have no fear that if Bennett was hired he would not make Dominic, Jerel, Wesley, Lazar, Maurice, David, Tyshawn, and Nick (if those two stay) walk the ball up the court off of every made basket by the opposition, defensive rebound, steal, etc. Marquette is a different team than Washington State and the Big East is not the same conference as the Pac-10.
Decourcey, and not "Accorsi," that makes so much more sense.
Sorry for losing that in the translation this morning, but like I said, that's what I was told. I'm glad it wasn't utter bunk, as I think DeCourcey is reasonably credible in matters such as these.
I bet Lowry or Bennett have a good shot to keep the recruits as well - not that that is nearly as important as making the current players happy. You've got 18 year olds being asked if they still want to play for a team that was last in the national news for losing their coach in the middle of the night. I bet if the next story they see on ESPN is Lowry or Bennett at MU, and the next day the new coach is in their living room, there is a good chance they stay. If we don't get them or some other surprise big catch, I'm not down on Buzz at all for next year. I think having one year of head coaching under his belt works the kinks out. My only concern is that he is 35 and used to moving every year, so that he could either 1) implode and then we are hiring from a position of weakness, or 2) have great success to elevate himself to "rising star" status and then be tempted to take another program. To TCs credit, I thought he'd follow D Wade out the door after the Final 4 and he did put in 9 years before abandoning us.