Zags Blog: Buzz would leave for Texas, probably not OU

[avid1010]

I think those top level programs might be concerned about Dixon's ability to win the big ones in the NCAA tournament.

I also think the reason he wasn't mentioned ahead of Buzz for OU, UT or Arkansas was because those schools think Buzz has a higher upside for the same price, not because they think Dixon is out of their reach--both Buzz and Dixon are paid about the same (if you believe Rosiak's claim of Buzz's salary).

you really think buzz is seen as a better candidate that dixon....whoaa boy!

[ChicosBailBonds]

I heard Painter was mentioned for the Mizzou job, seemed odd to me as I always think of Purdue as a destination spot, at least much more than Mizzou.

I could see any of those coaches leaving for UT, it's just got so much money/exposure/recruiting pipelines/etc that are already built in that it almost makes it difficult NOT to have consistent success there (as Barnes has had).

PU's athletic director is a cheap SOB.  He's also getting clocked in Indiana on the recruiting front right now by IU, Ohio State and others.  Painter wants more money for himself and his assistants.  More than likely it's a negotiating ploy but that's the situation at PU per my buds in the PU athletic department.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I'm just curious--who WOULD Texas be interested in (and vice versa)?  

I would think Texas would go after someone like Billy Donovan or Miller at Arizona.  They'll want a major name, a glitzy hire, etc.  Doesn't mean those guys would come, but I would suspect because Texas is Texas that is the type of coach they would try to go after at first.  If they are turned down, they go to plan B which would be the Buzz Williams level.

[HouWarrior]

I would think Texas would go after someone like Billy Donovan or Miller at Arizona.  They'll want a major name, a glitzy hire, etc.  Doesn't mean those guys would come, but I would suspect because Texas is Texas that is the type of coach they would try to go after at first.  If they are turned down, they go to plan B which would be the Buzz Williams level.

I generally agree. For the UT job to open, Barnes would need to be fired. No one doubts his recruiting, and talent.

The Barnes firing would be due to his failures to meet Texas sized expectations, especially not advancing , but once, to the final four, in his entire tenure. 14 straight NCAA appearances, and 5 sweet 16s do not cut it with UT fans.

Accordingly, in a Barnes replacement, Texas would highly value track records in the NCAAs, such as Donovan's,.... and Sean Miller is a hot name---thought to be headed for more than his elite 8 this year. To UT, with the coach's tourney record as the key, Buzz is not up there yet, with but one sweet 16.

[MUMac]

I would think Texas would go after someone like Billy Donovan or Miller at Arizona.  They'll want a major name, a glitzy hire, etc.  Doesn't mean those guys would come, but I would suspect because Texas is Texas that is the type of coach they would try to go after at first.  If they are turned down, they go to plan B which would be the Buzz Williams level.

+1

I also might question whether or not Buzz would be Plan B.  Texas is going to look for someone who has been there, done that.  That's what they did when they hired Penders and Barnes.  I don't think Buzz has done enough for him to be considered for that position right now.  That is why, if you are worried about Buzz to Texas, this may be the time for it to open up.

[shoothoops]

No offense to Buzz but he wouldn't be a plan A or B for Texas at this point.  Maybe in a few or several years with bigger accomplishments. 

[Marquette84]

you really think buzz is seen as a better candidate that dixon....whoaa boy!

I wouldn't trade Buzz for Dixon.  Would you?

[Shack]

I wouldn't trade Buzz for Dixon.  Would you?

Yes.   Pitt has become a consistent top 10 program under Dixon the past 8 years.  Buzz's upside is nice but if he can come close to what Dixon has done at Pitt I would be ecstatic.  Ask the same question in 5 years and we will know more, but right now it's not even close. 

[ChicosBailBonds]

I wouldn't trade Buzz for Dixon.  Would you?

I would only based on accomplishments so far.  Doesn't mean longer term they don't swap spots, but I don't think it's even an argument right now.

Dixon has two Big East conference regular season titles.  His teams have finished 2nd three times....that's five top 2 finishes in the best league in the land.

He also has a 4th and a 5th.  His "outlier" year is 7th.

NCAA Tournament success has not come to the level I'm sure they would like, but he does have an Elite 8 and several Sweet 16's.  

[Marquette84]

Yes.   Pitt has become a consistent top 10 program under Dixon the past 8 years.  Buzz's upside is nice but if he can come close to what Dixon has done at Pitt I would be ecstatic.  Ask the same question in 5 years and we will know more, but right now it's not even close. 

I would only based on accomplishments so far.  Doesn't mean longer term they don't swap spots, but I don't think it's even an argument right now.

Dixon has two Big East conference regular season titles.  His teams have finished 2nd three times....that's four top 2 finishes in the best league in the land.

He also has a 4th and a 5th.  His "outlier" year is 7th.

NCAA Tournament success has not come to the level I'm sure they would like, but he does have an Elite 8 and several Sweet 16's. 

Fair enough.

My assumption is based on two observations.

1.  Texas might be scared off by Dixon's lack of success in the tournament.  Twice been a #1 seed without getting to the final four.  He's had eight years, and can't seem to get over the hump.
2.  Buzz would be able to improve his recruiting by moving to Texas significantly more than Dixon would.

[Goose]

A Buzz for Dixon trade is interesting thought. I would say because of Dixon's total body of work the nod goes to him. Granted he has not had great NCAA success but better than our recent past.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

An aside: I hope Aki gets the Fairfield job interview then hire. It's always good to see MU assistants take the helm at other institutions. If he gets hired, Fairfield should be one of the schools on our non-conf next year.

That said, I do not want to return to the revolving assistant coach days from TC's tenure.

I'm hearing Norm Roberts, former St. John's coach is the favorite.

[RawdogDX]

Duke, Kentucky, GT, MI state, IN, UCLA, Uconn, Cuse, Texas, Florida, Arizona, UNC.

Those are the only schools that are better than a lateral move from MU.
I would bet a sizable amount of money that if Buzz leaves for another job, it will be to one of those schools.  And it won't be to one of the Big East ones.

[Goose]

Rawdog--Buzz has a ways to go to be in discussion for those jobs. Not saying it could not happen down the road but he is not in that class yet. Hope he is three years from now.