Brian Wardle?

[mu_hilltopper]

Can someone explain the draw of Wardle, besides his playing at MU?

His resume of 4 seasons at UWGB:

2010 - 14-18, 7th in Horizon, no postseason, Kenpom 157
2011 - 15-15, 7th in Horizon, no postseason, Kenpom 168
2012 - 18-15, T3rd, no postseason, Kenpom 123
2013 - 24-7, 1st in Horizon, Lost 1st game in Horiz Tourn, Lost 1st game in NIT, Kenpom 77

So .. 3 nearly mediocre seasons at a mediocre program in a mediocre conference.  1 good season in that same mediocre conference.  His ONE chance at a post-season win was a 15 point loss, AT HOME, in the NIT.

If you ranked all 323 D1 coaches, where would Wardle fall?  Top 150, maybe? 

And people want to give him the keys to MU?   

Maybe I missed the part where he's this phenomenal recruiter with inroads into hotbeds like Little Chute, Racine, or Winnona?  Ok, ok, he's got some recruits from Chicago.  Of course, the competition for those guys were likely from other Horizon powerhouses.

Sure, some of that could have applied to Buzz 6 years ago, but at least he'd put in 16 years as an assistant, including a couple decent places.   Wardle's stint as an assistant under Crean at MU .. he was Director of BBall Ops, a made up position for guys to manage players and team managers, and fetch clipboards.

Oh, right, right, he played at MU, so he'll come here, bring us March victories and STAY at Marquette once he's had that success, because, you know, he's a MU guy and in no way has any ego or arrogance that would interest him if a bigger, sexier top 25 job came knocking while his stock was hot?     I've got a bridge to sell you.

[ChuckyChip]

Beat Marquette last year

[cheebs09]

He seems like a good guy and developing into a nice young coach. However, if we hire him I will be upset and disappointed. Especially if there is interest from the guys that writers have already mentioned.

[nyg]

Topper, agree.

I think its a bad idea to hire a player alumni to be the head coach, only as an assistant.

Its one thing to have recruiting ties to the upper pennisula, but the new coach must have ties with the national AAU scene.  Have to get the recruits to be successful.  

[NersEllenson]

He seems like a good guy and developing into a nice young coach. However, if we hire him I will be upset and disappointed. Especially if there is interest from the guys that writers have already mentioned.

+1000 - Other than Wardle having played at Marquette - he wouldn't be on the radar for a second.  Our program and commitment are WAY beyond the point of bringing in someone with Brian's credentials at this point.  Perhaps after this next hire, should Wardle show progress and a longer track record of success....then maybe he can be considered as a viable hire.

Curious to see how he does after Alec Brown and Sykes are gone...I suspect the results won't be too pretty.

[TheTulsaWarrior]

I have been paying attention to the Green Bay program longer than anyone else on this board.  Wardle has done the best job at GB since Dick Bennett and done it on a shoestring.  He put together a better staff than anyone including Bennett.  Wardle is the kind of guy you would want your daughter to bring home.  The guy on top of the wedding cake.  That said he needs more seasoning.

I would consider him as an associate head coach being groomed by someone like Ben Howland.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Brian isn't ready.  Guys, this is one of the most important hires in the history of this program. 

[Pakuni]

Has anyone here listed Wardle as their first, second or third choice?
Seems to be a whole lot of preaching to the choir.

That said, I'm not sure it's fair to judge any Horizon (or similar) League coach solely by postseason appearances and KenPom figures. There are inherent handicaps at those schools, after all.  

[Rockmic87]

But for playing at MU, that is the only reason his name is being thrown out there...

[mu_hilltopper]

Has anyone here listed Wardle as their first, second or third choice?
Seems to be a whole lot of preaching to the choir.

Agreed .. yet 5 people did select Wardle as their choice in the last poll (admittedly only 4%, but > 0).

I get worried when every media story I read lists only 3-4 guys, with Wardle being one of them.  And we all know MU's admin takes cues from Scoop, so .. uh .. we need to make sure they know what we're thinking.    

[dgies9156]

Agreed .. yet 5 people did select Wardle as their choice in the last poll (admittedly only 4%, but > 0).

I get worried when every media story I read lists only 3-4 guys, with Wardle being one of them.  And we all know MU's admin takes cues from Scoop, so .. uh .. we need to make sure they know what we're thinking.    

In that case, remember Bob Dukiet and Mike Deane. Same pedigree as Wardle except they were not cheeseheads.

NO NO and NO!!!!!

[reinko]

Beat Marquette last year

Not Teal for some wackaloons on this board.

[willie warrior]

In that case, remember Bob Dukiet and Mike Deane. Same pedigree as Wardle except they were not cheeseheads.

NO NO and NO!!!!!

Uhh... Wardle is a FIP!

[White Shaq]

I loves me some Wardle but no, pleease no. Maybe in a few years but let him get some experience and make some mistakes at a bigger program before coming here. He's just not ready yet.

[mr.MUskie]

Uhh... Wardle is a FIP!

FIB?

[4everwarriors]

Can we just forget Wardle. He can move up to Siena, but can't piss with big boys

[77ncaachamps]

No to Wardle.

Though he'd be a good fit at DePaul.