Norlander: Moser Should Favor MU over IU

[GoldenWarrior11]

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/loyola-isnt-a-cinderella-anymore-under-porter-moser-who-should-favor-marquette-over-indiana-if-he-leaves/

Regardless of whether you think Moser should be the candidate, it is nice that MU's opening is being held in higher regard than IU. 

"I think it's a better job." - Power Conference Head Coach

There are a lot of reasons why Moser to MU makes sense.  The article touches on many of them.

[MuggsyB]

Can we go up to 3.5??  Agreed, Marquette is a better fit and job than IU.

[Daniel]

Was a compelling article.  I especially liked the 10,000 pound magnifying glass always over your head at Indiana.   It's true. 

[Hards Alumni]

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/loyola-isnt-a-cinderella-anymore-under-porter-moser-who-should-favor-marquette-over-indiana-if-he-leaves/

Regardless of whether you think Moser should be the candidate, it is nice that MU's opening is being held in higher regard than IU. 

"I think it's a better job." - Power Conference Head Coach

There are a lot of reasons why Moser to MU makes sense.  The article touches on many of them.

This article enraged more than a few IU fans online.  They don't understand why the Marquette job is more attractive.  Blinders.

[Warrior_2002]

But, but, but it's Indiana!

[The Sultan]

I mean I love MU, but it's debatable.  IU has huge resources.  Yes they have huge expectations but I think it comes down to the coach and what type of fit he sees.

[NickelDimer]

But, but, but it's Indiana!

It's Indiana. It's..Indiana...? (2021 edition)

[Goose]

I cannot say MU is a better job, but they are in the same team photo. I could argue both sides on why a great fit for Moser quite easily. That said, I do think MU is a better spot for him with the limited info I have about him. If he went to IU it would be hard to say he made a big mistake.

[MU82]

This millennium, the two programs have had almost identical accomplishments (and lack of same):

Since 2000 Marquette has been to 12 NCAA Tournaments with one Final four, one Elite Eight and two more Sweet 16s. Indiana in that same span has been to 11 NCAA Tournaments with one title-game appearance and three Sweet 16s but no Elite Eights.

[Hards Alumni]

I cannot say MU is a better job, but they are in the same team photo. I could argue both sides on why a great fit for Moser quite easily. That said, I do think MU is a better spot for him with the limited info I have about him. If he went to IU it would be hard to say he made a big mistake.

Job is more attractive vs better job

MU is more attractive because there is a lot less pressure, and a ton of resources.  IU comes with heavy baggage, but it is historically a better program.

[StillAWarrior]

I mean I love MU, but it's debatable.  IU has huge resources.  Yes they have huge expectations but I think it comes down to the coach and what type of fit he sees.

I agree. However, the fact that it's even debatable shows just how far IU has fallen. We all joke about Crean - and rightly so - but the whole, "It's Indiana" thing made sense at one time (although the decline had already started when Crean went there). But now, I think you can make a case that Marquette is the better job. As you said, at least it's debatable.

[Uncle Rico]

I agree. However, the fact that it's even debatable shows just how far IU has fallen. We all joke about Crean - and rightly so - but the whole, "It's Indiana" thing made a sense at one time (although the decline had already started when Crean went there). But now, I think you can make a case that Marquette is the better job. As you said, at least it's debatable.

Indiana thinks it's a blue blood and acts like a blue blood but doesn't understand it isn't a birthright.  They're the Nebraska football of college hoops. 

[tower912]

It is like any relationship.   The object of your affection has to agree that you are the best choice.

[MU82]

Job is more attractive vs better job

MU is more attractive because there is a lot less pressure, and a ton of resources.  IU comes with heavy baggage, but it is historically a better program.

It depends upon how far back one goes in history. To the Knight Era, undoubtedly; it's not even close. But the Post Knight Era, which began in 2000? As Norlander's column pointed out, MU and IU have incredibly similar basketball histories since then.

Some consider Knight the greatest basketball mind ever, or at least one of the top 4-5. Once he went out of the picture, IU has had nothing on MU - except an overinflated self-worth.

[naginiF]

I agree. However, the fact that it's even debatable shows just how far IU has fallen. We all joke about Crean - and rightly so - but the whole, "It's Indiana" thing made a sense at one time (although the decline had already started when Crean went there). But now, I think you can make a case that Marquette is the better job. As you said, at least it's debatable.

In one of the Goodman "wake up and just start talking" videos his cohost made that same point and it makes sense. When IU is humming it's a gravity well for talent, money, W's and championships and undoubtably a job in a different class. But it's not a foregone conclusion that the engine can turn again and getting it there is going to take an immense amount of luck to go with the talent of a head coach.

[StillAWarrior]

Indiana thinks it's a blue blood and acts like a blue blood but doesn't understand it isn't a birthright.  They're the Nebraska football of college hoops.

Yesterday I was trying to find a post from when Wojo was hired and came across this old post of mine. Seems relevant to the current discussion.

Related question:  assuming continuation of inconsistent results, at what point does Indiana lose its blue blood/elite status?  How many years to they have to struggle before that happens?  It's been nearly 30 years since their last championship.  What's the expiration date on that?  I'll grant that five championship gives you a lot of leeway, but I would think that at some point they drop from the club.  Are they still a blue blood in 13 years when it's been 40 years since their last?  How about in 23 years when it's been 50?

[dgies9156]

Job is more attractive vs better job

MU is more attractive because there is a lot less pressure, and a ton of resources.  IU comes with heavy baggage, but it is historically a better program.

A lot less pressure?

Then damn, we're doing something wrong. Our goals and expectations should be identical — win at the highest levels.

I doubt Wojo thinks Marquette is a lot less pressure!

[MU82]

Here's what The Athletic said about Moser and the Oklahoma job as they assessed the top candidates:

Porter Moser, head coach, Loyola Chicago. Moser is the hottest name in the sport, for good reason, but so far two schools he had been speculated for, Iowa State and Minnesota, opted to hire other coaches. He could presumably be in the mix at Indiana and Marquette, but Castiglione would be committing a serious act of negligence if he didn't reach out to assess whether Moser would be interested. We know Moser can coach, but this could be an awkward fit for a guy who has spent the last 10 seasons at a private school in a major city. He has worked at Texas A&M and was the coach at Arkansas-Little Rock, but that was a long time ago.

The report also had Crean on the list. No Shaka, no Gates, no Smith. Says Turgeon is the best fit.

[Tums Festival]

A lot less pressure?

Then damn, we're doing something wrong. Our goals and expectations should be identical — win at the highest levels.

I doubt Wojo thinks Marquette is a lot less pressure!

It's safe to say Indiana's reach is bigger than Marquette's. The #1 school in a basketball-crazy state, plays in THE conference in the Midwest, storied history, and larger alumni base.

Yes, Marquette fans are passionate, but there's just not as many of us out there as there are Indiana fans.

[TallTitan34]

Marquette also doesn't fire you for routinely making Sweet Sixteens.

[shoothoops]

A lot less pressure?

Then damn, we're doing something wrong. Our goals and expectations should be identical — win at the highest levels.

I doubt Wojo thinks Marquette is a lot less pressure!

Crean was fired at Indiana, after inheriting a mess, winning two regular season Big Ten Titles, and making the Sweet 16 three times. If an MUBB coach had those results in six seasons after rebuilding, would MUBB fire that coach? Or, would the leash be a little longer?

[Hards Alumni]

Crean was fired at Indiana, after inheriting a mess, winning two regular season Big Ten Titles, and making the Sweet 16 three times. If an MUBB coach had those results in six seasons after rebuilding, would MUBB fire that coach? Or, would the leash be a little longer?

Exactly, we'd be anointing the guy as the second coming of Al McGuire.

[cheebs09]

I think the goals are similar. Deep runs in March and be in the mix for conference titles.

I think the patience to get there is quite a bit different.

[JakeBarnes]

I think the goals are similar. Deep runs in March and be in the mix for conference titles.

I think the patience to get there is quite a bit different.

That's the big differentiating factor. Any IU coach is expected to turn 4 walkons and a 5th year senior into a championship run lilke in Hoosiers.