Here we go. Crean to Miami!

[mu_hilltopper]

From my home town newspaper .. St. Paul Pioneer Press-Dispatch

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/16710308.htm

DON'T PRINT THAT

Word in NBA circles is that Marquette coach Tom Crean could be headed to the Miami Heat as Pat Riley's successor. That would reunite Crean and star guard Dwyane Wade.

[MarquetteVol]

That's the type of job that he would jump on. I'm not worried about other college jobs at this point, but I think Crean is really prepping himself for an eventual move to the NBA.

[ecompt]

I don't know if that's what Tom wants since he seems to be really into recruiting and image, but you certainly couldn't complain if he decided to take that job.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

I don't think any college coach is "into" recruiting. It's the worst part of their jobs!!

That said, why is it that "NBA circles" are talking to the Pioneer Press about this strong rumor, but not a single other NBA writer has picked up the story?

[mu03eng]

Also like to point out that Crean is a big PR guy and building a "brand".  Don't think he can really do that in the NBA.  I see Crean as one of the coaches that wants to stay in the college game.

[The Lens]

He thought Amo was tough to coach...I'd get NBA League Pass just to watch him try and coach GP & White Chocolate.

[NavinRJohnson]

I have always believed (and still do believe) that Crean is ultimately NBA bound. Don't know if this is necessarily when that will happen, but I do think someday it will. Heck, the Bucks are going to need a coach too. How interesting would that be?

[MarquetteVol]

He thought Amo was tough to coach...I'd get NBA League Pass just to watch him try and coach GP & White Chocolate.

That's freaking hilarious!

[Wade-A-Minute]

I think it's a plot by the Pioneer Press to stop the flow of recruits from Minn to MU.   

[MUfan12]

TC is too much of a micromanager to be able to function in the NBA... he has a hand in everything with this program, I'm not sure he could deal with the NBA mentality.

[Amal_00]

It could happen.... Talk about ducks in a row!

[MU NY]

He'd be better in Boston or New York.

[spiral97]

makes sense... he could save loads of money on tanning sessions...

[mviale]

I dont buy this either ~ He needs kids that are willing to listen and Learn.  Wade will listen, but the rest of the Heat - pleasssseeee

[NavinRJohnson]

I dont buy this either ~ He needs kids that are willing to listen and Learn. 

Right, like Dominic James.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Murffieus]

TC would be an excellent NBA coach----the NBA is all about matchups, situations, and motivation----all tom crean strong points------he's a lot like Al in those respects-----IMO TC would make an outstanding NBA coach----so to would Al have!

[NavinRJohnson]

I agree with Murff - that's why I have always seen him ending up with an NBA job. Plus he seems to be a real fan of the NBA - he actually likes it. I've always known college coaches aren't wound right, but if that doesn't prove it, I don't know what does.

[MilTown]

I could definately see Crean jumping to the NBA. The Miami job is probably one of the best in the NBA. With Wade locked up for a few years the Heat will be a perrenial playoff team, if not a championship caliber team. Assuming Crean leaves, who would fill the void? Crean's rotating carosel of assistant coaches means we have no seasoned assistants who could jump in to the mix. Off the top of my head, I can only think of Dean, Majerus, and O'Neil who have D1 experience and MU ties. Am I missing someone?

[77ncaachamps]

Can you say Kevin O'Neill?

Crean's going to end up eventually as an assistant. He doesn't have the "looks" of an NBA coach...or so my buddy says.

[NavinRJohnson]

Can you say Kevin O'Neill?

Crean's going to end up eventually as an assistant.

Come again...what do you mean by that?

[ecompt]

He's going to walk away from 1.4 million and total control to take one-third to one-half of that and become an NBA assistant? l doubt it.

[77ncaachamps]

No. O'Neill eventually was named coach with the Raptors, but now is with the Pacers as an asst.

Crean is a great recruiter (much like O'Neill was), and probably is a better coach, but the college to NBA coaching positions have rarely worked out (i.e., Pitino, Brown).

[spiral97]

seems that everyone wants to go to the heat...
even scottie pippin is saying he wants to un-retire and come back to win another championship.. preferably with a team that has a home in a warm environment.. mind you he is 41 years old.. wade said he'd welcome him.. saying he plays with shaq and payton - players he grew up playing in video games..
espn recap

[The Lens]

Please O'Lord please...TC would be a great coach...he would be the best that you could find.  I don't see any better option.  Anything that I could do Lord, just let me know.

[Murffieus]

College to NBA coaches seldom work out is true----- that's because they try to teach Div 1 style (develop players)-----can't due that in the NBA------the established players resist that (they are already making millions).

But what they are receptive to is "matching up" instructions----"situational plays",  "game prep"----and since they are human beings they are receptive to the proper motivation----all strong TC areas.

My bet is that TC would/will be a better NBA coach than college coach!