Tony Benford

[dwaderoy2004]

I'm of the personal opinion that Buzz is not going anywhere.

However, I do believe that his top assistant, Tony Benford, may end up leaving for a head coaching job.  It would be interesting to see how that affects our recruiting in Big 12 country.  As much pub as Buzz gets for being a great recruiter, it is still the assistants that do most of the leg work and initial relationship building.

[Blackhat]

What recruiting in Big 12 country?

Chicago
Madison
Racine
California
Connecticut
West Virginia
Georgia (2)

are where our recruits have been from the last two classes.

Benford pulled in Reggie Smith but appeared not to have a great relationship built with him cause he left 3 weeks in after getting good pt.

I'm more worried about losing Aki Collins.

[dwaderoy2004]

so you're saying it would affect it positively.

[Blackhat]

I'm saying there's no evidence it would affect it at all, since it's non-existent.   It may affect Chicago recruiting, cause that's where Benford has had some success but that kid left not even mid season.

I'd put your worry in losing Aki Collins moreso than Benford.

[HoopsMalone]

ESPN rumors listed Benford (and Buzz) on Missouri's possible candidates.

I think it would be great for our program if Buzz puts his assistants in good jobs.  Hope for the best with Benford.

[pbiflyer]

I'd put your worry in losing Aki Collins moreso than Benford.

+1

[NYWarrior]

ESPN rumors listed Benford (and Buzz) on Missouri's possible candidates.

I think it would be great for our program if Buzz puts his assistants in good jobs.  Hope for the best with Benford.

Agreed....I hope Aki and Tony get head coaching jobs within the next month.  That'd be a great development for them personally & professionally.  

Selfishly for MU, it would also demonstrate that the program is an outstanding destination for high-minded, up & coming coaches.  That's all positive & would attract additional, desirable coaching talent.

BTW -- Benford is MU's best scout coach.

[brewcity77]

Agreed....I hope Aki and Tony get head coaching jobs within the next month.  That'd be a great development for them personally & professionally.  

Selfishly for MU, it would also demonstrate that the program is an outstanding destination for high-minded, up & coming coaches.  That's all positive & would attract additional, desirable coaching talent.

BTW -- Benford is MU's best scout coach.

Agreed. I don't want to lose Buzz whatsoever, but if his top assistants get head coaching jobs, it will be a sign to other top assistants around the country that Marquette is a place they can go to prove themselves for a few years and learn from a fellow up-and-comer, then as long as they pull their weight, move into a head coaching job elsewhere. I very much like the idea of Buzz starting his own coaching tree, it will almost certainly improve his legacy and help tie him to Marquette as his proteges are recognized not just as Buzz products, but also Marquette products.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Benford landed Anderson. He has opened up tough to recruit areas for MU. Is definitely a great scout coach.  Has helped develop the bigs as well. He is due.

[mileskishnish72]

Alaska?

[DCWarriors04]

What recruit and/or current player is from Chicago besides Reggie Smith? When I look at the roster we currently have 5 guys from Texas, and last time I checked that's deep in the heart of Big 12 country.

[groove]

In a perfect world, your head coach starts a coaching tree and then 8-10 years down the line when he leaves or retires, MU has a good pool of former MU assistants to pick from to replace the original head coach.

[Blackhat]

What recruit and/or current player is from Chicago besides Reggie Smith? When I look at the roster we currently have 5 guys from Texas, and last time I checked that's deep in the heart of Big 12 country.

Those guys were committed prior to Benford being here when Buzz was an assistant or newly named HC:

Otule
Butler-committed before Benford got here
Fulce
E. Williams

[Henry Sugar]

Breakdown of recruits by coach per IWB

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=22023.msg241174#msg241174

[mikem91288]

I saw Benford listed for the Missouri job, any word where Aki may be a candidate ?

[brewcity77]

I saw Benford listed for the Missouri job, any word where Aki may be a candidate ?

He's been mentioned at Fairfield, where he was an assistant before joining Buzz at MU.