Diamond Stone-5 star

[Bocephys]

There is a strain of intelligent Badger fan who looks at all the facilities and other things the University has to offer and thinks the Buckaroo can get a top, young rising coach (along the lines of Brad Stevens, Tony Benford or Shaka Smart) or a proven veteran looking for a new challenge like Fran Fraschilla or even a guy like Jay Bilas. I think that is probably correct. Bucky has a lot to offer, as long as there is big time pay. Promoting Gard, or even hiring Jeter, is far short of who Bucky could get as Bo's successor. Just so I am clear, I say hire Greg Gard.

How does Tony Benford get lumped in with Brad Stevens and Shaka Smart?  He's not in their ballpark.

[brewcity77]

All of this "next UW coach" debate is really irrelevant to the discussion, however. My only point in mentioning Gard was to address the question of how Bo sells a future with certainty to a recruit like Stone, and the simple answer is saying you'll be playing for me in 2015 and if I retire before you graduate, you'll be playing for the guy standing next to me. I don't care who Bucky's next coach is, I'm just saying that they try to sell Stone on continuity.

And either way, if Stone is indeed a one-and-done, Bo only has to be there for his first year, two years if there's a setback.

[Pakuni]

And either way, if Stone is indeed a one-and-done, Bo only has to be there for his first year, two years if there's a setback.

Perhaps someone should mention Bo's fondness for redshirting big men, even of the Burger Boy variety. Or not playing the ones who don't redshirt. Can't imagine any kid who sees himself as a one-and-done, or even two-year player, would take much a liking to that.

[Gato78]

I think Tony Benford will have a very good year and will be a hot commodity this year, though I do not expect him to move for another year or two.  Tony Mitchell will raise Benford's profile, especially if they get into NCAA and win a 1st round game.

How does Tony Benford get lumped in with Brad Stevens and Shaka Smart?  He's not in their ballpark.