Shaka Smart turns down UCLA

[77ncaachamps]

resigns with VCU through 2023.

[Groin_pull]

But...but...but...no one turns down UCLA.

[tower912]

The first of many.   That deluded fanbase is in for a rude awakening.    Might be time for them to re-calibrate their self image and expectations.

[77ncaachamps]

The first of many.   That deluded fanbase is in for a rude awakening.    Might be time for them to re-calibrate their self image and expectations.

I really do think Brad Stevens is a good fit there.

[bradley center bat]

I don't.

[GGGG]

I really think UCLA is a terrible job.  Expectations that don't match up with the resources available.

[avid1010]

if he's really there through 2023, vcu would look nice in the NBEAST.  would be fun to see the NBEAST coaches like JT3, buzz, jay wright, stevens... have a great deal of power, pride, ownership, etc. in the conference and make it a destination conference.  

[Hards Alumni]

if he's really there through 2023, vcu would look nice in the NBEAST.  would be fun to see the NBEAST coaches like JT3, buzz, jay wright, stevens... have a great deal of power, pride, ownership, etc. in the conference and make it a destination conference.  

+1 I'd love to have them in the new beast

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Not super surprised to see him turn down UCLA, but really surprised (pleasantly) that he seems to really be satisfied at VCU for the long term.

[Eldon]

Here's the story.  Turned down Minny as well

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9106022/shaka-smart-remain-coach-vcu-rams

Staying at VCU

[mr.MUskie]

Looks like Buzz has added a phrase to the coach-speak lexicon:

Smart has seemingly adopted a philosophy of, "Don't mess with happy," and has reaffirmed his commitment to VCU.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Kareem wants a shot

http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/ucla/post/_/id/13696/kareem-expresses-interest-in-ucla-job

"I certainly would be interested in coaching the team," he said. "It would be great to have an opportunity to restore the program to what it was. Not in terms necessarily of winning, but just having the guys get their degrees and learn about how to play the game of basketball. UCLA is still putting out fine scholars but the basketball program is suffering a little bit"

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I really think UCLA is a terrible job.  Expectations that don't match up with the resources available.

I think you are absolutely right... but I still think there is huge upside if they can get the right people in place.

They need some energy to reinvigorate the program.

As much as it pains us, TC was good at that for both MU and IU.

They need a salesman who can reignite the fires, on and off of the court.

[MUBurrow]

Kareem wants a shot

http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/ucla/post/_/id/13696/kareem-expresses-interest-in-ucla-job

"I certainly would be interested in coaching the team," he said. "It would be great to have an opportunity to restore the program to what it was. Not in terms necessarily of winning, but just having the guys get their degrees and learn about how to play the game of basketball. UCLA is still putting out fine scholars but the basketball program is suffering a little bit"

He may very well get it. For a program that seems more concerned with style points than anything else, he might be the brightest star left shining after all the hotshot coaches turn them down. Kareem or an NBA retread seem the most likely at this point.

[NavinRJohnson]

[Norm]

Kareem wants a shot

http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/ucla/post/_/id/13696/kareem-expresses-interest-in-ucla-job

"I certainly would be interested in coaching the team," he said. "It would be great to have an opportunity to restore the program to what it was. Not in terms necessarily of winning, but just having the guys get their degrees and learn about how to play the game of basketball. UCLA is still putting out fine scholars but the basketball program is suffering a little bit"

Kareem must not be aware of the blow back Mike Deane took at MU for expressing something similar.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Some of you might want to wait until you see who they hire.  And then wait 5 years, of course...

[mues05]

Kareem wants a shot

http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/ucla/post/_/id/13696/kareem-expresses-interest-in-ucla-job

"I certainly would be interested in coaching the team," he said. "It would be great to have an opportunity to restore the program to what it was. Not in terms necessarily of winning, but just having the guys get their degrees and learn about how to play the game of basketball. UCLA is still putting out fine scholars but the basketball program is suffering a little bit"

I think Kareem's experience on the hit show splash is really what recruits are looking for in a coach.  I see him getting the job and going on a Wooden like streak

[hdog1017]

Bill Walton to UCLA.  Can you imagine that?  It would be unbelievable.  What an experience!

[79Warrior]

Some of you might want to wait until you see who they hire.  And then wait 5 years, of course...

Yep. Crean walked into a mess at IU and look at them now. I personally don't like the AD and think he has had far to much rope at that school. He got lucky with Mora, the rest of his hires suck.

[martyconlonontherun]

Bill Walton to UCLA.  Can you imagine that?  It would be unbelievable.  What an experience!

Greatest moment in the history of the world?

[wardle2wade]

While I didn't necessarily think Shaka would take UClA, I'm surprised he reupped like this.  Good on him and great to see!

[Hards Alumni]

Bill Walton to UCLA.  Can you imagine that?  It would be unbelievable.  What an experience!

BILL WALTON IS CHANGING THE FACE OF HUMAN HISTORY AS WE KNOW IT!

[Hards Alumni]

resigns with VCU through 2023.

Hey wait, someone else resigned with Marquette, then left.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Yep. Crean walked into a mess at IU and look at them now. I personally don't like the AD and think he has had far to much rope at that school. He got lucky with Mora, the rest of his hires suck.

I don't know, baseball is now a national power for the first time.  The women's basketball team, women's soccer, men's soccer all doing outstanding.  His men's volleyball hire recently of John Speraw is a major homerun (so much so that USA Volleyball hired him two days ago to be the US Men's coach).