Marquette's Next Target

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

While Shaka Smart has come and gone...... (depending on which MUScoop trolls you talk to) there's one thing everyone can agree on.  A hire hasn't been made.  Ben Howland has publicly stated he basically wants the job, but even MU hasn't made a move yet.  Just this past weekend Steve Masiello was available for a coaching position and South Florida made a move - in less than a week.  Howland could have been signed already.  So, the burning question is why is Marquette waiting? 

Jeff Goodman wrote today that there is a secret target that is still playing in NCAA tourney right now.  The obvious will point to Tony Bennett, but he's already turned down the position.  He recruits extremely well at Virginia, and there's no reason for him to move to a lesser conference.  Why move when you already have proven you can win the ACC title? 

MU has a coaching profile that they have used to make hires before.  Buzz and Crean were younger coaches and up and coming.  If you apply that profile to who's in the tournament then you essentially have the following left: there is Archie Miller, Cuonzo Martin, Scott Drew, and Frank Hoiberg

Miller = Signed Extension through 2018.
Martin = Was already on the chopping block and isn't a strong coach/recruiter
Hoiberg = Iowa raised - No need to move as he coaches at his alma mater already
Scott Drew = Ding Ding Ding

Why Scott? 

He's not a sexy hire by any means, but once you get passed the frosting and take a look at the cake, you flat out see why he's the best available hire.

Context -  When Scott Drew took over Baylor 2003, Baylor was the laughing stock of the Big 12.  He jumped from Valparaiso after 1 season to a school that was a basketball laughing stock.  Well, in his first 4 seasons, Baylor didn't do much, but then again ..... it takes years to build a program from scratch.  After that, he's had much success in the post season, missing the post season on 1 time.  Essentially, you could say that when he built his program to a level of respect and developed his recruiting pipelines - he's been quite successful.

Post Season Analysis:  Further analysis shows that he's been to 2 Elite Eights (maybe a 3rd this year) 2 NIT championship games (1 NIT title)  He's only been knocked out of the NCAA in the first round, once.  When it comes to tourney time, Drew is spot on.  He may be one of the tourney's best young coaches with an 8-3 NCAA tourney record.  Add in the NIT wins and it balloons to: 17-4 overall post season record @ Baylor. 

Head coaching record: 

                              Overall   Conf.      Conf. Place   Post Season
2003–04   Baylor   8–21     3–13   11th   
2004–05   Baylor   9–19     1–15   12th   
2005–06   Baylor   4–23     4–12   12th   
2006–07   Baylor   15–16  4–12   11th   
2007–08   Baylor   21–11   9–7           T–4th           NCAA First Round
2008–09   Baylor   24–15   5–11   9th           NIT Runner-up
2009–10   Baylor   28–8      11–5   T–2nd   NCAA Elite Eight
2010–11   Baylor   18–13     7–9   T–7th          
2011–12   Baylor   30–8      12–6   T–3rd           NCAA Elite Eight
2012–13   Baylor   23–14     9–9   T–4th           NIT Champions
2013–14   Baylor   26–11     9–9   T-6th           NCAA  Sweet 16* (so far)
Baylor:   206–159 (.564)   74–108 (.407)   
Total:   226–170 (.571)   

Recruiting Class Rankings:
2009  #30
2010  Class not ranked but had a 3 star recruit and a  5 star recruit
2011  #17
2012  # 4
2013  #25

As you can see, Scott Drew has had much success in the recruiting arena.  In fact, he's better than Buzz Williams and Shaka. Neither have never recruited 5 star talent before as Drew has.  Even in the post season, Drew is better than Buzz and Shaka Smart.

Intangibles - Scott Drew has several of his starters that were Baptized after coming to Baylor.  With the past scandals associated with Buzz's recruits, the administration would appreciate a coach who emphasizes character much more.  Drew just does that, as a devout Christian.

Otherwise, he fits the profile of what MU is looking for.  Scott, would be a solid fit at MU. 

Buyout - 2 million
Current Salary 1.7 million 

[tower912]

Squirmy.   

[Groin_pull]

No thank you. Drew is covered in dirt.

[bobnoxious]

Hey deane,

Baylor has such a stench on it im surprised you can't smell them bunkered down at farleigh dickinson or wherever the hell you wound up with your seatbelt.   Is this a way to throw the scent off of webber? God i hope not

[nyg]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7801565/ncaa-puts-baylor-bears-probation-accepts-self-imposed-penalties-text-messages

Just one of many articles.  Nah.....

[mug644]

My hunch is that if MU was uncomfortable with the recruiting direction that Buzz wanted to go (i.e., more JUCOs), the 'squirminess' (reputed) around Drew would turn off MU.

[texaswarrior74]

Covered before but have a few friends who are HS coaches here in Dallas...they are shocked that the NCAA hasn't announced an investigation....program is dirty...many local coaches don't even like the Baylor staff visiting with their players...

[ChicosBailBonds]

Dirty, DIRTY, DIRTY

[Freeport Warrior]

Cuonzo is the S16 coach they are talking about (Jon Harris is the connection)

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7801565/ncaa-puts-baylor-bears-probation-accepts-self-imposed-penalties-text-messages

Just one of many articles.  Nah.....

This past summer, the NCAA changed the rule on phone calls and text messages. What Baylor did is legal now.  You can make unlimited calls and texts to juniors and seniors as of 2013.  In terms of dirt, there isn't any.  

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1208/cbb-hottest-summer-storylines/content.7.html

[nyg]

This past summer, the NCAA changed the rule on phone calls and text messages. What Baylor did is legal now.  You can make unlimited calls and texts to juniors and seniors as of 2013.  In terms of dirt, there isn't any.  

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1208/cbb-hottest-summer-storylines/content.7.html

Uh, at the time of violations/infractions, it was illegal. 

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Cuonzo is the S16 coach they are talking about (Jon Harris is the connection)

They're not going to target Cuonzo.  He doesn't fit their profile and his success can be attributed to Pearl's talent.  Cuonzo hasn't been that successful in the recruiting arena. 

[The Process]

Cuonzo is the S16 coach they are talking about (Jon Harris is the connection)

This guy?

[NickelDimer]

Fail

[77ncaachamps]

Definitely not.

He's in the Big 12.
Waco $ will be pampering him as long as he's winning.
Small school, big money goes a long way.
Texas and the south are rich with recruits.
Have you seen the Baylor girls?

[Jet915]

No thank you. Drew is covered in dirt.

Very true, Drew is a rumored cheat who runs a dirty program.  I wouldn't touch him.  The list should be Howland or Marshall.

[🏀]

You have no idea what Marquette is after.

[NavinRJohnson]

I'm a big Scott Drew fan...for the next two hours.

[drewm88]

You have no idea what Marquette is after.

Do you? You've had some info this week. Anything to share? Don't remember who or where, but we've heard that Ben might not be #2. Any truth to that or any ideas who's ahead of him or why?

[🏀]

Do you? You've had some info this week. Anything to share? Don't remember who or where, but we've heard that Ben might not be #2. Any truth to that or any ideas who's ahead of him or why?

No one dirty or around dirty.

[willie warrior]

You have no idea what Marquette is after.

Not sure Marquette does either.

[Wojo'sMojo]

I like Dwayne Stephens. I have always admired the MSU program from afar and think he would be a great fit. He's apparently a great recruiter and gets a lot of respect for player development.

[drewm88]

No one dirty or around dirty.

That's a solid start for me. Now can we expand it to no one who isn't Ben Howland?

[Dawson Rental]

I'm confident that Marquette could get Scott Drew.  It's probably time to get out of Waco before the train wreck.

[Earl Tatum]

Pastner, Howland or Martin. I like Stephens also, but he be a stepping stone after3 years.

[79Warrior]

You have no idea what Marquette is after.

This.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

No one dirty or around dirty.

Were you posting for Buzz to leave when his players were in the news?  

[Knight Commission]

D'Antoni?

[Marquette_g]

D'Antoni?

I threw out George Karl. It would be short-lived but awesome.

[NotAnAlum]

Cuonzo is the S16 coach they are talking about (Jon Harris is the connection)

I'm starting to wonder if there isn't an underlying desire to hire a black head coach.  Shaka out they want to wait to talk to Cuonzo.  That's why they don't just jump to Howland.  I'm not sure about CM.  He was a hair away from missing the dance for the 3rd year in a row at Tenn.  That said the move at Tenn to get rid of him may have been more about trying to return to the "good ol days" with Pearl.  Don't know if he can recruit.  
One more interesting thing.  In addition to Harris from MU he has Tracy Webster on his staff so these guys all have connections in the Chicago area.

[mattyv1908]

If that's the case let's just hire Danny Manning.

[Marquette_g]

I have softened on Martin since yesterday. I hated the idea at first but believe he could be successful at MU. I think his style of play is appealing.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I have softened on Martin since yesterday. I hated the idea at first but believe he could be successful at MU. I think his style of play is appealing.

id Rather Take Webber

[Marquette_g]

If that's the case let's just hire Danny Manning.

+1

Has the pedigree as a player and coach

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

How about Tim Miles? He has been mentioned around these parts in the past but not the last few days. Would definitely not be my first choice, but id prefer him to Weber or Martin.

[Milwarriorkee]

Bennett>howland>Marshall>Martin>weber/wardle

[Earl Tatum]

Just laying it out there----- Opinion---Jon Harris Asst. Coach.Still like Pastner. Maybe Howland

[LastWarrior]

Not sure Marquette does either.

+1

[Earl Tatum]

One more-----Nick Cronin

[mattyv1908]

One more-----Nick Cronin

I like Cronin.  Solid coach.  Too good for Cincy in my opinion.

[madtownwarrior]

Mick Cronin's brother?

One more-----Nick Cronin

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

One more-----Nick Cronin

And the conspiracy is that Buzz was forced out by MU -- it was Mick all along!

[Earl Tatum]

Sorry-- Screwed up again-- Mick Cronin       Old Age
Still like Pastner and ad Miles and Cronin

[The Process]

Sorry-- Screwed up again-- Mick Cronin       Old Age
Still like Pastner and ad Miles and Cronin

I want nothing to do with Bretts BFF.

I respect myself far too much to think that'd ever happen.

[GoldenWarrior11]

I would love to see Josh Pastner.  He's young, proven to be a great recruiter, and has led Memphis to the postseason in each of his 5 seasons.

[Marquette_g]

Sorry-- Screwed up again-- Mick Cronin       Old Age
Still like Pastner and ad Miles and Cronin

Pastner would be awesome, better than Shaka, but I can't possibly see him leaving Memphis for us.

[DegenerateDish]

Steve Kerr.

[Avenue Commons]

Archie Miller is one win from doing what made Shaka Smart a phenom.

[keyswarrior]

Archie Miller is one win from doing what made Shaka Smart a phenom.

+1

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Drew not only doesn't pass the sniff test, he fails it

Bennett did not turn down the MU job, he wasn't offered it IIRC

[wadesworld]

Respect the process.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Drew not only doesn't pass the sniff test, he fails it

Bennett did not turn down the MU job, he wasn't offered it IIRC

Apparently, you can't smell the fact that he has a much better situation @ Virginia then he does @ MU.  He recruits 4 star guys down there.  If anything, MU would be a step down.  Common sense dictates that he would not take the job.  MU can offer all they want to be the Bo Ryan of the East.  It's not going to happen. 

[RJax55]

I want nothing to do with Bretts BFF.

I respect myself far too much to think that'd ever happen.

Mick is actually Buzz's agent.

He might be the worst dressed coach in college basketball as well.

[Eldon]

Mick is actually Buzz's agent.

He might be the worst dressed coach in college basketball as well.

And is Buzz Mick's agent?  Maybe all those calls Buzz was taking were for Cronin.  Wait, Buzz stab his friend in the back?  No, not Buzz.  Buzz wouldn't do that.....but Brent would


[insert evil laughter gif here]

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Apparently, you can't smell the fact that he has a much better situation @ Virginia then he does @ MU.  He recruits 4 star guys down there.  If anything, MU would be a step down.  Common sense dictates that he would not take the job.  MU can offer all they want to be the Bo Ryan of the East.  It's not going to happen. 

I never said anything about the current situation.

I was referring to your original post where you stated "Bennett already turned down the position."

I assumed but could be wrong that you were referring to six years ago when we interviewed Tony B for the MU job. He was never offered, he never turned it down.

I have no desire to hire Bo's eventual successor

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

I never said anything about the current situation.

I was referring to your original post where you stated "Bennett already turned down the position."

I assumed but could be wrong that you were referring to six years ago when we interviewed Tony B for the MU job. He was never offered, he never turned it down.

I have no desire to hire Bo's eventual successor

Bennett was offered the position before Buzz got it and turned it down as well as Sean Miller.  Look it up.  Bennett wasn't publicized. 

[MUHoopsFan2]

They're not going to target Cuonzo.  He doesn't fit their profile and his success can be attributed to Pearl's talent.  Cuonzo hasn't been that successful in the recruiting arena. 

What is their "profile?" What does that mean?

[bamamarquettefan]

You make a good case, and a small private university background that has had to recruit against huge schools is a good background. Based on how many of our fans were bitter wtih one 17-15 season after three straight Sweet 16s, I don't believe they'd give him a pass long enough to get through the early season if his wins were even twice what he had each of his first three years at Baylor from your chart:

2003–04   Baylor   8–21     3–13   11th   
2004–05   Baylor   9–19     1–15   12th   
2005–06   Baylor   4–23     4–12   12th   
2006–07   Baylor   15–16  4–12   11th

[real chili 83]

He might be the worst dressed coach in college basketball as well.

Is his wardrobe limited to sweaters?

[shakanotforsale]

You aren't getting Pastner or Bennett, and you burned the bridge on Howland. You're an average program in a mid-major conference, and you live in a less than average city.  I think it shows how far you've fallen that you can't even keep your coach from going to Virginia Tech.  You'll be lucky to land Cuonzo.  Maybe Archie Miller has a hot young assistant coach that would be willing to go to Marquette for a few years before leaving for bigger and better things.

[Wojo'sMojo]

You aren't getting Pastner or Bennett, and you burned the bridge on Howland. You're an average program in a mid-major conference, and you live in a less than average city.  I think it shows how far you've fallen that you can't even keep your coach from going to Virginia Tech.  You'll be lucky to land Cuonzo.  Maybe Archie Miller has a hot young assistant coach that would be willing to go to Marquette for a few years before leaving for bigger and better things.

Lol, If we are mid major you are low major. Wait till your boy leaves and watch your team turn into nothing...cuz your basketball program is a zero without him. That's why you didn't get invited to the big east.

[humanlung]

You aren't getting Pastner or Bennett, and you burned the bridge on Howland. You're an average program in a mid-major conference, and you live in a less than average city.  I think it shows how far you've fallen that you can't even keep your coach from going to Virginia Tech.  You'll be lucky to land Cuonzo.  Maybe Archie Miller has a hot young assistant coach that would be willing to go to Marquette for a few years before leaving for bigger and better things.

Still pissed about the Civil War, huh?  

Go crack a National Light and turn on NASCAR but be careful to not spill any more on the wife beater t-shirt, it might mess up that yellow sweat stain pattern you have worked so hard to attain.

[frozena pizza]

You aren't getting Pastner or Bennett, and you burned the bridge on Howland. You're an average program in a mid-major conference, and you live in a less than average city.  I think it shows how far you've fallen that you can't even keep your coach from going to Virginia Tech.  You'll be lucky to land Cuonzo.  Maybe Archie Miller has a hot young assistant coach that would be willing to go to Marquette for a few years before leaving for bigger and better things.

If you're gonna troll, troll hard!

[FloorSlapping]

You aren't getting Pastner or Bennett, and you burned the bridge on Howland. You're an average program in a mid-major conference, and you live in a less than average city.  I think it shows how far you've fallen that you can't even keep your coach from going to Virginia Tech.  You'll be lucky to land Cuonzo.  Maybe Archie Miller has a hot young assistant coach that would be willing to go to Marquette for a few years before leaving for bigger and better things.

You make some valid-ish points.  Just curious, who VCU could manage to bring on board in the event Shaka left?  Do you think Howland would even take that call?

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

You aren't getting Pastner or Bennett, and you burned the bridge on Howland. You're an average program in a mid-major conference, and you live in a less than average city.  I think it shows how far you've fallen that you can't even keep your coach from going to Virginia Tech.  You'll be lucky to land Cuonzo.  Maybe Archie Miller has a hot young assistant coach that would be willing to go to Marquette for a few years before leaving for bigger and better things.

Why do we even allow these clowns to post? Just ban them and get it over with.

[mechaghidorah]

Still pissed about the Civil War, huh?  

Go crack a National Light and turn on NASCAR but be careful to not spill any more on the wife beater t-shirt, it might mess up that yellow sweat stain pattern you have worked so hard to attain.

Actually, VA is a solid Blue state now and has much more in common with DC than some stereotypical NASCAR town.  Obnoxious, sure, but more for an elitist view...

And the truth is that MU does look incredibly stupid and a bit of a failure right now.  That would change with a Howland hire, but that better happen quick.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Virginia is solid blue because of the northern DC suburbs. Where the overpaid  gov'ment slugs live

[frozena pizza]

You make some valid-ish points.  Just curious, who VCU could manage to bring on board in the event Shaka left?  Do you think Howland would even take that call?

Valid points being that we aren't getting Pastner or Bennett.  Milwaukee being less than average...I'd give him that one too.

[Windyplayer]

And the truth is that MU does look incredibly stupid and a bit of a failure right now.

How so? That's a really harsh assessment. MU never came out and said anything about the hiring process or its progression (other than the news conference in which their hand was forced based on the swirling rumors). The media ran with some half-truths, and things didn't work out with Shaka. We joined the club. Life after Shaka goes on.

I still trust MU to find the next best coach.

[Spotcheck Billy]

Go blow out the candles in your Dale Earnhardt shrine

[NavinRJohnson]

You guys realize you are arguing with a 19 year old dumbass in Richmond, VA, right?

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

You make a good case, and a small private university background that has had to recruit against huge schools is a good background. Based on how many of our fans were bitter wtih one 17-15 season after three straight Sweet 16s, I don't believe they'd give him a pass long enough to get through the early season if his wins were even twice what he had each of his first three years at Baylor from your chart:

2003–04   Baylor   8–21     3–13   11th   
2004–05   Baylor   9–19     1–15   12th   
2005–06   Baylor   4–23     4–12   12th   
2006–07   Baylor   15–16  4–12   11th

I see your point, but if you look at the context of everything, Baylor was nothing. It had no tradition.  It takes 4-5 years to build a program from scratch.  Buzz is going to need 4-5 years at VT before anything happens.  Any new coach that comes in, won't have that issue if he can recruit.  He already has a base to work with. 

[shakanotforsale]

I'm hearing Mitch Reaves, one of the assistant coaches at Cal Poly, has interviewed for the position:

http://gopoly.com/sports/mbkb/coaches/Reaves-_Mitch

[The Process]

I'm hearing Mitch Reaves, one of the assistant coaches at Cal Poly, has interviewed for the position:

http://gopoly.com/sports/mbkb/coaches/Reaves-_Mitch

You're so cute when you troll.

[Earl Tatum]

MICK CRONIN

[nyg]

MICK CRONIN

Earl my friend, Pastner and Cronin is not going to happen.  Have to get that out of your thought process and move on.  Good try though........

[brandx]

You guys realize you are arguing with a 19 year old dumbass in Richmond, VA, right?

I keep saying "they'll go away after we hire a coach"; "they'll go away after we hire a coach"