Bennett v. Miller

[jaygall31]

I see the poll on crackedsidewalks has almost 100 more votes for miller, but what does everyone think? Good or bad about each guy?

Why or why not?

Personally, I think sean miller has done a great job at Xavier, but the wisconsin ties groom to be too large I believe and would be somewhat shocked if Bennett turned down MU's money.


What's everyone think?

[ChicosBailBonds]

I see the poll on crackedsidewalks has almost 100 more votes for miller, but what does everyone think? Good or bad about each guy?

Why or why not?

Personally, I think sean miller has done a great job at Xavier, but the wisconsin ties groom to be too large I believe and would be somewhat shocked if Bennett turned down MU's money.


What's everyone think?

I think I would do the jig naked for all of you (not that you would want to see that) if we got either guy.....something tells me I have nothing to fear in terms of disrobing. 

MU, in my gut, will likely end up with a quality guy like Brownwell who is an excellent X's and O's coach but not a sexy hire.  PRN will be happy because he likes the guy and that will be key.

[muhoops1]

I think Miller's style is a lot like Crean's.  Uptempo...perhaps he's a bit better game coach than TC, but I don't know.

The think I like about TB's team is that they play tough D and they will run if the situation calls for it.  They are a grind it out team and that is his preferred style.  However, I would assume he is smart enough to evaluate talent and adjust.

He has NBA experience and that has to carry some credibility with his players (current and or future).

[muarmy81]

I just posted this under the Tony Bennett contract info subject but, again, is anyone else on this board not drinking the kool aide and noticing that nobody outside this board (except Seth Davis) is mentioning any of these big names for the MU job?  I hope we get a good hire but don't hold your breath for a big time coach to come begging for the job...

[Dish]

You do realize that "big" names will listen, and listen hard though, don't you? I can give you three reasons why.

1. $
2. $$
3. $$$

MU paid Crean as one of the top 5/10 coaches....IN THE COUNTRY!

Miller/Bennett might turn down MU for other reasons, but Bennett can DOUBLE his salary at MU. Don't discount this for a second. Plenty of coaches around the country took notice what MU paid Crean.

[muarmy81]

I hope you're right but as of right now nothing is being reported about any interest from Bennett, Gillespie, Martelli, Miller, Drew, etc...

And I'm pretty sure a large institution like W. State would match any offer we make so it would probably come down to other issues. (Here's hoping he wants to come back to WI)

[The Lens]

How large of an institution do you think Wassou is?  I only ask b/c my impression were much greater until I was at the Badger-Wash St game this year.  They had a ton of fans there and in talking to them they said their stadium was only 37,000.  That's not exactly the money printing press of Camp Randall and the like.  Also these fans said they always travel well for early road games like UW b/c no one lives in Pullman so they pick a different roadie each season. 

I don't think they have the check book you think they do.

[The Man in Gold]

***Until Tony took over for Dick, WSU was historically a terrible team.  Dick took a tenth place team and made them 7th or 8th best in the Pac 10.  Tony took that same team to competing for a Pac 10 title.  Plus, he would give us a great shot at stealing some of Bo Ryan's big, slow, white guys. 

***However I think Sean Miller would be the perfect candidate.  His experience and success was at a private, Catholic school in a city very similar to Milwaukee.  His career at Xavier has basically peaked.  They may be a Final 4 contender but no realistic shot at a National Championship.  He is the King of the A-10.  This seems like a perfect opportunity to take the next step in his career.

[79Warrior]

I see the poll on crackedsidewalks has almost 100 more votes for miller, but what does everyone think? Good or bad about each guy?

Why or why not?

Personally, I think sean miller has done a great job at Xavier, but the wisconsin ties groom to be too large I believe and would be somewhat shocked if Bennett turned down MU's money.


What's everyone think?

I think I would do the jig naked for all of you (not that you would want to see that) if we got either guy.....something tells me I have nothing to fear in terms of disrobing. 

MU, in my gut, will likely end up with a quality guy like Brownwell who is an excellent X's and O's coach but not a sexy hire.  PRN will be happy because he likes the guy and that will be key.

I agree Chicos. I do not think we get a marquee name. Bennett already turned down IU, so money is not the be all and end all for him.

Unfortunately, we are going to see just how attractive MU is. If we end up with a Tier 2 guy, you know exactly why Crean left.

[MUshrooms]

His career at Xavier has basically peaked.  They may be a Final 4 contender but no realistic shot at a National Championship.

Sounds a lot like why Crean probably left MU.

[Brew City]

His career at Xavier has basically peaked.  They may be a Final 4 contender but no realistic shot at a National Championship.

Sounds a lot like why Crean probably left MU.

From everything I've read, Miller wants to build a power at Xavier.  However, that power is probably only going to be in the Final Four conversation every few years at best.  At Marquette, he'd have a better chance to not only build a program, but make Marquette a national power and a part of the national championship conversation.  Basically, the two programs are very similar, except Marquette is a bit more of a "name," and (a biggie IMO) is in the Big East, which is where I think Miller is headed eventually.  Basically, Miller can do everything he wants to do at Xavier at Marquette, but Marquette is probably more likely to be able to reach the pinnacle.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I'd be thrilled with either guy...

Unfortunately, I'm not sure the MU job is compelling enough for either to leave their current positions.

I love MU, and I think it's a great opportunity for a coach... but so is Xavier...

[Dish]

I like Miller, but I don't see him coming here either. Too comparable to what he already has in Cincy. I have a lot of respect for the Xavier program. They're a lot like MU (accept they've had more consistent success in the NCAA's than us lately).

If anything, Xavier provides a model for MU to follow. Matta left to go to a Big 11 school, and they got Miller in there. Turned out well for them.

[ChicosBailBonds]

How large of an institution do you think Wassou is?  I only ask b/c my impression were much greater until I was at the Badger-Wash St game this year.  They had a ton of fans there and in talking to them they said their stadium was only 37,000.  That's not exactly the money printing press of Camp Randall and the like.  Also these fans said they always travel well for early road games like UW b/c no one lives in Pullman so they pick a different roadie each season. 

I don't think they have the check book you think they do.

Most of the Pac Ten football stadiums are fairly small, at least by Big Ten standards.  Most Pac Ten schools are not the crazy size of a Wisconsin or Ohio State.

The reason why I don't think Bennett will take it isn't about the money, not right now at least.  It's about the fact WSU brought in Bennett and let him build a program to have his son take over.  The Bennetts owe WSU a bit more then 2 years on that, in my opinion.  I see the Bennetts as standup folk who are going to stick to WASSU for at least a few more go arounds, but who knows.

Lot of talk about LSU for Bennett as well due to his wife.  But who knows.

I'm trying not to get excited over a Bennett or Miller or any other big name....MU has done nothing the last 30 years to suggest they will go after a current big name coach so why would they change that now.   I'm just locked into all those other candidates that PRN has whet my whistle with....the stalwarts like

Tony Barone
Dick Versace
Stan Albeck
UALR's head coach
ETc

[bma725]

How large of an institution do you think Wassou is?  I only ask b/c my impression were much greater until I was at the Badger-Wash St game this year.  They had a ton of fans there and in talking to them they said their stadium was only 37,000.  That's not exactly the money printing press of Camp Randall and the like.  Also these fans said they always travel well for early road games like UW b/c no one lives in Pullman so they pick a different roadie each season. 

I don't think they have the check book you think they do.

Most of the Pac Ten football stadiums are fairly small, at least by Big Ten standards.  Most Pac Ten schools are not the crazy size of a Wisconsin or Ohio State.

The reason why I don't think Bennett will take it isn't about the money, not right now at least.  It's about the fact WSU brought in Bennett and let him build a program to have his son take over.  The Bennetts owe WSU a bit more then 2 years on that, in my opinion.  I see the Bennetts as standup folk who are going to stick to WASSU for at least a few more go arounds, but who knows.

Lot of talk about LSU for Bennett as well due to his wife.  But who knows.

I'm trying not to get excited over a Bennett or Miller or any other big name....MU has done nothing the last 30 years to suggest they will go after a current big name coach so why would they change that now.   I'm just locked into all those other candidates that PRN has whet my whistle with....the stalwarts like

Tony Barone
Dick Versace
Stan Albeck
UALR's head coach
ETc

Maybe time to make a run at this guy: 

http://uamsports.com/mens%20basketball/staff/newell.htm

....nobody turns down the MU job twice, right?

[downtown85]

I'd be thrilled with either guy...

Unfortunately, I'm not sure the MU job is compelling enough for either to leave their current positions.

I love MU, and I think it's a great opportunity for a coach... but so is Xavier...

Xavier does not equal MU in terms of the opportunity.
MU>Xav in terms of tradition.
MU>Xav in terms of conference.
MU>Xav in terms of facilities.
By definition, MU>Xav in terms of committment to the program from the Administration. 

I belive that this year MU was one decent front court player away from being a final four contender.  I think the next coach, if he is the right one, can take us to the next level.  Sean Miller, come on down!!!!!

[TJ]

I'd be thrilled with either guy...

Unfortunately, I'm not sure the MU job is compelling enough for either to leave their current positions.

I love MU, and I think it's a great opportunity for a coach... but so is Xavier...

Xavier does not equal MU in terms of the opportunity.
MU>Xav in terms of tradition.
MU>Xav in terms of conference.
MU>Xav in terms of facilities.
By definition, MU>Xav in terms of committment to the program from the Administration. 

I belive that this year MU was one decent front court player away from being a final four contender.  I think the next coach, if he is the right one, can take us to the next level.  Sean Miller, come on down!!!!!

I would love to have Sean Miller here too, but Xavier actually was a final four contender this year.  Xav>MU in terms of recent success.

I would be thrilled if he were the new coach, but there's definitely reasons on both sides of the equation between Xavier and Marquette.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I'd be thrilled with either guy...

Unfortunately, I'm not sure the MU job is compelling enough for either to leave their current positions.

I love MU, and I think it's a great opportunity for a coach... but so is Xavier...

Xavier does not equal MU in terms of the opportunity.
MU>Xav in terms of tradition.
MU>Xav in terms of conference.
MU>Xav in terms of facilities.
By definition, MU>Xav in terms of committment to the program from the Administration. 

I belive that this year MU was one decent front court player away from being a final four contender.  I think the next coach, if he is the right one, can take us to the next level.  Sean Miller, come on down!!!!!

If he wasn't employed by either, and both jobs were open... then I'd say you were right...

BUT, Miller is already at Xavier... and I don't think MU is a big enough jump to make him leave.

[Tampa Warrior]

BUT, Miller is already at Xavier... and I don't think MU is a big enough jump to make him leave.

I think we are -- most especially in terms of conference affiliation (and dollars to the extent that is important). But it's not the absolute slam dunk that some people seem to believe, and I would absolutely respect Miller if he wanted to stay at Xavier.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

BUT, Miller is already at Xavier... and I don't think MU is a big enough jump to make him leave.

I think we are -- most especially in terms of conference affiliation (and dollars to the extent that is important). But it's not the absolute slam dunk that some people seem to believe, and I would absolutely respect Miller if he wanted to stay at Xavier.

You could be right, I've certainly been wrong before...

But, I agree that its certainly not as simple as some people are making it sound.

Xavier has a nice program, guys. Face it.

I LOVE MU, but we aren't UCLA.

Don't get confused.

[jaygall31]

when are we going to have a decison by?