Rivals Radio This Morning: Bennett Reconsidering?

[MULS1999]

Okay, so first the disclaimers:

1.  I didn't hear the report myself; my Dad did.
2.  I have seen absolutely no corroboration of this.
3.  I'm skeptical.

Those things being said, during a segment on Rivals Radio on Sirius 123 this morning, every open college hoops job was apparently discussed.  The report identified MU and LSU as the two "biggest" jobs available.  Then, during the discussion of Marquette, one of the hosts/commentators/guests stated that he had learned that Tony Bennett's interest in the MU job may have changed in a positive direction on Saturday night.  I'm told there wasn't much elaboration, but money/control were speculated to be a substanial part of the reason.  Is it possible that the BoT gave Cottingham authority over the $2mm/season mark to go get Tony?

Also, did anyone here this exchange directly this morning? 

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

If this happens, I will never say another negative word about Marquette again and I might even buy a Golden Eagles sweatshirt.

[drewm88]

If this happens, I will never say another negative word about Marquette again and I might even buy a Golden Eagles sweatshirt.

Mods: Can you look into PRN's account? I fear it's been hacked into.
Great to hear that kind of support/enthusiasm!

[denverMU]

Boy you are really going out on a limb PRN, especially spending $30 for a sweatshirt!!!!

[Dish]

Maybe Buzz Williams wife was buying all that MU gear the other day to give one out to PRN?

[ATWizJr]

'twould be a great hire, if just to see if PRN can live up to his promise.

(hint, he can't)

[Norm]

If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.

[SERocks]

He did not say a "sweatshirt."  He said a "Golden Eagles Sweatshirt." 

Big Diff.

I will buy anything that says Marquette.

But nothing that says Golden Eagles.

Just cannot help myself.

Warrior at heart.

-SERocks

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.

1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.

[MARQTTE]

Tidbid of info:  I averaged MU's and WSU scoring per game and they are (since january 1st):

WSU: 65 pts/game
Marquette: 74 pts/game

[Marquette_g]

I think Bennett gets a little unfairly criticized for being boring.  Keep in mind he was playing with his dad's recruits and there is no doubt about the fact that Dick Bennett was as boring as they come.  I've heard it reported that Tony is more willing to play a faster tempo if he had the players to do so.  Obviously at MU he would have those athletes.

I also think it is unfair to say that his WI ties are the only reason he is a quality candidate.  He was rumored to be a candidate in Indiana and Cal.  Clearly he has national recognition as a quality coach.

[MULS1999]

Update:  the statements about Bennett were made on the Tim Brando Show (on Sirius 123) by Tony Accorsi (sp?).  

Apparently Accorsi also discussed Buzz Williams at length (and in a favorable way) and had seemingly solid information on a number of other openings.  He was reporting from the final four.  Btw, I looked and it appears as though the Brando show is archived online, so it should be available to listen to later this afternoon.  

[jutaw22mu]

I'm not holding my breath---okay maybe I am---but this would be great if MU could seal the deal.  It might even be an upgrade over TC.

[LastWarrior]

It would be absolutely huge get for MU!  Let's not forget that Bennett was IU's first choice.  Oh please be true!

[Coobeys Oil Depot]

If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.

1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.

Not to mention his youth + home state appeal could have Bennett at MU for a long time and it would be a giant unnatural carnal knowledge YOU to the Wisconsin program.

Won't happen. But a nice thought.

[CTWarrior]

If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.

1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.

Not to mention his youth + home state appeal could have Bennett at MU for a long time and it would be a giant frack YOU to the Wisconsin program.

Won't happen. But a nice thought.

One negative thought about Bennett.  I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years.  You think you hate Crean now...

[Ready2Fly]

If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.

1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.

Not to mention his youth + home state appeal could have Bennett at MU for a long time and it would be a giant frack YOU to the Wisconsin program.

Won't happen. But a nice thought.

One negative thought about Bennett.  I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years.  You think you hate Crean now...

My thoughts exactly.

[jutaw22mu]

ewww who would want to leave marquette for buckyland....ewwwww

[MUAlum99]

One negative thought about Bennett.  I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years.  You think you hate Crean now...

Would not happen, I guarantee it.  From what I heard, the Bennetts were not happy about the way the whole Soderberg deal went down - thought he got a raw deal.  There's a better chance that Bo Ryan takes over at Marquette - if that puts things into perspective for you...

[Daniel]

If Tony Bennett was not from Wisconsin, would the state media and fans here on this board be pumping him up for the MU job? His team's style of play is pretty slow compared to what we've been used to with Crean.

1. He's a former NBA player. That's instant credibility.
2. A guy like him would immediately be a threat to Wisconsin's in-state recruiting dominance.

Not to mention his youth + home state appeal could have Bennett at MU for a long time and it would be a giant frack YOU to the Wisconsin program.

Won't happen. But a nice thought.

One negative thought about Bennett.  I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years.  You think you hate Crean now...

Wow - but where are we when he leaves? Top 10?  Elite 8 in the tourney?  Final 4? Championship!!?  Right now, we have no one to worry about leaving.....if we don't GET someone that we WORRY about leaving, then we have the wrong guy.

[larrym]

One negative thought about Bennett.  I think the heads of many posters on this board would explode if he came here, had success, then took the Badgers job when Bo retired in 5-7 years.  You think you hate Crean now...

Would not happen, I guarantee it.  From what I heard, the Bennetts were not happy about the way the whole Soderberg deal went down - thought he got a raw deal.  There's a better chance that Bo Ryan takes over at Marquette - if that puts things into perspective for you...

It depends how things may change.  Richter was the guy when the Soderberg deal went down.  It's common thought here in Madison that Dick Bennett was not fond of Barry Alverez.  Since he's the AD now, that could come into play.    I wouldn't be surprised if Alverez was gone in 5-7 years. 

Still, you can't make coaching hires based on who may be willing to hire them in the future.  Rick Majerus was promoted to prevent him from going to Wisconsin.  Not a good move.  We were all worried about Crean going to MSU.  I think even he now realized that wasn't going to happen.  Things change.  If Bennett is successful, and ends up wanting to go to UWGB, that's fine with me.  The key is that he's successful.  You could also make the case that since his roots are in Wisconsin (SP and GB) that he's less likely to leave than some other hires that we could bring in.

[Niv Berkowitz]

Who cares what this does to Badger fans. Again, get the best candidate. Who gives a crap that he has Wisconsin ties other than all you MU fans from Wisconsin that can claim he's one of your own.

I do think he'd be a great hire. I also think that the style he's playing is due to the one he has too in order to win. And this also shows the bind that fans put on the coaches.

Crean won with a flashy style and it wasn't enough. If Bennett wins, but is boring, will that be enough? DOn't know.

But him and Lowery would be my top choices right now. Hire Lowery, though, and maybe there's never a chance he'll bolt for Badger-town too.

[Daniel]

Let's get the best guy that we have to worry about.  Better than a crappy guy that we know no one else wants. lol.  Let's go GET THE BEST!

[larrym]

Who cares what this does to Badger fans. Again, get the best candidate. Who gives a crap that he has Wisconsin ties other than all you MU fans from Wisconsin that can claim he's one of your own.

I agree we shouldn't care what this would do to Badger fans.  I disagree with you about the Wisconsin ties.  We both agree he would be a great hire.  If he takes the job, why didn't he take the Indiana job?  I think the Wisconsin roots might have something to do with it.  So in this case, Wisconsin ties could help us get a great hire coach that we would not be able to get otherwise.  The other thing with Bennett that doesn't apply to Davis or Weber, or others...the Bennett name carries a ton of weight in Wisconsin.  Again, not a reason to hire someone, but that is a nice bonus.  So not only would it be perceived as a great get nationally, but it would be locally also.  Maybe you're right that it only matters to those of us in Wisconsin.  However Marquette is located in Wisconsin, plays its games in Wisconsin and gets covered by the Wisconsin press.  I think that would have a wider, more positive impact than you're implying.

[THEGYMBAR]

MU has no choice but to hire top tier coach. For everyone that wants to keep recruits, get over it. MU will never win by recruiting in Texas.

Bennett is the man and my guess MU will pay the dough needed. Hopefully all of the UW fans will be floored. Hiring Bennett is major step towards the future.