CHARLOTTE -- The coaching carousel is gaining speed, evidence being Wednesday's hiring of Cuonzo Martin at Missouri State and firing of Ben Braun at California. So Missouri State is now filled and Cal is now open. But the best job available is still Indiana, where the names most regularly mentioned as potential replacements are Washington State's Tony Bennett, Xavier's Sean Miller and Tennessee's Bruce Pearl.
Two other names making the rounds here at the East Regional: Pitt's Jamie Dixon and Texas' Rick Barnes.
Would either take the job if offered?
Honestly, it's hard to say -- though all indications are that Barnes is perfectly happy at Texas while a move further west would make more sense for Dixon considering he's from California. Still, multiple sources said Wednesday night that Indiana officials are at least interested to know whether Dixon or Barnes (along with Bennett, Miller and Pearl) would be interested in taking over the Hoosiers program, meaning Dixon and Barnes are legitimate IU targets until they make it clear they don't want to be.
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tlsacjrhblack Level: Superstar Since: Aug 16, 2006 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 11:47 am
Score: 94
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingSomebody mentioned on here that Tony Bennett's sister was fired from the head coaching job at Indiana (women's team) a little while ago. I don't see him wanting to go to a "Basketball" school, especially one that fired/(let her make a decision to leave) his sister for running a defensive oriented team that had a good work ethic. I don't think Indiana has a chance at Bennett. |
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TylerDuvelius Level: All-Star Since: Mar 1, 2008 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 12:05 pm
Score: 45
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingMark my words there is no way that Sean Miller will be going to Indiana. He has way to much going for him at Xavier in the Queen City. But, if he did go...think about the great Indiana-Ohio State matchups between two future greats and former Xavier coaches, Sean Miller and Thad Matta. I still think that the best guy for the Indiana job is...Bobby Knight. |
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riverbegger Level: All-Star Since: Apr 27, 2007 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 12:17 pm
Score: 92
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingParrish, this whole Indiana situation is going to be interesting. But do you think that some of these names are being thrown in to make it just a little more Press worthy than it already is. I guess i'm referring mostly to Rick Barnes and especially Bruce Pearl. Pearl has himself in a great situation both with his team and recruiting. Not to mention his whole relationship with the university and the Pat Summitt. Why would he leave. (unless the money is crazy, its alway a money thing) But long term, Tennessee is a great place for him. Without overdueing this write up with a bunch of nonsense. I ask again. Are some of these names just thrown in there to creat more of a buzz, without any real substance? |
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IGetNoRespect Level: All-Star Since: Oct 12, 2007 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 12:21 pm
Score: 93
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingIf the powers that be at Indiana University are smart, they will take their time on this one. There should be no rush to find a new coach. The search committee should not feel as if they have to name a new coach just to "get it out of the way." I would prefer to see a decision made sooner rather than later, but I don't think that would be the right way to go this time. Other names being bandied about: Kevin Stallings, Bryce Drew, Tom Izzo. Izzo is a pipe dream, at best. Why leave Michigan State? He's got it made there. Same goes pretty much for Barnes at Texas. Why leave? Sean Miller is an interesting possibility. He, among all those mentioned, is probably still young enough and eager enough to want to take on the challenge of coaching at IU, although, he, too, is in a pretty sweet situation at Xavier. My instincts tell me that we may see someone out of left field, someone who has not even been mentioned yet. I wonder how long it will take before the official rumor mill kicks in? Iggy |
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kUnY111 Level: All-Star Since: Mar 12, 2008 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 1:28 pm
Score: 31
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingDoesn't the Indiana job look like a coach killer? I can't see a big name coach going there after what happened with Kentucky this year. Billy G. came into this season with all the pressure in the world and fell flat, and i think this is a sign for any coach wanting to go to a school where they have all kinds of pressure but no talent.Indiana hasn't been a true "basketball powerhouse" since the 80's. White and Gordon are gone so at best a coach coming in will take over a mid grade big ten team. Maybe someone fro the Pac-10 where you don't get much media coverage, but otherwise look to see an up and coming mid major coach.
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ryandaniel1984 Level: Amateur Since: Mar 27, 2008 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 1:47 pm
Score: 28
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingI don't know how this has missed all the conversation but: DONOVAN CONTACTS IU: Informed and reliable sources tell Howey Politics Indiana that Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan has approached Indiana University about its head coaching job. I didn't make this up....merely passing it on. I think it would be a nice fit.
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IGetNoRespect Level: All-Star Since: Oct 12, 2007 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 1:57 pm
Score: 91
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingryan -- thanks for the info. You're right -- I wonder why he hasn't been mentioned. A great addition to the mix, for sure. I could see Billy Donovan taking the job, too. I might even say I would hope for him to take the job. Having had tremendous success with a team like Florida in the pressure cooker that is the SEC should make him a prime candidate. Iggy |
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ryandaniel1984 Level: Amateur Since: Mar 27, 2008 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 2:36 pm
Score: 31
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingI think Donovan is a great addition to the coaching legacy at IU. He isn't gonna bolt for a bigger job, he can recruit, he has the winning background...
I look forward to seeing Billy on our sidelines next year. :) |
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iucheermom Level: Amateur Since: Mar 27, 2008 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 5:25 pm
Score: 33
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingKathi Bennett was NOT fired from IU. She resigned! |
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Raider Dave Level: All-Star Since: Oct 17, 2006 |
Posted on: March 27, 2008 5:45 pm
Score: 58
This Indiana seach is going to be intriguingThat is not correct regarding Kathy Bennett. As one other poster mentioned, she resigned after she had a car accident. She was not fired. |