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MBB Post-season Thread

Didn't Eddie Sutton sleep a lot after drinking a lot? Never got in the way of some rule breaking.

At least our basketball sleep has been pretty clean with less drool and more about having contract fools!
 
Texwood said:
I still say the pace of this search strongly suggests MBob's top guy is still coaching basketball (or was up until now at least). That's why I think the Drew smoke points to a fire.
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I dunno, mate. A few points...

1. While you used the word "pace" and not "delay", I will say when I'm at the gate awaiting my plane to board, I don't consider it a delay until after the scheduled time has expired. Yet, I don't give a rat's ice about whatever pace the airline uses to get to that scheduled time. If anything, I'd like them to take their time and do it right so I don't die during the flight. Bobinski fired Gregory a week ago today. He stated it will take 7 to 10 days and then earlier this week emphasized the 10 days more than the 7. He knew exactly why he used 10 days because that coincides with the Final Four coaches convention. He's done this a few times before and knows how it works. So, I'm not too worried about pace. I don't think it has anything to do with who is or has been coaching this week.

2. If we are awaiting someone who is still alive in postseason, maybe it is Geno Auriemma. Hey, the ACC is loaded with Hall of Fame coaches. Why not another one? Maybe, just maybe mind you, Auriemma is disgruntled with dominating his sport, not having a challenge anymore (especially in the watered down American Conference now that Notre Dame and others have moved away), etc. Who knows? Maybe, he fell off a turnip truck and bumped his head (the one between his shoulders) and knocked him looney. ;)

3. I can't stand Doug Gottlieb.
 
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Outstanding advice from one of Tech signees... http://www.gwinnettprepsports.com/s...cle_c4a0f2c6-0bd8-5364-88fe-fb93c37bc15f.html

However, Okogie said he not only does not have a preference, he is trying to ignore all the talk on traditional and social media altogether.

“It’s all just internet gossip right now,” Okogie said. “There are all kinds of possibilities, so I just try not to think about it and just work on my game.”
 
I didn't know James Forrest ran an AAU program? 180 basketball players involved. I didn't realize these programs are so big. Amazing the industry youth amateur sports has become.
 
BornAJacket said:
I didn't know James Forrest ran an AAU program? 180 basketball players involved. I didn't realize these programs are so big. Amazing the industry youth amateur sports has become.
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You should see Boo Williams' operation over in the Tidewater area of Virginia. He has his own arena. JJ Redick lived in Roanoke (3 hours away) and played for the BW traveling team in high school. Never practiced in Hampton Roads. Just traveled weekend after weekend playing for BW Summer League traveling team. No need to practice since was in a different locale every weekend.

We have a 5* girls player who is just 15 years old - just finished her freshman season - and I know her and her parents very well as they came up through our small AAU program locally here. I am on the AAU board and served as president of it for 4 years. Back to just coaching boys and girls teams. She has UConn, Tennessee, etc., coaches coming to her games. She broke a state of Va public school record as a freshman this past season by recording 28 rebounds in a game (she also scored 52). 6'2" point forward who can bomb three pointers. And, her parents are 6'0" mom and 6'6" dad so she probably will grow another 2 inches. She plays for BWSL as well. Same situation as Redick. Jeff Capel and his brother came up through that program/area, FWIW. Big business indeed.

College coaches don't connect with HS coaches much anymore. It is via the AAU coaches. The AAU coaches are the conduit. The AAU coaches will coach these prospects in about 70-100 games per calendar year while HS coaches will for 25-30. The only reason college coaches go to HS games anymore is to be seen.

The NCAA has very strict rules on showcase events, which is when college coaches can observe - normally in April and July. They have restricted seating areas that they can only go to and non-coaches are disallowed from seating. Every player and AAU coach (assistants as well) must be certified and complete watching a NCAA-mandated video while signing a piece of paper confirming it prior to participating in these events. The video reviews the do's and don'ts of interacting with college coaches.

Oh, and just in case the few Lady J's fans wonder, I did forward the local young lady's name to Coach Jo's office some time ago to which I was advised it was forwarded on to our recruiting operations assistant on CMJ's staff.

AAU gets a bad rap and some of it is deserved. AAU does a lot of other great things that never gets the applause it deserves though - like opening up opportunities for kids and keeping many kids off the streets and out of trouble on weekends. A lot of teenage pregnancies, for instance, are avoided with young girls (and boys) focusing on playing ball on the weekends instead of hanging around at home with bad things to get into. I do think a lot of people who criticize AAU have never been around it for one second and just spit off what they read off the internet as if it is the norm for all. Like anything I guess, it is the few who spoil it for the masses. 90+% of my engagement with AAU hoops over the past 20+ years has been very positive...at all levels, with both genders.
 
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Certain HS Coaches like Doug Lipscomb and Eddie Martin, still have influence. Can lead the indecisive ones a lot and steer where they live, AAU Coaches will get them, etc. They filter the recruiting process for colleges, not only with the high level recruits we are referring to. They have a place for them and do get involved in many of the Summer Leagues and Camps(AAU, too). Not to underestimate their ability to help find scholarships for those late bloomers or just for the kids who need recognition wanting a "smaller" opportunity or JUCO.

James Forrest has been involved for years now, all on the Southside. He definetly gives back to his community, helping provide wonderful opportunities for the youth.
 
BornAJacket said:
Not sure how I didn't know you were that connected with AAU. Can you briefly describe how your program is funded?
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Parents, volunteer fund-raising events, and a few sponsorships. The best way to make money in fund-raising is hosting weekend tournaments. It's a win-win as the teams get to play without travel and without entry fee while making money. It's a ton of work in terms of organizing and executing, but two or three successful weekend tournaments can fund about 75% of the expenses of 6 or 7 teams...keeping in mind we are mostly state/region based and not sending teams to Vegas. Like the ATL, we are fortunate here where I am located to be able to find a reasonably-priced AAU tournament every weekend within a 100 mile drive for almost all of our parents/players/coaches between late February thru late May.

We co-op with other AAU programs, merge star players occasionally, and work together because we are smaller if/when we want certain teams/players to get on bigger stages such as showcase events where college coaches are present. We do this because it makes sense but also because we would lose these players to greener pastures if we didn't. The 5* freshman I mentioned earlier was actually encouraged to go elsewhere as tough as it is to say because she is an exceptional talent. We'd love to have her skill set, but it would not be best for her development and exposure in the long run. We were glad to have her while we did when she was much younger. She made a lot of coaches look much smarter and other teammates get some exposure they likely would not had received at an early age.
 
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BornAJacket said:
Are most of your program players strictly basketball or do they also play baseball/ softball/ football etc?
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Just an estimate off the top of the brain...

*8th grade and lower: 90% play multiple sports, 10% hoops only
*9th-10th grade: 70% multiple, 30% hoops only
*11th grade: 30% multiple, 70% hoops only
 
Thinking of an April Fool....here is one we don't need and won't need to worry about coming here with his international recruiting touch....
 
GTJT622 said:
Just an estimate off the top of the brain...

*8th grade and lower: 90% play multiple sports, 10% hoops only
*9th-10th grade: 70% multiple, 30% hoops only
*11th grade: 30% multiple, 70% hoops only
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thanks, big switch for Jr/Sr. I guess that makes sense, by that time most people know if a player is going to have college potential and a decent idea at which level DI - DIII , etc.
 
Tech needs to focus heavily on recruiting with this hire. Starts with the head coach. Trickles down to his ability to attract and hire strong recruiters as assistants (read: Tech must provided the funds to attract those assistants). I don't worry about keeping or losing assistants. I'd rather have assistants that are moving on to better things periodically because the fresh, profound ideas that can be brought in with new blood is good. I don't want stagnant assistants that nobody else wants. Let's get young, hungry guys wanting to make their name and step up into a HC job at a mid-major thanks to their efforts.

Since Keener and Warren left, we really haven't had much of any assistant coaches that other programs desired. There's the one (CY) who went to a crap program (and his alma mater) and died out in 4 years.

I really don't care if they have past ties to Tech or not. Would it be nice? I guess. But, I'd rather we be successful than nice. Willie Reese, for instance, was a nice guy. Never impressed me as an assistant coach. Wasn't sought after by other schools. I *do* think it is important that the Head Coach has some experience in the ACC, knows what he is getting into, and preferably has some established recruiting ties in the hotbeds of American hoops - starting with our own backyard, but extending to NYC, Washington & Philly, etc.
 
BornAJacket said:
Glad he's staying over there...
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Amen to that. That guy is a psycho. I don't mind in-your-face coaches. My dad was one. I played for many. I've been that way when warranted. His act would get old very quickly in my eyes. He's Bobby Knight psycho.
 
At least Bobby Knight knew basketball... He just had a really, really hot temper. Just stay out of arms length and don't push his buttons and a player would be ok with him...

I think the Hewitt contract ruined his ability to go hire the assistants he needed. I believe Hewitt believed that when his salary went up, then his coaches salaries would go up as well. IMO, I think a coach does better with giving them a salary package for the entire staff and let him decide how much he gets vs how much the assistants get. But agents probably wouldn't like that arrangement.
 
I was thinking of the third assistant being a local guy who would travel and had Tech ties. Drew Barry or a Jon Babul type. Just my idea instead of giving he lead Asst. "bed check" responsibilities. I want No. 2 A.C. on the road at every opportunity imaginable.
 
BornAJacket said:
I think the Hewitt contract ruined his ability to go hire the assistants he needed. I believe Hewitt believed that when his salary went up, then his coaches salaries would go up as well. IMO, I think a coach does better with giving them a salary package for the entire staff and let him decide how much he gets vs how much the assistants get. But agents probably wouldn't like that arrangement.
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I don't think that's what happened. Hewitt felt he had "made it to the top", or something like that, and it was his turn to give young coaches a shot like George Raveling had done for him. During the Second Five Year Plan he didn't think he needed experienced assistants.
 
Yeah, and let me add(if you don't mind, Fox Jacket), we didn't fully establish ourselves under the first five-year plan. One great season, leftovers from CBC, an N.I.T. bid, one quick exit from the Dance, all don't solidify a program.

Edit: One 9-7 year, only winning conference season out of 10.
 
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I agree with ESPN F'n Jacket. Blewitt's arrogance and complacency is what did him in. And, to be fair, a lack of checks and balances from the A.D.(s). Yes, the contract did not help as it fed his ego/arrogance along with giving him the ridiculous act that he eventually wound up devolving to of "go ahead and fire me, I don't care" type of attitude. Some of the behavior he exhibited towards the end in the media deserved a public reprimand from DanRad. Instead, we got a condescending infamous GET WITH THE PROGRAM baloney diatribe to the Tech fanbase which I believe insulted the intelligence of the vast majority of the fanbase...or, what was left of it at the time.

It's actually quite sad. He could have and should have been a huge win-win for himself and Tech. He isn't the first and won't be the last to let his ego and selfishness get in the way of what could have been great.
 
Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech have initiated contact with Valpo’s Bryce Drew, a source told @CBSSports. He’s a top-shelf candidate for both. Link
 
Texwood said:
Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech have initiated contact with Valpo’s Bryce Drew, a source told @CBSSports. He’s a top-shelf candidate for both. Link
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I'll just go ahead and say it...if he becomes our HC, then I will get behind him from Day 1. Otherwise, for now, I'm rooting for Vandy if he is interested in leaving Valpo. GO LAND LOCKED TENNESSEE NAVAL COMMANDERS!!! RED WINE
 
Please turn us down, so I don't have to introduce myself and get way behind him and his family.

Hopefully, his A.D. gave him an extension today. Spare poor Vandy too!
 
If Drew says no to us for whatever reason, does MBob quickly pull the trigger on Capel (who was supposedly interviewed earlier this week). I think yes - unless the search is more complicated than this, which is entirely possible. Would love for it to play out like this (quickly - like today) so Capel can spend the weekend interviewing assistants in Houston.
 
"And though he's been patient with his career and turned down a Power 5 offer before, sources have told CBS Sports that Drew is intrigued by the opportunities in front of him, and that Vanderbilt is especially appealing because it's a private school with a niche in a Power 5 league."

Link
 
Texwood said:
If Drew says no to us for whatever reason, does MBob quickly pull the trigger on Capel (who was supposedly interviewed earlier this week). I think yes - unless the search is more complicated than this, which is entirely possible. Would love for it to play out like this (quickly - like today) so Capel can spend the weekend interviewing assistants in Houston.
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Well, just me speaking here and Bobinski has forgotten more about this process than I will ever know, buuuuuuut...if Drew is ahead of Capel in our pecking order, then Bobinski is a dumb-a.
 
Texwood said:
"And though he's been patient with his career and turned down a Power 5 offer before, sources have told CBS Sports that Drew is intrigued by the opportunities in front of him, and that Vanderbilt is especially appealing because it's a private school with a niche in a Power 5 league."
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Awesome! Love that thinking. Vandy would be the best spot for him. Very appealing indeed. Can win quicker and more frequently in the mediocre SEC...the worst P5 league and worse than some non-P5 leagues like the Big East and A-10.

Go Vandy! Go Drew!...to Vandy!!
 
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GTJT622 said:
Well, just me speaking here and Bobinski has forgotten more about this process than I will ever know, buuuuuuut...if Drew is ahead of Capel in our pecking order, then Bobinski is a dumb-a.
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It is curious. Drew has done great things at Valpo, but it's a huge extrapolation from that to what it takes to be successful in the ACC. Seems like a very risky hire to this old farting alcoholic. I don't necessarily think Capel is a home run hire, but you can bank on him recruiting elite talent to GT. That's enough to bring excitement back to the program all by itself. I'm already day dreaming about the sort of 2017 class he could assemble.
 
Since we have dissected Capel already, here's what jumps out at me about Drew...

*no experience in the ACC
*no experience outside the midwest
*no experience outside the state of Indiana
*no experience outside of one university, his alma mater where he is loved (read: can probably win 14 or so games for 4 straight years and still will be loved)
*no experience in a power conference
*no experience at an institution with extremely high academic standards
*no experience at a football-first power conference school
*no experience in Atlanta or Georgia (well, you knew that already from above, but it bears repeating)
*few, if any, recruiting ties to the deep south comparatively speaking to other candidates
*probably a good X and O in-game coach (tried to finish on a positive note)

Bobinski would be really rolling the dice if he is the guy and mutual interest exists. Just wondering why we are at a point where we are rolling dice though. Drew looks more like Gregory than anybody else that's been mentioned. Not all bad of course, but a definite roll of the dice. I hope not.
 
GTJT622 said:
Since we have dissected Capel already, here's what jumps out at me about Drew...

*no experience in the ACC
*no experience outside the midwest
*no experience outside the state of Indiana
*no experience outside of one university, his alma mater where he is loved (read: can probably win 14 or so games for 4 straight years and still will be loved)
*no experience in a power conference
*no experience at an institution with extremely high academic standards
*no experience at a football-first power conference school
*no experience in Atlanta or Georgia (well, you knew that already from above, but it bears repeating)
*few, if any, recruiting ties to the deep south comparatively speaking to other candidates
*probably a good X and O in-game coach (tried to finish on a positive note)

Bobinski would be really rolling the dice if he is the guy and mutual interest exists. Just wondering why we are at a point where we are rolling dice though. Drew looks more like Gregory than anybody else that's been mentioned. Not all bad of course, but a definite roll of the dice. I hope not.
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It is a mixed bag. Drew has won more than Gregory did. They both took over programs in good shape. Gregory was over .500 in conference 3 out of 8 seasons. Dayton is an upper level A-10 program.

Drew is doing well in a less competitive conference than the A-10. I totally agree it is hard to project that to the ACC.

The reasons why I can understand if he is the choice include:

- Played in the NBA for 4 years. This gives him some credibility in recruiting he lacks due to his provincial coaching experience.
- Has been over .500 in conference every year, WAY over 4 out of 5 years (13-3 twice, 14-4, 16-2 this year) so he has won against his peers.
- Grew up in an environment with a winning coaching philosophy/system.

I don't know if he is the selection or not but MBob has identified inexperienced coaching talent before so I trust his judgement. I like Capel also and believe he is a safer choice.

Additionally, I hope an AD at a non-power conference hires Gregory. He can't recruit at this level but he is a good guy who cares about his players.
 
This is a big test for Bobinski. He has 2 years left on his contract. To be fair, it is highly unlikely a year from now with 1 year left on his contract that the new HC will have a glowing first year W-L record to point to. That's even if Red Auerbach came back from the dead to coach this team. For Bobinski's potential future here, whoever he hires needs to show significant upside for the future (read: strong 2017 signing class, buzz about the program/rebuild, etc.).

Everything else is in place. Bobinski has said that as well. No clean up on academics or NCAA issues. No need for new facilities to be built. And, so forth. Just doesn't or won't have the cupboard full upon arrival regarding the roster.

We will learn a lot IMO when a staff is assembled and how our 3 signees react to the new HC. What would provide momentum immediately is within a few months some praise from some of these local 2017 Class studs. If the 3 signees and/or local '17 guys sour quickly, then Bobinski's days may be done as a "1st term AD" come 2 years from now. Today is his 3rd year anniversary of signing on as AD. IMO he doesn't have much so far to point to as game changing moves that he has made to warrant more time 60% of the way through his initial contract period.
 
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