Stop with the "I want this coach"

[Farsight Clone]

I could be the only one, but I find it frustrating that there are some threads on here who want certain coaches because of one game or one season. This entire mindset of "they did something good for one, year" that must mean they are UK ready. No.

What does UK ready look like? To me it's a coach who is clear as day ready for the job. It requires a specific temperament (alpha, who wants to win no matter what), recruiting, an interesting basketball philosophy that is centered around offensive or defense. They have shown they can compete consistently in their conference, consistently make the NCAA tournament and win games in the NCAAT and their conference tournament. Preferably, someone with final 4 experience or has one a title. Or someone who can make a sweet 16 to elite 8 a handful of times over a 5-10 year span.

There are many variables that would qualify a UK coach.

Some of these names on here are interesting, but are 100% not ready to take the UK job. Do they have potential? Yes. Basically some of the names being thrown around are just a step above Pope but not proven yet.

Kentucky needs a proven coach. Not a coach based off potential.

Here are some of the names that I have seen been thrown around the last few weeks that don't yet meet the standards of being a UK coach, but has the highest possibility in the future based off recruiting and consistency.

Jai Lucas - Miami
Grant McCasland - Texas Tech
T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State
Ben McCollum - Iowa
Flynn Clayman - High Point
Tommy Lloyd - Arizona
Sean Miller - Texas
Josh Shertz - St. Louis

Out of all of those coaches, Tommy Llyod is by far has the highest potential because of his recruiting ability and play style. He has never been to an elite 8 yet. If he can make a final four this year, he leaves this group.

I am sure I am missing a few, just going based off memory.

I just wish more would sit and think before they want someone who has "what have you done for me lately".

Kentucky needs a proven winner, a proven recruiter and someone with the right temperament.

 

[RunninRichie]

I could be the only one, but I find it frustrating that there are some threads on here who want certain coaches because of one game or one season. This entire mindset of "they did something good for one, year" that must mean they are UK ready. No.

What does UK ready look like? To me it's a coach who is clear as day ready for the job. It requires a specific temperament (alpha, who wants to win no matter what), recruiting, an interesting basketball philosophy that is centered around offensive or defense. They have shown they can compete consistently in their conference, consistently make the NCAA tournament and win games in the NCAAT and their conference tournament. Preferably, someone with final 4 experience or has one a title. Or someone who can make a sweet 16 to elite 8 a handful of times over a 5-10 year span.

There are many variables that would qualify a UK coach.

Some of these names on here are interesting, but are 100% not ready to take the UK job. Do they have potential? Yes. Basically some of the names being thrown around are just a step above Pope but not proven yet.

Kentucky needs a proven coach. Not a coach based off potential.

Here are some of the names that I have seen been thrown around the last few weeks that don't yet meet the standards of being a UK coach, but has the highest possibility in the future based off recruiting and consistency.

Jai Lucas - Miami
Grant McCasland - Texas Tech
T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State
Ben McCollum - Iowa
Flynn Clayman - High Point
Tommy Lloyd - Arizona
Sean Miller - Texas

Out of all of those coaches, Tommy Llyod is by far has the highest potential because of his recruiting ability and play style. He has never been to an elite 8 yet. If he can make a final four this year, he leaves this group.

I am sure I am missing a few, just going based off memory.

I just wish more would sit and think before they want someone who has "what have you done for me lately".

Kentucky needs a proven winner, a proven recruiter and someone with the right temperament.

High on Ben McCollum. Has won at every stop he's been at. And quickly too. Went 38-0 in D2. And won the title. Took Drake to 30 wins in his first season. Now, he has Iowa in the sweet 16. After years of boring, plodding, bruising, basketball, under Fran McCaffery. He is from Iowa. So that may be his "dream job". But damn would he be lethal with the resources/brand at UK.

 

[NociHTTP]

A little misleading there. Telling others to stop with the "I want a coach" thread (that's the thread title), and then proceed to tell everyone who you want.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

High on Ben McCollum. Has won at every stop he's been at. And quickly too. Went 38-0 in D2. And won the title. Took Drake to 30 wins in his first season. Now, he has Iowa in the sweet 16. After years of boring, plodding, bruising, basketball, under Fran McCaffery. He is from Iowa. So that may be his "dream job". But damn would he be lethal with the resources/brand at UK.

Great coach. However, I don’t think he’s the “type” of guy for the job. Like, does he like recruiting high level players?! I think he likes it where he’s at. Idk if he would even take the job. I guess Lloyd is the best fit, even though he hasn’t made it past the Sweet 16 yet. Sean Miller would be good, but he has a lot of baggage.

 

[Farsight Clone]

A little misleading there. Telling others to stop with the "I want a coach" thread (that's the thread title), and then proceed to tell everyone who you want.

I don't think you've read the OP. I never said who I wanted. I listed out the coaches who others are having knee jerk reactions too. Then I described what should be considered for UK's next coach. That is all.

 

[Macys Socks]

A little misleading there. Telling others to stop with the "I want a coach" thread (that's the thread title), and then proceed to tell everyone who you want.

Beat me to it lol

 

[Farsight Clone]

High on Ben McCollum. Has won at every stop he's been at. And quickly too. Went 38-0 in D2. And won the title. Took Drake to 30 wins in his first season. Now, he has Iowa in the sweet 16. After years of boring, plodding, bruising, basketball, under Fran McCaffery. He is from Iowa. So that may be his "dream job". But damn would he be lethal with the resources/brand at UK.

Yes, but can he consistently compete with Iowa? Can he recruit?

That's why for the second half of the year we need a 4-5 year bridge coach like Pearl. To keep us from being irrelevant, until one of those guys is ready with more of a proven track record in D1.

 

[Farsight Clone]

Beat me to it lol

Did you even read the thread?

 

[RunninRichie]

Yes, but can he consistently compete with Iowa? Can he recruit?

That's why for the second half of the year we need a 4-5 year bridge coach like Pearl. To keep us from being irrelevant, until one of those guys is ready with more of a proven track record in D1.

I've said the same for a while. I still think we give Nate Oats the basketball program. He's my #1 pick. 4 straight s16s at Alabama. He's elite. He's frustrated with Alabama's basketball NIL. Something he wouldn't have any issue with at UK. And he want's a title. Easier at UK.

 

[Katscratch]

I could be the only one, but I find it frustrating that there are some threads on here who want certain coaches because of one game or one season. This entire mindset of "they did something good for one, year" that must mean they are UK ready. No.

What does UK ready look like? To me it's a coach who is clear as day ready for the job. It requires a specific temperament (alpha, who wants to win no matter what), recruiting, an interesting basketball philosophy that is centered around offensive or defense. They have shown they can compete consistently in their conference, consistently make the NCAA tournament and win games in the NCAAT and their conference tournament. Preferably, someone with final 4 experience or has one a title. Or someone who can make a sweet 16 to elite 8 a handful of times over a 5-10 year span.

There are many variables that would qualify a UK coach.

Some of these names on here are interesting, but are 100% not ready to take the UK job. Do they have potential? Yes. Basically some of the names being thrown around are just a step above Pope but not proven yet.

Kentucky needs a proven coach. Not a coach based off potential.

Here are some of the names that I have seen been thrown around the last few weeks that don't yet meet the standards of being a UK coach, but has the highest possibility in the future based off recruiting and consistency.

Jai Lucas - Miami
Grant McCasland - Texas Tech
T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State
Ben McCollum - Iowa
Flynn Clayman - High Point
Tommy Lloyd - Arizona
Sean Miller - Texas

Out of all of those coaches, Tommy Llyod is by far has the highest potential because of his recruiting ability and play style. He has never been to an elite 8 yet. If he can make a final four this year, he leaves this group.

I am sure I am missing a few, just going based off memory.

I just wish more would sit and think before they want someone who has "what have you done for me lately".

Kentucky needs a proven winner, a proven recruiter and someone with the right temperament.

Time for a reality check

• Jai Lucas - Miami: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Grant McCasland - Texas Tech: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Ben McCollum - Iowa: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Tommy Lloyd - Arizona: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Sean Miller - Texas: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER

Flynn Clayman - High Point: If UK wants him? Yes; he will accept a UK offer

 

[RunninRichie]

Time for a reality check

• Jai Lucas - Miami: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Grant McCasland - Texas Tech: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Ben McCollum - Iowa: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Tommy Lloyd - Arizona: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Sean Miller - Texas: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER

Flynn Clayman - High Point: If UK wants him? Yes; he will accept a UK offer

Glad you called them on their iphone's and asked for us. Thanks again.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

High on Ben McCollum. Has won at every stop he's been at. And quickly too. Went 38-0 in D2. And won the title. Took Drake to 30 wins in his first season. Now, he has Iowa in the sweet 16. After years of boring, plodding, bruising, basketball, under Fran McCaffery. He is from Iowa. So that may be his "dream job". But damn would he be lethal with the resources/brand at UK.

Make no mistake about it, Ben's offense is boring and plodding...it's just way more efficient than most. They don't run. They don't shoot quickly unless it's the one they want. And they guard your tail off. It ain't sexy, but it wins. That's how he built his teams in Maryville. And now he's showing it can be done at the high D-I level.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Great coach. However, I don’t think he’s the “type” of guy for the job. Like, does he like recruiting high level players?! I think he likes it where he’s at. Idk if he would even take the job. I guess Lloyd is the best fit, even though he hasn’t made it past the Sweet 16 yet. Sean Miller would be good, but he has a lot of baggage.

He likely wouldn't. He's an Iowa dude. Grew up right outside Iowa City. Stayed at Northwest forever when he didn't have to. He had multiple mid major D-I offers years before he took the Drake job (he tried to get Drake job when they hired Devries). He's where he wants to be.

 

[Smeegs]

High on Ben McCollum. Has won at every stop he's been at. And quickly too. Went 38-0 in D2. And won the title. Took Drake to 30 wins in his first season. Now, he has Iowa in the sweet 16. After years of boring, plodding, bruising, basketball, under Fran McCaffery. He is from Iowa. So that may be his "dream job". But damn would he be lethal with the resources/brand at UK.

McCollum’s resume kinda reminds me of Curt Cignetti’s when IU hired him. He’s done incredible things everywhere he’s been, but he didn’t get much noticed because he did so under the radar at low profile small schools.

The dude friggin won four national championships at NMSU, then took over Drake and immediately led that school to its best season in forever, then took over Iowa and immediately led them to their first Sweet 16 in this century.

The OP suggesting that he’s just some sort of one season wonder is woefully ill-informed. The dude has a long track record proving that he’s the real deal as a coach. I think his only real question mark is whether he can recruit five star type talent … and that’s only because he’s not yet had a job where that’s a possibility.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Yes, but can he consistently compete with Iowa? Can he recruit?

That's why for the second half of the year we need a 4-5 year bridge coach like Pearl. To keep us from being irrelevant, until one of those guys is ready with more of a proven track record in D1.

He will and he can. Hell, he's taken a DII team and developed them into a S16 team.

 

[Farsight Clone]

Time for a reality check

• Jai Lucas - Miami: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Grant McCasland - Texas Tech: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Ben McCollum - Iowa: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Tommy Lloyd - Arizona: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Sean Miller - Texas: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER

Flynn Clayman - High Point: If UK wants him? Yes; he will accept a UK offer

Did you even read my thread?

 

[Farsight Clone]

The OP suggesting that he’s just some sort of one season wonder is woefully ill-informed. The dude has a long track record proving that he’s the real deal as a coach. I think his only real question mark is whether he can recruit five star type talent … and that’s only because he’s not yet had a job where that’s a possibility.

Sigh. Can people stop inferring and putting words in my mouth? Yes, he has a long track record and could be the next thing. He did it at lower levels. But can he do it at a higher level in D1 consistently. We will have to wait and see. I am not sure how you don't comprehend that?

 

[Anon1760284409]

I could be the only one, but I find it frustrating that there are some threads on here who want certain coaches because of one game or one season. This entire mindset of "they did something good for one, year" that must mean they are UK ready. No.

What does UK ready look like? To me it's a coach who is clear as day ready for the job. It requires a specific temperament (alpha, who wants to win no matter what), recruiting, an interesting basketball philosophy that is centered around offensive or defense. They have shown they can compete consistently in their conference, consistently make the NCAA tournament and win games in the NCAAT and their conference tournament. Preferably, someone with final 4 experience or has one a title. Or someone who can make a sweet 16 to elite 8 a handful of times over a 5-10 year span.

There are many variables that would qualify a UK coach.

Some of these names on here are interesting, but are 100% not ready to take the UK job. Do they have potential? Yes. Basically some of the names being thrown around are just a step above Pope but not proven yet.

Kentucky needs a proven coach. Not a coach based off potential.

Here are some of the names that I have seen been thrown around the last few weeks that don't yet meet the standards of being a UK coach, but has the highest possibility in the future based off recruiting and consistency.

Jai Lucas - Miami
Grant McCasland - Texas Tech
T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State
Ben McCollum - Iowa
Flynn Clayman - High Point
Tommy Lloyd - Arizona
Sean Miller - Texas

Out of all of those coaches, Tommy Llyod is by far has the highest potential because of his recruiting ability and play style. He has never been to an elite 8 yet. If he can make a final four this year, he leaves this group.

I am sure I am missing a few, just going based off memory.

I just wish more would sit and think before they want someone who has "what have you done for me lately".

Kentucky needs a proven winner, a proven recruiter and someone with the right temperament.

I’m not saying I want those coaches, but every single one of them are more accomplished, more proven, better coaches and recruiters than mark pope with the exception of high point Coach and it’s close.

 

[megablue]

I wonder if coaching at KY is a cooler thing than playing here ?? To get a great coach, he has to want to be here. I do not know how many successful, proven coaches would want to be here. Maybe many, maybe just a few. I do not pretend to know. I remember Cal saying that "Kentucky is not for everybody" ... he's probably right about that.

 

[blueblood2767]

hear me out- No coach besides Pope wants to coach here. you can name drop all day long aint happening. Pope is here thru is contract get used to 20-14 records. next year be lucky to win 15 games. This is a train Weck were witnessing.

 

[megablue]

Time for a reality check

• Jai Lucas - Miami: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Grant McCasland - Texas Tech: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Ben McCollum - Iowa: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Tommy Lloyd - Arizona: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Sean Miller - Texas: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER

Flynn Clayman - High Point: If UK wants him? Yes; he will accept a UK offer

What about Josh Shertz ??

 

[CB3UK]

I totally agree OP. This place is littered with short sighted reactionary "we should hire this guy herp derp" poststhat haven't been very well thought out.

 

[phyrekat01]

Time for a reality check

• Jai Lucas - Miami: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Grant McCasland - Texas Tech: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Ben McCollum - Iowa: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Tommy Lloyd - Arizona: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER
• Sean Miller - Texas: WILL NOT ACCEPT A UK OFFER

Flynn Clayman - High Point: If UK wants him? Yes; he will accept a UK offer

Okay, Mitch.

 

[Loucatfan30]

Get a real AD and find out who wants to come here.

 

[AllBall]

I could be the only one, but I find it frustrating that there are some threads on here who want certain coaches because of one game or one season. This entire mindset of "they did something good for one, year" that must mean they are UK ready. No.

What does UK ready look like? To me it's a coach who is clear as day ready for the job. It requires a specific temperament (alpha, who wants to win no matter what), recruiting, an interesting basketball philosophy that is centered around offensive or defense. They have shown they can compete consistently in their conference, consistently make the NCAA tournament and win games in the NCAAT and their conference tournament. Preferably, someone with final 4 experience or has one a title. Or someone who can make a sweet 16 to elite 8 a handful of times over a 5-10 year span.

There are many variables that would qualify a UK coach.

Some of these names on here are interesting, but are 100% not ready to take the UK job. Do they have potential? Yes. Basically some of the names being thrown around are just a step above Pope but not proven yet.

Kentucky needs a proven coach. Not a coach based off potential.

Here are some of the names that I have seen been thrown around the last few weeks that don't yet meet the standards of being a UK coach, but has the highest possibility in the future based off recruiting and consistency.

Jai Lucas - Miami
Grant McCasland - Texas Tech
T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State
Ben McCollum - Iowa
Flynn Clayman - High Point
Tommy Lloyd - Arizona
Sean Miller - Texas
Josh Shertz - St. Louis

Out of all of those coaches, Tommy Llyod is by far has the highest potential because of his recruiting ability and play style. He has never been to an elite 8 yet. If he can make a final four this year, he leaves this group.

I am sure I am missing a few, just going based off memory.

I just wish more would sit and think before they want someone who has "what have you done for me lately".

Kentucky needs a proven winner, a proven recruiter and someone with the right temperament.

Would you take Pitino for 4-5 yrs?

 

[Anon1760284409]

hear me out- No coach besides Pope wants to coach here. you can name drop all day long aint happening. Pope is here thru is contract get used to 20-14 records. next year be lucky to win 15 games. This is a train Weck were witnessing.

I would take calipari over pope and when I say this, I’m talking about John or Brad. Either would be better.

 

[USARMYWILDCAT]

Jai Lucas is young and unproven. I don’t think he’s quite ready for a job like Kentucky. If Pope is let go next off-season and Jai has Miami cooking next year. Takes them to a sweet 16 or elite eight. He would be my number one choice to replace Mark Pope. If we don’t take Jai when we have a chance. I have a feeling we’re gonna look back in 10 years and be kicking ourselves that we did not hire him. He’s a top-notch recruiter and his teams play hard. Also, he was an assistant under Coach K and Coach Cal. I think he may have learned a thing or two under them.

 

[Loucatfan30]

I would take calipari over pope and when I say this, I’m talking about John or Brad. Either would be better.

Haha.. now Brad is a stretch but at least his dad would help him get us some talented players.

 

[Madhuvan]

I've said the same for a while. I still think we give Nate Oats the basketball program. He's my #1 pick. 4 straight s16s at Alabama. He's elite. He's frustrated with Alabama's basketball NIL. Something he wouldn't have any issue with at UK. And he want's a title. Easier at UK.

Nate Oats is going to win a national championship. It’s just a matter of whose bench he’s sitting on when he does it. Might as well be ours.

 

[Katscratch]

What about Josh Shertz ??

I think he's 'gettable.'

 

[Madhuvan]

What about Josh Shertz ??

If Nate Oats is off the table by the time we’re looking this guy is really growing on me as the #2 option. This is the guy who, to me, has the resume that most resembles Cignetti’s.

 

[Katscratch]

Would you take Pitino for 4-5 yrs?

Rick or Richard?

Rick will be 74 at the start of next year. He is where he wants to be.
Richard is an excellent coach and would be a viable-gettable choice.

 

[UKCowboys]

I could be the only one, but I find it frustrating that there are some threads on here who want certain coaches because of one game or one season. This entire mindset of "they did something good for one, year" that must mean they are UK ready. No.

What does UK ready look like? To me it's a coach who is clear as day ready for the job. It requires a specific temperament (alpha, who wants to win no matter what), recruiting, an interesting basketball philosophy that is centered around offensive or defense. They have shown they can compete consistently in their conference, consistently make the NCAA tournament and win games in the NCAAT and their conference tournament. Preferably, someone with final 4 experience or has one a title. Or someone who can make a sweet 16 to elite 8 a handful of times over a 5-10 year span.

There are many variables that would qualify a UK coach.

Some of these names on here are interesting, but are 100% not ready to take the UK job. Do they have potential? Yes. Basically some of the names being thrown around are just a step above Pope but not proven yet.

Kentucky needs a proven coach. Not a coach based off potential.

Here are some of the names that I have seen been thrown around the last few weeks that don't yet meet the standards of being a UK coach, but has the highest possibility in the future based off recruiting and consistency.

Jai Lucas - Miami
Grant McCasland - Texas Tech
T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State
Ben McCollum - Iowa
Flynn Clayman - High Point
Tommy Lloyd - Arizona
Sean Miller - Texas
Josh Shertz - St. Louis

Out of all of those coaches, Tommy Llyod is by far has the highest potential because of his recruiting ability and play style. He has never been to an elite 8 yet. If he can make a final four this year, he leaves this group.

I am sure I am missing a few, just going based off memory.

I just wish more would sit and think before they want someone who has "what have you done for me lately".

Kentucky needs a proven winner, a proven recruiter and someone with the right temperament.

McCasland is a heck of a basketball coach IMO.

TJ Otzelberger is a GREAT defensive coach, and has won at Iowa State. I am pretty sure he could win at a place like Kentucky

Tommy Lloyd has a winning percentage of 81%, is a great recruiter and has been National Coach of the Year.

I am not as high on Sean Miller, but he is certainly a very good coach

Ben McCollum is young, has won big at a lower level(81% career winning percentage), and is doing a Hell of a job year one in Iowa, sending Florida packing yesterday.

The other guys on the list, yeah, I would pump the brakes. But the 5 I listed? None of them would be the number one guy I would target, but I would be ecstatic if any of them were our coach next season. They are all on my list of 15-20 guys that would kill it here.

I think you take those guys above and they may do a better job longer than many of the guys with the qualifications you said you are looking for. Hurley is an unbelievable coach, but IMO, he doesn't want to be here...his wife made that pretty clear lol. And if he doesn't want to be here, I don't want him. Cal is qualified...don't want him. Golden certainly fits. He has a Championship. But is he a better coach than McCasland or Otzelberger? I don't know about that at all. I was a REALLY GOOD BASKETBALL COACH, first and foremost, and a GM and a full time Recruiter to help bring in the talent he needs

 

[Anon1760284409]

Nate Oats is going to win a national championship. It’s just a matter of whose bench he’s sitting on when he does it. Might as well be ours.

Probably UNC

 

[Ky_Bred_Cat]

Temperment is key and in the end will be Pope's downfall. As mentioned by the OP, an absolute Alpha is imperative and nothing less will do. How many elite, top tier coaches throughout history are primarily intellectual, philosophical and super nice people? Maybe a few but by far the most successful coaches are Alpha's who want to rip their opponents throats out on game day and do whatever it takes to ready a team to do just that.

 

[Pidgie]

I could be the only one, but I find it frustrating that there are some threads on here who want certain coaches because of one game or one season. This entire mindset of "they did something good for one, year" that must mean they are UK ready. No.

What does UK ready look like? To me it's a coach who is clear as day ready for the job. It requires a specific temperament (alpha, who wants to win no matter what), recruiting, an interesting basketball philosophy that is centered around offensive or defense. They have shown they can compete consistently in their conference, consistently make the NCAA tournament and win games in the NCAAT and their conference tournament. Preferably, someone with final 4 experience or has one a title. Or someone who can make a sweet 16 to elite 8 a handful of times over a 5-10 year span.

There are many variables that would qualify a UK coach.

Some of these names on here are interesting, but are 100% not ready to take the UK job. Do they have potential? Yes. Basically some of the names being thrown around are just a step above Pope but not proven yet.

Kentucky needs a proven coach. Not a coach based off potential.

Here are some of the names that I have seen been thrown around the last few weeks that don't yet meet the standards of being a UK coach, but has the highest possibility in the future based off recruiting and consistency.

Jai Lucas - Miami
Grant McCasland - Texas Tech
T.J Otzelberger - Iowa State
Ben McCollum - Iowa
Flynn Clayman - High Point
Tommy Lloyd - Arizona
Sean Miller - Texas
Josh Shertz - St. Louis

Out of all of those coaches, Tommy Llyod is by far has the highest potential because of his recruiting ability and play style. He has never been to an elite 8 yet. If he can make a final four this year, he leaves this group.

I am sure I am missing a few, just going based off memory.

I just wish more would sit and think before they want someone who has "what have you done for me lately".

Kentucky needs a proven winner, a proven recruiter and someone with the right temperament.

Serious question......why would a Tommy Lloyd leave Arizona where he is doing good to try to resurrect a Kentucky program? The way I remember things the last time UK was coach searching.......there wasn't a plethora of top tier coaches banging on the door.......the program actually was shunned by a couple of the coaches that most on here lusted after.....the same thing has happened the last few times there was a coaching search.....I might be wrong but, UK isn't the destination spot that most feel like it is........college basketball has changed to the point that a good coach can win at almost any school that will spend the bucks........it doesn't really mean all that much to be a blue blood any longer......hell, Western Kentucky can spend as much on players as UK can........UK has became the place where the fans are ready to fire you after the first time out of a game because you are losing.....I am old school.......I prefer to let things play out to their conclusion.......good, bad or ugly........otherwise you will never get a true measure of what the outcome would truly be......some of the coaches that I see named here were sorry their first few years.....all you have to know about UK fans is........there was a faction that wanted Rupp out.......there was a faction that wanted Hall out.......there were many on here calling for Cal to leave before he left.....there is always a faction that isn't happy......and usually they are the loudest.......again, what coach would want to leave a program where they are experiencing success and come to UK when they know the first game there will be a faction that isn't going to be happy?

 

[Pidgie]

Make no mistake about it, Ben's offense is boring and plodding...it's just way more efficient than most. They don't run. They don't shoot quickly unless it's the one they want. And they guard your tail off. It ain't sexy, but it wins. That's how he built his teams in Maryville. And now he's showing it can be done at the high D-I level.

Sounds like the same type of defense that Tubby used and most hated because they wanted a quicker paste......

 

[Farsight Clone]

Would you take Pitino for 4-5 yrs?

Yup as a Bridge Coach. Rick or Bruce would be the two best bridge coaches.

 

[SkyPrince]

Make no mistake about it, Ben's offense is boring and plodding...it's just way more efficient than most. They don't run. They don't shoot quickly unless it's the one they want. And they guard your tail off. It ain't sexy, but it wins. That's how he built his teams in Maryville. And now he's showing it can be done at the high D-I level.

Bennett Stirtz has eased the transition to high D1.
He had a 9 seed regular season
He's also at a football first school that is content to let him play any style he wants.
I doubt he has any interest in coaching the kids that UK is used to having.

 

[Katscratch]

Glad you called them on their iphone's and asked for us. Thanks again.

It's not that I have some kind of direct séance-absolute truthy pipeline; it's that all evidence, except in some instances maybe for a cash grab, shows that the candidates being discussed already have a better job than UK would be for them.

So before proposing a new UK coach, I'm first asking if that proposed choice is someone who:

1. Already is exactly where they want to be,
2. Already is at a place with no limitations of how big they can win,
3. Has a fan base that unconditionally loves and appreciates them,
4. Gets paid a ton of money (even if they aren't maximizing their paychecks)
5. Has extraordinary control over their respective programs
6. Gets along really well with the current university AD and President
7. Generally takes joy in outperforming the supposed 'bluebloods' like UK, UNC, Kansas, and IU
8. Wants to take on the mantle of turning their current program into a perennial national power

McCollum, Otz, Oats, Lucas, Lloyd, May, Odom, Golden, Hurley, McCasland, and Hoiberg are each eight for eight under those criteria in their current jobs. Therefore, a 'no'.

And under those criteria, Shertz is about four for eight and is a possibility and I guess Sean Miller could be a possibility too (btw, this year he was an 11 seed that finished behind Pope/UK in the SEC). Btw, I would expect that UNC and Kansas will be sniffing hard around Shertz.