Wofford's Young a Candidate?

[asu66]

Don't look now but the Murray State racers are in the CIT finals. Don't they have a coach with a familiar name to App?

I'm only OK with Matt getting the job if he gets resources that will enable him to become successful. I'm not interested in him being low-balled into the job on promises that won't be kept and budgets that will assure it's a dead-end for him.

He'll need a min $225,000 salary plus incentives and perks; two, first-quality assistant coaches; a limited earnings coach; a DBO; a strength coach; grad assistant funds; leading-edge technology & video funding; travel and recruiting funding to adequately cover 12-14 states annually; 13 full scholarships; discretionary funds; uniform/shoe funds; and things I can't think of right now, but any coach worth salt will have on the tip of his tongue. The previously named list, or lack of same, is a big reason we're in this situation right now.

[BTW, I don't think Yale can play with MSU if both teams play, tomorrow night, like they played last night.]

[EastHallApp]

Young coaches at a 1600-student college with strong academics. Has it ever occurred to anybody that he has to take the players he is able to recruit and employ a style that best utilizes the talent he is able to bring in? The best coaches, IMO, are able to take what they have in terms of player ability and make it work. In another situation, he might employ an offensive style that is totally different.

Perhaps; that would be a question for the interview. I wouldn't assume he would totally change styles, though. Coaches tend to coach what they know. Ben Howland kept playing games in the 50s and 60s with some of the best talent in the nation at UCLA. Different sport, but Paul Johnson kept running the triple option even when he had the chance to recruit ACC athletes who might actually be able to throw a forward pass.

And I also don't buy that Young has to play that way at Wofford. You think his athletes are that much worse than the ones Baucom gets at VMI?

And lest anybody misunderstands my posts, I am not campaigning for Young to get the job. But to think that hiring somebody who will have to deal with a program that has hit rock bottom and has APR and discipline issues ought to depend on whether he runs an exciting offense seems short-sighted to me. And I don't buy for one minute that running an offensive style that is "boring" would squelch interest in the program. If we start winning games, fannies will return to seats.

I don't think it's short-sighted, I think you just have to consider all those factors. If offensive style isn't an important one to you, that's fine. But it's not just about bringing out the fans (thought it might help) - it's about bringing in recruits. Even the gold standards for slowball cited here - UVa and Wisconsin - haven't been able to recruit on the same level as the other top programs in their respective conferences. Many players, if they have a choice, just don't want to stand around until the shot clock hits 15 before starting their offense.

[Appsolutley]

"And I also don't buy that Young has to play that way at Wofford. You think his athletes are that much worse than the ones Baucom gets at VMI?"

I have no idea whether he would employ a different philosophy at another school or not, and I agree that would be a legitimate question for him. My main point, though, was that it is going to take a special coach to come into a program which is not only in the crapper as far as on-the-court performance goes, but also has academic/APR/discipline issues...and virtually no fan support. To me, those are the main concerns right now.

[hapapp]

I don't think it's short-sighted, I think you just have to consider all those factors. If offensive style isn't an important one to you, that's fine. But it's not just about bringing out the fans (thought it might help) - it's about bringing in recruits. Even the gold standards for slowball cited here - UVa and Wisconsin - haven't been able to recruit on the same level as the other top programs in their respective conferences. Many players, if they have a choice, just don't want to stand around until the shot clock hits 15 before starting their offense.

UVA is not having a hard time recruiting at the same level as others in the ACC. UVA didn't play that style until Bennett arrived. It has taken some time to get his type players in the system. I don't think he will have any trouble recruiting what he needs and being successful. If he continues to have the same kind of success do you think it will matter the style he employs?

I don't necessarily want Young as the coach but the style of play he employs matters little if he can find some success. Let's face it, with our history the bar isn't that high. The first order of business for any coach coming in is to get the program on some kind of solid ground academically and to instill some sense of discipline.

[HkyMtneer]

I don't think it's short-sighted, I think you just have to consider all those factors. If offensive style isn't an important one to you, that's fine. But it's not just about bringing out the fans (thought it might help) - it's about bringing in recruits. Even the gold standards for slowball cited here - UVa and Wisconsin - haven't been able to recruit on the same level as the other top programs in their respective conferences. Many players, if they have a choice, just don't want to stand around until the shot clock hits 15 before starting their offense.

UVA is not having a hard time recruiting at the same level as others in the ACC. UVA didn't play that style until Bennett arrived. It has taken some time to get his type players in the system. I don't think he will have any trouble recruiting what he needs and being successful. If he continues to have the same kind of success do you think it will matter the style he employs?

I don't necessarily want Young as the coach but the style of play he employs matters little if he can find some success. Let's face it, with our history the bar isn't that high. The first order of business for any coach coming in is to get the program on some kind of solid ground academically and to instill some sense of discipline.

Having never really paid much attention to Wofford Basketball or Coach Young (except when they have played us or upset a "big" school) I am curious how he is viewed by the media. Does anyone here know if he is an accessible guy, willing to do the work to promote the brand?

[EastHallApp]

I don't think it's short-sighted, I think you just have to consider all those factors. If offensive style isn't an important one to you, that's fine. But it's not just about bringing out the fans (thought it might help) - it's about bringing in recruits. Even the gold standards for slowball cited here - UVa and Wisconsin - haven't been able to recruit on the same level as the other top programs in their respective conferences. Many players, if they have a choice, just don't want to stand around until the shot clock hits 15 before starting their offense.

UVA is not having a hard time recruiting at the same level as others in the ACC. UVA didn't play that style until Bennett arrived. It has taken some time to get his type players in the system. I don't think he will have any trouble recruiting what he needs and being successful. If he continues to have the same kind of success do you think it will matter the style he employs?

UVa's incoming 2014 recruiting class of three players does not appear among the ranked classes on Scout (top 25), Rivals (top 30) or ESPN (top 40). By comparison, Duke and UNC are top 5; Louisville is top 10; and Syracuse and NC State are top 25 (as is Miami in some rankings).

Wisconsin has been running its system for years and recruits at basically the same level.

[EastHallApp]

Having made the point about recruiting, I will also admit that part of my interest in playing style is purely subjective. I would simply rather watch aggressive, fast-paced basketball than defense that looks like a rugby scrum and offense that doesn't really look for a shot until the shot clock hits 15 seconds or so. Certainly that's not more important than winning or cleaning up the team's academic standing, but I don't see why those should be mutually exclusive.

[hapapp]

I don't think it's short-sighted, I think you just have to consider all those factors. If offensive style isn't an important one to you, that's fine. But it's not just about bringing out the fans (thought it might help) - it's about bringing in recruits. Even the gold standards for slowball cited here - UVa and Wisconsin - haven't been able to recruit on the same level as the other top programs in their respective conferences. Many players, if they have a choice, just don't want to stand around until the shot clock hits 15 before starting their offense.

UVA is not having a hard time recruiting at the same level as others in the ACC. UVA didn't play that style until Bennett arrived. It has taken some time to get his type players in the system. I don't think he will have any trouble recruiting what he needs and being successful. If he continues to have the same kind of success do you think it will matter the style he employs?

UVa's incoming 2014 recruiting class of three players does not appear among the ranked classes on Scout (top 25), Rivals (top 30) or ESPN (top 40). By comparison, Duke and UNC are top 5; Louisville is top 10; and Syracuse and NC State are top 25 (as is Miami in some rankings).

Wisconsin has been running its system for years and recruits at basically the same level.

And they are in the Final Four and have been consistent winners.

[EastHallApp]

I don't think it's short-sighted, I think you just have to consider all those factors. If offensive style isn't an important one to you, that's fine. But it's not just about bringing out the fans (thought it might help) - it's about bringing in recruits. Even the gold standards for slowball cited here - UVa and Wisconsin - haven't been able to recruit on the same level as the other top programs in their respective conferences. Many players, if they have a choice, just don't want to stand around until the shot clock hits 15 before starting their offense.

UVA is not having a hard time recruiting at the same level as others in the ACC. UVA didn't play that style until Bennett arrived. It has taken some time to get his type players in the system. I don't think he will have any trouble recruiting what he needs and being successful. If he continues to have the same kind of success do you think it will matter the style he employs?

UVa's incoming 2014 recruiting class of three players does not appear among the ranked classes on Scout (top 25), Rivals (top 30) or ESPN (top 40). By comparison, Duke and UNC are top 5; Louisville is top 10; and Syracuse and NC State are top 25 (as is Miami in some rankings).

Wisconsin has been running its system for years and recruits at basically the same level.

And they are in the Final Four and have been consistent winners.

You took issue with my statement about recruiting limitations of that style of play, so that's what I was talking about.

Certainly Wisconsin is a solid program - even if they do tend to run into teams with better talent in March. And I'm not at all saying Young couldn't win using his preferred style at App.

[EastHallApp]

And now, these off the wall names show up today. LaRue and Brunt. And word from an avowed insider that some candidates have had more than one interview.

I gotta take a break from debating slowdown basketball to ask about this. Are these for real? I had no idea who Brunt was until I Googled his last name and figured it out. What are you hearing about these two?

[whosgotthearrow?]

Chuck, I know you have counseled patience but we are now into the fourth week of the process. It seems we should be in the process of making a decision. It suggests to me that perhaps we are having some difficulty in finding the right guy or that we can't find someone who is interested that matches what we are looking for in our next coach. Most everyone has stopped playing now so I would think it is time for this process to come to a close. Our vacancy was one of the very first to open up and yet others have been able to fill theirs. I certainly hope this long wait is an indication that we have many to chose from but I fear it may be the opposite.

I'm starting to question my own advice, Jerry. I convinced myself this process would go into next week and that it would be OK for that to happen. Then, I thought DBaucom looked out of his element last night. His team didn't respond to a tremendous opportunity at home and on TV. Baucom's off my list!

And now, these off the wall names show up today. LaRue and Brunt. And word from an avowed insider that some candidates have had more than one interview.

I'm officially concerned. Is Charlie planning to operate a Sunbelt program on a D-II budget? If so, Baucom or LaRue are about the best he can hope for. And if so, we can stop worrying about post-season eligibility. We won't make it to the Sunbelt tourney; much less the NCAAs. That's my *Type A worrier* knee-jerk reaction to the last 24 hours.

This is extremely shortsighted, imo. Did he look out of his element when VMI ended Canisius' season at Buffalo, or 25-win IPFW? How about 25-win Ohio?

I see where you're coming from but to scratch a guy's name off your list for his team's performance in one game is as impulsive as hiring a 30 year-old with no HC experience. To each his own.

Baucom is the only reason VMI basketball is on the radar at all. Smaller budget than any other military school. Better than any other military school. I think he's the right fit all things considered.

[asutrnr81]

Having never really paid much attention to Wofford Basketball or Coach Young (except when they have played us or upset a "big" school) I am curious how he is viewed by the media. Does anyone here know if he is an accessible guy, willing to do the work to promote the brand?

This may not answer your question. Last year 2013 he was scouting a kid from Concord. I was sitting beside him and he had NO idea about anything about me. I noticed the Woffy logo and said hello. We talked about the kid he was recruiting, a kid we had on our team he said he would have offered on the spot except i explained his academic situation. We talked basketball the whole game.....He had an assistant with him and he was very affable.

I think based on that 2 hour time frame he could and would be accessible. He had NO reason to even acknowledge me being there but did and I found him to be to use your words...."accessible"!

[HkyMtneer]

Having never really paid much attention to Wofford Basketball or Coach Young (except when they have played us or upset a "big" school) I am curious how he is viewed by the media. Does anyone here know if he is an accessible guy, willing to do the work to promote the brand?

This may not answer your question. Last year 2013 he was scouting a kid from Concord. I was sitting beside him and he had NO idea about anything about me. I noticed the Woffy logo and said hello. We talked about the kid he was recruiting, a kid we had on our team he said he would have offered on the spot except i explained his academic situation. We talked basketball the whole game.....He had an assistant with him and he was very affable.

I think based on that 2 hour time frame he could and would be accessible. He had NO reason to even acknowledge me being there but did and I found him to be to use your words...."accessible"!

That's good to hear. Regardless of whomever ends up being the hire we need someone in the Holmes Dome who goes above and beyond the job description in selling ASU Basketball...and it has to be a legitimate interest in spreading the brand or we'll smell a rotten egg a mile away, and it'll be hard to buy in.

[hapapp]

I ran into a Wofford dad in Raleigh at the NCAA 2nd/3rd rounds. I stopped to congratulate him on their winning the SoCon title. We talked a bit and Mike Young. He told me that he promised tickets to any Wofford students who agreed to attend any away games. He suggested he was very much involved with and in touch with the Wofford student body. He seems to be really engaged with the Wofford fans. Again, not necessarily endorsing his candidacy but I think we would be in good hands if he were to take the reins.

[asu66]

Chuck, I know you have counseled patience but we are now into the fourth week of the process. It seems we should be in the process of making a decision. It suggests to me that perhaps we are having some difficulty in finding the right guy or that we can't find someone who is interested that matches what we are looking for in our next coach. Most everyone has stopped playing now so I would think it is time for this process to come to a close. Our vacancy was one of the very first to open up and yet others have been able to fill theirs. I certainly hope this long wait is an indication that we have many to chose from but I fear it may be the opposite.

I'm starting to question my own advice, Jerry. I convinced myself this process would go into next week and that it would be OK for that to happen. Then, I thought DBaucom looked out of his element last night. His team didn't respond to a tremendous opportunity at home and on TV. Baucom's off my list!

And now, these off the wall names show up today. LaRue and Brunt. And word from an avowed insider that some candidates have had more than one interview.

I'm officially concerned. Is Charlie planning to operate a Sunbelt program on a D-II budget? If so, Baucom or LaRue are about the best he can hope for. And if so, we can stop worrying about post-season eligibility. We won't make it to the Sunbelt tourney; much less the NCAAs. That's my *Type A worrier* knee-jerk reaction to the last 24 hours.

This is extremely shortsighted, imo. Did he look out of his element when VMI ended Canisius' season at Buffalo, or 25-win IPFW? How about 25-win Ohio?

I see where you're coming from but to scratch a guy's name off your list for his team's performance in one game is as impulsive as hiring a 30 year-old with no HC experience. To each his own.

Baucom is the only reason VMI basketball is on the radar at all. Smaller budget than any other military school. Better than any other military school. I think he's the right fit all things considered.

You're right about my reaction. I admitted it before you called me out. Did you miss it?

That's my *Type A worrier* knee-jerk reaction to the last 24 hours.

Due, I suppose, to my longevity and my keen interest in Appalachian, I've been in and around a lot of "position" searches at App in academics and athletics. I've had the opportunity to serve on several search committees over the years. I've never seen a search as strange as the one four years ago that resulted in the crowning of Jason Capel. By the same token, I've never seen one in athletics take as long as the current search for Capel's successor.

Academic searches for specialty/high demand areas, ADs, Deans, Provosts, V-Ps and Chancellors typically take a year or longer. Coaching searches rarely take more than two or three weeks once they are announced. We're in week four and still unearthing new names. I'm actually taken aback by that and completely uncertain whether it's a good or bad sign. It's hard to believe it's anything good.

This hire will either stabilize our basketball program or finish it off for another four or five years minimum. If it goes south, I may not be around to ever see it on sound footing again. That's the reason for my absolutely compulsively-disordered behavior on this topic. I'm going nuts worrying about things I can't control. This means a LOT to me and to others. It needs to get settled; and settled well; and sooner rather than later.

OK, this *rant* is over. I make no promise not to start another one without warning.

[Maddog1956]

Due, I suppose, to my longevity and my keen interest in Appalachian, I've been in and around a lot of "position" searches at App in academics and athletics. I've had the opportunity to serve on several search committees over the years. I've never seen a search as strange as the one four years ago that resulted in the crowning of Jason Capel. By the same token, I've never seen one in athletics take as long as the current search for Capel's successor.

Academic searches for specialty/high demand areas, ADs, Deans, Provosts, V-Ps and Chancellors typically take a year or longer. Coaching searches rarely take more than two or three weeks once they are announced. We're in week four and still unearthing new names. I'm actually taken aback by that and completely uncertain whether it's a good or bad sign. It's hard to believe it's anything good.

This hire will either stabilize our basketball program or finish it off for another four or five years minimum. If it goes south, I may not be around to ever see it on sound footing again. That's the reason for my absolutely compulsively-disordered behavior on this topic. I'm going nuts worrying about things I can't control. This means a LOT to me and to others. It needs to get settled; and settled well; and sooner rather than later.

OK, this *rant* is over. I make no promise not to start another one without warning.

I think you're right to be concerned considering not only the length of time this has taken, but also who that really wants to move is available. I don't think there is an unlimited pool to pick from.

To me (and I know there may be some "official" limits when you can start talks) but if you have a coach that you know you're going to be firing soon, you should almost have a replacement worked out before he is fired. If lutz was that man and he pulled his name he either got a big raise or something was misrepresented to him. Most likely the later.

Hopefully I'm wrong or we'll see a name come up that makes everyone go "who?".

[JCline0429]

Don't look now but the Murray State racers are in the CIT finals. Don't they have a coach with a familiar name to App?

I'm only OK with Matt getting the job if he gets resources that will enable him to become successful. I'm not interested in him being low-balled into the job on promises that won't be kept and budgets that will assure it's a dead-end for him.

He'll need a min $225,000 salary plus incentives and perks; two, first-quality assistant coaches; a limited earnings coach; a DBO; a strength coach; grad assistant funds; leading-edge technology & video funding; travel and recruiting funding to adequately cover 12-14 states annually; 13 full scholarships; discretionary funds; uniform/shoe funds; and things I can't think of right now, but any coach worth salt will have on the tip of his tongue. The previously named list, or lack of same, is a big reason we're in this situation right now.

[BTW, I don't think Yale can play with MSU if both teams play, tomorrow night, like they played last night.]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think we get significant revenue off the shoe deals. Of course every little bit helps and the boys gotta have shoes anyway,