Ben told UNC nope

[Hawkfnntn]

It's being reported by Matt Norlander that UNC did contact coach McCollum and told him they wanted to interview him. However Ben said thanks but no thanks I'm home.... You think he'll use that on the recruiting trail from now till eternity?

 

[haydensly]

Who is Matt Norlander?

 

[NorthKCHawk]

This is a nothingburger. Of course, UNC called Ben's agent to gauge interest. They would be fools not to given his current resume and age. If UNC was doing their jobs they have probably contacted a dozen or more coaches and agents. That's how a search works. If he was on the market, he would be the hottest name out there. The fact that his agent said he was not on the market is also not surprising. He is an Iowa guy and is looking to put down roots. That said, this story is likely to repeat itself in the future if he keeps Iowa playing at a high level. Dude is only 44.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Who is Matt Norlander?

CBS basketball writer/insider

This is a nothingburger. Of course, UNC called Ben's agent to gauge interest. They would be fools not to given his current resume and age. If UNC was doing their jobs they have probably contacted a dozen or more coaches and agents. That's how a search works. If he was on the market, he would be the hottest name out there. The fact that his agent said he was not on the market is also not surprising. He is an Iowa guy and is looking to put down roots. That said, this story is likely to repeat itself in the future if he keeps Iowa playing at a high level. Dude is only 44.

To us yes this makes total sense exactly how it's played out. Nationally though the thought of him turning down the opportunity to interview is incomprehensible.

 

[ssckelley]

It is neat finally having a coach other teams want, we haven't had to worry about stuff like this since Alford and that turned out to be nothing.

 

[Hawkboys]

I heard it was, "Hell No!"

 

[Northside Hawk]

North Carolina did get their NBA man. Just not one of the three I speculated.

I thought for sure it would be Billy Donovan, who now is stuck being the last man on a sinking ship in Chicago.

 

[JoeyLabasForPresident]

North Carolina did get their NBA man. Just not one of the three I speculated.

I thought for sure it would be Billy Donovan, who now is stuck being the last man on a sinking ship in Chicago.

Sort of crazy Donovan even wants to keep that job.

 

[ssckelley]

Sort of crazy Donovan even wants to keep that job.

and has lasted this long....the FO they just fired was terrible.

 

[USBHawk]

Sort of crazy Donovan even wants to keep that job.

FWIW, Reinsdorfs are huge backers of Donovan.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Sort of crazy Donovan even wants to keep that job.

You know that old adage that timing is everything? Well I think it applied here.

I don't think he really wants to keep that job very bad. I think he was just doing the honorable thing playing out the season before he'd entertain the offer. Had UNC waited I think he'd have left for the same offer the other guy got. But the portal is wide open and UNC couldn't wait. So that's the bed they are all in...