I guess if your expectations are in bringing in a "big name" then drink away. For others who live in the real world we realize we're not KS, NC, KY, or other more noted basketball traditions so we're going to have to assume more risk in our hire much like the most programs do when in this situation. What makes our situation a bit unique is that we went through this only 3 years ago and we have the same AD hiring again.....even more risk.
* Mike Krzyzewski - before Duke....Army HC, 1 year in the NIT, overall record 73-59
* Lute Olson - before Iowa....1 season as HC at Long Beach State (Big West conf.)
* Jim Valvano - before NC St.....Iona HC (Metro Atlantic) for 5 seasons
* Billy Donovan - before FL.....Marshall HC for 2 seasons, record of 35-20
* John Wooden - before UCLA....HC at Indiana St for 2 seasons
* Tom Izzo - never a HC prior to Michigan St.
You could add the names of many other noted coaches to this list that were sitting in the mid majors prior to making the jump to a more noted level.
I'm willing to get behind whoever they hire because that person needs (and is due) the support of Hawkeye fans. It's an important juncture in the program. Hiring is more than just looking at names and records. Gotta do some digging and peeling of the onion to get to the core of the individual and what they are about. Hopefully Barta can do a better job of it this time. I believe he will.
* Mike Krzyzewski - before Duke....Army HC, 1 year in the NIT, overall record 73-59
* Lute Olson - before Iowa....1 season as HC at Long Beach State (Big West conf.)
* Jim Valvano - before NC St.....Iona HC (Metro Atlantic) for 5 seasons
* Billy Donovan - before FL.....Marshall HC for 2 seasons, record of 35-20
* John Wooden - before UCLA....HC at Indiana St for 2 seasons
* Tom Izzo - never a HC prior to Michigan St.
You could add the names of many other noted coaches to this list that were sitting in the mid majors prior to making the jump to a more noted level.
I'm willing to get behind whoever they hire because that person needs (and is due) the support of Hawkeye fans. It's an important juncture in the program. Hiring is more than just looking at names and records. Gotta do some digging and peeling of the onion to get to the core of the individual and what they are about. Hopefully Barta can do a better job of it this time. I believe he will.
