pumpfake

Unless little Pitino was actively recruiting or contacting a coach for another program, I'd guess there would be no violations. To the bigger point though, the Pitinos are sleazeballs (IMO). We always think of programs like uk when discussing histories of dirty behavior (rightfully so), but minnesota basketball is also bathed in a long history of dirt (brawling, garbage under Dutcher & Haskins for example). As far as some of the names being mentioned, are any of them known to be strong offensively-minded coaches?

Something definitely illegal - their consultant breaks the laws of English by having no vowels in his last name. But seriously, I guess we'll see how much evidence has to hit the NCAA in their collective face before they act.

Proof that they engaged in the practice of paying players/families/coaches but no proof of it to anyone specific. Apparently the documentation shows that they approved making offers to the 2 named players. IMO, it's kind of shoddy journalism, implying that they proved one thing (no one named) and try to tie in players without any evidence the players were involved or even aware of it. That's my take on the article, anyway.

That and as the Colts found out until he signs the contract he can leave you empty handed. Also at some point it's not too cool to wait so close to the beginning of the season to tell your current employer.

Yep. The past two seasons have been disappointing, regardless of whatever our expectations were. While it is not unheard of for a new coach to come in and have immediate success, it's not the norm. I remember after CAM's first season saying that the only thing we know is that he can't produce miracles. I'm to the point where I don't even think about trying to predict the upcoming season. There are too many factors you just can't foresee. The only way to be able to have any confidence about an upcoming season is when you have enough known quantities returning - that rules out freshmen, players returning from injury, and expected improvement from returning players. And that's only if you avoid injuries. Personally, I saw definite improvement from the beginning of the first year to the end of that season. Last season, we were statistically better, had better results in our record, and definitely improved over the previous season. We really fell apart in the middle of the season and began playing much better toward the end but were still inconsistent. Barring injuries, we need to see continued improvement in the offense and overall much, much better consistency both individually and as a team.

Something that get's overlooked (ignored?) about his first season is how equally bad the previous season was, and then lost three of the best players on that squad (Blackmon, Bryant, and OG) to the NBA. IMO, you can't say Miller's first team underachieved - that group was destined to struggle.

I'd have to think that the worst "bad look" and negative recruiting ammunition would be something like an FBI investigation/recruiting scandal. Yet, as mentioned that coach is still recruiting at a high level under that exact shadow. I just don't see not landing Leal as having any real impact on CAM's ability to recruit, other than riling up the pessimists in the fanbase.

It's a bit amusing to see an armchair QB evaluate Archie's demeanor and "sense of urgency". While still a young head coach, he's recruited at big-time basketball schools (OSU & Arizona) and then had a very successful stint at UD. Then he comes here, taking over a team that, well, stunk the previous season. Three of the best players on that roster bailed for the NBA, and if the stories are to be believed he was instructed to retain the 3 Crean recruits (1 who has been fair to good, 1 who has disappointed, and 1 who couldn't even get minutes as a sophomore and has since transferred). Besides not knowing anything about his methods and tactics with recruiting, he's still brought in the last two Mr. BBs, Rob P, and J Hunter. As I've posted before, it's time to start seeing improvement in both the record and quality of play. But his tenure here is still young and if one listened closely to CAM last season and post-season, he said a lot of the same things we posters have said about our weaknesses and what needs to improve. I don't know if he'll lead us to a final four, but I am pretty sure he knows what he's doing and what needs to be done (not to mention what is expected of the program under his leadership).

Yes, it seems to be working without problems now.

Same using Firefox. The home page loads with only placeholders for most of the pictures for stories, but if I click on a link to a story I get the security warning. So, yes, it does appear they are having some issues.

Totally agree. If he's willing to come in, work hard, and fight for minutes I think this is one of rare "projects" (or gamble as you put it) I am fine with making. There's been too many little hustle guys that have given us fits and I always thought "damn, why don't we have a guy like that" - guys like Jay Burson at OSU for example.

It's fun to log on and see the title of a recruit thread edited to add "to IU". l'm extremely happy about the news - you can't have too many coaches kids on your team!

No argument there and I have no problem with it. As '66 posted, it's off season with nothing else to talk about so until we get some commitments or the assistant coaching spot gets filled, it's about all there is. For me, about the only social media info I'll be interested in is when start hearing about how much J. Hunter is tearing it up.

I don't use twitter (or facebook, or any of the social network sites) but I agree about posting derogatory things. However, the 40% shooting concept is valid and funny (for a message board I guess). I said it at the end of the season and I still feel the same way: I don't care how much the players can lift, how high they can jump, or how much they look like bodybuilders - it means nothing if it doesn't translate into playing basketball better.

Yep, that Syracuse team was very good and were experts at playing zone defense (they didn't just "dabble in it" like most teams). Our team's flaws played right into their hands, along with Crean's apparent inability to prepare against it. Our ability to shoot over them was hampered by the size difference and the fact that Hulls got injured in the previous game or two (and I also remember he was already in a bit of a slump IIRC). Maybe it's just my bias, but I just don't understand why we've been caught with our pants down a number of times because of a lack of reliable shooters - during CTC's reign and then again last season. Maybe it's just selective memory, or that kids just aren't as good at it (no evidence to support that), but it seems we always had at least two starters who were deadeye and had a few more on the bench.

It's an article on indystar. Pretty much a rehash of what Archie said last month. Sadly, there was nothing new to be optimistic about but it said they'd have a better handle around August.

Nothing new, but it's recent: Indystar (Osterman) on J. Hunter

Interesting? Yes. But, IMO not a player for our program at this time. The kid is focused on the NBA, so he's going to expect starters minutes where ever he goes - do we want a very possible 1 and done taking the ball out of Rob P's hands only to bail on the team? We're still trying to establish a "culture" & "get older", pursuing players like this seems at odds with those goals.

That's the way I took it, too. From my understanding of the rumored medical issue, there is a lengthy procedure for treatment and then weaning off the medication and follow up.

It's announcement day for a top level recruit with us being mentioned as one of the two finalists and I have almost no interest (apparently same goes for many others on this board). Don't get me wrong, I'd really love to add Trendon to the roster but our perceived outsider status and the ridiculously long decision process leaves me numb. I can see why Mr. & Mrs. Watford want their son to play closer to home, so they can travel much easier but choosing LSU would be a real disappointment in Trendon and his family.

r.e. MSU: It's something I've thought for quite a while, that the top schools with long-time coaches will likely take a big hit. It is more of the rule than exception it seems to me. Fans always clamor for the grand slam hire, but those rarely ever occur. There's only so many coaches that fit the bill and usually they're already at top programs and would be very unlikely to jump. Heck, we look at the team in Lexington and they were rebuffed by Donovan (the clear fan favorite). Unless a team can lure a top name alumni coach, they will almost always go through a coach or two before finding their guy and odds aren't great he'll be HOF material. I think with Beilein it's a case of wanting to coach - not spend much of your time recruiting players and then having to deal with being hamstrung by the stupid NBA draft rules. It's why I don't think guys like Donovan or Stevens would want to get back in college coaching, at least if they're given a choice.

I wonder if KB Senior uses twitter? Somehow it wouldn't surprise me if some griping tweets popup during the upcoming season.

I can certainly understand the many reasons why a coach would get sick of it. You may spend more time recruiting a player than coaching him.

I don't remember where it was posted, but a couple of months ago an "insider" said something like "don't expect Archie to pursue any more 5-star recruits" (very loosely paraphrased). I'm 100% fine with that as long as he gets the right players.

Interesting insight about TJD and shot selection. It can be a concern from a fan perspective that players work on things they aren't proficient at during games trying to impress the experts. I felt there was some of that with Morgan this past year firing 3's after the NBA evaluation last year. I understand players want to impress, especially hoping to get to the NBA, but as a fan I'm only interested in team success.