IU Prof

The Harbaugh-Stevens parallel isn't perfect. Jim went to HS in Ann Arbor and obviously played at UofM, while Brad never lived or played here. Plus Jim, unlike Brad was quickly wearing it his welcome with the 49ers at the time. All that said, I do think it's nevertheless a really good analogy in terms of media skepticism about how a pro coach would never voluntarily lower himself to return to the college game. Hopefully the story ends the same way here (without the 9 year roller coaster ride to win a championship, of course).

Is Cronin a good coach? Absolutely. Would he be an upgrade over the last 8 years? Almost assuredly. Would he hang a banner here? I'd put the odds at comfortably under 50%. Which probably isn't good enough unless we strike out on 5 or 6 other guys.

We know Brad was Dolson's top choice last time. If, and that's still a big IF, Dolson does truly have his guy in the fold, then I'd be shocked if it wasn't Stevens. I doubt Jerry'd have said, twice, "it's all happening" in reference to Dusty or Mick. Add to this the fact Trilly said he hadn't heard any buzz with IU doing backchannelling to college coaches, which is consistent with targeting an NBA guy. To be clear, I'm not saying I think it is Brad. Just that he's the only plausible candidate if our guy is already in the bag.

Ok, who's heading out to the airport tomorrow to collect intel?

After that press conference today, I don't think there's much of a doubt he'd take it if offered.

Food for thought... Dusty May, Year One at UofM, currently 18-5, tied for 1st in the B1G, KenPom #20 (previous season 8-24). Chris Beard, Year One at Ole Miss, finished 20-12, 10th in the SEC, KenPom #86 (previous season 12-21).

If wasting that year bought the time we needed to lock down Brad Stevens, then it wasn't a waste...

I don't think he has. There are stories about how he tried to quit drinking, but couldn't pull it off: https://www.outkick.com/sports/texas-basketball-coach-chris-beard-is-once-again-drinking-beer

Completely agree. I was luke warm on Dusty last year, but this year has answered a lot of my questions. Plus I believe Beilein was heavily involved in consulting on UofM's search last Spring, and quickly identified May as the guy. That says a lot to me as well.

Not gonna lie, the "Banned from McNutt" tier made me laugh.

One last time, for old time's sake...time to let Woody cook.

Not my top choice by any stretch, but there could certainly be worse outcomes. Much worse.

Man, it is really quiet after all the activity yesterday. It feels like either everything is wrapped up and they are just waiting until later afternoon for an announcement, or else something went seriously off the rails.

13 days after Archie was fired felt like an eternity. I can't imagine what 40+ days will be like...

They're heading out to pick up Steve Kerr to be top assistant...

Quick, someone get up to Indy...you've got 90 minutes

From this Yeagley bomb:

If Few is legit interested, I think you have to take him for 8-10 years over May. If we have a real shot at Brad, with Mark Few as a fallback, we're golden.

Agreed 100% I

I don't think Brad would be on that list, as he's President of Basketball Ops, not GM. Darryl Morey isn't listed either, even though Elton Brand, the GM who reports to him, is.

Thanks. Didn't mean to call you out, just confused where the numbers was coming from.

Why do we think Stevens only makes $1.5 million? NBA GMs routinely make $4 million plus, and as high as $10 millions according to this: https://frontofficesports.com/highest-paid-nba-general-managers/ This suggests that elite NBA front office personnel regularly get $10 million: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4123595/2023/01/25/warriors-bob-myers-contract-extension/

Don't get the concern about Stevens because he's been out of the college game for 10 years. If anything, recruiting is less relationship driven now. The GM skills he has developed would be incredibly valuable, and I'm guessing that he's developed relationships with more agents than any college coach going right now. Assuming he stays 10 years, I think you are looking at 2 banners, minimum.

What are your current odds on Brad being the guy?

How does your confidence level this time around for Brad compare to last time?