Since rumors/info/names were shared more freely last night, i feel comfortable sharing the names i heard were on Scott's list. The fact my 5 names are the 5 Rabby's heard (excluding brownell) makes me go hmm, but not in a good way ha. below is the list, with additional context on where my guy told me we were at with them, and he remains very convinced no coach has been hired or signed any paperwork. Also no NDAs involved whatsoever, lol
Brad Stevens: has told us no twice as of last thursday. loves life in the NBA and his exact words "don't get your hopes up with Brad, he isn't coming". at the end of the day i'm just a fan like everyone else here, i see the rumors, flight tracking, and understand it's now or never for him this go around. i choose to continue hoping it's him until we hire someone else.
Scott Drew: multiple conversations between Dolson and Drew's camp, and strong "mutual interest" on both sides. Rabby seems to think Drew is no longer on the table, so maybe somethings changed the last week.
Otz: Scott having conversations with his camp and "mutual interest". didn't think it was as far down the line as talks were with Scott Drew at the time.
Mccollum: at the vetting/gathering info stage, but seemed to think Scott really, really liked him and could do great at IU.
Beard: at the gathering info/backgrounds stage. i still think he is a long shot personally, but fully trust this hire if they think it's worth it once vetted. these background searches (i've seen first hand) literally leave no stone unturned. they will have all the opportunity in the world to say 'yes' or 'no' to Beard once all info is obtained.
coaching searches are funny. so much different info going around, it's hard to know what's real and what isn't and things change in an instant. great job to Scott on this search, he's making a lot of us look silly. i wouldn't be shocked if our new coach is a name not listed above, and sincerely hope it isn't Brownell. If it is, he better bring in 1 hell of a portal haul and win big year 1, the fanbase's patience with him will be very thin.
Lastly, it's quite hypocritical that we finally have a President who understands the importance of Athletics, wants to win big in all major sports, is doing due diligent backgrounds on all viable candidates, and is met with disdain because she (1 of the few with actual information pertaining to Beard's background) would have the gall to actually consider him as a candidate to win big at IU. how about be happy we finally have a president who gets it and McRobbie isn't walking back through that door.
Sorry for the long post, happy friday all. hope we get some good news very soon
- Jackal