SJ 2009-09 Coaching Carousel thread

Leonard Hamilton would actually be a good candidate, zag. Remember that fact that "men's basketball takes a distinct backseat to football"? That's the case in Tallahassee.

Steve Robinson left Leonard Hamilton with a mess. Hamilton can coach as proved by what he did this past season. He had a player in Toney Douglas who can play both ends of the floor and a lot of height with otherwise very limited offensive ability. He found a way to win in an average year in the ACC with that roster.

So absolutely Memphis should look long and hard at Hamilton if it can't lure a coach away from a powerhouse program.

 

Tim Floyd's made it clear on several appearances here in LA in the last coupla days they he is staying at USC -- the comments he's made since returning from UA would make him the biggest hypocrite in sports if he leaves that program in the next coupla weeks.

 

If I am a Memphis fan, I don't like Hamilton for this gig because I can't see him serving as a community face guy. He does well in jobs where he gets to coach and be left alone. He's a fine coach, no question, but not exactly the most congenial guy in the world.

 

Leonard Hamilton's teams have been marked by the same things -- mediocrity, underachieving, poorly finishing games and blowing leads. Oh, but they usually have that one magical night -- despite him -- and beat UNC or Duke -- every season.

He took over in like 2002 -- yeah, I know it was a mess but seven seasons and one NCAA berth to show for it?

I don't care how bad the situation was when you arrived, there is no way it should take you seven seasons to get to the NCAA Tournament in a major conference, particularly given some of the talent he's had to work with.

I ain't sauying he should be contending for ACC titles every year - but once in seven years?

 

Dave Boling wrote a great column about Floyd a few years ago, relating a story about when Boling was covering the guy at Idaho.

He called Floyd to ask about word that he had applied for the open spot at New Orleans. Floyd denied it up and down, said he had never applied for the job and had no interest in leaving. That's when Boling dropped the hammer: "Tim, the school faxed me your resume and cover letter stating your interest in the job." He was gone with a week.

Tim Floyd is already among the biggest hypocrites in sports. He probably won't go to Memphis, but I wouldn't take his word for it.

 

If you were coaching in the NBA and had Michael Jordan consistently trying to get you fired, I dunno if you would be the most warm and fuzzy person in the world, either. Just sayin' ...

 

Leonard wasn't exactly saying "hugs are my favorite" before his stint in D.C.

 

Has Memphis approached Sean Miller yet?

 

FWIW - Jim Calhoun was interviewed after the Huskies lost and said he's going to wait awhile before deciding whether to return.

 

Miller met with Arizona's AD this morning and was apparently offered the job for around $2 million a season.

 

I'm guessing anything regarding Calhoun will have to wait until the results of the NCAA investigation. Depending on what happens, he may feel compelled to retire, though somehow I doubt it will come to that.