Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4047664
Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4047664
I really don't understand why Memphis didn't talk to Andy Kennedy of Ole Miss. If you think AZ is creating its own coaching stimulus package, check out what RC Johnson and Memphis have done. I am certainly not surpised to see them unable to land a big name, but Pastner? No head coaching experience and only one year as an assistant to Cal!?
I guess the reality of trying to replicate what Cal did and having to live with a delusional fan base that believes their team is one of the best programs in the country was more than enough for many to turn down the opportunity. But, Josh Pastner? Wow!
I know as much about Pastner as anybody, which equals squat. There are a couple things that make sense about the decision thought. One, it will give Memphis some semblance of conitinuity, which the team needs, and two, apparently he is an impressive recruiter, which the program will desperately need. Plus I like seeing schools take chances on young coaches, it worked out well for us. I don't think K was our bottom of the barrel choice as it appears is the situation with Memphis, but it might work out for them in the long run.
Q "Why do you like Duke, you didn't even go there." A "Because my art school didn't have a basketball team."
Pastner has been considered a future head coach since his playing (sitting?) days at Az. He is considered very bright, aggressive and a GREAT recruiter. It is interesting that Memphis pulled the trigger to hire him when there was a LOT of boosters that wanted Josh at Az. I think there was some fallout between Lute and Josh, and Lute guided the search away from Josh (just speculation on my part).
Memphis will be a good spot for Josh. Open recruiting, easy schedule for him to build confidence and a solid record. He may have trouble in the tourney for a few years.
This hire will really hurt UK's recruiting. I wonder how it will impact John Wall's decision?
I think Calhoun probably stays a little longer. But I give about as much credence to coaches staying as players.
It's always a personal thing, and things change. cf. Dean E. Smith, suddenly retiring on October, a week before practice started:
Sometimes it just hits you that it's time. I hope K's time is a long ways away, and he doesn't feel too much pressure to be the best, but feels that he's doing his best.My only guilt, if there is such a word, as I said, is some team, some day would be my last team, and so, yes, there's guilt, and I look in their faces, and I just couldn't handle that yesterday, and I couldn't if I turned right now, but I still believe it's best for them, unless I could give them what I want, but I'm going to work for them. (linky)
-jk
And a lot of boosters thought he was a. trouble; b. a basketball lightweight; and c. too full of himself to be a good teacher.
I was certainly not in his camp.
I can confirm that, to the extent it is confirmable.
Those predictions warrant a clear 'wait and see,' as far as I can tell.
Andy Kennedy does not seem like too nice of a guy...Wouldn't even give my three and five year old sons (at the time) a high five after a victory in a holiday tournamnet played in San Juan, PR. My kids and I were amongst a crowd of only 6 people. Everyone else appparently saw my kids because they were willing to give them some love (even the Clemson Tigers who lost a tight game and had reason to be in a bad mood). His antics of the sidelines and negative treatment of players during the game were equally unimpressive.
Also, I do not remember the exact percentage of Mississippi players who were actually recruited there and stayed from the beginning but I recall it being something like only 3 or maybe 4. The rest were JUCO and Division I transfers. I am not sure this is the best way for major college teams to build. Sure bring in a few transfers every now and again, but this reminded me of the shady high school programs that turn over their rosters every season or so. In fairness, I guess if he got a bigger name job he may not have to do this and perhaps he needed to clean house when he got in but still...I was not impressed.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20...0202/904100365
A unique clause that provides releases upon request for Memphis commitments!
Best--Blueprofessor