Having read some of the previous posts, I have some questions that maybe someone can answer. Have all the coaches cleaned out their offices and are gone from Lingle? If so, who is monitoring the academics of the players? Is anyone working with the players who have not left on skill development? Is anyone on the staff helping those in the portal with questions they have?
On another subject, I agree 100% with Mike Reis about the need for a practice facility. As an early 70’s student, I can remember walking through the Arena and the basketball team was practicing on the floor, the men’s and women’s gymnastic teams were practicing on the concourse as well as the wrestling team. In late January, baseball might also be on the concourse. It was really crazy and this was before women’s sports became big. The teams need a dedicated area for practices with player accessibility.
He is also correct in that the NIL is even more important. I guess I could cough up a little more $$$ even though my wife said it has to come out of my golfing money.
Not sure about right now, but when BH was let go, all the assistants and DOBO remained until Mullins was hired and let them go himself. Not saying they are working out with the current players, but they are probably still in their offices, at least to some extent.
what current players ?
Yeah just a couple. Ugh
Spradlin would be a very good hire ... that first half was final proof to me, regardless of where it goes from here. If they take Illinois to the wire or win, I could see him getting similar to bigger jobs than SIU as the carousel unfolds (for example, Western Kentucky's coach is rumored to be a candidate at SMU and would be a regional fit).
Not sure who people expect SIU, circa 2024, can expect to attract that, on paper, would be more qualified/impressive. Open to other names, but ... he'd be a good one.
I don’t get the facination with a guy who did not even win the OVC until the two best teams left. This two teams have done what in the Valley ?
so according to the mvc fans guy a coach has already been decided. Do you know who ?
Yeah, I’m sold on Spradlin.
I’m not sure we want Morehead to pull this upset off. Spradlin might suddenly become a target for bigger fish.
He might be too big for us already, actually. I’m not sure SIU can pay enough to make it worth it for him to make this move.
I don’t get the facination with a guy who did not even win the OVC until the two best teams left. This two teams have done what in the Valley ?
Totally agree. I'll take a wait-and-see, but I have no opinions about Spradlin except I hope the new coach is someone with a more impressive resume.
I don't know what candidates you have in mind that have a great resume that's attainable for SIU. Because the backup option might be an assistant coach for an 0-18 SEC team. I wouldn't hate a Smithpeters hire but he doesn't have a better resume than a guy that's built a program that's currently playing an NCAA Tournament game.
His teams have reached the NCAA Tournament twice in the past four years. That's certainly good enough for me given that we have reached it 0 times in 17 years. I don't know what in tarnation people expect when they say they want someone with a "better resume." Do you have someone else in mind? If so, let's see your suggestions. Look, I don't know if he'd be great or not at SIU, and certainly there are a few other people (McCollum, Henderson and probably others who haven't been mentioned as candidates) I'd be comfortable with, but I think he comes close to maxing it out as far as who we could attain.
McCollum is a guy I'd take personally. I still think he's off to Missouri State but I'm also not sure why they haven't made that official yet. Are they looking for a bigger name than him?
And in the other 2 years (of the last 4) made the NIT and to the OVC championship game.
My pick would be McCollum, whose won D2 national titles and coaches of the year or Ben Howlett whose turned a po dunk West Virginia school into a power house.
My pick would be McCollum, whose won D2 national titles and coaches of the year or Ben Howlett whose turned a po dunk West Virginia school into a power house.
Jordan Fee has been getting a lot of mentions too for some DI jobs. Just knocked Howlett out of the tournament. He’s still pretty young to HC position(and young in general), but he was an assistant for some time at Nova Southeastern under Crutchfield…big time powerhouse in D2 right now. Definitely plays a different style than we are used to seeing.
My pick would be McCollum, whose won D2 national titles and coaches of the year or Ben Howlett whose turned a po dunk West Virginia school into a power house.
Jordan Fee has been getting a lot of mentions too for some DI jobs. Just knocked Howlett out of the tournament. He’s still pretty young to HC position(and young in general), but he was an assistant for some time at Nova Southeastern under Crutchfield…big time powerhouse in D2 right now. Definitely plays a different style than we are used to seeing.
Fee ironically also played at West Liberty.
McCollum is a guy I'd take personally. I still think he's off to Missouri State but I'm also not sure why they haven't made that official yet. Are they looking for a bigger name than him?
I've been taking an occasional gander at their fan message board and quite a few big names are being tossed about (Huggins even made an appearance, just as he did on this board). The one most commonly mentioned is Alford. Don't see it happening, but apparently he has said he wants to retire to the Springfield area, which is generating some hope. Crean also has a few supporters.
