Minggu, 25 Maret 2012

The Illinois Vacancy

The best job available in college basketball right now is the one in Champaign, Illinois as the Fighting Illini decided to get rid of coach Bruce Weber after a disappointing season. The next coach for the Illini will have some pressure to turn around a once thriving program as there will be some coaches interested in the job. However, Illinois has already been rejected by VCU coach Shaka Smart as he is staying commited to the Rams. There are some other coaches that could end up taking the Illinois job.

The Favorite

Washington head coach Lorenzo Romar
Romar has a track record for success at Washington despite the fact that his Huskies missed the tournament. Romar has some connections in the midwest which would be very good for recruiting kids in the Chicago area. Illinois is reportedly looking at diverse candidates which also helps Romar's chances of getting the job. Romar could look for a new challenge and the Illinois job is a better job right now. Romar is definitely a favorite for the Illinois job as this could be the time for him to leave Seattle for Champaign.

The Other Contenders
Xavier head coach Chris Mack
Chris Mack is one of the best young coaches in college basketball as he took his Musketeers to the Sweet 16 for the second time in his three year stint as head coach for Xavier. Mack has taken Xavier to the tournament all three years he has been the head coach of Xavier. Mack also has recruiting connections in the midwest icluding in the Chicago area which makes him a viable candidate. Despite the fact his name has not been mentioned yet, Mack could be a young coach that could turn around the Illinois program immediately.

Butler head coach Brad Stevens
Brad Stevens is one of the best young coaches in college basketball as he has been very successful at Butler despite the fact that they missed this year's NCAA Tournament. Stevens has been succesful at brining in talent to Butler despite the lack of resources that he has at Butler University. Stevens has been able to find gems from unexpected places which has made him very successful at Butler. Stevens would be a great coach for the Figthing Illini but he will probably stay at Butler if he is offered the job.

Oregon State head coach Craig Robinson
President Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson has done a very good job at turning around the Beaver program as he is definitely a candidate for the Illinois job. Robinson has some excellent connections to the Chicago area which could allow to recruit some elite talent to Illinois. Robinson has a tough love attitude which is probably needed after the collapse at the end of this season by the Illini. Robinson could definitely end up leaving Corvallis for Champaign.

The Sleeper

Colorado head coach Tad Boyle
In two years at Colorado, Tad Boyle has gone 48-25, won a Pac-12 championship, and made it to third round of the NCAA Tournament. Boyle has proven he is a very good recuriter as he is putting together a very good class in his second year at Colorado. Before Boyle was at Colorado, he turned Northern Colorado into a very good program as he won 25 games in 2009-2010 before leaving for Boulder. Despite not having connections right now in the midwest, Boyle has the ability to make connections quickly which has made him a very good recruiter. Even though he may not be on Illinois's list right now, the Fighting Illini should definitely take a look at Tad Boyle.

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