Exactly.
If we were Illinois - or Purdue - Tom Crean might be good enough. But not at Indiana.
Do we agree on the following three points:
1. We probably are not going to hire great.
2. We could hire good, and given the advantages of IU, chances are very high that greatness would be achieved fairly quickly (depending on the quality of the hire, of course).
3. The possibility does exist (however faint) that CTC could reach greatness at IU, given time.
I think #1 is a reality as much as we don't want it to be. There are few currently great coaches walking around looking for a job.
I think #2 is spot on, as well.
The problem is #3, and the disagreements exist on several levels. Is CTC even capable of greatness? What is the probability he will ever achieve it if it is possible? If he is capable, what is the timeframe? What is greatness (I liked your definition of elite, btw)?
To some, the answers are "no", "0%", 'N/A", and some sliding scale of greatness. On the other end of the spectrum, the opinion is that he has already achieved it. The gap between these two points of view is huge.
On this board, the "pro-Creaners" are more toward the middle of the spectrum than the "anti-Creaners", who tend to be much more toward the end overall.
Me? I'm to the slight pro-Crean side of the sprectrum, but this year is crucial. Not only can't he afford to regress, but he must show some progress as well. Holding steady is not an option.
