Beard

[ANOTHERBANNERYEAR]

I think McCollum has the most upside of any possible candidates.

 

[gator mcCluskey]

I know this sounds ridiculous, but when I see the way Dusty May comports himself it kind of worries me. It actually worries me a lot. I just don’t think he’s cut out for the job here. It’s plain as day that we need a guy like Chris Beard. Let’s pray that Dolson can see it…

 

[ams66]

Beard down double digits at home right now.

 

[IndyMitchell]

I am 100% for Beard. Dusty has done well but not the same caliber as Beard, at least yet. We need to get this right and not be over enamored with May's IU connection. For what its worth think MI will up his contract. Beard is best choice

On peegs, Rabjohn squashes anyone that talks about Beard. It's kind of annoying. Then discusses that Will Wade is a fine guy.

After you win a championship you are loaded with talent but prior not so much. Even Clingan was a local four star that wasn’t highly recruited although big time in Connecticut

First championship team

Clingan four star not heavily recruited NBA
Hawkins four star not heavily recruited NBA
Sanogo four star not heavily recruited and G league
Newton transfer E Carolina G league
Karaban four star not heavily recruited pro results to be seen
Jackson four star not heavily recruited NBA

None of these players had offers from programs like KY, Duke, Kansas…

My only point is a championship improves the estimates of player abilities significantly but before hand often not that clear cut.

I don't know who had offers from where but their second unit would have beaten most teams.

 

[Jim Coyle]

Why? Because he's an IU guy?

He's not an "IU" guy, so no. He is a damn good coach that has won at three different places. What he has quickly managed at a normally downtrodden Ole Miss BB program (13-22 pre-Beard), in the best league in the country, has been pretty impressive. He coaches with a style that has an edge to it that I think IU fans would welcome. Add in the resources available at Indiana that he currently does not have, and I think his success level only climbs. He does have a great respect for what he learned from Bob Knight, which is obviously very impactful on his coaching. That tells me he gets what the Indiana program means to its fans and how great it could be again with the right person at the helm. That's why.

 

[IUNorth]

He's not an "IU" guy, so no. He is a damn good coach that has won at three different places. What he has quickly managed at a normally downtrodden Ole Miss BB program (13-22 pre-Beard), in the best league in the country, has been pretty impressive. He coaches with a style that has an edge to it that I think IU fans would welcome. Add in the resources available at Indiana that he currently does not have, and I think his success level only climbs. He does have a great respect for what he learned from Bob Knight, which is obviously very impactful on his coaching. That tells me he gets what the Indiana program means to its fans and how great it could be again with the right person at the helm. That's why.

There are compelling basketball specific that make him one of the better fits out there right now.

But the IU job is, and should be, about more than basketball. And I think this is where his connection with RMK is causing people to speak out of both sides of their mouths when talking about Beard, and also failing to see the downsides he has a coach, and then obviously not acknowledging the very real risks associated with hiring him.

Both sides of their mouths... Many people use personality, and the ability to handle the IU spotlight as reasons why a guy like McCollum shouldn't be hired. But completely discount that the only time Beard had a job anywhere near the stress and environment the IU job involves...he "cracked" and had an awful drunken incident with his fiance, and lost that job because of it. Other than his short Texas stint, he's had the luxury of coaching in relative anonymity.

Downsides as a coach...he runs a "bully ball" system. He wins with it. It would actually probably fit the B10 conference pretty well. But it isn't pretty. And to some fans, that will end up mattering. And again...the response to this might be..."who cares if he wins"? I'd ask why its a negative for a guy like McCollum then? He's also had something like 6 head coaching jobs in 13 years. So...how well equipped is he to build and then maintain a high level program? Lots of assumptions being made here...and I suspect those assumptions come largely because he has ties with RMK.

And then the real issue... and I've posted this a couple times recently. Its NOT just whether or not he's innocent or guilty of some horrendous DV incident. And its not just the moral issues that whole incident presents. Its the very real risk that he might do something that normally wouldn't warrant him being fired, that because of that past incident, would almost certainly force Dolson/Whitten to "cancel" him. Or even more likely... if his fiance, at any point, feels like she wants to revise the story again. He's toast. And again, the RMK connection here, I think, is causing many people to just discount those things as non factors.

In short...very good coach. Basketball wise he'd be a good overall fit. But he's not THE PERFECT candidate, like he's become on here with many in the last few weeks.

 

[Bippy]

There are compelling basketball specific that make him one of the better fits out there right now.

But the IU job is, and should be, about more than basketball. And I think this is where his connection with RMK is causing people to speak out of both sides of their mouths when talking about Beard, and also failing to see the downsides he has a coach, and then obviously not acknowledging the very real risks associated with hiring him.

Both sides of their mouths... Many people use personality, and the ability to handle the IU spotlight as reasons why a guy like McCollum shouldn't be hired. But completely discount that the only time Beard had a job anywhere near the stress and environment the IU job involves...he "cracked" and had an awful drunken incident with his fiance, and lost that job because of it. Other than his short Texas stint, he's had the luxury of coaching in relative anonymity.

Downsides as a coach...he runs a "bully ball" system. He wins with it. It would actually probably fit the B10 conference pretty well. But it isn't pretty. And to some fans, that will end up mattering. And again...the response to this might be..."who cares if he wins"? I'd ask why its a negative for a guy like McCollum then? He's also had something like 6 head coaching jobs in 13 years. So...how well equipped is he to build and then maintain a high level program? Lots of assumptions being made here...and I suspect those assumptions come largely because he has ties with RMK.

And then the real issue... and I've posted this a couple times recently. Its NOT just whether or not he's innocent or guilty of some horrendous DV incident. And its not just the moral issues that whole incident presents. Its the very real risk that he might do something that normally wouldn't warrant him being fired, that because of that past incident, would almost certainly force Dolson/Whitten to "cancel" him. Or even more likely... if his fiance, at any point, feels like she wants to revise the story again. He's toast. And again, the RMK connection here, I think, is causing many people to just discount those things as non factors.

In short...very good coach. Basketball wise he'd be a good overall fit. But he's not THE PERFECT candidate, like he's become on here with many in the last few weeks.

excellent post, thank you.
Why in the world, with all the potential other great coaches out there, must we accept one with a DV allegation? Having it dropped is meaningless. Can you imagine the humiliation the accuser would have to face if it had gone to court.
How many folks on this board have had to deal with even a charge of domestic assault whether it stuck or was dropped?
He's is NOT an option.

 

[kkott]

There are compelling basketball specific that make him one of the better fits out there right now.

But the IU job is, and should be, about more than basketball. And I think this is where his connection with RMK is causing people to speak out of both sides of their mouths when talking about Beard, and also failing to see the downsides he has a coach, and then obviously not acknowledging the very real risks associated with hiring him.

Both sides of their mouths... Many people use personality, and the ability to handle the IU spotlight as reasons why a guy like McCollum shouldn't be hired. But completely discount that the only time Beard had a job anywhere near the stress and environment the IU job involves...he "cracked" and had an awful drunken incident with his fiance, and lost that job because of it. Other than his short Texas stint, he's had the luxury of coaching in relative anonymity.

Downsides as a coach...he runs a "bully ball" system. He wins with it. It would actually probably fit the B10 conference pretty well. But it isn't pretty. And to some fans, that will end up mattering. And again...the response to this might be..."who cares if he wins"? I'd ask why its a negative for a guy like McCollum then? He's also had something like 6 head coaching jobs in 13 years. So...how well equipped is he to build and then maintain a high level program? Lots of assumptions being made here...and I suspect those assumptions come largely because he has ties with RMK.

And then the real issue... and I've posted this a couple times recently. Its NOT just whether or not he's innocent or guilty of some horrendous DV incident. And its not just the moral issues that whole incident presents. Its the very real risk that he might do something that normally wouldn't warrant him being fired, that because of that past incident, would almost certainly force Dolson/Whitten to "cancel" him. Or even more likely... if his fiance, at any point, feels like she wants to revise the story again. He's toast. And again, the RMK connection here, I think, is causing many people to just discount those things as non factors.

In short...very good coach. Basketball wise he'd be a good overall fit. But he's not THE PERFECT candidate, like he's become on here with many in the last few weeks.

Again, the great thing is none of this has to be decided by anyone on this board. Investigate him and you'll have your answer about his background and the risk it presents in a day. Doubtful the fiance changes her story; I'd imagine she has an agreement in place that prevents further comment. But, as others have said, there's a reason he wasn't a serious candidate for Lville or UK and I suspect that likely gives us our answer for now.

 

[BradStevens]

There are compelling basketball specific that make him one of the better fits out there right now.

But the IU job is, and should be, about more than basketball. And I think this is where his connection with RMK is causing people to speak out of both sides of their mouths when talking about Beard, and also failing to see the downsides he has a coach, and then obviously not acknowledging the very real risks associated with hiring him.

Both sides of their mouths... Many people use personality, and the ability to handle the IU spotlight as reasons why a guy like McCollum shouldn't be hired. But completely discount that the only time Beard had a job anywhere near the stress and environment the IU job involves...he "cracked" and had an awful drunken incident with his fiance, and lost that job because of it. Other than his short Texas stint, he's had the luxury of coaching in relative anonymity.

Downsides as a coach...he runs a "bully ball" system. He wins with it. It would actually probably fit the B10 conference pretty well. But it isn't pretty. And to some fans, that will end up mattering. And again...the response to this might be..."who cares if he wins"? I'd ask why its a negative for a guy like McCollum then? He's also had something like 6 head coaching jobs in 13 years. So...how well equipped is he to build and then maintain a high level program? Lots of assumptions being made here...and I suspect those assumptions come largely because he has ties with RMK.

And then the real issue... and I've posted this a couple times recently. Its NOT just whether or not he's innocent or guilty of some horrendous DV incident. And its not just the moral issues that whole incident presents. Its the very real risk that he might do something that normally wouldn't warrant him being fired, that because of that past incident, would almost certainly force Dolson/Whitten to "cancel" him. Or even more likely... if his fiance, at any point, feels like she wants to revise the story again. He's toast. And again, the RMK connection here, I think, is causing many people to just discount those things as non factors.

In short...very good coach. Basketball wise he'd be a good overall fit. But he's not THE PERFECT candidate, like he's become on here with many in the last few weeks.

Good post.

 

[ndhuntington]

I'm fine with Beard or May seems like it's probably down to them as the front runner. Two different personality's both Knight connections both final four guys I'm good with either one.

 

[Jim Coyle]

There are compelling basketball specific that make him one of the better fits out there right now.

But the IU job is, and should be, about more than basketball. And I think this is where his connection with RMK is causing people to speak out of both sides of their mouths when talking about Beard, and also failing to see the downsides he has a coach, and then obviously not acknowledging the very real risks associated with hiring him.

Both sides of their mouths... Many people use personality, and the ability to handle the IU spotlight as reasons why a guy like McCollum shouldn't be hired. But completely discount that the only time Beard had a job anywhere near the stress and environment the IU job involves...he "cracked" and had an awful drunken incident with his fiance, and lost that job because of it. Other than his short Texas stint, he's had the luxury of coaching in relative anonymity.

Downsides as a coach...he runs a "bully ball" system. He wins with it. It would actually probably fit the B10 conference pretty well. But it isn't pretty. And to some fans, that will end up mattering. And again...the response to this might be..."who cares if he wins"? I'd ask why its a negative for a guy like McCollum then? He's also had something like 6 head coaching jobs in 13 years. So...how well equipped is he to build and then maintain a high level program? Lots of assumptions being made here...and I suspect those assumptions come largely because he has ties with RMK.

And then the real issue... and I've posted this a couple times recently. Its NOT just whether or not he's innocent or guilty of some horrendous DV incident. And its not just the moral issues that whole incident presents. Its the very real risk that he might do something that normally wouldn't warrant him being fired, that because of that past incident, would almost certainly force Dolson/Whitten to "cancel" him. Or even more likely... if his fiance, at any point, feels like she wants to revise the story again. He's toast. And again, the RMK connection here, I think, is causing many people to just discount those things as non factors.

In short...very good coach. Basketball wise he'd be a good overall fit. But he's not THE PERFECT candidate, like he's become on here with many in the last few weeks.

Great stuff. I was simply speaking in generalities about his coaching and not promoting him for the job. I have consistently said, both here and on radio, that Beard will not be the picture.

 

[IndyMitchell]

I'm fine with Beard or May seems like it's probably down to them as the front runner. Two different personality's both Knight connections both final four guys I'm good with either one.

I'd bet that May is the guy thearey

I'm fine with Beard or May seems like it's probably down to them as the front runner. Two different personality's both Knight connections both final four guys I'm good with either one.

I hope we don't have to go outside of these two options.

 

[Jim Coyle]

The funniest thing about this is that there is not ONE legitimate (known) candidate that someone doesn't like for one reason or another.

 

[TR32]

I think this is exactly how Indiana will view this situation. I do not think Beard is a viable candidate at this time. Maybe the next time around.

there is no next time around. Not for IU and not for Beard.

He is a candidate because there are only a few coaches who could succeed at IU right now and he is one of them. There will not be another time because if IU tanks for another 4 years the fan base will be gone and so will the NIL money.

I DO think Beard is a strong candidate for the IU job.

I also think people who say Buzz Williams is a candidate are the same ones who used to say Lon Krueger was a candidate, and the people who say Mick Cronin is a candidate are the same ones who used to say John Calipari was a candidate.

 

[ams66]

A coach who wins will bring the fans back. Look at football. Worst program in the NCAA and we went to the playoffs and are selling out the stadium in year one. Because we found a coach who wins.

Not saying it would be good to spend another 4 years with a bad coach, but the fans will always come back.

 

[TR32]

If not Beard, I could get on board with McCollum. But he poses some problems with our fanbase.

1. He’s coached too long. 16 years as a head coach is an auto-disqualification. Must have coached under 10 years and had at least one flukey run to the Final Four and your other seasons mediocre.

May is 13-4 all-time vs the Big Ten.
That's over 76%, for those without a calculator.

Pretty solid start for a young coach.

 

[ndhuntington]

No to Ben McCollum. In 2008 Drake was 28-5 with a first year coach the next upcoming young coach Keno Davis. He left Drake for Providence after one year fired after three seasons going 46-50 at Providence.

 

[Vern Pain]

No to Ben McCollum. In 2008 Drake was 28-5 with a first year coach the next upcoming young coach Keno Davis. He left Drake for Providence after one year fired after three seasons going 46-50 at Providence.

I'd say those four NCAA D2 championships kind of set him apart from Keno Davis.