As some of you are aware, West Virginia fans are upset with Devries and Indiana because we'd been talking to him through back channels since early in the season. But what they're really upset about is the fact that Tucker was shut down after 8 games for what looks to be saving his eligibility for next season when he moved over with his dad. Notice I said, "looks". Who knows if it's true, but the aesthetics aren't good.
Talking to coaches and players through back channels all season long every season. Everyone knows that. If a coach tells a school to wait until after the season to talk to him then he's not going to get that job. Period. It's that simple and it's well known in the industry so while I feel bad for West Virigina fans on that count it's just a matter of course. However, the issue as to whether or not Tucker was shut down to save his eligibility - not because he wouldn't be able to come back - does have a slimy feel to it.
These theories were being put forth by West Viriginia fans before Devries said that IU was respectful of his season in terms of talking directly to him. I about fell out of my chair when he said that. I couldn't believe it but it just goes to show how second nature it is in the business. Nonetheless, it's kind of a bad look in my opinion.
Me personally, I'm excited by the hire, but for me I can't help but feel there's a bit of a cloud over it because of Tucker's situation. That disappoints me.
Talking to coaches and players through back channels all season long every season. Everyone knows that. If a coach tells a school to wait until after the season to talk to him then he's not going to get that job. Period. It's that simple and it's well known in the industry so while I feel bad for West Virigina fans on that count it's just a matter of course. However, the issue as to whether or not Tucker was shut down to save his eligibility - not because he wouldn't be able to come back - does have a slimy feel to it.
These theories were being put forth by West Viriginia fans before Devries said that IU was respectful of his season in terms of talking directly to him. I about fell out of my chair when he said that. I couldn't believe it but it just goes to show how second nature it is in the business. Nonetheless, it's kind of a bad look in my opinion.
Me personally, I'm excited by the hire, but for me I can't help but feel there's a bit of a cloud over it because of Tucker's situation. That disappoints me.
