Indiana Basketball coach search 2.0 - "Legit candidates" and "not gonna happen."

[IUNorth]

Does anyone think it won't be Dusty? He'll get a Brad-similar offer and I think he wants it. He knows he can get it done in the Big Ten now. He may not be everyone's first choice but I think he's in everyone's top 3.

He owes a 1.5m signing bonus back if he resigns before April 1 but has the low buy out. So first week of April.

Then we can switch the debate to roster speculation. Wolf? Will Mullins decommit and stay home? Can Dustys staff resurrect any of our existing players?

Just a guess...

I think money won't end up being the deciding factor for May. Michigan will push hard to keep him, and they'll be competitive with IU, or anyone else, pay wise.

Obviously no idea if May was ever talked with last year at this time...and whether he was, or wasn't, how he feels about how all that went. It seems like the narrative here is that the board assumes he felt "spurned"...but technically, IU never had a job opening. Maybe he doesn't feel that way? That'd be an important part of the puzzle.

Along those lines, and even if he hasn't felt that way...I think for someone like May, feeling like he's coming in to a welcoming, fully on board by all involved, modern, forward thinking organization...could be what pushes him to jump to IU, or pushes him to stay at Michigan. If he doesn't like the vibe from guys like Quinn, Big Donors, or just the overall feel inside the building... Like I said, Michigan will have a very attractive package for him to consider after the season he's put together.

I think this same narrative probably plays out for all the other more proven P4 guys.

 

[kmathum]

Does anyone think it won't be Dusty? He'll get a Brad-similar offer and I think he wants it. He knows he can get it done in the Big Ten now. He may not be everyone's first choice but I think he's in everyone's top 3.

He owes a 1.5m signing bonus back if he resigns before April 1 but has the low buy out. So first week of April.

Then we can switch the debate to roster speculation. Wolf? Will Mullins decommit and stay home? Can Dustys staff resurrect any of our existing players?

number 6 on mine.

 

[IUNorth]

Think we'll try for him. I don't think he leaves Michigan but we'll see.

I think Beard should be considered but also think it's likely (but not certain) that IU is not going to take a chance on him. I hope they don't waste his time. He's a good coach and will win wherever he is.

I'd also be happy with McCullum I think, as a less proven hire.

Good chance we actually hire none of the above.

Gotta think May is the top choice, at this point.

After him, assuming Beard isn't an option... I would like to think McCollum is being considered heavily. And then I keep wondering about Grant McCasland. Some posters on here have stated he isn't likely to leave the south, Texas. If that isn't the case, he might actually be the BEST choice. I haven't paid a ton of attention to him until recent weeks. But man, his teams are fun to watch, and looking back through his history, he has a good track record of both regular season, and post season successes. He also has the relatable experience of taking over a program in turmoil, after Mark Adams issues and departure. And he's been very successful, immediately, utilizing the portal.

 

[ams66]

Michigan will have a very attractive package for him to consider after the season he's put together.

He went into Michigan into the ashes of the dumpster fire that Howard left. I think it was the worst season they've ever had. Rebuilt the program and has them at the top of the conference in year 1.

Why go to Indiana and have to do that over again, lightning might not strike twice, he seems to have everything rolling well where he is, and like you said Michigan can match anything we'd offer to pay if they want to keep him. People bring up their admission standards as a concern, but that also weeds out the low-IQ players. Not an entirely bad thing.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Gotta think May is the top choice, at this point.

After him, assuming Beard isn't an option... I would like to think McCollum is being considered heavily. And then I keep wondering about Grant McCasland. Some posters on here have stated he isn't likely to leave the south, Texas. If that isn't the case, he might actually be the BEST choice. I haven't paid a ton of attention to him until recent weeks. But man, his teams are fun to watch, and looking back through his history, he has a good track record of both regular season, and post season successes. He also has the relatable experience of taking over a program in turmoil, after Mark Adams issues and departure. And he's been very successful, immediately, utilizing the portal.

Have you looked at Darian DeVries, currently of W. Virginia, formerly of Drake? 73% winning percentage at Drake, almost 71% in conference. 3 league/conf tourney championships, 2x MVC coach of year. Seems to be doing a good job at WV. Comes across as a tough guy. Not sure of his buyout.

 

[IUNorth]

He went into Michigan into the ashes of the dumpster fire that Howard left. I think it was the worst season they've ever had. Rebuilt the program and has them at the top of the conference in year 1.

Why go to Indiana and have to do that over again, lightning might not strike twice, he seems to have everything rolling well where he is, and like you said Michigan can match anything we'd offer to pay if they want to keep him. People bring up their admission standards as a concern, but that also weeds out the low-IQ players. Not an entirely bad thing.

Its all part of the calculus, for sure.

In the end...maybe the pull to coach at the school he was a manager at, will be big enough? But my contention is the IU program he'd be entering in to, needs to be welcoming and feel comfortable for him, for him to forsake all the valid things you mention.

If we're approaching him, or anyone else for that matter with..."We're IU...we'll pay you this...we have commitments from NIL people at this level..." And that's the gist of our pitch...we'll end up with someone like Brownell, or "worse".

As a part of this process, I hope like hell...Dolson is taking the opportunity to change how IU basketball is viewed, ran, supported, etc... at the University, and by the key stakeholders close to the program.

I posted a long post, maybe after the Louisville loss?, about how Dolson and IU need to first decide who and what IU basketball wants to be...put things in place to create that culture, create that vibe, etc... THEN go find a top tier guy that fits that. The usual answer I got back was..."The coach determines all that. Get the right coach and he'll make IU bball what it needs to be." That COULD be how this will go. But you dramatically increase your odds of it going well, and set yourself up better for the future, if you work hard on the entire organization, and get everyone in line, and work to match with a high caliber guy from there.

 

[IUNorth]

Have you looked at Darian DeVries, currently of W. Virginia, formerly of Drake? 73% winning percentage at Drake, almost 71% in conference. 3 league/conf tourney championships, 2x MVC coach of year. Seems to be doing a good job at WV. Comes across as a tough guy. Not sure of his buyout.

I think he'd probably be solid. I worry a little bit about how much of his recent success happened because his son was so good, and so impactful for him.

And while he does have the benefit of having this year at WVU on his resume...I think besides that, his resume pales in comparison to some of the other guys that have been discussed on here, including McCollum. And with regards to WVU... They're 15-10 and 6-8, and look quite a lot less competitive since his son went out with his injury.

May
McCollum
McCasland

That's "my" shortlist, as of today.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I think he'd probably be solid. I worry a little bit about how much of his recent success happened because his son was so good, and so impactful for him.

And while he does have the benefit of having this year at WVU on his resume...I think besides that, his resume pales in comparison to some of the other guys that have been discussed on here, including McCollum. And with regards to WVU... They're 15-10 and 6-8, and look quite a lot less competitive since his son went out with his injury.

May
McCollum
McCasland

That's "my" shortlist, as of today.

I'll give you May & McCullum, but I don't get McCasland. What's the attraction there?

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I think he'd probably be solid. I worry a little bit about how much of his recent success happened because his son was so good, and so impactful for him.

And while he does have the benefit of having this year at WVU on his resume...I think besides that, his resume pales in comparison to some of the other guys that have been discussed on here, including McCollum. And with regards to WVU... They're 15-10 and 6-8, and look quite a lot less competitive since his son went out with his injury.

May
McCollum
McCasland

That's "my" shortlist, as of today.

What's your opinion of Schertz?

 

[IUNorth]

I'll give you May & McCullum, but I don't get McCasland. What's the attraction there?

Won a JUCO natty... went to successive elite 8s at D2 level...Beat Purdue at North Texas, won the NIT at North Texas... Its obvious he as the ability to adjust and win as he's progressing up the competition level ladder.

He stepped in to a nasty situation at Texas Tech a couple years ago, and put a team together that made the NCAA, and has a top 10 level team this year.

His offenses are dynamic, and efficient.

He's only 48 years old.

I think the main question...are some of the posters on here right about him being a "Southern Boy", and someone that wouldn't want to leave Texas, or wouldn't be comfortable in the Midwest?

Basketball wise, he's probably a better candidate than most of the names we've most talked about on here lately.

 

[IUbball_lifer]

I think he probably will too.

In this chaotic world of college basketball, leaving MI after one yr to accept the job at IU would be quickly forgotten. MI would quickly move on and reload with a good coach. And at IU, it would be a tiny footnote - particularly with some early winning. It’s a nothing burger IMO.

 

[kmathum]

He went into Michigan into the ashes of the dumpster fire that Howard left. I think it was the worst season they've ever had. Rebuilt the program and has them at the top of the conference in year 1.

Why go to Indiana and have to do that over again, lightning might not strike twice, he seems to have everything rolling well where he is, and like you said Michigan can match anything we'd offer to pay if they want to keep him. People bring up their admission standards as a concern, but that also weeds out the low-IQ players. Not an entirely bad thing.

The conference stinks this year.

 

[GThomas]

Does anyone think it won't be Dusty?

Me. I think he'll get an extension/raise. Moreover, I don't see him leaving one B1G for another after his first season ... and a successful one at that.

I know nothing. Simply using common sense here.

 

[IUNorth]

Me. I think he'll get an extension/raise. Moreover, I don't see him leaving one B1G for another after his first season ... and a successful one at that.

I know nothing. Simply using common sense here.

I think the conference thing is probably a conventional wisdom mindset. More and more players are transferring within conference, and in many cases, without much animosity. Goode from Illinois to IU, as an example. Essegian from Wisky to Nebraska. Etc...

I think it would be awkward for a week or two...he'd get some boos the first game or two up in Ann Arbor...but they largely just care about what the football program does (fanbase wise), so I'm not sure they'd care a ton either way.

 

[GThomas]

I think the conference thing is probably a conventional wisdom mindset. More and more players are transferring within conference, and in many cases, without much animosity. Goode from Illinois to IU, as an example. Essegian from Wisky to Nebraska. Etc...

I think it would be awkward for a week or two...he'd get some boos the first game or two up in Ann Arbor...but they largely just care about what the football program does (fanbase wise), so I'm not sure they'd care a ton either way.

It's the Wild West these days, so it wouldn't be a shock to see a coach bolt after one season. But ... maybe he thinks leaving for a conference competitor after one successful season isn't the right thing to do. And/or maybe he's happy where he's at. And/or maybe IU is no longer his dream job (if it ever was). And what if Dusty makes a tournament run? That would be another reason to come back.

Not seeing it. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be any of the Big 3.

Jmo.

 

[Hoosier_Phenom]

Me. I think he'll get an extension/raise. Moreover, I don't see him leaving one B1G for another after his first season ... and a successful one at that.

I know nothing. Simply using common sense here.

Me. I think he'll get an extension/raise. Moreover, I don't see him leaving one B1G for another after his first season ... and a successful one at that.

I know nothing. Simply using common sense here.

That would depend on if Indiana is his dream job. If Indiana is his dream job and gets a pay raise then he would jump at it.

 

[zeke4ahs]

Who did Beard murder?

I don’t know…who got the traffic ticket? Not very good at analogies?

 

[zeke4ahs]

number 6 on mine.

6? Wow that’s low. Who all is ahead of him? He’s two on mine.

 

[zeke4ahs]

He went into Michigan into the ashes of the dumpster fire that Howard left. I think it was the worst season they've ever had. Rebuilt the program and has them at the top of the conference in year 1.

Why go to Indiana and have to do that over again, lightning might not strike twice, he seems to have everything rolling well where he is, and like you said Michigan can match anything we'd offer to pay if they want to keep him. People bring up their admission standards as a concern, but that also weeds out the low-IQ players. Not an entirely bad thing.

Because IU is his alma mater and he wants to be the one to help it succeed.

 

[zeke4ahs]

Me. I think he'll get an extension/raise. Moreover, I don't see him leaving one B1G for another after his first season ... and a successful one at that.

I know nothing. Simply using common sense here.

I’d think that if IU wasn’t his alma mater, if he didn’t still have ties here, including family, etc.

 

[TR32]

Does anyone think it won't be Dusty? He'll get a Brad-similar offer and I think he wants it. He knows he can get it done in the Big Ten now. He may not be everyone's first choice but I think he's in everyone's top 3.

He owes a 1.5m signing bonus back if he resigns before April 1 but has the low buy out. So first week of April.

Then we can switch the debate to roster speculation. Wolf? Will Mullins decommit and stay home? Can Dustys staff resurrect any of our existing players?

I think Michigan will pony up the money to keep him there.

 

[welshman#]

Gotta think May is the top choice, at this point.

After him, assuming Beard isn't an option... I would like to think McCollum is being considered heavily. And then I keep wondering about Grant McCasland. Some posters on here have stated he isn't likely to leave the south, Texas. If that isn't the case, he might actually be the BEST choice. I haven't paid a ton of attention to him until recent weeks. But man, his teams are fun to watch, and looking back through his history, he has a good track record of both regular season, and post season successes. He also has the relatable experience of taking over a program in turmoil, after Mark Adams issues and departure. And he's been very successful, immediately, utilizing the portal.

Hard for me to think that if, say, UNC came calling McCasland would say “I’m really flattered but I want to stay here and keep coaching in a state where football always comes first.”

iirc his current salary is $3.9 million and his buyout would be about $8.2 million-about half of Cronin’s March buyout and almost $2 million less than Cronin’s April buyout. Personally I’d rather pay Tech the $8.2 million and put the other $1.8 million into NIL than I would to pay UCLA the $10 million next April.

 

[zeke4ahs]

I think Michigan will pony up the money to keep him there.

I think it’s got to be about more than money for him. I’m sure we will match whatever MIchigan brings to the table.

 

[MichaelRR]

Me. I think he'll get an extension/raise. Moreover, I don't see him leaving one B1G for another after his first season ... and a successful one at that.

I know nothing. Simply using common sense here.

And if he did not win at IU and was out on his ear in 4-5 years, he would be a pariah that no P4 team would touch the way he left Michigan after one year, no AD would trust him again.

 

[Cavanagh]

See that’s where you aren’t very good. Do you think a traffic ticket is the same as murder? Do you think leaving after one year is the same as beating up a woman? Hint: it is not. I don’t think anyone except for MIchigan will care if he leaves after one year, especially to come home.

It would be the biggest risk of his career, and a pretty dumb move. He just came in to MI and killed it, gonna be a top 5 seed, maybe even top 3 seed. To leave and come to IN where he has done jack shit is just so dumb. If hedoesnt do well we will for sure fire him, like everyone else, and his career is basically done because looks like a jackass for leaving MI.

Franbkly IU looks like complete idiots for even entertaining MAy. We could have had him last year for far less but now after one more year of knowing Woody is gonna suck we are willing to pay him double?

 

[TMB333]

Hard for me to think that if, say, UNC came calling McCasland would say “I’m really flattered but I want to stay here and keep coaching in a state where football always comes first.”

iirc his current salary is $3.9 million and his buyout would be about $8.2 million-about half of Cronin’s March buyout and almost $2 million less than Cronin’s April buyout. Personally I’d rather pay Tech the $8.2 million and put the other $1.8 million into NIL than I would to pay UCLA the $10 million next April.

I rather hire Ben McCollum.

 

[GThomas]

It would be the biggest risk of his career, and a pretty dumb move. He just came in to MI and killed it, gonna be a top 5 seed, maybe even top 3 seed. To leave and come to IN where he has done jack shit is just so dumb. If hedoesnt do well we will for sure fire him, like everyone else, and his career is basically done because looks like a jackass for leaving MI.

Franbkly IU looks like complete idiots for even entertaining MAy. We could have had him last year for far less but now after one more year of knowing Woody is gonna suck we are willing to pay him double?

Whose to say IU is even pursuing him?

 

[welshman#]

I rather hire Ben McCollum.

I’d probably rather hire either one over Cronin, if only because of Cronin’s buyout. If I’m spending that kind of money on a buyout it better be for Oats or Otzelberger.

 

[zeke4ahs]

And if he did not win at IU and was out on his ear in 4-5 years, he would be a pariah that no P4 team would touch the way he left Michigan after one year, no AD would trust him again.

I think people think about that differently when you are returning to your alma mater. So obviously that wouldn’t happen again.

 

[ams66]

Whose to say IU is even pursuing him?

I’m sure we took his temperature but he may well have already said no or he’s working it to get a better deal where he is.

 

[GThomas]

I’m sure we took his temperature but he may well have already said no or he’s working it to get a better deal where he is.

We all assume IU has reached out. And pursuing Dusty certainly makes sense. But maybe we're all playing checkers while Dolson is out there playing chess.

 

[IUNorth]

We all assume IU has reached out. And pursuing Dusty certainly makes sense. But maybe we're all playing checkers while Dolson is out there playing chess.

Certainly hope so.

 

[IUNorth]

What's your opinion of Schertz?

I like Schertz, and I think everyone would end up loving him if he were to get the job.

He had tons of wins and success at the D2 level. He turned ISU around in a couple years.

I'm not overly impressed with what his St Louis team has looked like, but his track record suggests that next year and the year after they'll make big strides. I think some of the other names floated on this board regularly, have shown an ability to hit the ground running, and have more immediate success.

But his offense is pretty wide open, and overall fun to watch.

 

[kmathum]

I like Schertz, and I think everyone would end up loving him if he were to get the job.

He had tons of wins and success at the D2 level. He turned ISU around in a couple years.

I'm not overly impressed with what his St Louis team has looked like, but his track record suggests that next year and the year after they'll make big strides. I think some of the other names floated on this board regularly, have shown an ability to hit the ground running, and have more immediate success.

But his offense is pretty wide open, and overall fun to watch.

you know what's really fun to watch? WINNING!!!

 

[kkott]

That would depend on if Indiana is his dream job. If Indiana is his dream job and gets a pay raise then he would jump at it.

Couple of issues, beyond what's mentioned. I think a big part of it comes down to does he want to be at a school where basketball is first and the spotlight a little brighter/hotter, or does he like the buffer football provides and maybe buys some grace if you have a down season or two?

The IU job presumably has better NIL and also easier entrance requirements which are also two big factors in favor of the IU job. From what folks have said, I think it's out of character for Dusty to want to leave, but I still think it's possible if IU is truly his dream job. Seems like there was a situation recently where someone left a job after a year to get their dream job.

 

[IUNorth]

Couple of issues, beyond what's mentioned. I think a big part of it comes down to does he want to be at a school where basketball is first and the spotlight a little brighter/hotter, or does he like the buffer football provides and maybe buys some grace if you have a down season or two?

The IU job presumably has better NIL and also easier entrance requirements which are also two big factors in favor of the IU job. From what folks have said, I think it's out of character for Dusty to want to leave, but I still think it's possible if IU is truly his dream job. Seems like there was a situation recently where someone left a job after a year to get their dream job.

Mike White left Florida to go to Georgia...because it was his "home" school.

I don't think anyone on this board has any idea what May would or wouldn't do. All the reasons people have listed on why he wouldn't leave Michigan for IU, could be valid and true. All the reasons people have listed on why he would, also could be valid and true.

The "capacity" is bigger at IU. But the job itself, comes with more pressures, scrutiny, etc...

 

[kkott]

Mike White left Florida to go to Georgia...because it was his "home" school.

I don't think anyone on this board has any idea what May would or wouldn't do. All the reasons people have listed on why he wouldn't leave Michigan for IU, could be valid and true. All the reasons people have listed on why he would, also could be valid and true.

The "capacity" is bigger at IU. But the job itself, comes with more pressures, scrutiny, etc...

But not in first year. White had been at Florida for a few years and was starting to catch some heat I believe.

 

[IUNorth]

But not in first year. White had been at Florida for a few years and was starting to catch some heat I believe.

In some ways...leaving after 1 year is probably easier than after a few years. Less developed relationships, less entrenched in the community, etc... I have an assumption that those things matter to May, more than it might to some other coaches. But like most everything we're discussing and arguing on here, its all just assumptions.

Why does his contract have such a minimal buyout? How does that play on both sides psychology? Maybe May is resentful of that?

Lots of assumptions being made both ways.

 

[dbmhoosier]

I like Schertz, and I think everyone would end up loving him if he were to get the job.

He had tons of wins and success at the D2 level. He turned ISU around in a couple years.

I'm not overly impressed with what his St Louis team has looked like, but his track record suggests that next year and the year after they'll make big strides. I think some of the other names floated on this board regularly, have shown an ability to hit the ground running, and have more immediate success.

But his offense is pretty wide open, and overall fun to watch.

He took over an abysmal situation from Travis Ford. Not sure what his portal haul was like but STL was terrible last season.

 

[IUNorth]

He took over an abysmal situation from Travis Ford. Not sure what his portal haul was like but STL was terrible last season.

There's the overall record...but then there's also how poor they are on the metrics side.

If he were to get the IU job, I think a concern would be it might take him a little longer to turn things around than some of the other regularly mentioned candidates.

Long run...I think he'd be very successful at IU. And we'd love to watch his teams play. But getting there might be a little bit too bumpy??