Let's have a reasonable conversation about Mick Cronin

[mushroomgod_1]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

 

[ams66]

He's 53, been coaching long enough that his record is what it is. His ceiling is a sweet 16. The one Final Four is an outlier in a somewhat non-normal pandemic season.

 

[CriticArisen]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, Eason and then Cronin and no recruits from the interim. 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

Nice summary and love your last sentence.

I read through a summary and no probation but Huggins fired then interim coach for an entire season then Cronin and no recruits from interim so he had to get a couple guys from the football team. One was Connor Barwin that played for the Texans. I guess he had to rebuild from a very shambled beginning and took quite a lot of time.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

He's 53, been coaching long enough that his record is what it is. His ceiling is a sweet 16. The one Final Four is an outlier in a somewhat non-normal pandemic season.

Would you expect him to get to the FF coaching at Cincy once it got demoted to the AAC?

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

EDIT--Another question I'd have is what happened to the team last year? I think he's done pretty well this year with a transfer heavy lineup.

 

[CriticArisen]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

Also a reason Huggins was fired was low graduation rate. She wanted to improve academics so probably his recruiting was restricted.

 

[Pryght]

Cronin’s $16M buyout doesn’t seem worth it, especially with his 15-14 NCAA Tournament record. As we saw with Crean, simply making the tournament isn’t enough. Outside of one Final Four run, his track record is underwhelming. Add in the ugly suits, whiny demeanor, and lack of accountability, and it’s even less appealing. Calling out his own coaches and players in his sixth year at UCLA, when he recruited those guys himself, is a bad look. If that’s the culture at UCLA, I want no part of it in Bloomington.

 

[kurt cloverdales]

EDIT--Another question I'd have is what happened to the team last year? I think he's done pretty well this year with a transfer heavy lineup.

UCLA wanted him to take a bunch of foreign players last year, were highly ranked but most of them didn't pan out. he was concerned about the coachability of some of the locals. was given a decent NIL war chest this year and has arguably the hottest team in the BIG . won 9 of the last 10. thinks being on the west coast is a major disadvantage in the BIG. UCLA averages about 6k a game, he wants to get back to the Midwest where people care about basketball. and for family reasons. Huge buyout but UCLA has basically told him they will work with him if he wants to leave. from the Pitino, tree see what Willard is building at Maryland. does not play boring basketball as some on here have said. Cincy maybe so but he couldn't get the type of player there that he has at UCLA. or will be able to get at Indiana. his people have actively expressed his interest in the job.

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

Cronin’s $16M buyout doesn’t seem worth it, especially with his 15-14 NCAA Tournament record. As we saw with Crean, simply making the tournament isn’t enough. Outside of one Final Four run, his track record is underwhelming. Add in the ugly suits, whiny demeanor, and lack of accountability, and it’s even less appealing. Calling out his own coaches and players in his sixth year at UCLA, when he recruited those guys himself, is a bad look. If that’s the culture at UCLA, I want no part of it in Bloomington.

Chris Beard's FF run was an outlier too.

See how easy it is to dismiss things just because?

 

[CriticArisen]

EDIT--Another question I'd have is what happened to the team last year? I think he's done pretty well this year with a transfer heavy lineup.

He had 7 freshman and 3 sophs last season and a transfer from Serbia.

They shot 41.9% from the field and 33% from 3 and averaged 66 ppg.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Cronin’s $16M buyout doesn’t seem worth it, especially with his 15-14 NCAA Tournament record. As we saw with Crean, simply making the tournament isn’t enough. Outside of one Final Four run, his track record is underwhelming. Add in the ugly suits, whiny demeanor, and lack of accountability, and it’s even less appealing. Calling out his own coaches and players in his sixth year at UCLA, when he recruited those guys himself, is a bad look. If that’s the culture at UCLA, I want no part of it in Bloomington.

Funny you'd mention his clothing. I noticed his suit when they played us...it wasn't a good look. I remember when Archie was coaching that was a problem as well, In Archie's case the suits were too short. I can't understand how a high level D1 AD doesn't have the balls to suggest that his coach needs some work on his wardrobe. Makes 0 sense.

Also agree that his complaining this year has not been a good look. Some people have said he's more of a Midwest guy, so it may be a poor culture fit. If he's truly unhappy there, UCLA might waive a big chunk of that buyout.

 

[RowdyHoosier]

Cronin isn't a "sexy" hire. That would be the big thing. Most IU fans want a hire which will make WAVES in the sporting world. Cronin wouldn't move the needle much. I put him in the same tier as McDermott, McCullum, McCasland, Brownell and Tony Bennett. I think I would feel about the same as when we hired Kelvin Sampson. NOW, many lament the firing of KS and yearn for him back. So there is THAT.

 

[Pryght]

Chris Beard's FF run was an outlier too.

See how easy it is to dismiss things just because?

Well, Chris Beard has a 14-6 NCAA Tournament record, which is significantly better than 15-14.

 

[mohoosier]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

No thanks

 

[IUHoopster]

It’s perfectly reasonable to say NO.

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

Well, Chris Beard has a 14-6 NCAA Tournament record, which is significantly better than 15-14.

I did a search and couldn't find any domestic abuse scandals for Cronin though.

Cronin's personality is bleh at best. I'm not an advocate, but we could do worse. I wouldn't hate it.

 

[jacksback]

Funny you'd mention his clothing. I noticed his suit when they played us...it wasn't a good look. I remember when Archie was coaching that was a problem as well, In Archie's case the suits were too short. I can't understand how a high level D1 AD doesn't have the balls to suggest that his coach needs some work on his wardrobe. Makes 0 sense.

Also agree that his complaining this year has not been a good look. Some people have said he's more of a Midwest guy, so it may be a poor culture fit. If he's truly unhappy there, UCLA might waive a big chunk of that buyout.

I'll never forget how Archie's pants where so short he had to be buying them in the JC Pennys boys department.

 

[jacksback]

And Cronin seems like an angry little south pole elf.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

Here's an interesting stat. In his last 11 years at Cincy and UCLA Cronin has finished:

-- #1 3x

--#2 4x

__#3 2x

--#4 1x

--#5 1x

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I'll never forget how Archie's pants where so short he had to be buying them in the JC Pennys boys department.

Yes, it was crazy. And to me it raised a serious concern about Scott Dull Son.......namely, why in the hell wouldn't you have someone buy his suits so he looked the part of a big-time coach??

 

[Pryght]

I did a search and couldn't find any domestic abuse scandals for Cronin though.

Cronin's personality is bleh at best. I'm not an advocate, but we could do worse. I wouldn't hate it.

Yeah, Beard is definitely a piece of shit, but from a coaching standpoint, he’s elite. Outside of Boy Wonder, I think he’s the closest to being a surefire success, assuming his rumored struggles with alcoholism don’t worsen under the pressure of coaching in fishbowl.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Yeah, Beard is definitely a piece of shit, but from a coaching standpoint, he’s elite. Outside of Boy Wonder, I think he’s the closest to being a surefire success, assuming his rumored struggles with alcoholism don’t worsen under the pressure of coaching in fishbowl.

Agree. He'd be my #3 if we would really consider him, which I doubt we will. He'd be #2 from purely a coaching perspective, but you do have to discount him a bit in llght of the possibility of on-going issues. Right now my ranking of names mentioned would be:

--Stevens
--May
--Beard
--McCullom
--Cronin
--Devries
--Shertz
--Byington
--McCasland
--Brownell
--McDermitt

 

[GThomas]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

Buyout.

End of discussion.

 

[Pryght]

Here's an interesting stat. In his last 11 years at Cincy and UCLA Cronin has finished:

-- #1 3x

--#2 4x

__#3 2x

--#4 1x

--#5 1x

Keep in mind, during his first 7 years, Cincy was in the Big East....and he mostly struggled.

#4: 1x
#6: 1x
#9: 2x
#10: 1x
#11th: 1x
#16th: 1X

In the 11 years you mentioned, when Cincy was in the American Athletic Conference and Pac-12.

Round of 64
Round of 32
Round of 64
Round of 32
Round of 32
Round of 64
No Postseason Held
Final Four
Sweet 16
Sweet 16
Missed Tournament

 

[IndyAuthor]

He would likely win enough to keep the job 7-8 years, but not enough to satisfy everyone. That's just my opinion, but who knows. Fun to speculate. But he and Stevens are off the list. So, best to look elsewhere.

 

[rocketo]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

No

 

[TR32]

More than anything else, the thing that Cronin has underperformed on is basically what I call "wins per star" or in other words, how many wins he has relative to the number of RSCI top 100 players on his roster.

Take Greg Gard, give him the money to recruit 8 x RSCI top 100 guys, see Wisconsin win a title. I mean, he is not a world beater, but Wisconsin is 20-5 right now with exactly 1 kid ranked 90th. That's Nolan Winter.

In contrast, Mick Cronin is 19-7 with 10 players ranked in the RSCI top 100. That means Mick has more talent than anyone in the league, but he's 19-7, instead of 23-3.

That's the problem. It really gets bad if you look at last season. I mean, that guy is getting about 180 horsepower out of that V8 big block engine.

So consistent winner? Yes, he is.
Achieved peak success? Yes, reached FF.
Plays defense? Yep.
Gets a lot out of his guys because of good basketball? Nope. Cant say that he does.

If you want to get into the real issues, it is a thing where you have the possibility that a coach is getting pressured to produce Pros for NIL dollars. I'm concerned this may have happened to Woodson.
I don't want any of that garbage infiltrating IU basketball. If you can make the NBA, fine, but the reason you come to IU is to go to class and win college basketball games for the university.
If Cronin has been influenced by outside sources, and he's trying to produce polished pro-ready players- win or not, I don't want him near IU.

 

[Hank Reardon]

His F4 season was really a fluke. UCLA was an 11 seed and barely made the tourney. Yeah they won 4 games and advanced to the FF but the season wasn't particularly good. They were sweating Selection Sunday.

We've seen what Cronin is. There is no reason to think he'd be any better at IU.

 

[frikkenfrakken]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

You picked the wrong board for a reasonable discussion of anything.

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

His first 4 years as a head coach were not good:
17-16
17-15
13-10
19-15

Oh. Wait a minute……that’s Dusty May’s record at FAU before his Mike Dave run to the Final Four.

You put together 4 years like that in B-town out of the gate, you are gonzo!

 

[kmathum]

His first 4 years as a head coach were not good:
17-16
17-15
13-10
19-15

Oh. Wait a minute……that’s Dusty May’s record at FAU before his Mike Dave run to the Final Four.

You put together 4 years like that in B-town out of the gate, you are gonzo!

To me he's another Crean. Maybe not even that good.

 

[aajohn2000]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

Have you seen his buyout? This is not happening.

 

[TR32]

His first 4 years as a head coach were not good:
17-16
17-15
13-10
19-15

Oh. Wait a minute……that’s Dusty May’s record at FAU before his Mike Dave run to the Final Four.

You put together 4 years like that in B-town out of the gate, you are gonzo!

Did you watch May draw up the winning play vs OSU the other day? Looked pretty darn good if you ask me.

FAU doesn't get Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kel'el Ware or Jalen Hood-Shifino.

You are right though, at IU max build is 3 years. The fans will probably give you 2, plus a year where things are starting to come together. Crean changed the game by absolutely sucking in year 3, back in 2010.

 

[Let 'er Fly]

I know I'm stepping in it here because I haven't even liked the thought of this guy at IU. Certainly behind guys like Stevens, May, Beard and McCullom but also some up and comers......But on here some but more especially on some other sites his name keeps coming up.

To me at first glance he doesn't look the part. Physically he doesn't have the presence of a Knight, a Jay Wright, a Stevens et al. And lately, he has come across as dour. I don't think he's happy at UCLA. I suspect his agent is pushing him for the IU job. As a practical matter, I think he's a real candidate if we strike out on the choices listed above. And, although I wouldn't favor it, I could see him being chosen over McCullom. I don't think that would be an especially popular choice.

His record is a mixed bag. He started out with 3 years at Murray State and did quite well there--74% overall, 81% in conference. Made the NCAAs twice and won the league once with two 2nd places. What's really odd and bothersome is his first 7 years at Cincy. Not great. Especially the first 4 when he went 61-68 overall.

But then look at his last 6 years at Cincy--161-47 (77%), and 83% his last 3. He made it to the tourney his last 9 years at Cincy. Not bad considering he was coaching in the AAC.

At UCLA, in 5+ years he made it to the tourney each time eligible (covid)--3 years, prior to missing out last year. So overall, he made 12 straight tourneys until last year. Also, his winning %s at UCLA are .691 overall, but .696 in conference play. If you take out 10-10 last year in the PAC he's at 74% in conference including 10-5 this year with a team with lots of transfers. In 5 years in the PAC he finished first once, 2nd twice, 4th once, 5th once.

So some questions and comments about Cronin follow:

--TMP pointed out that defense-first coaches can do really well, but aren't the ones winning NCs these days. He could have been talking about Cronin.

--I don't recall the Cincy situation his first 4 years there....were they on probation or something?? Because those 4 years are an outlier on his record. Years 4-7 weren't great, but he made the tourney those years. Then his last 6 years were very good.

--He does come across as a dour guy, but how much of that is what's going on right now at UCLA v. what he's normally like? I don't know.

Bottom line for me is I won't jump off the ledge if he's the guy, but I won't party like its 1987.

Cronin would be a super solid hire. I hope we would not take his height into account when judging his coaching ability. Mike Woodson says hi.

Yes, he can be a bit dour, but he’s Tony Robbins compared to Knight. Do you want a Tom Allen type of coach or a Bob Knight type of coach?

He’s had solid records over his career, and it’s hard to find a coach that has much better records with incredible consistent success in the tournament unless you are Izzo or at one of the blue blood programs. Heck, look at knight’s records at Army…or Texas Tech. Cronin had more success than any UCLA coach from the ‘80s forward, taking out the questionable recruiting years by Harrick.

Sure, I would take May or Beard over him (and ignoring the untouchables), but he would be at the top in the next group.

 

[Hoosier_Phenom]

Funny you'd mention his clothing. I noticed his suit when they played us...it wasn't a good look. I remember when Archie was coaching that was a problem as well, In Archie's case the suits were too short. I can't understand how a high level D1 AD doesn't have the balls to suggest that his coach needs some work on his wardrobe. Makes 0 sense.

Also agree that his complaining this year has not been a good look. Some people have said he's more of a Midwest guy, so it may be a poor culture fit. If he's truly unhappy there, UCLA might waive a big chunk of that buyout.

Really! This is just pathetic to bring up a persons wardrobe.

 

[IUfanBorden]

He's 53, been coaching long enough that his record is what it is. His ceiling is a sweet 16. The one Final Four is an outlier in a somewhat non-normal pandemic season.

Stevens only has two...Beard wirh just one. Yet we clamoring over both. May with one.
Cronin is a really good coach. Top choice? No. But certainly on my list.

Tbh, I'd be happy with him. And another name as well, in Shaka Smart.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Really! This is just pathetic to bring up a persons wardrobe.

It's pathetic not to be able to dress yourself appropriately, especially when your are making several million dollars a year. You don't want to look like a goofball to prospective recruits and their parents, or to your own fans.

 

[kkott]

Really! This is just pathetic to bring up a persons wardrobe.

Why? To me looking presentable has always been part of any professional job, whether it's a sweater or suit. I absolutely hate the sweatsuit/hoodie thing and especially in college where you are always trying to influence kids, parents, coaches, etc... I think looking presentable with whatever you determine is acceptable/expected wardrobe and appearance is not hard to do. If I have an employee who isn't meeting a standard, I talk to them and I think any AD should communicate that if they have an expectation. Having said that, I've never noticed Cronin looking crappy. Easy to control. Much fairer to critique than height for instance.

 

[Hank Reardon]

Tbh, I'd be happy with him. And another name as well, in Shaka Smart.

Why? Outside a fluke FF trip as a 12 seed fourteen years ago, what is appealing about Smart? He was terrible at Texas and has a single S16 in the 14 years since that VCU run. He's the poster child for Tom Crean II. I honestly don't understand why that guy's name keeps coming up.

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

Why? Outside a fluke FF trip as a 12 seed fourteen years ago, what is appealing about Smart? He was terrible at Texas and has a single S16 in the 14 years since that VCU run. He's the poster child for Tom Crean II. I honestly don't understand why that guy's name keeps coming up.

I'm learning that nearly every FF appearance is somehow a fluke. Unless, of course, they've been several times, which is fair, but NONE OF THOSE GUYS ARE COMING HERE. Hell, barely any of them are even still coaching now.