McCollum

[CriticArisen]

Mark Pope also has a traditional D1 coaching history and had good seasons at BYU as head coach. He likely took a hit on his tournament resume due to the COVID cancellation. His teams were often in the top 25 BUT he has never won a tournament game. It will be interesting to see how he does in his first tournament at UK. They should have an easy match up in round 1 and stand a good chance of making it to the Sweet Sixteen. Anything less underperformance and anything more overperformance.

 

[ndhuntington]

Fair enough. Who is your top realistic choice. Just so if he’s hired, we can tell you “told you so.”

I have been sticking with Scott Drew call me crazy.

 

[Pryght]

Sigh. Best coaches don’t have .500 conference records over 7-8 year spans. Good grief.

But, one also needs to consider that this occurred at 3 different coaching stops (two of which were in Lubbock and Ole Miss). It's a wonder that someone with a lowly .603 conference record has a 14-6 record in NCAA Tournament, especially given the handicap of 3/4 of his coaching locales.

It would be interesting to see what he could do at Indiana over time.

 

[kkott]

Pat Kelsey was a gamble for Louisville and it’s worked out so far. I think it’s a new era in basketball. Who is the last so called “big-time” coach to leave a program for another?

Calipari.

 

[Harpo Marxist]

We should hope for a surprise

Brad Stevens and Scott Drew never made any sense. Everyone else is still on the table if you subscribe to the money and resources approach. Extensions mean nothing and we can handle most buyouts. I don't think it's impossible McCollum would accept the job, just highly unlikely because I don't think the money and resources pitch moves the needle with him. It's been more about geography and timing up until now.

It's either going to be someone we thought was impossible for a helluva lot of money, or one of the Menendez brothers (Beard/Wade) No way in hell will he hire a Brownellish caliber coach.

Thats funny right here. About like the Menendez Brothers asking the judge in their resentencing appeal to have mercy on two poor orphans.

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

I have been sticking with Scott Drew call me crazy.

Well, I can’t say “told you so” on that one because I like Scott Drew and would be fine with him at IU but the guy feels firmly entrenched down there and not sure he wants to come here. Baylor was in ruins when he got there. Worse than Crean’s inheritance. His first 4 seasons were bad but he’s built that program. Discounting the first 4 years, he does have double digit loss seasons in 12 of 18 seasons. But he does have an NC during the COVID season.

His salary is pathetic by today’s standards at $2.7 million a year.

 

[frikkenfrakken]

I have been sticking with Scott Drew call me crazy.

You're crazy. He turned down Kentucky last year, because he fits in at Baylor. You think he's going to pass on Kentucky and then pull up roots from the program he built from nothing to join us a year later?

 

[yeard]

Great breakdown of McCollum's offensive

 

[IndyMitchell]

But, one also needs to consider that this occurred at 3 different coaching stops (two of which were in Lubbock and Ole Miss). It's a wonder that someone with a lowly .603 conference record has a 14-6 record in NCAA Tournament, especially given the handicap of 3/4 of his coaching locales.

It would be interesting to see what he could do at Indiana over time.

Excellent post! I think we know it would be extremely interesting if CB becomes the next IU coach. Rick Pitino knows bball and he’s 100% right about CB and what IU would become again.

The immediate leveling up has been so much fun to watch from afar. He brings a preparedness and focus to his teams that only Pitino and maybe 1-2 others can. He will have his team ready against Auburn today. One can easily see the roster disparity but it will be fun to watch.

 

[edub72]

If Beard gets a look then so should Will Wade. Screw the holier than thou attitude.

 

[IndyMitchell]

If Beard gets a look then so should Will Wade. Screw the holier than thou attitude.

I’m not a WW guy but they are not really related to one another. Totally different accusations and backgrounds. I get the WW attention, he wins. He’s just not the same as CB, for me.

 

[kkott]

I’m not a WW guy but they are not really related to one another. Totally different accusations and backgrounds. I get the WW attention, he wins. He’s just not the same as CB, for me.

Talk to them all, and see who blows you away, then do a deep dive on their background and talk to them about their issues and how they've changed. I don't like the issues with either Beard or Wade, but if you talk to them and they convince you how they've changed, and their background issues are proven to be only that 1 issue, I could understand picking them if you're convinced they are the very best candidate, and they have changed and understand no tolerance for similar issues of past transgression. If you're not convinced, you can't hire them.

Personally I hope it is true that McCollum blew SD away. Hiring either Beard or Wade is risky.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

You're crazy. He turned down Kentucky last year, because he fits in at Baylor. You think he's going to pass on Kentucky and then pull up roots from the program he built from nothing to join us a year later?

I bet Drew wasn’t even discussed much. Drew and IU is a terrible fit.

 

[IUNorth]

Excellent post! I think we know it would be extremely interesting if CB becomes the next IU coach. Rick Pitino knows bball and he’s 100% right about CB and what IU would become again.

The immediate leveling up has been so much fun to watch from afar. He brings a preparedness and focus to his teams that only Pitino and maybe 1-2 others can. He will have his team ready against Auburn today. One can easily see the roster disparity but it will be fun to watch.

I think this is like many other things these days... everyone is so absolute, and extreme, on this.

Your point about the possibility of him improving his conference record, because he's at IU...is a valid one. And its why I have him in my top 3, despite his mediocre P4 conference record (53%, not 60%)... because I do think Beard + IU and its resources, very well could be a great pairing, and he'd improve upon what he's done in regular seasons thus far.

But he's FAR from a proven elite level coach, at this point. And if he had similar regular season results, at IU, to what he had at TT, Texas, and Ole Miss... that's NOT what we're looking for.

So...like the other top mentioned candidates, Beard has risks. They're just different risks.

 

[asindc]

So what happens if Drake gets waxed in the first round?

Probably the same thing that happened when UK lost in the first round last year.

 

[IndyMitchell]

I think this is like many other things these days... everyone is so absolute, and extreme, on this.

Your point about the possibility of him improving his conference record, because he's at IU...is a valid one. And its why I have him in my top 3, despite his mediocre P4 conference record (53%, not 60%)... because I do think Beard + IU and its resources, very well could be a great pairing, and he'd improve upon what he's done in regular seasons thus far.

But he's FAR from a proven elite level coach, at this point. And if he had similar regular season results, at IU, to what he had at TT, Texas, and Ole Miss... that's NOT what we're looking for.

So...like the other top mentioned candidates, Beard has risks. They're just different risks.

The NCAA Tournament is when the brightest coaches and the player's effort levels are maxed out. CB is 14-6 and he also plays the style of basketball I grew up with when IU was respected. Saying he isn't elite is just not true.

IU has become an average to slightly better than average basketball program. Hiring an average to slightly better than average coach will keep it there. NIL can't change that on a consistent basis. This hire has to be an elite level hire.

 

[IUNorth]

The NCAA Tournament is when the brightest coaches and the player's effort levels are maxed out. CB is 14-6 and he also plays the style of basketball I grew up with when IU was respected. Saying he isn't elite is just not true.

IU has become an average to slightly better than average basketball program. Hire an average to slightly better than average coach will keep it there. NIL can't change that on a consistent basis. This hire has to be an elite level hire.

Elite coaches...which is what many on this board keep harping that he is...don't have 8 year P4 major conference win percentages at 53%... Crean made some NCAA tournament runs... Kevin Ollie won a natty...

Elite coaches win in both the regular season AND in tournament settings.

I think its POSSIBLE Beard could become that, at IU. But that's guessing, because he's never been that before. Just like it'd be guessing that McCollum would continue that, at IU.

Someone asked me why I had McCasland higher than McCollum... and that's mainly the reason, he's now showing an ability to CONSISTENTLY win both in regular seasons, and in tournament settings, at multiple places, including now at the P4 level. If you look at my looonnngg list of guys, everyone ahead of McCollum and Beard, have proven they'll with regular seasons, and have good success in tournaments, at the P4 level.

 

[DANC]

But still unproven in the big leage at this point - is he Archie 2.0? Experience favors Beard

I get sick of this Archie comparison. Archie got the Dayton job because of his brother. Mcollum worked his way up the ladder.

They are in no way comparable.

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

As crazy as this sounds (and of course it would never happen) but I would have Coach Cig sit in as one of the interview panelists and he handles the questions that do a deep dive into the candidate’s philosophies as related to instilling culture and systems.

Can you imagine that?

Candidate:
“What is the football coach doing here in this interview?”

Dolson:
“Well, this guy has a background in understanding how to rewrite a culture and wants to ask you some questions regarding what kind of system you run and your arguments to support it and why you think it leads to success.”

 

[DANC]

I’m all aboard the McCollum train at this point. I wanted Beard but that’s just not gonna work out. Basketball is 80% about culture and systems. And the guys got that down to a science . The other 20% I’m confident he’ll get players Given our resources and his eye for recruiting.

Risk be damned. I’m all in. All chips on the table.

We’ve been saying for about 8 years that we “cannot get this hire wrong” and that started with Archie..

It’s the exact same thing people were saying right after Crean..

What sold me on McCollum is an articlet @Mark Milton posted. In the article, BM was quoted as saying he doesn't recruit or bring in guys who don't have a great attitude. He said he doesn't have time for moodiness, saying they're soul-suckers.

I agree 100% with him and I think it's Cignettie's philosophy, too.

I want guys who will swallow their ego for the good of the team. I think BM is on the right track, although my #1 pick would be Chris Beard.

 

[Mark Milton]

What sold me on McCollum is an articlet @Mark Milton posted. In the article, BM was quoted as saying he doesn't recruit or bring in guys who don't have a great attitude. He said he doesn't have time for moodiness, saying they're soul-suckers.

I agree 100% with him and I think it's Cignettie's philosophy, too.

I want guys who will swallow their ego for the good of the team. I think BM is on the right track, although my #1 pick would be Chris Beard.

https://archive.is/lG8gw

the above article linked

 

[DANC]

https://archive.is/lG8gw

the above article linked

Very insightful

 

[IUNorth]

What sold me on McCollum is an articlet @Mark Milton posted. In the article, BM was quoted as saying he doesn't recruit or bring in guys who don't have a great attitude. He said he doesn't have time for moodiness, saying they're soul-suckers.

I agree 100% with him and I think it's Cignettie's philosophy, too.

I want guys who will swallow their ego for the good of the team. I think BM is on the right track, although my #1 pick would be Chris Beard.

The more I read about him, watch interviews, watch his teams play... the more clear its becoming that he's a GREAT candidate for the IU job.

 

[IndyMitchell]

Elite coaches...which is what many on this board keep harping that he is...don't have 8 year P4 major conference win percentages at 53%... Crean made some NCAA tournament runs... Kevin Ollie won a natty...

Elite coaches win in both the regular season AND in tournament settings.

I think its POSSIBLE Beard could become that, at IU. But that's guessing, because he's never been that before. Just like it'd be guessing that McCollum would continue that, at IU.

Someone asked me why I had McCasland higher than McCollum... and that's mainly the reason, he's now showing an ability to CONSISTENTLY win both in regular seasons, and in tournament settings, at multiple places, including now at the P4 level. If you look at my looonnngg list of guys, everyone ahead of McCollum and Beard, have proven they'll with regular seasons, and have good success in tournaments, at the P4 level.

I guess if you don't think a 14-6 NCAA record, a runner up finish and an elite 8, doing it all without any top recruits, and building 4 programs now isn't elite then i don't really know what to tell you.

 

[Pryght]

Despite his mediocre P4 conference record (53%, not 60%)...

Chris Beard's overall conference record is 60%. If this board is going to be wow'd by McCollum's success at Drake, then why not count Beard's lone year at Little Rock, where he was the Sun Belt's Regular Season Champion, Conference Tournament Champion, and made an NCAA Tournament appearance where he defeated Purdue in the first round?

If Beard had spent those 8 seasons at one location (e.g., Texas,) instead of restarting his program/rebuilding culture several times, do you think his conference record would be closer to 53% or 60+%?

 

[frikkenfrakken]

I bet Drew wasn’t even discussed much. Drew and IU is a terrible fit.

Agreed. Bsmitty is more likely to get the job than Drew.

 

[TMB333]

You're crazy. He turned down Kentucky last year, because he fits in at Baylor. You think he's going to pass on Kentucky and then pull up roots from the program he built from nothing to join us a year later?

Hoosiers way over value the appeal of their state and flagship university.

 

[T.M.P.]

The NCAA Tournament is when the brightest coaches and the player's effort levels are maxed out. CB is 14-6 and he also plays the style of basketball I grew up with when IU was respected. Saying he isn't elite is just not true.

IU has become an average to slightly better than average basketball program. Hiring an average to slightly better than average coach will keep it there. NIL can't change that on a consistent basis. This hire has to be an elite level hire.

In Mike Woodson's best season - 23 - IU was in the 7% in off efficiency. Beard has matched Mike Woodson once. Top 8% this year, top 7% during his tourney run but at seasons end before his lucky run they were sub 10%.

Every champion in the 30 sec era was in the 3% (UNC 3%, Kansas2%) with most in the 1% (everyone else). Beard has never come close. This team, is probably his best offensive team .. and isn't as good as Woodson's best offensive team. So was Woodson's 23 offense "elite"? lmao ..

He's elite defensively, his pinnacle in offense has been as good as Mike Woodson offensively. Certainly not elite. To be elite he would have to be elite in both.

To be a champion, the coach has to have the ability to teach elite offense and the philosophy to play an elite offense combined with a good (10% or better) defense. He has not shown he has the chops on offense side. Not even close.

Is he better than what we have? Defensively, yes, he's a good coach but until he ditches that geriatric snooze fest of an ineffective dinosaur offense and joins the 21st century, he'll probably never win a championship.

We want championships, right?

 

[TMB333]

Chris Beard's overall conference record is 60%. If this board is going to be wow'd by McCollum's success at Drake, then why not count Beard's lone year at Little Rock, where he was the Sun Belt's Regular Season Champion, Conference Tournament Champion, and made an NCAA Tournament appearance where he defeated Purdue in the first round?

If Beard had spent those 8 seasons at one location (e.g., Texas,) instead of restarting his program/rebuilding culture several times, do you think his conference record would be closer to 53% or 60+%?

McCollum is still better than Beard. The only reason Indiana fans want Beard is because of his RMK connection.

 

[Big Red Crimson Buffalo]

What sold me on McCollum is an articlet @Mark Milton posted. In the article, BM was quoted as saying he doesn't recruit or bring in guys who don't have a great attitude. He said he doesn't have time for moodiness, saying they're soul-suckers.

I agree 100% with him and I think it's Cignettie's philosophy, too.

I want guys who will swallow their ego for the good of the team. I think BM is on the right track, although my #1 pick would be Chris Beard.

You’re preaching to my choir. Those are my choices, in that order.

 

[IndyMitchell]

In Mike Woodson's best season - 23 - IU was in the 7% in off efficiency. Beard has matched Mike Woodson once. Top 8% this year, top 7% during his tourney run but at seasons end before his lucky run they were sub 10%.

Every champion in the 30 sec era was in the 3% (UNC 3%, Kansas2%) with most in the 1% (everyone else). Beard has never come close. This team, is probably his best offensive team .. and isn't as good as Woodson's best offensive team. So was Woodson's 23 offense "elite"? lmao ..

He's elite defensively, his pinnacle in offense has been as good as Mike Woodson offensively. Certainly not elite. To be elite he would have to be elite in both.

To be a champion, the coach has to have the ability to teach elite offense and the philosophy to play an elite offense combined with a good (10% or better) defense. He has not shown he has the chops on offense side. Not even close.

Is he better than what we have? Defensively, yes, he's a good coach but until he ditches that geriatric snooze fest of an ineffective dinosaur offense and joins the 21st century, he'll probably never win a championship.

We want championships, right?

I appreciate the message but you have to play the cards you're dealt. His offense creates plenty of offense. DId you want their game today against Auburn? They lost by around 5 but their offense had lots of open threes and other opportunities. He is often going against teams that are longer, more athletic, and higher ranked. Their offense actually does remind me a bit of the Knight teams with lots of motion and shot fakes. If IU could convince him to come to Bloomington, the team would be at championships level.

 

[bailey777]

McCollum is still better than Beard. The only reason Indiana fans want Beard is because of his RMK connection.

Not to me he is not. I get people just love BM to death but I want a proven coach it has NOTHING to do with a connection to knight. Beard actually wants to come so that is why alot of us want him.

 

[bailey777]

I get sick of this Archie comparison. Archie got the Dayton job because of his brother. Mcollum worked his way up the ladder.

They are in no way comparable.

I mean the way some of you talk mccullum is going to come in and win 25 games a year no problem with his one year of D1 experience Boy if he flames out in four years what are you guys going to say then? I mean sure he could work out but he also could flame. I remember hearing how archie was a massive home run hire. People really like to pretend things like that were never said about archie.

 

[IUNorth]

Chris Beard's overall conference record is 60%. If this board is going to be wow'd by McCollum's success at Drake, then why not count Beard's lone year at Little Rock, where he was the Sun Belt's Regular Season Champion, Conference Tournament Champion, and made an NCAA Tournament appearance where he defeated Purdue in the first round?

If Beard had spent those 8 seasons at one location (e.g., Texas,) instead of restarting his program/rebuilding culture several times, do you think his conference record would be closer to 53% or 60+%?

I think if he was obviously, 100% elite, no brainer…he would never have an 8 year stretch at 53% against his peers. No matter the circumstances.

A long run at IU could change that. For sure. And I’m now just as guilty of anointing McCollum as THE one, as those that have been with Beard.

The difference I see is I’d also be excited with Beard. Lots of people with Beard or no one else blinders on.

 

[Harpo Marxist]

Agreed. Bsmitty is more likely to get the job than Drew.

I mean the way some of you talk mccullum is going to come in and win 25 games a year no problem with his one year of D1 experience Boy if he flames out in four years what are you guys going to say then? I mean sure he could work out but he also could flame. I remember hearing how archie was a massive home run hire. People really like to pretend things like that were never said about archie

I mean the way some of you talk mccullum is going to come in and win 25 games a year no problem with his one year of D1 experience Boy if he flames out in four years what are you guys going to say then? I mean sure he could work out but he also could flame. I remember hearing how archie was a massive home run hire. People really like to pretend things like that were never said about archie.

I think if he was obviously, 100% elite, no brainer…he would never have an 8 year stretch at 53% against his peers. No matter the circumstances.

A long run at IU could change that. For sure. And I’m now just as guilty of anointing McCollum as THE one, as those that have been with Beard.

The difference I see is I’d also be excited with Beard. Lots of people with Beard or no one else blinders on.

We aren't "A-Listers" anymore who can demand top billing. We're Meg Ryan or Michael Keaton...accepting the second bananna role or a B-movie. Lets look in the mirror and see what the rest of the country sees.....then consider our coaching options.

 

[IndyMitchell]

I think if he was obviously, 100% elite, no brainer…he would never have an 8 year stretch at 53% against his peers. No matter the circumstances.

A long run at IU could change that. For sure. And I’m now just as guilty of anointing McCollum as THE one, as those that have been with Beard.

The difference I see is I’d also be excited with Beard. Lots of people with Beard or no one else blinders on.

It’s not blinders. Other coaches are good too. It’s just a big drop off. Again, I put Beard, Wright, and Stevens at one level, then the others. BM is a good young coach. This isn’t a slam on him. Experience isn’t just something you can ignore.

 

[IUfanBorden]

If Beard gets a look then so should Will Wade. Screw the holier than thou attitude.

Why? You think Wade is on par with Beard?

 

[IndyMitchell]

Why? You think Wade is on par with Beard?

Chris Beard is a better coach than WW. Wade is good young coach.

 

[gator mcCluskey]

Chris Beard is a better coach than WW. Wade is good young coach.

I’ll admit my hypocrisy here, but the idea of Wade as IU’s coach just makes my skin crawl. I’m sure this is how some Beard haters feel about him, but with Wade it just hits me different. Guess it’s the lack of any plausible deniability whatsoever. I’m revolted by the guy.

 

[IndyMitchell]

I’ll admit my hypocrisy here, but the idea of Wade as IU’s coach just makes my skin crawl. I’m sure this is how some Beard haters feel about him, but with Wade it just hits me different. Guess it’s the lack of any plausible deniability whatsoever. I’m revolted by the guy.

I don’t like him personally either. I didn’t care for him when he was at LSU.

Totally different situations too.