MILLER TO INDIANA?

[DoubleD86]

I have not read all the posts on this topic, mainly because I didn't feel like reading all of these, so I am sorry if anyone said this already.


If, or when, the IU job opens up...I think Mark Few is a good possibility. Last time the IU job opened up, Few had agreed to take the job and was practically signing the contract already before Sampson called in last minute and said he wanted the job and then got it. I know many people on this board feel like Few will never leave Gonzaga, but he was ready to leave for IU. Hopefully, for Xavier, IU will sign Few before asking Miller.

[xavierj]

I agree on few but I just feel like Indiana wants an Indiana guy and I know that while Alford may not be as loved as he once was many people still love the guy in Indiana. I also did not know Alford had a tarnished background. Did he have recruiting violations or do something stupid off the court?

[Mr. Neutral]

From the New Mexico student paper web site----

Alford made arguably his most controversial decision at Iowa in 2002, when he allowed leading scorer Pierre Pierce to remain on the team after he was charged with sexual abuse. Pierce pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault causing injury but was allowed to practice with the team while he sat out for the season.
In 2005, Pierce was charged on a separate count of assaulting his girlfriend and sentenced to two years in prison. He was kicked off the team after that incident.
On various Web sites, Iowa fans have said they are pleased with the departure of Alford. FireSteveAlford.com had been calling for Iowa to get rid of the head coach, with a poster writing on the Web site Wednesday: "Hopefully all of our hard work will finally pay off this year and the Fraud will go to New Mexico."

[Mr. Neutral]

Also, from an Iowa fans' blog---------------------

I wouldn't throw a hissy fit (if Alford went to New Mexico, as he did). I want Alford gone because he's a smarmy ass that throws his players under the bus, he's a terrible recruiter, and he refuses to take responsibility for his failures. The media, the boosters, the fans and the area coaches were in love with this guy when he got here. He drove them away with his constant douchebagery. If you like him, great, but don't try to blame the fans for this one.
When he got here we were proud of him. He made us unproud.

[xuhuh!]

I agree on few but I just feel like Indiana wants an Indiana guy and I know that while Alford may not be as loved as he once was many people still love the guy in Indiana. I also did not know Alford had a tarnished background. Did he have recruiting violations or do something stupid off the court?

I agree. After so many succesful years under Knight, 2 experiments failed, IU has not been successful replacing him. It's hard to think IU could be in such a state! It also proves it's easier to maintain than to start over!

[xavierj]

From the New Mexico student paper web site----

Alford made arguably his most controversial decision at Iowa in 2002, when he allowed leading scorer Pierre Pierce to remain on the team after he was charged with sexual abuse. Pierce pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault causing injury but was allowed to practice with the team while he sat out for the season.
In 2005, Pierce was charged on a separate count of assaulting his girlfriend and sentenced to two years in prison. He was kicked off the team after that incident.
On various Web sites, Iowa fans have said they are pleased with the departure of Alford. FireSteveAlford.com had been calling for Iowa to get rid of the head coach, with a poster writing on the Web site Wednesday: "Hopefully all of our hard work will finally pay off this year and the Fraud will go to New Mexico."

So Alford gave a kid a chance and the kid burnt him. Alford must be such a ***** for trying to help him. I am sure Alford did not make that decision by himself. It sounds like Alford made a mistake leaving Missouri St. in the first place because Iowa is not a very good job because it is very tough to recruit and win there. Alford seems to be doing just fine at New Mexico St.

[Mr. Neutral]

j, how much is the annual fee for the "I love Steve Alford" fan club? The rest of the college basketball world seems to have a mixed opinion, at best, of him, and yet you seem ready to forgive damn near anything-losing seasons, no NCAA success (or invites, some years), poor PR. Is there anything Alford could possibly do to take him off your pedestal?

[jaxalum]

I have not read all the posts on this topic, mainly because I didn't feel like reading all of these, so I am sorry if anyone said this already.


If, or when, the IU job opens up...I think Mark Few is a good possibility. Last time the IU job opened up, Few had agreed to take the job and was practically signing the contract already before Sampson called in last minute and said he wanted the job and then got it. I know many people on this board feel like Few will never leave Gonzaga, but he was ready to leave for IU. Hopefully, for Xavier, IU will sign Few before asking Miller.

That would be perfect( How accurate is the above info about M Few ).....and I'd have to wholeheartedly agree with Neutral. Alford will not even SNIFF the IU job. They MAY bring him in as a courtesy(to some fans), thats it. As much as it pains me to say it, IU will be looking for a coach exactly like Miller. Up and coming, yet established, no moral blemishes, with a midwestern recruiting base. I just hope it doesn't drag out.


Does anyone know what type of penalties the NCAAs could "bring down" on IU. Are we talking minor infractions or something more serious ie "the death penalty"?

Are there any other coaches out there that IU will DEFNITIELY go after?

[asmithxu]

I would imagine that IU will first go after the "big name" coaches: Jamie Dixon, Thad Matta, Bruce Pearl, John Calipari, Rick Pitino, Billy Donovan, Rick Barnes (obviously, these have varying degrees of likelihood, from unlikely to absurd).

They would probably then look at coaches such as Mark Few (who has proven success over a length of time) and Tony Bennet (who has had great success in a big conference).

Sean Miller would arguably be on the level of those guys (in terms of preference at Indiana), depending on whose opinion you get.

If they couldn't get any of those guys, they would start to look at the mid-major coaches (Keno Davis, Brad Brownell, Anthony Grant, etc.) They would almost certainly take a big name over these guys because of their lack of proven success at a high level school.

I'm sure I am missing a couple coaches. Alford is extremely unlikely for a variety of reasons. I would also be surprised to see them go after a coach without extensive previous college experience (Scott Skiles, Randy Wittman).

[lobojonz]

OK Gary who do you think they will go after? Alford did take Missouri St. to the sweet 16. I don't love Alford myself but he is a logical choice for IU. Kind of like Miller would be at Pitt. But logical is not always the way people go. Alford probably made a mistake taking the Iowa job because it really is not that great of a job. You can ask Lickliter now because the guy just committed career suicide. But Alford is 21-6 this year at New Mexico St. and will most likely go to the NCAA tourney. My only point is that you can bet if Indiana fires Sampson he stands a very good chance to get the job if he wants it. Regardless what you think if him he is still a hometown Indiana guy who was the PG the last time they won it all and he has about a 60% winning % as a coach. Anyone that does not think he will be at the top of the list is not thinking clearly.

ITS NEW MEXICO...NOT NEW MEXICO STATE....THANKS FOR PUTTING US IN THE TOURNEY, THOUGH! GOOD LUCK ON IU NOT RAIDING YOUR COACH AS I HOPE THEY LEAVE ALFORD ALONE, TOO!