Story: Chun sets out what he is looking for in new MBK coach

[ScottHood]

Chun appeared Tues. on the 'Cougs in 60' program.

Story: https://washingtonstate.rivals.com/news/chun-breaks-down-type-of-coach-he-is-seeking-for-wsu-hoops

 

[billyjoecamaro]

I'm guessing it is Leon Rice's job if he wants it.

 

[avabob1]

What would make him more interested now, other than he might be one more down season away from getting fired at BSU

 

[ElComanche]

Rice can escape Boise State and get a five year contract here. Lets see his team went on a downwards spiral at the end of the season They lost 6 out of their last 8 games and lost in the first round of the weaker WAC Tournament. Did he he lose his team at the end? I guess he would be a good choice for some crazy fans here.

 

[7ICoug]

I'm guessing it is Leon Rice's job if he wants it.

Wouldn't take Rice if he was the last man standing.

 

[WACougFan]

Rice I don't think is the guy we need at this point. I guess this will come down to who is interested, how much we are willing to pay and what commitments we verbally agree to when it comes to investing for success. If we aren't willing to pay much, not willing to put $$$ into facilities, flights or recruiting budgets then the level of interest might only have a small pool of applicants.

 

[Glad Cougar]

Rice I don't think is the guy we need at this point. I guess this will come down to who is interested, how much we are willing to pay and what commitments we verbally agree to when it comes to investing for success. If we aren't willing to pay much, not willing to put $$$ into facilities, flights or recruiting budgets then the level of interest might only have a small pool of applicants.

Probably just Prezspeak, but Schultz indicated in an interview yesterday that he was pleasantly surprised at the level of interest in the vacant coaching position. Don't know if that means a bunch of inferior candidates are interested or if there is quality among those who may be considering the job.

Good observations, WACougFan. I would think WSU would need to offer a competitive salary and at least some pledge to invest in the program (charters?) to attract the kind of coach the program needs right now. I'm optimistic that will happen.

Glad Cougar

 

[Loyal Coug]

Probably just Prezspeak, but Schultz indicated in an interview yesterday that he was pleasantly surprised at the level of interest in the vacant coaching position. Don't know if that means a bunch of inferior candidates are interested or if there is quality among those who may be considering the job.

Good observations, WACougFan. I would think WSU would need to offer a competitive salary and at least some pledge to invest in the program (charters?) to attract the kind of coach the program needs right now. I'm optimistic that will happen.

Glad Cougar

Contrary to to what the John Blanchette's of the world say, WSU is a Pac-12 program with (thanks to FB and CML) some national recognition. And some recent success in other sports. There should be interest in us.

 

[WACougFan]

Contrary to to what the John Blanchette's of the world say, WSU is a Pac-12 program with (thanks to FB and CML) some national recognition. And some recent success in other sports. There should be interest in us.

But is it the right type of interest? Some schools have a track record of success and some of failure. FB has a recent track record of success beginning with Price and now Leach. Coaches now can see that it can be done.

You would have to go a lot further back to find that level of success in MBB. If you go back 20 years there has only be 3 - 20+ win seasons. Go back 30 and you only have 5. Some places have an easier path to winning. WSU for most is a 5 year stint that lands you as an assistant for the remainder of your career. I am not saying you won't find someone who wants the challenge, I am just saying it might not be the caliber of candidate you would prefer.

 

[billyjoecamaro]

Curious what everyone's objections are to Rice? He's done well (this season being the exception) at Boise State. An alum who loves WSU and who has northwest recruiting connections. Does he have baggage? I honestly think he is Chun's #1.

 

[billyjoecamaro]

What would make him more interested now, other than he might be one more down season away from getting fired at BSU

I believe it has to do with charter planes vs scheduled service. At least that was reported to be one of the issues. Also not sure he liked Moos.

 

[Glad Cougar]

Interesting that 2 of the 4 finalists for the Naismith National Coach of the Year this year were at one time young WSU head coaches: Sampson and Bennett. Maybe that can be a selling point for the school.

Glad Cougar

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

Interesting that 2 of the 4 finalists for the Naismith National Coach of the Year this year were at one time young WSU head coaches: Sampson and Bennett. Maybe that can be a selling point for the school.

Glad Cougar

Why the hell is Bennett in the running? I'm not a hater (though I have no love for the guy either), but isn't he the poster child for how to do less with more?

 

[avabob1]

Not a Tony fan myself, but he is going toe to toe with Duke and NC without getting the level of talent they get.

Bennett runs a good system, but it has weaknesses too. He is great at forcing his tempo on other teams, but if he cant, he has no up tempo options. Also, no system is immune to a torrid 3 point shooting performance

 

[FnuLnu]

I believe it has to do with charter planes vs scheduled service. At least that was reported to be one of the issues. Also not sure he liked Moos.

Had multiple sons in youth sports.
Pullman HS and Frontier League (?) isnt VG for that.
Rice won a Kingbowl, his older brothers 5 XTC titles in HS.
Dont think he comes to Pullman to coach because of that and not the charters.

No idea if he is best guy for WSU MB, yeah or nay.

 

[7ICoug]

Curious what everyone's objections are to Rice? He's done well (this season being the exception) at Boise State. An alum who loves WSU and who has northwest recruiting connections. Does he have baggage? I honestly think he is Chun's #1.

There is not a single coach from the Gonzaga tree that likes WSU, Rice has done nothing in Boise. Who won that league this year? He has no system so can not be Chun's #1 choice.

Why would you think that a person who already turned down the job to stay at Boise would have interest? And why would you think he qualified?

 

[Glad Cougar]

For the record, here are all the other schools looking for a new head coach at this time. I expect a few more (Alabama is negotiating to get rid of Avery Johnson, Nebraska?) to announce changes before too long:

Appalachian State
Cal Poly
Elon
Fairfield
Kennesaw State
Mercer
Montana State
Morgan State
Niagara
Siena
SIUE
Southern Illinois
St. Joe's
Stetson
Stony Brook
Tennessee Tech
Texas A&M
Troy
Tulane
UCLA
UMKC
UNLV
Vanderbilt
William & Mary

Schools like UCLA, Texas A&M, Alabama, UNLV, and Vanderbilt are likely to hire coaches that wouldn't consider WSU. I would hope WSU could offer a better opportunity than the rest of the schools on this list but will need to pay a Pac-12 market rate and probably commit to some program investment.

Glad Cougar