“If the first couple of priorities fall through for the “blue ribbon” search committee, perhaps Barnes could get a look.”

“If the first couple of priorities fall through for the “blue ribbon” search committee, perhaps Barnes could get a look.”

I live in Durham, NC, and I hear all the time how badly NC State covets Rick Barnes. Now, last go 'round, NC State might have talked to Barnes…I'm not sure. They talked to everyone in the country about their coaching vacancy. I heard then that the timing wasn't right for Barnes, but that he would not have an issue coming back to the Carolinas to coach at what is sometimes termed a “basketball school”. So, even though everything is nice and happy in Austin, there is a chance that Barnes can be lured away, so even though he's expensive, he might like the idea of being a big coach at a big school. Both of his big time gigs have been at “football schools” in Clemson and now Texas, so I wouldn't doubt that he'd love a chance to be the head guy at a basketball school like IU. Perhaps, also, he would prefer to buy a shirt that wasn't orange.

This is all conjecture based on what I know of the NC State situation. In fact, NC State fans already want to get him to come and replace the mess they have now. Granted, NC State might be a little easier to lure him away from Texas than Indiana would since he was born in North Carolina.

but he would be a backup candidate?

Personally, Barnes is one of those coaches you get in touch with and ask if he might be interested. “Hey Rick, just wanted to see if you might be interested, we understand, but you know, had to ask.”