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Rumors, rumors everywhere

by Alex Bozich in Coaching search | March 29th, 2008

There’s been no shortage of reports today regarding Tony Bennett and the Indiana job. First, it was Jeff Goodman of Fox Sports reporting that IU offered the job to Bennett. Then, you had Andy Katz of ESPN come back with a contradicting story that IU had not contacted him with a quote from Bennett that said as much. If that wasn’t enough Gary Parrish of CBS Sportsline weighed-in with his side of things and told us we’ll know if Bennett is the man within 24 hours.

A lot of you have commented asking for my take on things, so here it goes:

First, it’s important to remember that Goodman, Katz and Parrish are all trying to break this story. After all, it’s a pretty big one. Since they’re not bound to the rules of normal print media, they’re going to write about anything they feel is legitimate information from a good source. As far as Bennett telling Katz that he hasn’t talked to Indiana, what do you expect him to say? That he’s in negotiations and will arrive in Bloomington tomorrow? That’s not how it works, folks. Katz is a very good reporter, but he’s been wrong before (see his report a few years back that Steve Alford was going to Missouri). I do believe that Indiana has made contact with either Bennett or his representatives to gauge his interest. And he’s probably interested.

I can’t think of a good reason for Bennett to stay at Washington State. No offense to what Bennett has done there or the fans of the program, but let’s be honest, it’s not a destination job. Indiana is a destination and given Bennett’s ties to the Big Ten and the prestige of the program, he’d be foolish not to give it serious consideration. On the surface, he seems to be an ideal fit for the situation.

I have been told by multiple people that IU would like to have a coach in place before the Final Four, so whether or not Bennett is the man, we should know a lot more in the coming days. Until then, stay tuned…

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  • hoosier2601
    I'd like to see Bennett win with someone other than his daddy's recruits. He hasn't proven anything.
  • Ryan_Btown
    Briana Butch, Alando Tucker, Devin Harris...All three were supposedly recruited by Tony when he was an assistant. You are crazy if you think the head coach does all the recruiting at a major university. Why do you think Senderoff was the first to go when the news broke about Sampson and the additional rules violations?
  • BrianK
    His dad's record his last year wasn't to good even with his own recruits
  • easy
    Um. If daddy's recruits were so good how come daddy didn't win with them? Look at the recruits he has interested now, and the ones he had at Wisconsin as well. The guy is charismatic. He can recruit. The guy is well respected and was everyone's National Coach of the Year in his first season. This season he went farther in the tournament, proving it was no fluke. I'm tired of reading that he "hasn't proven anything." What a line of crap.
  • Kelin Blab
    Big News doesn't normally break on Sundays...but I could be wrong...so the 24hr thing we will see. Nevertheless...Sean Miller is out of the tourney if Tony B doesn't work out...as far as his buyout...I am willing to bet every ITH reader would put in 20-30bucks towards taking care of that buyout from Xavier.....

    Tony B.....welcome to IU hopefully.....now here is your to do list......
    1. Talk to EJ about how an actual coach could help his game...at least talk to him

    2. Call Ebanks and tell him a REAL coach is in town and if he goes to rutgers or Miami good luck with finding him on tv. If he goes to Memphis just mention another 5star that plays the same position.....Angel Garcia.

    3. Give Dak and McCallum jobs

    4. Sit down with B-Mac, call KS a bunch of names with him and then tell the kid he will get some PT.

    5. Name Taber the Team Captain

    6. Send me a new IU coach autograph picture for my son, so I can get this loser KS off his wall.

    7. Hold a spring conditioning midnight madness so we have something to do.
  • jgongora86
    I'm game to put $100 to buy off Sean Millers contract if we can't get Bennett. Guys if any of you watching are you watching the final four, do you think its wrong that UNC should play all of its first four rounds in North Carolina. I still think they would win the games but it seems to take away from essence of neutrality that the tournament is known for.
  • DC_Hoosier
    The NCAA puts at least one set of games in North Carolina nearly every year (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and next year, too) so that Duke/UNC gets an easy trip for at least 2 games. Thankfully, there's no stadium in NC big enough to host the Final Four, or they'd probably put that there every year, too.
  • BrianK
    If the NCAA and CBS had it's way UNC and Puke wouldnever have to leave home and have personal massages waiting for them after the game. Did you hear the crew tonight? I thought they were having orgasms whenever they talked about them. When they would talk about U of L it sounded like they were just because they had to.
  • tberry
  • easy
    Good find, thanks for that.
  • Kelin Blab
    As far as the "hasn't proven anything" theory goes....the only viable candidate in that case is RMK.......None of the others mentioned have hung any banners........for that matter if not RMK...then Mike Davis....has gone further than Tony B., Miller, Pearl, etc etc.
  • sirkev
    I think Bennett would be a great hire. Hopefully, there's nothing that Greenspan can do to screw things up. From what I have read, it seems that Bennett is adaptable to a style based on what players he has. If so, then along with the contract, Greenspan should send a tape of the Davidson-Wisc game along with a note saying we want to play like the Wildcats. I think the only way to be successful in the Big 10 in the next couple of years is to be the anti-Wisc, anti-Mich St. and Davidson provided the perfect blueprint on how to slice and dice the Badger D.
  • hoosier2601
    What makes you think he can recruit??? Please give me some evidence. He has all his dad's players right now. Washington State's class for next year is mediocre at best. I think he needs another couple years. We don't know what we're getting.

    Also, we'll never win a national championship with his style of play. Sure Wash St held teams like the Citadel, North Carolina A&T, Montana, Idaho, Etc. to under 60 points, but everybody saw what happened when they played a good, up-tempo team like UNC. They showed no resiliance when they fell behind and had no chance of coming back.

    Give me Pitino, Miller, or Thad.
  • Ryan_Btown
    Citadel, NC A&t, Montana...and oh yeah...all those Pac 10 teams they play too...none of them are very good....
  • easy
    Yep only beat the living hell out of Notre Dame, holding them 40 pts below average. Lost to NC in NC, still held them 20 pts below average. Roy Williams even said that WSU just missed some shots. We'll never win with his style...right. Look at what UCLA has been doing. Teams like Mich. St. and Wisc. who consistently go deep in the tourney with tough defense, no matter how good they did in the regular season. We will be the same.

    And yeah, his talent is going to be mediocre. You can't recruit 5 stars to Wazzu. You can't. No one ever has. So he's getting the MOST out of the talent he's got and he will get better talent here. He has a good nose for finding unheralded high schoolers and coaching them up to be successful. Look at Tucker, Butch, Harris, Low, and Weaver. All unheralded, now All-Conference, some playing in the NBA, some having represented the USA in the Pan Am games. Now you're telling me that he can't win here? The talent will be much greater here. The offense will open up. The defense will be even tougher. The thing he's proven is he doesn't NEED a bunch of 5 stars to win. Now imagine what he can and will do when he starts landing those players. Watch some of his interviews or read some of his comments. Read what the players say about him. Then you'll begin seeing what a great coach this guy is and will become.
  • BrianK
    Ok yeah Pitino. He'll be 57 before the season starts. We would have hopefully 5 good seasons out of him. He has been al Louisville 7 years and hasn't had a championship and he's getting the recruits there. Bennett as taken a bunch of players who none have been ranked in the top 100 and taken them to the tournament 2 years in a row. His name is out there as one of the big up and comers now and if he came to IU with his winning style recruits would come. i mean do you want a Dean Smith who can get you all the McDonald's All Americans you want but only when 2 championships in 30 years or do you want a Knight who can when you 3. Recruiting will come especially if he has good assistants because thats a huge factor.
  • hoosier2601
    Yea Ryan, they played really well against the other top teams in the PAC 10. 0-7 against UCLA, Stanford, and Arizona lol. Might wanna check that before u post your comments lol.
  • hoosier2601
    Easy, again, they were 0-7 against UCLA, Stanford, and Arizona... Their 11 wins in the PAC 10 were mostly against the bottom half of the league.
  • easy
    Yep, I know that. But two of those teams were Top 10. Would you rather have losses to the teams that Sean Miller lost to or the ones Tony Bennett lost to? Bennett only lost to one team not in the tourney. They lost 3 games to 2 Final Four teams (UNC and UCLA) and two to an Elite Eight team (Stanford). With the talent differential, that is rather impressive. And against the Pac 10 they were competitive in every game. Just consider the upside.
  • DC_Hoosier
    Of course, Arizona was in the bottom half of that PAC 10 this year, while Arizona St. and USC were in the top half, along with UCLA, Stanford, and Wash St. And since WSU went 4-0 against USC and ASU, WSU was actually 4-4 against the top half of the PAC 10 this year. Maybe you should check yourself before you post.

    Still not a huge Bennett fan, unless he is willing to change up his offense to go more up tempo once he has better athletes.
  • hoosier2601
    yea dc, how did arizona state do in the tourney this year again?? ohhh ok they didn't make it... and yea, they were 2-0 against usc, but again, 0-7 against the "good" teams in the division you moron.
  • hoosier2601
    or i'm sorry, 0-5 since you dont consider a consistant final four threat like arizona good.
  • Lay off the name calling or you'll be taking a vacation.
  • hoosier2601
    relax dude. it's a blog.
  • Like I said, lay off the name calling. We don't need it.
  • DC_Hoosier
    Again, Arizona wasn't good this year. No matter how many times you say it,
    it won't become true. Mostly, I was just pointing out that you shouldn't
    tell people to look things up first, when you're making your own statements
    that aren't correct. And calm down. We're all Hoosier fans here. And
    neither of us are Tony Bennett fans.

    On Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 10:19 PM, Disqus <
  • hoosier2601
    And you are making this argument easy for me.. Wash St's offensive gameplan is just simply boring and ugly... The teams you mentiond, mich st, ucla, and wisconsin, all run capable offenses, and play tough defense, which is why they are successful.
  • easy
    And if you did any homework on Bennett you would know that he only plays that style because that is what it takes to win with the talent he has. He is more than willing to change and adapt his style if it wins games. He'd have better athletes here so I'm sure things would be more open and up tempo.
  • Ryan_Btown
    haha...and our offense for the last couple of years has been even better? Hey, I'm not trying to get in a fight with you. I'm just saying that I think it's crazy to want a 56 year old to come here or a 61 year (montgomerie). This guy has a solid program at a doormat program in a big time conference. I honestly think he's the best we're going to get and I think he will surprise you.

    And about those top teams...he wasn't exactly getting blown out in those games.
  • jgongora86
    to ease the tension here does anyone like my Mr. Met pick. hu? Hu?
  • Don't worry about the tension. This place was built for respectful and intelligent discussion and it will continue to be just that. Those who can't respect each other's opinion without resorting to name calling won't be tolerated.
  • jgongora86
    ok. but how about the pic ?
  • I like it. About time you added one since you're one of the old timers around these parts.
  • easy
    Big A, if you were to guess (or based on any sources you have) do you think Bennett accepts tomorrow? Or do you think he passes? Or do you think his decision isn't actually "due" tomorrow? Really would like to hear your thoughts on that.
  • Not sure how much stock I put in the "deadline." If he's interested, do you really tell him he only has until noon tomorrow to give you an answer? Might not be the best strategy, in my opinion.
  • easy
    But you think if the offer is legit then he is coming?
  • easy
    Well Pitino is available now. Should be interesting to see if there are any new rumors with him involved. See if he was really talking to us. From what I had heard he was our top target and Bennett was next, but well behind Pitino. I took the offer to Bennett to mean that Pitino wasn't interested or was asking for much more than we were willing to give.
  • easy
    Sorry to basically triple post, but what is the deal with all of the reports saying this decision isn't that easy for Bennett etc. or that he really might turn it down? Is it family? He doesn't want to be in the spotlight? I just don't get how you can get offered a job in basketball royalty and turn it down unless you're just not that competitive I guess. In the end I think he takes it. How many chances do you get at one of these jobs?
  • jgongora86
    It would be interesting to see if Pitino is still in consideration. A friend of mine made a good point. Though he is top dog in Louiville, he still second loved in the state of kentucky. With kentucky being the major school there perhaps he would be interested in going to Indiana where he will be second to none. Probably have an easier time getting good recruits. I do like the possibility of him mixing his regular new york style recruits ( who genuinely do great on the post) as well with the mixture of midwest talent (good fundamentals, and shooting from long ranges).
  • BrianK
    Pitino has had no trouble getting the recruits at Louisville. I just can;t see any reason why he would and like I said before he doesn't have alot of time left and he would be starting all over again plus possibly a probation year. Going by the criteria of having to be a great recruiter and having proved himself in the tourney I throw out a name if they want MOnty and others are wanting Pitino I'm throwing out a name....Wooden. He's form Indiana he's proved he can recruit with the best and he has won championships/
  • jgongora86
    I agree on the recruit front but he has primarily landed studs from the east coast, and has trouble recruiting from the south region lately. I think if he came to Iu not only will he bring his regular east coast kids (aka lance stephenson), and be able to recruit Indiana kids as well. anywho, I think this is all a mute point because I think it's Bennett's job to accept or deny ( which I'm fine about as well).
    Cheers,
    Jaime
  • BrianK
    Im right with ya Met Head
  • easy
    Um WISH 8 apparently reported that Bennett has 24 hrs to say he's interested in the job, then we'll INTERVIEW him. If not we'll go interview Montgomery and Lon Kruger. Seriously? Those are the options for an elite job? Give me Bennett every day of the week and twice on Sundays. There is not a soul in this state who would get excited about Kruger or Montgomery. Both are solid to good coaches, but we need something to excite us and rally around. At least a young guy gives the hope of greatness with all of his potential. Yikes, this situation could get ugly. That said, I still think Bennett will take it and save us from an awful hire.
  • BrianK
    Whats with the older coaches we joining the senior league?
  • sirkev
    While I am not enthused about Montgomery or Kruger they are not the worst hires in the world. Outside of the NBA, which can't compare to college, both men have won everywhere they have been. I know Montgomery has always run a clean program and it would be interesting to see the types of players he could recruit without the academic restraints that were on him at Stanford. I think Kruger can say the same, plus he beat Wisconsin last year in the 2nd round, so that's another plus :)

    Bottom line, while they would not be my first choice, I think that they would bring 25+ win seasons and the opportunity to compete for Big 10 and NCAA titles.
  • kgork
    ESPN is going to talk about it soon.
  • kylehornsbyrules
    Do any of you know if or when there will be an announcement from WSU?
  • easy
    Already was. Just the AD saying no one had contacted him yet.
  • easy
  • easy
    Yeah, so thank you ESPN for not making me feel any better about the situation. This is making me nervous at this point.
  • BrianK
    I know I keep reliving that feeling when i first heard Kelvin Sampson was going to be our coach. I hated that "Who? What? "feeling.
  • easy
    At least Sampson was still considered a pretty damn good coach. Kruger and Montgomery...I just can't believe those are the realistic options. Sampson screwed us worse than I thought. The sanctions are really hanging over our heads, Brand will come down hard, and I can't blame a coach for not wanting to walk into that. They'd have a hard time getting a fair shake if they struggled at first. Fans are tired of being patient. And what we need is likely patience.
  • BrianK
    Very true
  • jgongora86
    If matta could do it for Ohio State, then anyone could should be able to do it for us. I hope this doesn't make me sound like an elitist prick, but we are freaking Indiana. Nuff Said.
  • easy
    Yeah, but didn't Matta know what he was getting into? That's part of the risk here. No one will know until August. Plus Brand has it out for us.

    I honestly would rather us severely overpay for Matta or an exciting coach than settle for Monty or Kruger. I'm reading too much stuff about Bennett possibly saying no. I'm officially scared. It sounds like he might ACTUALLY say no! That just astounds me, no offense to WSU. It just seems like in any profession, particularly competitive ones, if you get a key position at a major level you want to take it. Maybe my fears will be calmed tomorrow. Certainly hope so because the other options are less than stellar. I can't stand Alford but I'd rather have him and some "upside" about him being at IU than Monty or Kruger.

    I just wish someone was reporting the Bennett covets the IU job or really wants to come here. It sounds almost like he has to be persuaded to come, which I don't like...
  • jgongora86
    Nope Matta coached a whole year before knowing the ruling. If Myles Brand tries to suspend us for a year, I say everyone in this board should chip in to sue the living F*@k out of the ncaa. We did everything right, by firing him as soon as we heard from the NCAA. From a PR stand point we backed off and did all we could do. Remember he did lie to us as well, and the NCAA admitted that in their so called findings. I would like to conduct our own investigation of other schools, and ask why they didn't do anything about these ( aka USC, Florida State, UNC with the whole letting Tyler Zeller play with NBA players thing). I know there a crap load of other schools to add, but the point is that we as a fan base need to stand up for ourselves and for people like me our school. I hate bullies, and if you fight back, chances are they will never mess with you again. Sorry I'm in an angry mood.
  • BTOWN40
    As far as the sanctions go is there a panel that decides or is it ultimately up to Grreenspan?
  • BTOWN40
    I mean Brand....Guess I confused one ass with another one
  • easy
    What are the chances this is a complete smokescreen, Greenspan just using the media's love affair with Bennett to divert their attention and go after someone like a Jamie Dixon? Or someone not so much on the radar. It would be similar to the Alford rumors and then pulling Sampson out of nowhere. Not even sure if I'd believe that, but it certainly follows that trend. Greenspan has been good in the past about not letting names leak, or allowing the wrong ones to leak. Matta is another one that hasn't been mentioned seriously. Or I guess Pitino too in national outlets (besides Lavin throwing his name out there tonight). Just a thought. Trying to stay optimistic. Surely we won't wind up with Kruger or Montgomery......right?.....
  • JerryCT
    I feel like all the reports have elements of truth. I imagine a process where the committee has gone through intermediaries until an oral deal in principle is done. So for example BMK is asked to talk to father DIck on the golf course following this script:

    1. Oral discussion to agree on mutual interest.
    2. Question posed " what will you need to come to IU "?
    3. Question is answered in personal, legal, professional levels
    4. IU decides if can meet the requirements
    5. Negotiation if the demands are complicated
    6. Oral common agreement
    7. Official process with WSU/coach then takes place and in writing
    8. Official acceptance on both sides
    9. Orchestration of the announcement

    Until the first 6 steps through intermediaries are taken then there is no need to talk face to face and embarass everyone through the media ie Rodriquez going to Alabama.

    Imagining this process scenario then all reports can be near true and to make the Thursday deadline we have already targeted our coach and are in discussions. My guess is will be at step 7 by end of day Tuesday to meet Thursday expectation.

    I seriously doubt Monty has been chosen because this would not have taken this long
  • sirkev
    Couple of things: First, if the NCAA puts us on probation, I will chip in on any website/protest/legal way of getting Miles "Useless" Brand fired/removed as the NCAA pres. Next to Selig, I can't think of a worse president / head of a sports organization right now and probation would only confirm that there is an inherient bias at the NCAA regarding IU basketball.

    Second, whoever the coach is, although at this point I think Bennett is the best choice available, their most important task is to lock down Indiana recruits. The amount of talent that has snuck away since the Davis era is the biggest reason why IU has had its share of struggles in the 2000's. I expect us to get at least 1 of the top 2 every year and at least 2 of the top 4. Anything less will lead us right back to where we are now.
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