Definitely the better of this trade goes to UK.
They get the TOP Illini assistant and a recruit that Webster was after.
Illinois gets an administrative assistant under Billy Gillispie who had no actual coaching duties.
Kind of like giving up ARod and getting a minor leaguer.
U of I had an opportunity to make a huge splash with this hire, instead they went and made a dribble in a puddle of water.
They needed a strong tied guy to Chicago and specifically the Public league.
I respectfully disagree. Furthermore, I am not sure that person exists. It would be like searching for that one guy to unify IRAQ. No matter who you choose, the other fiefdoms immediately cry jihad. I pity any program who's fate rests in the hands of an assistant coach...
... I think the consensus is that this is a sinking ship...
Bert,
You probably are right and he will have a deep passion and commitment to the program. But, and I am more curious then anything, how much actual recruiting experience does Howard have? He was the Administrative assistant at A&M and Director of Basketball Operations at KU. Neither of those positions allow for recruiting.
If I have to make a choice between experience and passion..I'll take passion. It can overcome many obstacles
Hire attitude and train skills.....I have learned the hard way on that one
Bert,
You probably are right and he will have a deep passion and commitment to the program. But, and I am more curious then anything, how much actual recruiting experience does Howard have? He was the Administrative assistant at A&M and Director of Basketball Operations at KU. Neither of those positions allow for recruiting.
Very little. But then what do you say about a recruiter who comes with years and years of experience? One, they aren't smart enough to get a HC gig. Two, they are making enough under the table to meet their needs. Three, they're old. Or four, well I can't think of a four but what they didn't hire was a skin peddling AAU coach or master of his own domain CPL coach, or some phenom's dad for a one hitter...Lowery had just about the same amount of experience when Web brought him on and now he is one of the most successful coaches in the country and doing it for his Alma Mater. Painter is following a frighteningly similar path having one of the highest rated recruiting classes in the nation. Can lightning strike thrice? And in closing, JH hasn't been jaded by the short lived NBA experience like one other former Illini who had applied. There is much to be said for exuberance and character. Thank you for your time.
(no emoticon req'd)
bert