Am I the only one who thinks KO should not be the next head coach??

[PhilG]

Hopefully JC will stay onboard for at least the remaining time on his current contract (hopefully more), but when the time comes and JC steps down, I'm having a hard time with all the talk about KO filling his shoes. I really like Kevin but putting someone with zero head coaching experience in the reigns of the 3 time national championship school is just not the way to go. KO is extremely valuable to the program's future, but not as the head coach. We need to hire someone away from another program (like Brad Stevens) and put KO in the role that Blaney fills currently. That would give us 2 young coaches to carry the program forward. Anyone else thinking along these lines?

 

[AfgHusky15]

No your not the only one, but that doesn't mean your any less wrong about KO. We should feel lucky we have a guy like KO on our coaching staff. In the few years that he's been here he's been key in getting recruits to commit to uconn such as daniels. A lot of current recruits give KO shout outs all the time. For all the KO naysayers do you guys not read the articles about KO working out hard with current players like bazz and boat during the summer? There is a reason why JC is pushing for KO to be the next head coach. JC has invested too much time, effort and heart to push for any future coaching move that will not sustain uconn as an elitee bball program

 

[aceboon]

I guess you missed the other 2000 posts discussing this. This board literally has this post every single week.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

No your not the only one, but that doesn't mean your any less wrong about KO. We should feel lucky we have a guy like KO on our coaching staff. In the few years that he's been here he's been key in getting recruits to commit to uconn such as daniels. A lot of current recruits give KO shout outs all the time. For all the KO naysayers do you guys not read the articles about KO working out hard with current players like bazz and boat during the summer? There is a reason why JC is pushing for KO to be the next head coach. JC has invested too much time, effort and heart to push for any future coaching move that will not sustain uconn as an elitee bball program

I think we all recognize Ollie has done a tremendous job and been a great asset so far for the program.

That being said, he has zero head coaching experience and only has two years under his belt as an assistant. It's not a knock on Ollie, I would say that about anyone with that lack of experience on their resume.

Calhoun is a legendary coach, but as others have mentioned, his coaching family tree hasn't exactly set the world on fire. Calhoun obviously loves Ollie and is a fiercely loyal guy so that's why he is pushing for him to be the man for the job. As much as Calhoun's earned the right to walk away whenever he wants, I don't think he should have cart blanche when it comes to naming his successor. Everything we have heard from AD Manuel has indicated that won't be the case.

If they determine Ollie is the man for the job, he'll have everyone's support. To say people are "wrong" about being skeptical about Ollie because he has no head coaching experience isn't fair.

 

[Dann]

Im 100% ko kh ra and crew... The coaching will never ne the same as jc and db. I rather develope our home grown program faces like those guys then buy a shaka type. Those guys can recruit and they are bball minds with huge connnections. The in game coachin will follow shortly i believe.

 

[PhilG]

I guess you missed the other 2000 posts discussing this. This board literally has this post every single week.

Well I guess this is the one for the week of June 10th!

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Not making Kevin Ollie the coach in waiting guarantees we will have a program that no big name will want to take over in 2 years. I don't know if Ollie will be the best coach available in 2014, but I do know that no big name will take over the program in 2014 in the condition it will likely be in if we let Calhoun run out the string. Recruiting has taken a nosedive already. Think about what the roster will look like in 2014 and ask yourself if you think Shaka Smart will want to succeed a legend with a roster that will go 3-15 in the Big East for each of his first 2 years.

 

[husky99]

At least a national search. Ollie only head coaching experience is aau summer stuff...
nba experrience does not = great head coach

 

[caw]

I disagree with the title but likely not the intent.

Ollie shouldn't be the automatic choice. There should be a national search. Ollie should be in the search. Ollie is probably in the top 5 for me. I would take the following before Ollie (ATM) Stevens, Smart, Hurley, (I can't remember name). However, there is always the chance they may not want to come to UConn. Ollie for that matter may have more alumni/NBA/recruit support to push him to the top.

I don't think recruiting has suffered as much as people think it has. 2013 will be far more telling than 2012. 2012 was not only the coaching issue but also the NCAA issue. Still UConn got a top 30 player and a one-time top 100 player. That's decent and downright amazing for the issues UConn has for 2012-2013.

UConn is in with a lot of good 2013 players, have to see how that solidifies before doubting the recruiting.

 

[babysheep]

Who cares about JC's "coaching tree?" He hired those dudes to be assistant coaches, and certainly not as his successor. Now, as JC sees the end of his career drawing very near, KO is invited onto the staff, and it is clear that JC wants KO to take over. JC could have asked nearly anyone to take over (he did so before this garbage with APR messed the program up for at least a couple years), but he is confident in KO for a reason, and I think people too often forget that this HoF, 3-time NC winner should be trusted in his judgement of a man's ability to lead young men. He's wiser in the ways of basketball than every one of us put together.

 

[mauconnfan]

Tough one for sure. Love KO...actually saw him at his hoops camp a few summers ago and his pesentations to the kids and life stories of how to be successful had me saying he would coach come day. Having said that I didn't say HC right away, although like babysheep I do believe in JC and know he will do what's best for the program to continue in his mind. As far as other candidates let's wait and see when he retires and watch Manual and the team search for the right fit, knowing KO will be near the top of the available finalists. For those on the Brad Stevens bandwagon, like the guy and think he's solid coach but that ship may have sailed. The way they play , which works fine for them and where he is from in reagrds to recruiting NYC, NE and the East just doesn't bide well. Now Smart on the other hand could be a nice fit....personality, passion and fire. And he's an east coast kinda guy I believe! When the time comes it will certainly be interesting.

 

[UConnSwag11]

id rather have ollie over smart and ollie has been doing a great job with the recruiting and i think one he gets the practice facility i think the recruits will flood in

 

[PhilG]

Who cares about JC's "coaching tree?" He hired those dudes to be assistant coaches, and certainly not as his successor. Now, as JC sees the end of his career drawing very near, KO is invited onto the staff, and it is clear that JC wants KO to take over. JC could have asked nearly anyone to take over (he did so before this garbage with APR messed the program up for at least a couple years), but he is confident in KO for a reason, and I think people too often forget that this HoF, 3-time NC winner should be trusted in his judgement of a man's ability to lead young men. He's wiser in the ways of basketball than every one of us put together.

How the heck do you know that "it is clear that JC wants KO to take over."??? Are you part of JCs inner circle? Come on now, let's get real.

 

[UCHuskies08]

Yes, you are the only person/being capable of having such an opinion in this universe that thinks that KO should not be the coach.

 

[johnhuskies95]

How the heck do you know that "it is clear that JC wants KO to take over."??? Are you part of JCs inner circle? Come on now, let's get real.

Just go to the Courant's website and pick an article.

 

[ddooky]

Agree with PhilG. KO can't be the next coach. Love him and all he has done and all he stands for. Has great potential but only 2 years as an assistant and no head coaching experience means he can't be the next coach.
I've said I think it's going to be Tom Moore or Steve Pikiell because I'm trying to think of how it's going to go down between JC and Manuel. JC has never said "I want KO to replace me." It's always been something to the effect of "I want someone from the family to replace me." It's been the rumor mongers and some idiots like ESPN's Andy Katz who have deduced it must be KO, so it's become consensus. Now Manuel clearly seems to be indicating he is not comfortable giving it to KO with the lack of experience. Manuel also seems smart enough to not piss off JC on the way out the door so they will sit down and come to a compromise. "Jim, I'm not comfortable with KO's lack of experience, so who else do you recommend so we can keep this thing in the family?" In my mind, having seen a lot of Quinnipiac games, Moore would be a great compromise. 13 years of high major AAU recruiting contacts, which this current "recruiting staff" sorely lacks. 13 years of ties to all the current UConn NBA alums. 5 years of head coaching experience where he's averaged 21 wins per year over the last three years at a place that had only won more than 21 twice in the history of the school. And he comes with JC's strong endorsement.
Now, I'm not saying this is what should happen....but I could certainly see it going this way.

 

[uconnbill]

Not making Kevin Ollie the coach in waiting guarantees we will have a program that no big name will want to take over in 2 years. I don't know if Ollie will be the best coach available in 2014, but I do know that no big name will take over the program in 2014 in the condition it will likely be in if we let Calhoun run out the string. Recruiting has taken a nosedive already. Think about what the roster will look like in 2014 and ask yourself if you think Shaka Smart will want to succeed a legend with a roster that will go 3-15 in the Big East for each of his first 2 years.

I disagree with you 100%. You have to let things play out as coaches in waiting doesn't always mean success. Ollie not being CIW doesn't mean he won't bring in players. Remember Calhoun is at the helm and has won three national championships "in case you forgot".

 

[uconnfan68]

Agree with PhilG. KO can't be the next coach. Love him and all he has done and all he stands for. Has great potential but only 2 years as an assistant and no head coaching experience means he can't be the next coach.
I've said I think it's going to be Tom Moore or Steve Pikiell because I'm trying to think of how it's going to go down between JC and Manuel. JC has never said "I want KO to replace me." It's always been something to the effect of "I want someone from the family to replace me." It's been the rumor mongers and some idiots like ESPN's Andy Katz who have deduced it must be KO, so it's become consensus. Now Manuel clearly seems to be indicating he is not comfortable giving it to KO with the lack of experience. Manuel also seems smart enough to not piss off JC on the way out the door so they will sit down and come to a compromise. "Jim, I'm not comfortable with KO's lack of experience, so who else do you recommend so we can keep this thing in the family?" In my mind, having seen a lot of Quinnipiac games, Moore would be a great compromise. 13 years of high major AAU recruiting contacts, which this current "recruiting staff" sorely lacks. 13 years of ties to all the current UConn NBA alums. 5 years of head coaching experience where he's averaged 21 wins per year over the last three years at a place that had only won more than 21 twice in the history of the school. And he comes with JC's strong endorsement.
Now, I'm not saying this is what should happen....but I could certainly see it going this way.

I can guarantee it won't be any one that has been associated with the program since JC came in except KO. And don't even know if he'll be the one. I think the administration and AD Manuel need to go through normal procedures for selection. We all should expect them to do that much. If they decide KO is the right man, with or without the experience, then that's OK by me.

 

[Huskies4ever]

I disagree with the title but likely not the intent.

Ollie shouldn't be the automatic choice. There should be a national search. Ollie should be in the search. Ollie is probably in the top 5 for me. I would take the following before Ollie (ATM) Stevens, Smart, Hurley, (I can't remember name). However, there is always the chance they may not want to come to UConn. Ollie for that matter may have more alumni/NBA/recruit support to push him to the top.

I don't think recruiting has suffered as much as people think it has. 2013 will be far more telling than 2012. 2012 was not only the coaching issue but also the NCAA issue. Still UConn got a top 30 player and a one-time top 100 player. That's decent and downright amazing for the issues UConn has for 2012-2013.

UConn is in with a lot of good 2013 players, have to see how that solidifies before doubting the recruiting.

I'd take Ollie before Stevens.

 

[Huskies4ever]

Agree with PhilG. KO can't be the next coach. Love him and all he has done and all he stands for. Has great potential but only 2 years as an assistant and no head coaching experience means he can't be the next coach.
I've said I think it's going to be Tom Moore or Steve Pikiell because I'm trying to think of how it's going to go down between JC and Manuel. JC has never said "I want KO to replace me." It's always been something to the effect of "I want someone from the family to replace me." It's been the rumor mongers and some idiots like ESPN's Andy Katz who have deduced it must be KO, so it's become consensus. Now Manuel clearly seems to be indicating he is not comfortable giving it to KO with the lack of experience. Manuel also seems smart enough to not piss off JC on the way out the door so they will sit down and come to a compromise. "Jim, I'm not comfortable with KO's lack of experience, so who else do you recommend so we can keep this thing in the family?" In my mind, having seen a lot of Quinnipiac games, Moore would be a great compromise. 13 years of high major AAU recruiting contacts, which this current "recruiting staff" sorely lacks. 13 years of ties to all the current UConn NBA alums. 5 years of head coaching experience where he's averaged 21 wins per year over the last three years at a place that had only won more than 21 twice in the history of the school. And he comes with JC's strong endorsement.
Now, I'm not saying this is what should happen....but I could certainly see it going this way.

Really? You'd rather have Moore or Pikiell over KO? Maybe Moore, but after the Nate Miles situation and how Quinnipiac has fared, I don't know.

 

[ddooky]

I'd rather have both of them over KO. They both have done great jobs as HEAD COACHES in taking dormant programs to the top of their leagues. "How Quinnipiac has fared?" QU's been to the NIT, CIT, and CBI the last 3 years and Stony Brook has been to the championship game of the AE a few times. They are both a possession or two away from multiple NCAA bids.
Revisit the penalties that the NCAA handed out (you know, the people who actually investigated the case and enforce the rules), not how the clowns from Yahoo wrote the original Miles piece, when judging Moore's "wrongdoing" in the Miles' case.
And what this program is going to really need to bounce back is hard-earned/ lots of miles on the road/ton of phone calls over the years recruiting contacts at the elite AAU level nationally. That is how you get a Chris Obepka or Montrez Harrell late. Moore has 13 years of those as a UConn assistant. Count up the total number of years-in that role-of KO, Glenn Miller, and George Blaney right now and that may help explain why UConn is bringing in RJ Evans, Phil Nolan, and a nondescript German in 2012 and are on very few radars in 2013.

 

[Huskies4ever]

I'd rather have both of them over KO. They both have done great jobs as HEAD COACHES in taking dormant programs to the top of their leagues. "How Quinnipiac has fared?" QU's been to the NIT, CIT, and CBI the last 3 years and Stony Brook has been to the championship game of the AE a few times. They are both a possession or two away from multiple NCAA bids.
Revisit the penalties that the NCAA handed out (you know, the people who actually investigated the case and enforce the rules), not how the clowns from Yahoo wrote the original Miles piece, when judging Moore's "wrongdoing" in the Miles' case.
And what this program is going to really need to bounce back is hard-earned/ lots of miles on the road/ton of phone calls over the years recruiting contacts at the elite AAU level nationally. That is how you get a Chris Obepka or Montrez Harrell late. Moore has 13 years of those as a UConn assistant. Count up the total number of years-in that role-of KO, Glenn Miller, and George Blaney right now and that may help explain why UConn is bringing in RJ Evans, Phil Nolan, and a nondescript German in 2012 and are on very few radars in 2013.

Moore's "wrongdoing" is big no matter what role he played. You think UConn will bring him back after that fiasco? Again, I'm not asking you what his involvement was or what he deservers, I think UConn would rather distance itself from that situation. Also, Moore has been solid at Quinnipiac, not great at a mid major like Stevens. I'm still not sold on Sevens yet. Let's see what he can do with a different group of players. Maybe he will become an all-time great, maybe he will fade into obscurity. KO doesn't have NCAA head coaching experience, but he has done a great job of recruiting, and has many years of experience as an NBA floor general under great coaches in the league. He's not pulling in top recruits currently because our Huskies are on probation and aren't eligible for the NCAA tournament next year. I'd rather have KO.

 

[ddooky]

Fair points. I'd rather have either Moore or KO than Stevens or Smart. Stevens inherited the three best players in the history of Butler in Heyward, Mack, and Matt Howard and did a great job with them. Without them he came back to the middle of the pack of the Horizon League with an 11-7 record. Smart has finished 5th, 4th, and 2nd in the CAA after inheriting an incredible nucleus from Anthony Grant. Why any UConn fan would want them over one of our own like Moore, KO, or Pikiell is beyond me.

 

[Huskies4ever]

Fair points. I'd rather have either Moore or KO than Stevens or Smart. Stevens inherited the three best players in the history of Butler in Heyward, Mack, and Matt Howard and did a great job with them. Without them he came back to the middle of the pack of the Horizon League with an 11-7 record. Smart has finished 5th, 4th, and 2nd in the CAA after inheriting an incredible nucleus from Anthony Grant. Why any UConn fan would want them over one of our own like Moore, KO, or Pikiell is beyond me.

Impressed with Pikiell, but he shouldn't be in the conversation. I'd take Smart over Stevens, but interested in what KO can offer.

 

[ddooky]

I'd go Moore, Pikiell, KO, Smart, Stevens if forced to pick from those five.
Would be interesting to see how much money/years they would offer to lure a top-flight coach here.