Would Ollie jump to the NBA?

[DCHuskyFan]

With Stevens leaving Butler, I got me thinking if and when and how fast Ollie would jump at a NBA opportunity. Unfortunately, I could see him having more success in the pros, having read about and heard in interviews from multiple pro players and coaches how much if a positive affect he has had on his fellow players and the teams on which he has played. I think he would certainly have more credibility than Stevens from a NBA player relationship perspective.

 

[babysheep]

If he can get us to 2 NC games like Stevens did at Butler, with the talent he's bringing in, we win them both. That's good enough for me if he wants to take the next step afterwards.

Edit I have to say though that I don't think it's likely. If KO has the NBA reputation that's come to light this past year, you know he could have gotten a job as an assistant somewhere NBA and worked his way up that way, easily. Someone would have given him a shot. He's got some serious ties to and love for UConn, and it shows.

 

[dogpause]

Many schools worry about their coach leaving to coach another school. I don't think Kevin would ever do that, but I do think the lure of the right NBA offer will be too tough too resist for a number of reasons. First of course, is the money, but also lets not forget that he spent many more years in the NBA than he did at UConn. Finally, the grind of recruiting wears on almost all college coaches.

 

[OkaForPrez]

1) Kevin Ollie has demonstrated that he doesn't use his podium to pay lip service to anyone. His heart is always, always, on his sleeve.

2) Kevin ollie has called uconn his dream job and hopes to be here 25 years.

 

[gampelcrazies]

I could see him leaving after his contract is up.

 

[Deleted member 3149]

It's a family business, simple as that. KO would never.

 

[husky99]

not for another college, but could for a really good nba team

 

[Kitaman]

Business is business, and everyone has a price. Furthermore the challenge and opportunity make things interesting. The NBA is the cream of the basketball coaching profession.

With all that said he would be a fool (i.e. UConn fool) not to entertain or consider an NBA coaching opportunity if it came his way. Maybe not right now but in 5-10 years with success and proven ability he could certainly qualify for a look. I would think he would think long and hard before saying yes or no.

Sure he is UConn bred, loyal and says all the right things but in the end coaching is still a job.

 

[SeattleHoop]

If Calhoun didn't do it, I don't think Ollie will either.

 

[progrocks]

I could see him leaving after his contract is up.

contracts never come up, they always get renewed several years in advance if it is a coach you actually want to keep.

I have said here for a long while, he is never leaving for any other coaching job, but there is no reason to think he would not leave for the right pro gig. Being able to coach Lebron, Durant? He would have to do that.

 

[CTBasketball]

If they throw money at him he'd leave in a heartbeat.

 

[UConnDan97]

My read on KO (and I could be wrong but I don't think I am) is that he is where he wants to be. And he is where he has wanted to be for quite some time. And the only way he's leaving here is if we ask him to.

The man doesn't need the big money contract. He's done well for himself over 13 years in the NBA as well as a good contract now as the UConn coach. He's here for the long-haul, ladies and gents...

 

[huskiesnyc]

I don't think Kevin would do it. Even while he was in the NBA he had his family base in CT. I believe him when he says UConn is his dream job.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

If they throw money at him he'd leave in a heartbeat.

Based on everything you've read that indicates that Ollie is a guy who's chasing the biggest paycheck?

I mean, what grounds do you possibly have to say this?

 

[Huskybass]

If they throw money at him he'd leave in a heartbeat.

total BS. You couldn't be more wrong. KO is exactly where he wants to be and is well compensated. More $ doesn't change what is really important to someone. KO is here for the long haul.

 

[UConn990411]

Why exactly are we talking about this right now?

In any event, none of you have a clue whether or not Ollie would jump to the NBA. (He might not either, for that matter.)

 

[Ts5034]

Im pretty sure I remember reading when KO jumped on as an assistant that he had offers from NBA teams for assistant positions. If he really had his heart set on the NBA, i dont think he would have came to UConn in the first place.

 

[TheChamps990411]

The guy could have had an assistant coach position already but he chose to come to uconn and sit by jim calhoun for a couple of years with no guarantee of ever being the head coach. The only way i see him leaving for an NBA job is if hes been here long enough to have competed and maybe even won a couple of titles. I cant imagine him taking an nba jobe before doing anything here at uconn.

 

[mauconnfan]

I could be wrong but much like JC he bleeds NF Blue not all the different colors of the NBA. He's a teacher of the game and life itself and that only goes so far at the highest level where ego's are not coachable. He is happy in Glastonbury and I am sure with his financial situation in life so I doubt money will ever be the deciding factor. You never know what may happen but my vote would be if UConn continues to be a power and conferences allow him to be successful, he will be here until he retires!

 

[champs99and04]

We'd be naïve to dismiss it as a possibility, just like we would have been naïve to dismiss the possibility of Calhoun leaving for another coaching gig at one time or another. I do think he's genuine in his adoration of the University and his current situation, but if in say, two years, Oklahoma City grows tired of Scottie Brooks playing Kendrick Perkins 30 minutes a game in the NBA finals, you'd have to think Ollie would be a guy they'd look at, and that would be extremely difficult to pass up.

 

[UChusky916]

This board is funny... what a difference a year makes.

After only 1 year of KO as head coach, we are discussing if he would move to the NBA rather than if he is a capable coach for the program.

That speaks volumes, KO is a keeper.

 

[Marty Jackson]

Calhoun was rumored to be headed to South Carolina at one point, and then the nba more recently. Not sure if it was loyalty to uconn or self interest that kept him in ct.

With Ollie, who knows... But Calhoun didn't pick a successor for one or two years. I think the only risk for Ollie is the nba, and that is at least a few years off if at all. I think Ollie likes being an influence on his players, like Calhoun was for him. That doesn't happen as much in the nba.

 

[HooperScooper]

Calhoun was rumored to be headed to South Carolina at one point, and then the nba more recently. Not sure if it was loyalty to uconn or self interest that kept him in ct.

Calhoun talked about that when I saw him speak 2-3 months ago. He said he was close to taking the SC job but then thought more about it and he realized he was a "New England guy, through and through" and didn't want to leave. He talked about his NBA opportunities and thought the same plus he knew coaching NBA players was a different animal.

We all have to admit we were pretty lucky that Calhoun stayed at UConn as long as he did. Not too many coaches stay at one school that long. Either another university or the NBA come calling with lots of money and the coach is gone. We are damn lucky.

 

[pj]

No doubt Kevin loves UConn, but he will succeed here and there will be NBA offers. He will have the choice between building a legacy at one school a la Jim Calhoun, Dean Smith, Mike K, etc, and testing himself at all levels of basketball coaching. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him try out an NBA head coaching position sometime. It all depends on how things shake out at UConn -- are we still in the AAC? Is his budget limited? His pay competitive? Does he enjoy the recruiting? Does he want a new challenge after succeeding at this one? I hope he turns out to be a 30-year 800-win coach at UConn, but whatever he gives us, I'll be grateful for.

 

[aceboon]

I think its definitely something to worry about, Fred Hoiberg's background is very similar to KO's and he is already being mentioned for NBA jobs after back to back seasons of reaching the 2nd round in the tourney. If KO were to do the same and go beyond you will hear talk seeing how respected he is in NBA circles.