With Larry Hunter’s departure now more certain (apparently it will be announced today) than it was yesterday, I wonder who will be his replacement?
On first blush, Archie Miller seems like the lead choice. If not, why would Archie leave an assistant’s job at Western Kentucky to come back to NCSU as director of operations? Could a promise have already been made?
However assuming that the job is not Archie’s already and that Herb is going to interview several candidates, let me throw out two names who deserve strong consideration:
1. Eddie Biedenbach
I know some will immediately object. However, Eddie represents a loyal NCSU alum, former player, former coach, AND someone who might bridge the gap between the pro-Herb and anti-Herb crowd.
Eddie is one of the few that can talk (first hand) about Coach Case, Coach Maravich, Coach Sloan, the Les’ years, and the National Championships. Did you know he was an assistant on our 74 team and was an assistant for Georgia when NCSU beat them in the ’83 Final Four?
To borrow someone else’s metaphor, he is the “Forrest Gump of NCSU”. He has experienced all that we are in our basketball history. How does Herb and NCSU benefit with Eddie? He would be a nonthreatening assistant (see Sidney Lowe below), a man that can be Herb’s biggest advocate and build unity with the Wolfpackers, and he would be an experienced assistant (e.g. the older guy on the staff). Remember, Herb is around 40 (relatively young in my opinion) so a crafty veteran might come in handy. Coach K kept Pete Gaudet until Coach K reached a certain age. Likewise, Herb brought in Larry Hunter for the same reason.
2. Sidney Lowe
Another former player and link to the past. He was recruited by Coach Sloan and played for Coach Valvano. In addition, he brings HC experience from the NBA. Sidney has great contacts in the NBA and would be able to offer constructive feedback on how the GMs in the NBA perceive certain talents. Being a minority, Sidney would bring even more diversity to our staff and should help us in recruiting.
Sidney’s biggest drawbacks might be that he has not graduated (rumored) and he might be perceived as a threat if a season starts to collapse. However, I say we could make lemonade out of lemons. If he was hired, he could pursue his degree while coaching which would be a great story. As for a threat, sure. But all businessmen have understudies that are viewed as potential replacements, but the strength is in the numbers. Finally, Sidney might be a good counterattack to a rumored hiring of Phil Ford at UNC when and if an assistant leaves. (e.g. Robinson to Richmond?).
Who knows who Herb will hire or what qualities he would like them to possess. Eddie and Sidney bring unique qualities and coaching experience. However, if you want to speculate on some “out of left field” names just for fun, how about the following:
1. David Thompson
A great story. He is a graduate and could continue his compelling story of overcoming life’s struggles. Likewise, he should help in recruiting as he can talk about going up the mountain and back down it. He is still remembered fondly by all and could unify the Wolfpack world. David would also counteract the Phil Ford hiring.
2. Chris Corchianni
A link to Jim Valvano, a graduate, a Raleigh resident, and a fireball. Don’t know if he wants it nor his relationship with Coach Sendek. What does he offer that Archie doesn’t?
3. Jim Burson
He is the coach at Muskingum College and the one who taught us our “Princton” offense. What does he bring? The Xs and Os.
Just food for thought on this rainy Friday morning.
