Here…we…go!! (7:15pm update)

Coaching Carousel181

We hope that you have noticed the cautious manner with which we have ‘covered’ the current NC State Basketball coaching situation.

Quite frankly, there hasn’t been anything to really ‘cover’ yet, and we are not just going to write a lot of nonesense just for the sake of writing.  We are not going to pass off speculation as “inside information.”  This is in contrast to other websites that may look to exploit the current situation to generate pageviews and premium memberships.

Despite what oblivious media members may say, I am stepping out on a limb and predicting that NC State will have a coach in place before next weekend.

As ‘ushum’ said on our message boards:

things are starting to heat up for real now, this week is going to be a blast…everything before now was just qualifying, this week is the daytona 500..

Ushum is correct.  Everything we know points to the fact that almost all of the quote-unquote “information” out in the public arena up through yesterday has been bullshit — tales told by message board idiots, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.  Likely much of this “information” has been put out (or has been allowed to stay out) for the purpose of misdirection.

SFN has learned that State committed early on to give interviews to certain coaches (2 big-name coaches in particular), and those interviews had not been able to happen as of yesterday.  Until those interviews happened, the process could not begin to unfold.  However, given the way the games have played out this weekend, the process can now begin to develop, and we expect it to develop very quickly. (Understand that when I say “interview,” the contacts may not take the form of traditional sit-down meetings.)

So, now that everything can begin, let’s take a look at what is going on this morning.  These items were posted as Tweets on the Sports Illustrated website this morning

@LakeRosenberg Ben considered DePaul last year. He would absolutely consider Texas.
about 5 hours ago

@goodmanonfox @GottliebShow Here’s a list of folks who would consider Texas: Everybody except K , Roy and Self.
about 5 hours ago

Hmmm.  Why would there be such specific speculation about the Texas job, and why just now?  Expect a lot more of this type of information to be flying around in the next couple days.  Much of it will require a lot more analysis than the “traditional local media” can give — they tend to jump on the hot name de jour and write endlessly about that one guy until the next name pops up, when they switch to writing about him.  The situation is much more complex than that.

Stay tuned to SFN as we try to make sense and explain the information as it develops over the next week (or less).

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***4:00 Update***
Some very recent tweets highlight the new direction and pace of this story — as we expected.  Here is the most notable.

Tim Brando’s Twitter has this:

On the ground at home and hearing some rumblings about a potential knockout hire at NCST.Unlike the last search this one not as public.Smart 30 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone

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***6:00 Update***
From SFN: I just noticed that a lot of people are reading/interpreting our original comments as some kind of a nod to Rick Barnes. Please allow me to be more clear — that is NOT our intent. Our previous comments were designed to explain that the first two weeks of NCAA Tournament play served almost as ‘gating’ items for our search — not to focus on Barnes.

Brando’s tweet refers to a rumor that has been out there for a while about a HOME RUN NAME that has been discretely kept on the down-low. That jives exactly with our point that things get started in earnest NOW.

Ultimately, we expect NC State will either nail one of three BIG NAMES in the next week…or we will end up on “List Two”. The morons that have been reporting that NC State was already on some kind of second list (with names like Shaka Smart and others) just shows how much they know — nada.

***7:15 Update***
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that (supposed) possible N.C. State target Chris Mooney has signed a 10-year extension with Richmond (AJC.com link). Scratch him off the list of potential B-list candidates.

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LINK TO MESSAGE FORUMS where conversation and information flow in various threads.

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181 Responses to Here…we…go!! (7:15pm update)

  1. blpack 03/27/2011 at 8:50 PM #

    If it is Barnes or a ‘big’ name that would be awesome. Whoever is our new coach has my support. It may take a day or two to warm to some candidates however. I think there is no where to go but up so I’m ready for the ride to relevancy.

  2. Wufpacker 03/27/2011 at 8:55 PM #

    “just lost all faith in SNF “reporting “.”

    Well aren’t you the crabby cuss.

  3. bill-1956 03/27/2011 at 8:56 PM #

    In the 70’s – still had to take the fitness test and be able to swim to graduate. The fitness test put you in level 1 (Above Average); 2 (Average); or 3 (Below Average) and you were sent to basic PE accordingly.

    Got the locker assignment and lock (no wristband though) and had to group strip to take the swim test – but – were given flimsy NCSU swim suits with worn out elastic and a draw string.

    I’d never swum a lick – so I got put in the beginner’s class. Took to water like a duck!

    At mid-semester you could test out of swimming but I and a couple friends decided to stay and get better.

    During the second half of that semester, there was a SCUBA class being taught using the deep end of the pool. Buddies and I got so good at swimming, we’d swim over and harass the SCUBA guys at the bottom of the deep end (tug on their masks and hoses and such).

    REALLY irritated the guy teaching the SCUBA class – may have been that ex-Ranger. LOL

    Also learned some basic dives and by the end of that fall – we were regularly going off the high dive. Pretty fun PE class, all in all.

  4. hoop 03/27/2011 at 9:01 PM #

    Late 80s we still had the swim test as part of PE 100. Asked if I could get out of the test if I showed him my Water Safety Instructor Certification. Nope. So I swam and passed – no advanced or beginner swimming class.

    I did take a scuba class though and had some fun with that.

  5. highstick 03/27/2011 at 9:21 PM #

    Adventuroo, you and I would have been in the same freshman class starting in the fall of 63..I meant to say something to you earlier..Same freshman class with Biedenbach and Donnan…I lived in Riddick until just before Thanksgiving in 63 and then moved to Alexander after folks started dropping out. You must have not caught my sarcastic remark about Larry Lakins being named the new coach last week…

    I remember the swimming test because the guy in front of me went straight to the bottom of the pool and they had to fish him out..I don’t remember the other parts though because I passed and didn’t have to go through beginning swimming. I took intermediate the second 8 weeks of the fall semester and thought I’d gone through SEAL training. On the final exam, I was sucking wind until I could switch to the side stroke and could go forever. That cured me from ever wanting to be a SEAL though. Shoot me on land, don’t drown me!!

    I had soccer the first 8 weeks and was in the danged pool when it started turning cold. No hair dryers, just a “wet head” walking from Carmichael to Harrelson at 9 in the morning!

    I took a “break” after the spring semester of 65 and did my military duty and came back in the fall of 70. That’s why I have an overlap with Case, Maravich, and Sloan…You probably got to see one of my roomies play freshman ball for Sloan during that period.

  6. chilly water 03/27/2011 at 9:50 PM #

    Now we talkin bout’ swimming? We talking bout swimming? …da fukk

  7. Wolfy__79 03/27/2011 at 9:56 PM #

    thanks for the mooney update.. and thank you richmond for holding on to him… please keep anything princeton away from nc state! yikes.. i didn’t thinkn anyone was serious about him..

  8. Pack1998 03/27/2011 at 9:56 PM #

    ^Now those are some good stories by ‘roo. A good break from the coaching excitement.

    Brando trashed us during the last search. He talked very poorly about State. Very surprised to see him Tweet something, mainly because there was no need for him to do it.

    In the coaching circles, this NC State job is highly desired.

  9. Wufpacker 03/27/2011 at 10:05 PM #

    I was at State after highstick/Adventuroo, before hoop. For the life of me I don’t remember a swimming test. Now granted, I was drunk most of the first couple weeks…..but I don’t remember taking a swimming test. I didn’t take any swimming in PE though, so I must have passed it. Always have been a strong swimmer, but I guess even drunk I’m a decent swimmer.

    Can’t figure any other explanation.

  10. Wolfy__79 03/27/2011 at 10:07 PM #

    i would agree with you 98..

    judging everything DY orginally said.. none of the up and comers match what she said.. of course stevens has gone from u&c to arrived and taking names. smart is riding high but doesn’t match the “builder” profile. he does however match a description of the personality she’s seeking. just with what i’ve learned through the alumni circle and online media.. i still feel like the top dawgs are the only ones in play.

    someone mentioned earlier that they wanted another “v?” wouldn’t we be wise to have another case ro sloan? first part.. get donovan.. second get barnes. i would much rather have the second part domination>inspiration.

  11. mak4dpak 03/27/2011 at 10:26 PM #

    I am ready for a new coach, but just not convinced Barnes is the man, as he did not dominate the ACC at Clemson, and not that many great teams in the Big 12, so a much easier road there. The ACC is a different world, and I want us to compete year in and year out. So I trust that DY will get the right man, to restore the credibility to our men’s basketball program.

  12. ringo 03/27/2011 at 10:27 PM #

    multiple guys on The Devils Den report hearing rumors on BD.

  13. mak4dpak 03/27/2011 at 10:29 PM #

    Forgot, my post on my FB account, it read, Yes Kentucky there is a Santa Claus, and State fans everywhere wish you a Merry Christmas! Some of my UNX fans were not amused. Ha! Ha!

  14. STLPack01 03/27/2011 at 10:36 PM #

    Man, I was at State in the late 90’s, and were we soft! All we had to do was pass a walking test: a mile in under 20 minutes…

  15. wayofthemaster 03/27/2011 at 10:39 PM #

    Yeah, those Devils Den guys are all about the Billy D. rumors. Lots ‘o chatter over there.

  16. Wolfy__79 03/27/2011 at 10:40 PM #

    what we will see with a barnes team is something we haven’t seen in a LONG time! he may not dominate the ACC.. but that is something we can say about any/all canidates. at clemson, he was much younger.. i would say that he would respond to the challenge of being in the acc…

  17. chilly water 03/27/2011 at 10:40 PM #

    IF WE LAND DONOVAN, I WILL WALK OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE NAKED AND HOWL LIKE A WOLF SO HELP ME GOD.

  18. mwcric 03/27/2011 at 10:41 PM #

    From the Austin American-Statesman, about an hour ago:
    “The level of disillusionment surrounding Rick Barnes’ Texas basketball program has risen tremendously. I love the guy personally, but it’s becoming more and more imperative that his teams advance further in the NCAA tournament and legitimately contend for a national championship soon unless no Sweet 16 appearances in four of the last five seasons have become acceptable for the Longhorns.

    I don’t think Barnes is in denial. After all, he took a page from the Utah Jazz offense last offseason.

    If one of his assistants were to leave, I could see former Longhorn assistant Rob Lanier or recently fired Texas Tech head coach Pat Knight come aboard.

    If Barnes were to decide to move on — and I don’t think he will, nor should he now — UT athletic director DeLoss Dodds should have Brad Stevens’ number on speed dial. Butler was smart enough to give the now 34-year-old head coach a 12-year contract after last season. It might want to extend that to a lifetime contract with a $20 million buyout clause.

    And have Missouri and Oklahoma put in their claims on Shaka Smart yet? The Virginia Commonwealth coach thoroughly outcoached Kansas’ Bill Self on Sunday. I totally respect Self, but if Mario Chalmers doesn’t hit that last-second shot in 2008 against Memphis to force overtime in the title game, has Self already been fired? Can’t get past a 16, 9, 12 and 11 seed to get to the Final Four with that Jayhawks team?”

    Just so everyone knows what we’re potentially getting. This guy isn’t viewed as the second coming everywhere. If you’re hoping to shut the media up, it’s not going to happen; the “analysis” will be it got too hot in Texas for Barnes, where he couldn’t get the job done, so he high-tailed it out of town, following the big money back home, where he can rest on his laurels for five years, retiring as soon as the fan base gets antsy again.

    So while Smart, Stevens, et al eventually get hired away to build long-term, quality programs, we’ll be searching again in five years for another coach, right about the time UNC and Duke will be doing the same. Once again we’ll lose the opportunity to gain traction on our neighbors, and all because we want instant gratification in some asinine pointless battle with the media that we can never hope to win. F’ing brilliant.

  19. packalum44 03/27/2011 at 10:42 PM #

    ^ Plus 1. I’m going to move back to Raleigh and purchase season tickets.

  20. theghost 03/27/2011 at 10:43 PM #

    He may be right, he may not, but Brando is a buffoon.

    Also – not debating Barnes one way or the other, but how can the knock on him be that he didn’t dominate the conference AT CLEMSON? Do you understand what you’re asking there?

  21. Wufpacker 03/27/2011 at 10:50 PM #

    Unless you coach a sport that uses an oblong dark brown ball, you won’t be dominating the conference at Clemson no matter who you are. Getting Clemson competitive in basketball should be considered a huge feat. That’s not a dig on Clemson, they just have other priorities.

  22. mwcric 03/27/2011 at 10:53 PM #

    And more from the Omaha World-Herald, in a story about Brad Stevens:
    “At this point, no job is too big. Forget places like Missouri and North Carolina State. If Stevens leaves Indianapolis, he should settle for no less than one of the best programs in the country.

    Maybe Texas, where Rick Barnes underachieves almost every year. Maybe he waits for Coach K or Williams to step down on Tobacco Road.”

  23. eas 03/27/2011 at 11:08 PM #

    I don’t think RB’s Clemson stint is really a major concern (IMHO). That was many years ago and he has certainly proven himself as a very good coach. His long record at Texas should be enough and he has done very well.

    I am not saying he is the absolute best option but it would still be an outstanding hire. Especially from a school that has a track record of up and comers who have NOT worked out. Jimmy V was the obvious exception but he was one in a million.

    Miller, Billy D, Stevens and Barnes are all going to be big time splashes for a program who is need of a splash for a change. I prefer the first 3 options but would be absolutely happy if we were only able to land Barnes. If he retires in 5-10 years so what. If he can get us back in the spotlight as a consistently good team then the next hire will be a breeze.

    A young successful coach is what everyone wants but just because we “may” get lucky with a young gun doesn’t automatically mean they will stay 5-10 years either.

  24. Wolfy__79 03/27/2011 at 11:15 PM #

    ^couldn’t agree more.. the top three would all get the needed splash. a younger coach would splash with a good first season.. with our roster.. get those boys in the weight room and a little confidence.. that splash is a certain. there’s alot to look forward to..

  25. MA Wolfpack 03/27/2011 at 11:20 PM #

    Anyone that does not want Rick Barnes after hearing talk of Shaka Fing Smart has lost it. I’ll take the over on 20 wins next year with our entire roster back and RB coaching.

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