One coach associated with the search has apparently reached an agreement to remain at Cincinnati. Mick Cronin grew up locally and was an alumnus of the school as well. The fit never made much sense to most any State fan, so many might see this as good news actually.
Earlier today, reports surfaced from various media outlets that Shaka Smart was rejected an offer from NC State to remain at VCU. His decision marks the continuation of successful mid-major coaches staying in their positions instead of moving on to bigger opportunities like NC State or Tennessee. Chris Mack of Xavier reportedly turned down $16 million to stay at Xavier. Brad Stevens of Butler is the most famous example.
The other name that has been associated with the search is Gregg Marshall of Wichita St. While talk of personality issues always come up with Marshall, it is hard to argue with his success as a program builder. He had a great season at Wichita St. this year culminating in NIT championship with wins over major conference teams Washington St, Virginia Tech, and Alabama. His last team at Winthrop was an #11 seed in the NCAA tournament and he upset #6 seed Notre Dame in the 1st round.
If he can beat major conference teams with low-major talent like Winthrop and mid-major talent like Wichita St., then his track record projects success at a job like NC State that has gotten top 15 talent since 1998. If he doesn’t recruit as well as previous NC State coaches, then there is a history of winning against major conference teams with lesser ranked talent.
Rumors persist of something else up Yow’s sleeve, but there is nothing solid that we have to report.
