Coaches Being Fired - Impact on Recruits

[hoyaboya]

This is always an interesting time of year when coaches get fired, and kids who signed an LOI have the opportunity to open up their recruiting to see if there are other options. I thought I'd provide a thread in case there are players that would be of interest that might open things back up.

One kid I'd like the staff to consider is Cody Larson, 6'9" F from South Dakota who committed to Todd Lickliter's Iowa program. Lickliter is likely on his way out, and Larson would be an interesting player to consider, 4* who committed to Iowa very early in the process (September 2008) but has consistently improved over the years.

[SirSaxa]

"Cody Larson, 6'9" F from South Dakota "

South Dakota?
Hmmm, not exactly a strong point for GU recruiting.
Committed to IOWA?

Knowing nothing else, he just does not sound like a likely possibility for GU in Washington DC.

[hoyaboya]

Lickliter officially out:

www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/03/fate-of-iowas-lickliter-to-be-addressed.html

Was Florida recruiting a lot of North & South Dakota kids when Mike Miller went to Gainesville? Sure, it's not a recruiting hotbed, but this kid's got talent and it would be foolish not to consider good players, especially if we don't get Abraham and if Monroe is definitely leaving (both big IFs).

[damnhoya]

There are rumors already circulating that Iowa is going to go after Bruce Pearl again. Should be interesting.

[hoyaboya]

Not sure why Pearl would leave Tennessee for Iowa unless he's on some sort of "watch" with the TN administration for the off-court problems in his program. TN is clearly a better program than IA right now. I know he was an assistant at Iowa, but unless they broke the bank for him (which I don't see happening), doesn't make much sense to me.

The name I've seen thrown out there is Billy Gillispie. That would be an interesting hire, high risk/high reward but likely for a very low price. Do they have cabs in Iowa City?

[RDF]

Iowa has a ton of money to throw at any coach. Pearl was an assistant there under Dr. Tom Davis and that is why his name always comes up.

I'd expect Keno Davis to think seriously about that job too--he/his dad are well liked and Iowa's biggest problem was style of play/attendance under Lickliter--they were "averaging" 9000 a game in 15,500 arena--but about 4500 were actually showing up. It's pure apathy there--and they were doing "Students can bring a friend for FREE" promos and still not filling the arena--with low point being Illinois students dressing up like Iowa fans, then right before tip off--they unveil they are Orange Crush and were 200 deep under Iowa basket by their bench. That was last straw for Lickliter--well that and fact he's dork who can't recruit and doesn't want to, and a marginal coach who was hyped by 2 years out of 7 that were good at Butler.

[jgalt]

Mar 15, 2010 14:28:14 GMT -5 hoyaboya said:

Not sure why Pearl would leave Tennessee for Iowa unless he's on some sort of "watch" with the TN administration for the off-court problems in his program.

True, and i dont think this is possible. From all the coverage i heard Pearl came off as one of the most level headed, rational, responsible coaches that has faced a similar problem. To me it sounded like he took responsibility for it right away and took quick action. Would be surprised to see him leave TN

[sleepyjackson21]

Well, he better be level headed because there have been several incidents under his watch. Just off the top of my head there was Duke Crews (failed drug test), Ramar Smith (drugs, academics and questioned in home invasion), Major Wingate (kicked off for refusal to take drug test) and Josh Tabb (undisclosed violations).

[hoyaboya]

Listened to a segment on ESPN Radio in Chicago tonight and Pearl was asked about the Iowa job. He said a lot of very nice things about the university, the basketball program and Iowa City, refused to deny interest and basically left the idea open, then said he's concentrating on San Diego State right now.

[Huntsville Hoya]

Just heard that Bobby Gonzalez is out Seton Hall, this may help us with Mo Walker!

[idhoya]

Yeah, he's gone. Rumor has it that Jamir Hanner will re-open. He listed Hoyas before commiting. He's on the recruiting list.

[hoyaboya]

Cody Larson ended up committing to Florida today.

I will be surprised if McCaffrey has success at Iowa. Losing one of the top players from this past season's roster and already has lost his two very solid recruits in the class of 2010.