I was talking with another VCU/JMU fan. Shaka Smart would be a homerun hire. I know it will never happen since JMU would never see paying a basketball coach that kind of money as an investment. I addition, paying 4x what other coaches make could set up a "defection" even though successful mid major basketball has the potential to bring in a whole lot more money than any FCS football program.

Exciting fans, supporters and students with a big name that was a huge success at a peer university

Big name that would retain a good portion of the roster and one of the best mid-major recruiters.

He excels at being an underdog.

With the roster we have would likely have 20+ wins year one.

Shown he can take under the radar 2 star type players and develop most into 3 star players.

Great salesmen and would market the JMU brand well. HE knows how to build a band wagon.

He knows how to run and build a basketball business.

Even if he would want to be back in Virginia and we could fund his salary, I doubt a coach like that would consider working for a micro managing AD. Good coaches aren't puppets, they want total control over the program.