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(04-12-2021 12:56 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Centre College just announced a $50M indoor practice facility and full-service indoor training center for athletics...they're a D3 school with an enrollment of 1400 students. How can we not raise money for an $8M locker room.

Yes, this is meant as a Cunningham evaluation note...

The next $5M+ that he "raises" should already be ear-marked for an ex-coach and our legal fees. "Luckily" for him, it looks like we are going to not surprisingly go el cheapo on the new coach as well (no buyout to acquire, no leverage, sentimental about the job - not that I'm condemning the choice btw). Maybe the latter will help him raise the real money we desperately need because I'm pretty sure the former won't.

Have to give Cunningham props. Didn't just try and win the press conference. Actually had an interview process and did what was right for the program.

(04-14-2021 07:24 PM)Cat-Man Wrote:  Have to give Cunningham props. Didn't just try and win the press conference. Actually had an interview process and did what was right for the program.

X2

The radio silence made us all a little crazy but it worked and he got the best guy on the radar IMO.

(04-14-2021 09:12 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(04-14-2021 07:24 PM)Cat-Man Wrote:  Have to give Cunningham props. Didn't just try and win the press conference. Actually had an interview process and did what was right for the program.

X2

The radio silence made us all a little crazy but it worked and he got the best guy on the radar IMO.

I'm super happy about the new hire. I think it's fair to say Cunningham will be judged on how well Miller does along with how much we have to pay JB to go away.

The AD changed the narrative. He kept the investigation tight lipped and deliberate. Professional. Swift decision and he stuck to his promise about an expeditious hiring process with interviews. Hires a young, qualified coach. New excitement. Old coach is old news. UC hoops program shifted out of neutral and into drive. Did his homework it seems.

If UC doesn’t pay Brannen or pays him significantly less than the $5 million, then John Cunningham absolutely nailed this process. Nailed it.

I guess what this matter reveals is that UC's AD doesn't feel compelled to pay a whole lot of attention to the varied and often diametrically opposed opinions of the numerous self-styled experts who lurk on this forum. He just does what he thinks he should, what he can, or what he must, and he does it in his own good time. After the dust settles, the rest of us are obviously free to agree or disagree. I wonder...are there an equivalents, in the realm of college basketball, to armchair quarterbacks?

(04-15-2021 03:04 PM)colohank Wrote:  I guess what this matter reveals is that UC's AD doesn't feel compelled to pay a whole lot of attention to the varied and often diametrically opposed opinions of the numerous self-styled experts who lurk on this forum. He just does what he thinks he should, what he can, or what he must, and he does it in his own good time. After the dust settles, the rest of us are obviously free to agree or disagree. I wonder...are there an equivalents, in the realm of college basketball, to armchair quarterbacks?

Yea. I've been really impressed with the professionalism this whole process was handled with. Cunningham stayed above the fray. He didn't worry about short term news cycles. He investigated/brought outside investigators for whatever was going on with the basketball program and ultimately removed the coach. He didn't make a bunch of statements accusing Brannen of anything. He didn't even say whether removal was for cause or not for cause. Ultimately he could still pay him his buyout, settle, or fight it in court. But whatever happens he didn't lock the university into any specific position.

With the coaching search he took his time, cast a wide net, interviewed diverse candidates, and chose a promising young coach. There may be other issues with Cunningham. As things get back to normal I want to see a real effort at fan engagement / donor engagement we haven't seen so far (it really was a weird year to do it), but I'm really pleased with how he has handled the Brannen situation and think we've come through it in as good a place as possible for the basketball program given the circumstances.

(04-15-2021 03:04 PM)colohank Wrote:  I guess what this matter reveals is that UC's AD doesn't feel compelled to pay a whole lot of attention to the varied and often diametrically opposed opinions of the numerous self-styled experts who lurk on this forum. He just does what he thinks he should, what he can, or what he must, and he does it in his own good time. After the dust settles, the rest of us are obviously free to agree or disagree. I wonder...are there an equivalents, in the realm of college basketball, to armchair quarterbacks?

High-minded stuff especially when just about everybody on here is basically an armchair quarterback on just about every subject on here. Kool-Aid comes in a lot of different flavors.

(04-15-2021 03:13 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(04-15-2021 03:04 PM)colohank Wrote:  I guess what this matter reveals is that UC's AD doesn't feel compelled to pay a whole lot of attention to the varied and often diametrically opposed opinions of the numerous self-styled experts who lurk on this forum. He just does what he thinks he should, what he can, or what he must, and he does it in his own good time. After the dust settles, the rest of us are obviously free to agree or disagree. I wonder...are there an equivalents, in the realm of college basketball, to armchair quarterbacks?

High-minded stuff especially when just about everybody on here is basically an armchair quarterback on just about every subject on here. Kool-Aid comes in a lot of different flavors.

Exactly. I rest my case.

(04-15-2021 03:13 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(04-15-2021 03:04 PM)colohank Wrote:  I guess what this matter reveals is that UC's AD doesn't feel compelled to pay a whole lot of attention to the varied and often diametrically opposed opinions of the numerous self-styled experts who lurk on this forum. He just does what he thinks he should, what he can, or what he must, and he does it in his own good time. After the dust settles, the rest of us are obviously free to agree or disagree. I wonder...are there an equivalents, in the realm of college basketball, to armchair quarterbacks?

High-minded stuff especially when just about everybody on here is basically an armchair quarterback on just about every subject on here. Kool-Aid comes in a lot of different flavors.

I'm not really an armchair quarterback. More like an armchair right tackle.

(04-15-2021 04:54 PM)colohank Wrote:  

(04-15-2021 03:13 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(04-15-2021 03:04 PM)colohank Wrote:  I guess what this matter reveals is that UC's AD doesn't feel compelled to pay a whole lot of attention to the varied and often diametrically opposed opinions of the numerous self-styled experts who lurk on this forum. He just does what he thinks he should, what he can, or what he must, and he does it in his own good time. After the dust settles, the rest of us are obviously free to agree or disagree. I wonder...are there an equivalents, in the realm of college basketball, to armchair quarterbacks?

High-minded stuff especially when just about everybody on here is basically an armchair quarterback on just about every subject on here. Kool-Aid comes in a lot of different flavors.

Exactly. I rest my case.

Your case that you are just another armchair QB like the rest of us is clear. It's your point that's more elusive but I'll pass on pursuing it further. Thanks.

(04-15-2021 03:10 PM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

Quote:With the coaching search he took his time, cast a wide net, interviewed diverse candidates, and chose a promising young coach.

There may be other issues with Cunningham. As things get back to normal I want to see a real effort at fan engagement / donor engagement we haven't seen so far (it really was a weird year to do it), but I'm really pleased with how he has handled the Brannen situation and think we've come through it in as good a place as possible for the basketball program given the circumstances.

Diverse candidates? i heard we interviewed Martin (career assistant), Pedon (also a career assistant), Nored (another career assistant), and Miller. i'm not well connected but does anyone have any other confirmed names that interviewed for the position?

if not, at least on paper there was really only one legitimate candidate of that lot. Sure, you can give him credit for getting him to sign on the dotted line. i echo the sentiment that he was trying to line up the NC job, and when he didn't get it, went for a better opportunity and bigger payday (maybe significantly bigger since i don't know how much he made at uncg). At most, i can give Cunningham credit for taking advantage of the circumstances when they tilted in his favor, but all in all, he hired the guy that we could get. i wouldn't say Cunningham punched up in class.

As an aside, i also echo the poster that questioned why Roy seems to be so heartily endorsing him for this job, but handpicked Davis for the UNC position ahead of Miller.

Roy Williams didn't hire the new coach at UNC.

Hubert Davis is a Dean Smith guy
Wes Miller is a Roy Williams guy

Thats like putting Savino up against Martin...well, we already know how our fan base felt about that. But again, if you'd like to continue picking at threads in the yarn, feel free to be "those guys" lol.

(04-15-2021 09:05 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Roy Williams didn't hire the new coach at UNC.

Hubert Davis is a Dean Smith guy
Wes Miller is a Roy Williams guy

Thats like putting Savino up against Martin...well, we already know how our fan base felt about that. But again, if you'd like to continue picking at threads in the yarn, feel free to be "those guys" lol.

i have no inside information. i am projecting here, but i think the guy who some regard as the greatest coach in UNC history, had some input into the selection of his successor. Again, just my perspective from the outside, and maybe a little rumor and hearsay.

And your Smith guy vs. Roy guy comparison is overly simplistic. Roy helped recruit Davis to UNC as a player and hired him on his staff. Davis has been a "Roy Guy" for eight years. One could argue that he's more Roy guy then Dean guy at this point, and certainly more so than Wes Miller. That's why Davis is HC at UNC without any HC experience. Roy crowned him.

For my own clarification, what does it mean to be one of "those guys?"

(04-12-2021 12:56 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Centre College just announced a $50M indoor practice facility and full-service indoor training center for athletics...they're a D3 school with an enrollment of 1400 students. How can we not raise money for an $8M locker room.

Yes, this is meant as a Cunningham evaluation note...

Instead of redoing BB arena we should have done similar.

Maybe Centre is planning a return to the glory years:
From 1917 to 1924, Centre compiled a 57–8 record while playing against some of the best teams in the nation. The team was retroactively selected by Jeff Sagarin as co-national champion for the 1919 season. After the 1920 season, Centre faced Texas Christian (TCU) in the Fort Worth Classic. The Colonels convincingly routed them, 63–7.

The 1921 Centre–Harvard game resulted in one of the most shocking upsets in college football, with the Colonels winning, 6–0. The star of that game, back Alvin "Bo" McMillin, was twice named a consensus All-American, in 1919 and 1921. Center Red Weaver was named a consensus All-American alongside him in 1919. The Colonels finished the 1921 season undefeated, outscoring their opponents, 314–6. In the Dixie Classic, precursor to the modern Cotton Bowl Classic, Centre faced Texas A&M. Miscues contributed to the Colonels' defeat, 22–14. In 1924 Centre defeated Georgia and Alabama and claims a southern title.

(04-15-2021 10:07 PM)doss2 Wrote:  

(04-12-2021 12:56 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Centre College just announced a $50M indoor practice facility and full-service indoor training center for athletics...they're a D3 school with an enrollment of 1400 students. How can we not raise money for an $8M locker room.

Yes, this is meant as a Cunningham evaluation note...

Instead of redoing BB arena we should have done similar.

Maybe Centre is planning a return to the glory years:
From 1917 to 1924, Centre compiled a 57–8 record while playing against some of the best teams in the nation. The team was retroactively selected by Jeff Sagarin as co-national champion for the 1919 season. After the 1920 season, Centre faced Texas Christian (TCU) in the Fort Worth Classic. The Colonels convincingly routed them, 63–7.

The 1921 Centre–Harvard game resulted in one of the most shocking upsets in college football, with the Colonels winning, 6–0. The star of that game, back Alvin "Bo" McMillin, was twice named a consensus All-American, in 1919 and 1921. Center Red Weaver was named a consensus All-American alongside him in 1919. The Colonels finished the 1921 season undefeated, outscoring their opponents, 314–6. In the Dixie Classic, precursor to the modern Cotton Bowl Classic, Centre faced Texas A&M. Miscues contributed to the Colonels' defeat, 22–14. In 1924 Centre defeated Georgia and Alabama and claims a southern title.

Did they have suites back then or did you have to sit with the proletariat in the bleachers?

(04-15-2021 11:16 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(04-15-2021 10:07 PM)doss2 Wrote:  

(04-12-2021 12:56 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  Centre College just announced a $50M indoor practice facility and full-service indoor training center for athletics...they're a D3 school with an enrollment of 1400 students. How can we not raise money for an $8M locker room.

Yes, this is meant as a Cunningham evaluation note...

Instead of redoing BB arena we should have done similar.

Maybe Centre is planning a return to the glory years:
From 1917 to 1924, Centre compiled a 57–8 record while playing against some of the best teams in the nation. The team was retroactively selected by Jeff Sagarin as co-national champion for the 1919 season. After the 1920 season, Centre faced Texas Christian (TCU) in the Fort Worth Classic. The Colonels convincingly routed them, 63–7.

The 1921 Centre–Harvard game resulted in one of the most shocking upsets in college football, with the Colonels winning, 6–0. The star of that game, back Alvin "Bo" McMillin, was twice named a consensus All-American, in 1919 and 1921. Center Red Weaver was named a consensus All-American alongside him in 1919. The Colonels finished the 1921 season undefeated, outscoring their opponents, 314–6. In the Dixie Classic, precursor to the modern Cotton Bowl Classic, Centre faced Texas A&M. Miscues contributed to the Colonels' defeat, 22–14. In 1924 Centre defeated Georgia and Alabama and claims a southern title.

Did they have suites back then or did you have to sit with the proletariat in the bleachers?

Our butlers set up tables and chairs on the hills and served pate foie gras, caviar and canapes with champagne. Below the proletariat sat or stood in the mud and ate burgoo and drank shine.

(04-15-2021 09:01 PM)eroc Wrote:  Diverse candidates? i heard we interviewed Martin (career assistant), Pedon (also a career assistant), Nored (another career assistant), and Miller. i'm not well connected but does anyone have any other confirmed names that interviewed for the position?

Listen to Chad's podcast from last night. Sounds like he spoke to 12-15 candidates then narrowed them down. The four you are mentioning were the last 4 considered, which makes some sense. They each had different strengths (and were likely the ones Cunningham liked most with those particular strengths). Martin was a 15 year assistant for a hall of fame coach with strong ties to the program. Pedon is a hot coaching name as an assistant, with strong long ties and known for ability to coach offense. Nored was a really young, rising star with little coaching experience in college but is incredibly well regarded as a future star (apparently was the second choice in the Minnesota search). Miller was the mid major head coach with a strong mid major coach resume.

(02-17-1975 02:24 AM)eroc Wrote:  if not, at least on paper there was really only one legitimate candidate of that lot. Sure, you can give him credit for getting him to sign on the dotted line. i echo the sentiment that he was trying to line up the NC job, and when he didn't get it, went for a better opportunity and bigger payday (maybe significantly bigger since i don't know how much he made at uncg). At most, i can give Cunningham credit for taking advantage of the circumstances when they tilted in his favor, but all in all, he hired the guy that we could get. i wouldn't say Cunningham punched up in class.

He got the highest regarded coach under 40. He got the guy who was second for the best coaching job in this country. People seem to think every program goes out and steals an elite coach with a hall of fame coaching resume. Again...here are the hires from power conference programs not named Texas this offseason:

Minnesota just hired a Xavier assistant coach as their head coach.
UNC just hired their own assistant coach.
Boston College just hired the head coach from College of Charleston
Depaul just hired an assistant from Oregon
Iowa State just hired a coach who was 29-30 at UNLV
Texas Tech just hired their own assistnat coach.
Utah Just hired the Utah State head coach.
Arizona hired a Gonzaga assistant coach.
Marquette hired Texas's head coach who may have been on his way out at Texas.

He got the guy who almost got the top job in the country...lots of UNC fans think they hired the wrong guy out of the final 2 candidates.

Cunningham hired the best candidate available. I’m not sure what else any AD can do beyond that...unless these go to eleven.