Arizona in damage control: Miller apparently staying put
Xavier coach Sean Miller flew to New Mexico for an impromptu meeting with UA athletic director Jim Livengood and president Robert Shelton on Sunday thinking all along that he was staying with the Musketeers.
It was up to Livengood and Shelton to change his mind. Apparently, they tried their best, offering Miller a significant pay increase from his close to $1 million contract at Xavier. But after thinking things through, and knowing he can coach a team to his first Final Four next year, Miller has let some close to him know he is staying at the Jesuit school in Cincinnati, according to sources.
Apparently, Miller, 40, has wrestled with the idea of coaching at Arizona, which he believes to be one of the elite programs in the country, versus continuing his crusade for a Musketeer program that has come one game away from the Final Four twice in the last six years.
He let it be known after Xavier was eliminated in the Sweet 16 that he had no desire to leave the program. Xavier athletic director Mike Bobinski, as recently as Saturday afternoon, said that Miller had indicated to him that he was not interested in the Arizona job. Apparently, after consulting with his wife Amy and other family, he decided to take the private jet flight supplied by UA booster Paul Weitman to meet with Livengood and Shelton as a fact-finding mission.
The meeting was held in Albuquerque because Shelton is attending the Association for the Tutoring Profession Convention there, according to sources. Livengood and Shelton also used the meeting as a barometer to see how interested Miller was in becoming the next Arizona coach. It appears that they left the meeting not very confident. They got the feeling that Miller had Xavier more on his mind rather than being excited about the opportunity in Tucson.
WHERE DOES THE UA GO FROM HERE?
- Reggie Theus: The former New Mexico State coach has “no chance”, the exact words used by Livengood when he talked to Arizona Daily Star columnist Greg Hansen this week. If Livengood has to retract that statement by interviewing Theus now, it will do even more damage to his image.
- Josh Pastner: Pastner told me Saturday morning that he did not think he will get the job. He considered himself a longshot because Livengood is only targeting somebody with head coaching experience. Livengood might have to abandon his preconceived agendas at this point and listen to what some former UA players and staffers at McKale Center want: Give Pastner a chance. Look at the coaches in Monday’s national title game: Michigan State’s Tom Izzo coached 14 years under Jud Heathcote before he was given a chance. North Carolina’s Roy Williams is back at his alma mater, where he coached under Dean Smith for 10 seasons. Pastner coached under his primary mentor, Lute Olson, for more than a decade.
- Jim Boylen: The Utah coach has an extended NBA background and learned some of his craft under Izzo at Michigan State. Livengood would be smart not to go in this direction. The last image in the minds of UA fans was Boylen getting humbled by Russ Pennell and Mike Dunlap in the Utes’ first-round loss of the NCAA tournament. If Livengood can’t win the press conference now, he must at least try not to lose it.
- Oliver Purnell: You can forget about Purnell as well. The Clemson coach, widely respected in the ACC, is 0-5 in NCAA tournament games in his career. Livengood will not go there.
- Frank Haith: He might be the darkhorse now. CBS analyst Seth Davis a couple of months ago suggested Haith is interested in the UA position. The young Miami (Fla.) coach is a solid recruiter, who attracted the likes of Rodney Rodgers to Wake Forest and LaMarcus Aldridge to Texas when he was an assistant at both places. If he was hired by Livengood this week, Haith, 43, a native of Queens, N.Y., will undoubtedly get a couple of recruits immediately simply because of his connections. Haith has thrived in difficult situations. Miami was predicted to finish last in the ACC in the 2007-08 season coming off an injury-scarred season, but he coached the Hurricanes to the second round of the NCAA tournament with a 23-11 record. Haith was a finalist for the Naismith National Coach of the Year Award after his first season at Miami in 2004. The Hurricanes were coming off two straight losing seasons and picked to finish last in the ACC. He coached them to the postseason for the first time in three seasons.
- P.J. Carlesimo: The former Seton Hall coach, who led the Pirates to the 1989 NCAA title game, probably should have never tested the NBA waters. Now because he did, and was decidedly unsuccessful, his hiring by Livengood would be met with skepticism by UA fans. Also, Carlesimo has not had to recruit in 20 years and knows nothing about the West coast talent.
- Avery Johnson: The “Little General” as he is called would be a good fit at Point Guard U. having been a successful point guard in the NBA and college. His coaching was not too bad either. He was fired in 2008 by the Dallas Mavericks despite winning 73 percent of his games (194-70) in four seasons. He has the personality to win Tucson over in a second, not to mention recruits and their parents. He was named the 2006 NBA Coach of the Year. Did you know he holds the NCAA record with 13.3 assists per game as a senior at Southern University in 1988? That’s right: 13.3 assists per game. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was forced to eat the last three years of Johnson’s contract, which paid him approximately $4 million a year. He has never coached an NCAA game, but traditionally coaches who have worked in the NBA and NCAA fare a lot better in the college game (Lon Kruger, John Calipari, Rick Pitino and Mike Montgomery to name a few).
- Lon Kruger: UNLV was in shambles before Kruger came around in 2004. The Rebels became just another program after Jerry Tarkanian was forced out because of NCAA infractions. They suffered through some below-average coaching efforts by Rollie Massimino, Bill Bayno and Charlie Spoonhour. Kruger, practically a businessman coaching college basketball, had the UNLV program organized and efficient in only three years. UNLV won 30 games in 2007 and went to the Sweet 16. The Rebels won 27 games in 2008 after losing four seniors from the 2007 team and went to the second round. UNLV failed to go to the NCAA tournament this season, but it did have another 20-win season and it beat the eventual No. 1 seed of the NCAA tournament, Louisville, on the road at Freedom Hall. Some concerns: Kruger has insisted his work is not complete yet at UNLV, so there’s a chance for another embarrassing rejection, and he had open-heart surgery two years ago. Doctors have given him a full bill of health but it’s a concern nonetheless.
- Randy Bennett: The Lorenzo Romar protege is familiar with West coast recruiting and he just coached the Gaels to a 28-win season. Like Purnell, he has yet to win an NCAA tournament game but he has been at St. Mary’s for only eight years. Bennett likes to play in transition. He was able to land future NBA point guard Patty Mills, one of five Australian-born players Bennett has recruited to Moraga, Calif. The knock on Bennett is he has not been able to solve Gonzaga’s dominance in the West Coast Conference and he’s had almost a decade to try.
Tags: Livengood, Miller, Shelton, Xavier
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April 5th, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Nice effort. They had to go after Miller, and it was a good try. He is the best up and coming coach, so they went all in with a lot of money.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, which speaks loudly about Miller’s character and loyalty.
However, it’s now Pastner time. Unless they can get a better coach than Miller, it has to be Pastner. He’s the only one that wants it bad.
Jim B from Utah, Greenberg, all other 2-3rd tier candidates will burn in flames in Tucson. It’s not fair to both Arizona and those coaches.
Now it’s a really tough situation, because whoever is offered will feel 3rd choice. That’s not going to fly.
Pastner starts his head coaching career now.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Look, it has little to do with money. These people do not want to leave good programs. SC and XU are primed to make big time runs next year. Both coaches like where they are at. But they were willing to see what an elite University looks like.
Going after Dixon would be a huge mistake now. You have to get a coach that will say yes now. No more trying to sway opinions of coaches sitting on the fence. We have been spurned by that method and who knows how much this has damaged the b-ball programs image.
We need a coach that says yes. Theus and Pastner are the best options. I know they said no to Theus b/c of his education, but he must be reconsidered. It is said that he could bring in recruits immediately. If not Theus, than Pastner.
Regardless, Livengood has to be fired for this utter embarrassment. He has done too much damage to the program, beginning when he failed to give Dunlap a two-year deal when Lute stepped down. The president needs to make the hire and admit that Livengood botched up the process. This may be the only way to save face and maintain some dignity.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Sic transit gloria.
What a cluster you-know-what.
Bring back Josh. At least he’s loyal!
April 5th, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Pastner or Gillispie. Pastner really wants it and will work his ass off. Gillispie has been embarrassed, just like the UofA, and has something to prove. Either way, both are swing for the fences picks, which is what we need after this debacle.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:33 PM
What do you think about bringing in Bob Knight for a year or two. You know he could not last any longer than that anyway. Bring him in and make pastner assistant head coach. Let Knight groom him a bit and when he tires out let Pastner take over. Bobby Knight would definitely save face.
Must say no to Boylen.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Well, it’s a heartbreak to be sure. But, now, the answer is very simple. It’s a four step process:
1) Hire Pastner
2) Retain Geary
3) Bring Roz back as an active adviser/mentor to Josh
4) Give Livengood until Friday to clean out his desk
April 5th, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Javier: How does Livengood keep his job after this? Honestly, regardless of whether or not he is inept or simply the victim of a series of unfortunate events, he has been in charge while the Arizona basketball program has circled the drain and is now a laughingstock. How can he keep his job? Anyone he hires knows he will be gone by next year at the latest, so they will have to deal with someone new.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:38 PM
I just want this nightmare to end!! If someone would have told me 5 years ago that we would be practically begging coaches to take the head coaching job at AZ, I would have told them they were insane.
I have always loved Josh Pastner. I don’t know if he’s ready, but I do know that he’s a true Wildcat! I can’t handle being rejected again!!
We are becoming the laughing stock of the NCAA! This has to stop, NOW!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 8:39 PM
I agree, time to come home Josh.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:41 PM
WTF Reggie Theus said he wants the job what the hold up?
April 5th, 2009 at 8:43 PM
oh they are lol at UA on Eastern Sports Programs Network as we type
April 5th, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Not that it matters, but has anyone read the goazcats article? Does it say if Livengood has known all day or is he refreshing the AZ daily star too…
April 5th, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Bob Knight wouldn’t be bad hey beggars cant be choosers
April 5th, 2009 at 8:46 PM
scumdvlh8tr classic lol
April 5th, 2009 at 8:46 PM
The only guy who has expressed interest in the job…. Has NBA contacts, ties, has played in the NBA, coached in the NBA and we don’t even give him a chance? I don’t follow Livegood’s logic, or lack thereof. How do we go after a Seth Freaking Greenberg or a Jim Boylen and shun Reggie Theus?
April 5th, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Reggie wants a shot give it to him end this now!
April 5th, 2009 at 8:47 PM
We all knew Olson would be gone sooner than later, and we knew for a darn fact that he was absolutely gone 6 months and 10 days ago.
Livengood first put O’Neill in charge and then Pennell – 2 years time – knowing full well the time to find and sign and put to work a new HC was coming fast.
And we’re using the opportunity of an Association of Tutors conference Shelton happens to be attending in ABQ on April 6, 2009 to bring someone like Miller in to barometer-check his enthusiasm and interest in UA basketball?!
What the freak’?!
Both of these clowns – Livengood and Shelton – must – MUST! – be fired!!
Having Twittle Dee and Twittle Dumb to find our next coach is absolutely absurd!!!!!
Where the heck is the Tucson media in all of this?!
How about ASUA, UA Faculty Senate and Arizona Board of Regents?!?!?!
There’s a lot of explaining to do, and we as contributing alums, as ticket-buying members of the community, as boosters without private jets demand answers – and NOW!
April 5th, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Really, the worst part about all of this is that Livengood has almost gone out of his way to do damage. I mean, if he would’ve just hired Josh from the get go, it would’ve been controversial to be sure. But at least he’d be out there recruiting anyway and potential recruits would think, “Hey, if Arizona hired this guy right off the bat, maybe there’s something to it, I should listen to him.”
Also, there would’ve been at least a few pundits in the national media that would’ve embraced it as a daring, risky move. It would’ve made us look brave and creative.
Instead, because of his repeated, lackluster efforts, now we’ve lost any chance of a decent recruit this year and we look at the repeated rejects that are falling back on the safest route possible (which is true.)
April 5th, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Livengood has a huge ego and thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. That’s why he’s only had the hiring process in his hands and refuses to listen to what the people want. He’s going to either continue embarrassing the university or put the team in the hands of a middling coach who’ll bring mediocrity to the program, at best. People shouldn’t even think of blaming Lute for this. He had a stud class lined up for this year, and then he had a stroke. Not exactly something he had control over. Yes the new coach will have to rebuild. This next year will be difficult, but if he works hard the next year should see dramatic improvement and the 3rd year should see us getting back close to where we were. Pastner is the only one who has shown the heart and desire to see that through. Gillispie will do it to prove a point.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Solid point, Jeremy
April 5th, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Boylen??? Have you taken a look at his recruits this year? They are all 3 stars and they went 24-10! If not Theus or Josh, call Ernie Kent and ask if we can bring Dunlap back.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Bring in Pastner!!! In 3 years schedule Xavier, Gonzaga, Pittsburgh, and Kentucky. We’ll already have USC. Arizona can repair itself…we just need to get a coach…with a contract…in McKale. Wait cross Xavier off…Miller will be coaching elsewhere by then…but schedule that team!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Dunlap would only come back if in addition to the job, he was given the opportunity to tar n feather Livengood while kicking his ass out of his office.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Memphis Fan Here. I thought that the Memphis AD was messed up. You guys should be really pissed at you AD. How many months????
I hear the main reason folks are shying away from AZ is LUTE. It is a problem for coaches wanting to run their own program w/ him in the back ground. The other issue is a commitment to upgrading the facilities…..
The is a AD worse than Memphis’ …
I guess your AD must hate Theus. Dissing him in public. Forget about Theus.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:55 PM
UofA is just handing this all wrong. What they should have done is: 1. Meet these coaches in a hotel room at some random location that is about a 2 hours drive from the coaches residence. This would throw the media off a little bit and prevent the news from going public. 2. Propose the deal. Tell them exactly what the money offer is and for how long. Most importantly that its not negotiable and the deal expires in exactly one hour. 3. Give them the option if they want Livengood to leave the room while they call there wife to talk about the decision.
This way if they reject it we can just move to the next one without another day passing. At this point we need someone who wants to be here aka Theus or Josh. No more of this crap of being used to get a raise. This is Arizona. We are no one’s b*tch, especially not from a mid-major.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Let Reggie have the freakin job he’s the only person that wants it i bet Josh Pastner would say no.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Sean Miller is a damn scum bag using arizona to get a raise what a richard
April 5th, 2009 at 9:00 PM
hire theus, bring back pastner
April 5th, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Fox Sports Channel 10 in Phoenix “Jude Lacava” just reported again! on the 9:30 news that Jamie Dixon is interested in the Arizona job and that Sean Miller turned down the job…
They showed Jamie’s clip first than Miller’s clip second..
April 5th, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Fans keep your cool, it has only been a week..
Boosters if you are reading this site.. Step up and pay Dixon.. I know I would chip on to help with the cause..
April 5th, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Haha, Dixon is interested in a raise, and knows how to get one.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Yeah I just saw the Fox 10 sports clip too. How do they know Dixon is interested??
April 5th, 2009 at 9:03 PM
What did I tell you? Livengood Stimulus! Floyd, Miller, Capel and Few got raises thanks to Jim “I can’t close the deal” Livengood.
If Ernie Kent is smart, he needs to throw his name in the mix and see if Oregon extends him.
What a joke of a AD!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:03 PM
First off there is nothing wrong with the facilities that is b.s. For the love of god people get a grip, throwing in the towel and just hire anybody?
If you think it is bad now, go ahead get Joshy, Theus or Dunlap and you will truly see the end of this program. I will enjoy watching all of you weak minded fans cry your eyes when the place just crumbles becuase you are thinking with your emotions for Joshy.
Problem is now they are going to have to ante up more cash.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Dixon aint coming here it’s just another dream or another richard using arizona to get a raise
April 5th, 2009 at 9:04 PM
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_619007.html
April 5th, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Relax take a deep breath… Lets see what this week holds..
Miller never said he would take the job.. He listened and he spoke.. Now you know why they met in New Mexico..
April 5th, 2009 at 9:05 PM
I bet Mike Dunlap is laughing really hard at all this….
If we hire Jim Boylen, the coaching search will have been colossal failure. Arizona beat a Boylen-coached Utah team SOUNDLY in the first round of the NCAA tournament with INTERIM coaches–and now we might hire HIM?!?! PLEASE!!!!! He has had NO MORE head college head coaching experience than Reggie Theus and NO MORE NCAA coaching experience than Reggie Theus. And as far as where Theus got his degree–that’s a sloppy poor excuse for not hiring a basketball coach. We’re hiring a BASKETBALL COACH, not an adjuction political science professor!!
We’re at a point now where we might as well have kept the interim coaching staff and made them permanent. We’re no worse off than we are now. Who’s the next to reject Arizona? And if we were going after Miller and Dixon and Floyd, why isn’t Thad Matta on the short list? Or Cleveland State’s Gary Waters? Portland State’s Ken Bone was tearing up the Big Sky Conference with a 5′6″ point guard, for Pete’s sake!! Maybe it’s time to bring in Billy Gillespie for an interview!
Hire Reggie Theus!! At least he WANTS the Arizona coaching job!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Lots has changed since the Thursday article by the Pitt paper..
April 5th, 2009 at 9:06 PM
poppa this program is already dead we need to face that fact
April 5th, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Unfortunately, Miller was a bust. He expressed interest in the program a while back but was unable to break ties with the Xavier AD, even for more money. He will do no better next year than he did this year at Xavier. (Probably gone in the Sweet 16 as has been the case in the past.) It is a mid major program and will stay as such. Ohio State and Cin will keep it there. ESPN and CBS cannot change that.
But let’s remember: Gillespie and Pastner are not going anywhere. They will still be there when this search is over. If Dixon is still on the line and we have the Dept’s blessing to raise the ante, then it needs to be done. Money will talk in this business and we have all said all along that we need to pony up for a good coach to be a big time program. Kentucky went 4 mil in the pocket for Cal so we still have to make more romm to be that big program. Take this to heart: If the money is there, they will leave a final four team (ref: Cal at Memphis). It justifies the move.
If this does not play out, Gillespie and Pastner will still do this.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:09 PM
Everyone lets try to get some sleep.. I would encourage each and every one of you on this site to email robert.shelton@arizona.edu
and let your Wildcat opinions be heard…
Make a huge offer to Dixon and throw everything at him boosters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:09 PM
They should just turn this into a reality show, something along the line of “Flava of Love.” Watch a group of mediocre wannabes scratch each others eyes out to take the job.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Icky Says:
April 5th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_619007.html
_______________________________________________________________
See give it up Dion is not or will never come to U of A
April 5th, 2009 at 9:11 PM
I think the boosters will step up. This is pure speculation, but Sarver and Moreno mainly, don’t strike me as guys who like to get walked and stepped on.
However, I guess money doesn’t talk as loud as i expected. Zona nearly triples Miller’s salary pre bonus, and he still says no. I think the same of Dixon, heck, Dixon was scratched out a long time ago. Why has his name resurfaced? Come on guys…
April 5th, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Where has anyone seen anything that suggests Dixon is even remotely interested in the job? There hasn’t been one shred of evidence to that effect. Does anyone really think Livengood will have publicly humiliated himself twice now if he thought there was any chance he could get Dixon simply by offering wads of dough? Wow, I have some oceanfront property here in Tucson if you guys are interested.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:14 PM
Arizona at this point wont find a coach this year whats Pennell doing heck hire him give him 4 yr deal then when 4yrs are up hire pastner.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:15 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIx4agmtxd8
Well, at least we don’t have to worry about PGU turning into this, thank God.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:16 PM
The Floyd Effect:
Definition when a coach says he’ll talk to Arizona about the HC job but uses Arizona and Jim Levinjoke as a devious ploy to extort money and/or contract extension from his current employer with never having any intent to actually taking the job.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:17 PM
PGU is a thing of the past arizona basketball is over can we say indiana#2
April 5th, 2009 at 9:17 PM
You’ve been Floyded.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Ref: the Pit link: You make the money good like Kentucky did and it will do wonders for the thinking of any good coach. Of course Dixon is not going to commit to speaking with AZ with his AD there. But he also did not come out a boldly rejecting any thought of entertaining such a discussion
It does not mean he will come or not come, it is just that his response is proforma. Miller did the same thing the day before yesterday.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Javier’s post makes we want to go with Pastner. Izzo and Williams were given a chance, why the hell not. pastner is a better option than theus, utah guy, and miami guy. ( i genuinely cant remember their names even though i just read them 2 minutes ago).
I’d say Avery and Pastner are even however.
Go Cats (football)!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:24 PM
FML…
April 5th, 2009 at 9:26 PM
Throw Avery 2.5 million a year to turn his legacy into a great point guard and a great coach.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Avery doesn’t take it for 2.5, the guy is waiting to go back to the NBA at 5-6M
April 5th, 2009 at 9:30 PM
GILLISPIE!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:32 PM
Making an offer to Dixon would be ridiculous now, especially if it went public that we were interested in him. Dixon would have to accept the job through freaking email to keep it private. We can’t have anymore bad PR. That means no more coaches sitting on the fence. It has to be a sure thing. UA can’t afford any more blunders. Thus, either Theus or Pastner for obvious reasons.
I do like the idea of putting feelers out to Bobby Knight. The guy probably won’t coach longer than a year or two. Enough time for Pastner to get some more experience under Cal or Bobby Knight as ass. head coach. I bet you the guy can be talked out of retirement.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:35 PM
OK Arizona fans i have finaly pressed the PANIC button!!!
Every one run around and scream the sky is falling the sky is falling!!!! it may be falling in tucson so duck and cover Levinjoke by him self killed arizona basketball it will never recover from this.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:36 PM
For real
April 5th, 2009 at 9:37 PM
whatever Dixon is not coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:38 PM
dude don’t impersonate the owner of the site the real Javier will kick your butt.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:39 PM
I knew this all had to be some kind of bad dream, is this a real acceptance, or a ok i’ll talk and then within 24 hours stay at home???
April 5th, 2009 at 9:39 PM
There is no way. Someone else must have put JavierM as their name.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:39 PM
Damn. Javier, I love the site, and I think you’ve done a great job, but honestly, at what point do you throw in towel? I feel like my time has been wasted by watching how inept Livengood is at selling the UofA. I am very appriciative to Lute and what he has done for the U of A, but man, he put us in a tough spot, especially with Livengood holding the reins. Somebody needs to figure out if this Dixon thing is for real or… I dunno. The PAC-10 has great coaches and I think Kruger or Theus or even Pastner would get eaten alive. And I hope Im dead wrong.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Dixon isn’t interested in the AZ job. He just wants to make sure he gets a chance to interview with Livengood, then go back to his school and get a raise like every other coach out there. He’s not genuinely interested in rebuilding UofA, when he’s already done all the work at Pitt. He’s just trying to milk this whole deal for a raise, like everyone else. I say it’s time to give the job to Josh. He’s a damn fine coach, and he’s getting better every day. I feel a little jilted by this whole process. I just want it to be over. I trust Josh. He’ll make this whole situation go away.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Ya.. Not real. Get out of here clown.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:41 PM
the real Javier puts as “Javier M” not JavierM
April 5th, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Good find, Zonacat. That explains it.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:42 PM
That was not me guys who posted that. Dixon is not coming to Tucson, sorry to say. He was my No. 1 choice all along but he loves Pitt too much right now. These are sad days indeed for the UA. Livengood’s only opportunity now is to hire somebody successful with a flamboyant personality who will make recruits and UA fans believe it can win in these very trying times. To me, that means Boylen, Purnell and Bennett just don’t cut it.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:43 PM
GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE
April 5th, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Josh? Let it be or Reggie!!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:46 PM
lol go figure
April 5th, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Why Boylen over Pastner, now? I admit that I would have rather had Dixon, Few, Pitino, Calipari, Grant, Izzo, Miller, Floyd, or Drew over Pastner. I know that Livengood said that he wanted a coach with head coaching experience who was currently employed, but he also said he wanted to win the press conference. Who wins the press conference now, Boylen or Pastner? Every Arizona fan can rally around Pastner.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:53 PM
My only posts involve serious talk about basketball etc. I didn’t post the one either about the voice of buddha. I will now delete those posts that are not mine. I apologize for the confusion. I’m asking who ever is doing that to please do not try to damage the integrity of this site. It also frustrates me after all the work I’ve put into this. I will try to have that person who is using my name blocked from posting on this site.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:53 PM
you know whats sad is the guys on the team its like these coaches are rejecting them
April 5th, 2009 at 9:55 PM
I am all for Pastner. But lets see if Bobby knight wants one more go around.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Yup, you’d figure it’s taking a toll on them as well. All 3 of them. Hehe. Sigh.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:56 PM
I heard we offered Miller a 5 year 13 million dollar contract, which equals 2.6 million per year. Has anyone been able to confirm or deny this claim?
April 5th, 2009 at 9:56 PM
got to admit, that was pretty funny
April 5th, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Seriously. I mean I really like Fogg. I think he has a lot of raw talent and will be a good player. The kid just needs a coach and no one is interested.
Maybe Fogg should go to these meetings.
April 5th, 2009 at 9:57 PM
you know guys quit this crap lets talk basketball and not mess the site up for all of us really grow the F**k up! quit the impersonation of Javier!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Wow, you all are begging for Reggie Theus now. A month ago you were talking smack to every other program about how you were going to woo their superstar coaches and how nice your weather is. Well your weather is nice, but enjoy the shambles that is your basketball program.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Javier M. with an underline is the publisher of this site.
Every other Javier M is an imposter and is playing with our emotions. Much like Smokey playing with Big Perm, I mean, Big Worm’s emotions by playing with his money….
April 5th, 2009 at 10:00 PM
If it’s fat, sweaty, bald guys we want and it’s fat, sweaty, bald guys we’re gonna get to do this thing well then I cast my vote for…Rick “Oh-fense” Majerus!
Hey look at the bright side: The food bill will be balanced by the laundry bill.
And housing costs?
The ultimate gym rat loves living in hotels by the campus.
That also takes care of transportation.
Let’s get it on!!!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 10:01 PM
lol im gonna go off track but yo mama beyoch get the hell outta here this is for Arizona fans not richards like your self
April 5th, 2009 at 10:02 PM
lol: I have to admit. The truth hurts.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Nice, we are getting ripped on ESPN Radio, “This should serve as a warning to anyone considering the Arizona job, what is wrong with Arizona?” Bravo Jim, you have served us well. The door is this way —————-> Don’t let it hit you on the a** on the way out.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:03 PM
how about we burn this towel head buddah to the steak and make it so he never makes another post again!!!
but on a lighter note i really think at this point we give pastner the job. The man has been under two of the greatest coaches of their generations in lute olson and John Calipari. At this point i say why not. at the age of 32 he is very young and energetic and will actually care about the well being of this school. he wont be one of the guys that will move on to a big east powerhouse in 5 to 6 years this is the real deal to him. he has wanted to be the head coach of U of A since he started with lute. lets give this guy a chance eh?
April 5th, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I wasn’t a fan of his before, but it seems the only one for the AZ job is an AZ man, he will at least know what ” BEAR DOWN ” is all about.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:06 PM
It’s amazing how far our stock has dropped in terms of overall program quality. When this search first started, we were talking about taking experienced, quality, championship caliber coaches away from good programs. Good programs, but not AZ-Good. Then our elite status started fading, and we started talking about picking some high quality coaches from the mid-majors. Now, we’re not even sure we can get the coach from Utah who we just beat in the NCAA tournament. I get the feeling, if we wait any longer, Josh and Reggie won’t be willing to coach us either, and Sean Elliott is gonna call up and ask us to please take down his jersey from the rafters. So sad.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Give Joshie boy a chance hell he’s the only besides Theus that wants the job
April 5th, 2009 at 10:09 PM
lets get Josh and Theus the Co-head coach title? hahaha
April 5th, 2009 at 10:11 PM
We need to march on to chapionship drive drag Levinjoke outta his office and beat the crap outta him like a cheap pinata!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 10:13 PM
So what happens next? Any truth to the rumor that there would be a press conference held tomorrow regardless of Miller accepting?
April 5th, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Lets make Javier the A.D. for christ sake livengood blows my nutsack. This guy continues to get played like a fiddle. he is making UA a laughing stock
April 5th, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Bob Knight anyone Javier would he ever want to come here or would we ever consider him?
April 5th, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Bob Knight doesnt like to recruit.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:20 PM
ok how about this Im saying the 25 yr streak is the problem.. who wants to end the streak? Calipari no way, Few why? Floyd, contract extension, USC mindset more $$$$, Miller rebuild with a possible final 4 team in waiting, no way.. No one wants to associate their name with ending AZ run at 26 in a row…Pastner has my vote
April 5th, 2009 at 10:20 PM
with 7 scholarships to give out this yr it shouldnt be hard with a good recruiter
April 5th, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Bobby is over the hill. pastner or theus i honestly think would be better coaches. lets get an up and coming coach boys. hes been taught by the best in the buisness!
April 5th, 2009 at 10:21 PM
One of the more unreported aspects of Bobby Knight is his personal feud with Lute Olson. Read Olson’s book that came out a couple of years ago. He wrote about how Bobbi Olson did not care for Knight because he was two-faced: He acted nice to her but later acted like a jerk toward her husband when they coached against each other in the Big Ten. Olson flat out told Knight that he was not going to intimidate him and Knight has not cared for Lute since. There is no way Knight would be allowed by Olson to coach on Lute and Bobbi Court. Bobbi, sad to say, would turn in her grave.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:21 PM
now i wish we would have go to the nit
April 5th, 2009 at 10:22 PM
wow i did not know that Javier
April 5th, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Draft Bob Knight. Pastner would consider long and hard to coach under Bob Knight as an assistant. Then he could take over when Bob leaves in a year or two. It is worth a inconspicuous shot. Just don’t know whether he’d be interested.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:24 PM
BOBBY KNIGHT IS A HAS BEEN, PERIOD!!!!!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Javier kick this richard out of this site
April 5th, 2009 at 10:25 PM
pastner is a joke
April 5th, 2009 at 10:26 PM
We’ve reached a point of crisis of confidence, not just amongst the rest of the country, but amongst our own supporters. No outsider brought in at this point is going to be able to restore that confidence in what Arizona stands for. The only choice Livengood has at this point is to hire Pastner, even if only as a symbol of hope. He’s the only candidate I see the community gathering around and supporting at this time. He may stumble, and he may fall, but he’s the only person I see us picking up if he should do so.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Good point and if you ever notice Bob Knight never ever has anything good to say about Arizona. that is what bothers me about ESPN. it was like when JCAL went to Kentucky it was the second coming of christ or something. and U of A gets a bottom line update with a solid 30 talk about it. in which andy katz talked more about how dixon would go to SC. fags
April 5th, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Touche Javier. Okay then, I am back to Pastner and Theus.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:26 PM
How did Indiana convince a coach to come over? It seems like our situation is similar. Livengood should look at how Indiana handled it.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:26 PM
ok i see where this is goin all the Arizona hating trolls have found out about this site
April 5th, 2009 at 10:27 PM
we need to stop talking about pastner. He would just sit there and smile the whole time. He would run this team into the ground. He do just as much as he was on the team. I would rather have a sucessfull high school coach than him.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Sounds to me like coaches now a day want everything on a pedestal. They will only move on to a better program if there are 4-5 star recruits in line, multi million dollar facilities, and want exorbitant compensation…Is this even coaching anymore? 4-5 star players, pretty much coach themselves. Coaches are nothing more than cheerleaders now a days. Seriously.
PASTNER, PASTNER, PASTNER!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 10:27 PM
What about Kerr, Pastner and Geary… just go all out UofA?
April 5th, 2009 at 10:28 PM
If we settle for Josh Pastner, that truly sends a message of desperation.
Please also tell me what qualifies him for the head coaching job. I don’t want to hear about recruiting. I want to hear about his ability to manage a game and his knowledge of X’s and O’s. Please give me some examples.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:28 PM
jAVIER m CRAWL BACK UNDER YOUR ROCK
April 5th, 2009 at 10:29 PM
haha bro dont you have anything better to do with your time than sit there and do a shit job impersonating a good reporter. shit you must be a cum devil fan
April 5th, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Quit feeding the troll and he will die
April 5th, 2009 at 10:31 PM
So whats the over under on how many games arizona wins next year? We won 19 this year not counting the tourny.
I am going to say 9 wins this upcoming season.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Naky Roy williams was never a proven coach until he finally got a break and got the job at kansas. now look at what he is doing now. he is at the premier college basketball school in the nation. like i have said before pastner has been under the wing of coaching greats. give the man a chance. he is passionate about Arizona basketball
April 5th, 2009 at 10:32 PM
well that will be hard cuase ASU trolls have an abundance of man meat to feed on in tempe cuz we all that why they are called the cum devils
April 5th, 2009 at 10:33 PM
We need to stop talking about replacing our coach and just start from the top and hire a new atheletic director. I would rahter have geary in his spot. Someone who can actually can do there job right. If he cant do his job that he gets paid a lot for. Then why is he there.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:33 PM
OC, I think it all hinges on who JL hires (if he ever does) and who stays on the team, who we can recruit etc. There are too many unanswered questions imo
April 5th, 2009 at 10:34 PM
what can we do to get his lame a$$ fired as AD?
April 5th, 2009 at 10:36 PM
We won’t have to do anything if he screws up… Likely firing him now would do more damage than actually keeping him on (that sounds insane) I think.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Russ Pennell we want you back!!
April 5th, 2009 at 10:37 PM
You can be passionate about the team but that does not mean he is ready to become a good coach. I would give him a few more years before he should start at a low confrence team and work himself up just like lute and the rest of the greats. I do whish him the best but he is not ready!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Its sad to see a great team like ours begging to get a coach. They should be coming to us not us going to them.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:44 PM
i cant help it being used by that scum bag Miller then this joker i’m about to snap if he dont quit i’ll snap his neck
April 5th, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Didnt Steve Lavin say he was interested?
April 5th, 2009 at 10:56 PM
I think Lavin did mention he was interested. I like Lavin. I don’t know why, I think he is droll, witty, plays the part, but can also get down to it and coach the x’s and o’s. Yes, he did have a terrible year in 2003, but come on, how many first round flameouts did Olson have even as 2,3,4 seeds? That crap just happens I guess. Plus, I wish people were more realistic by now. Who else? Seriously…Who else?
During his tenure at UCLA, Lavin signed seven McDonald’s High School All-Americans
April 5th, 2009 at 11:14 PM
I’m really not seeing the downside of giving Pastner the job right now. People keep talking about his lack of experience. But take a look at the experienced coaches that are left out there who are available to be hired. Do you really see any of these guys lasting more than 3-4 years? By then we’re back to where we started, hoping we can get a half-decent coach. If Pastner can’t get this turned around in a few years, so be it. He’ll have the support of the fans and will get a long grace period. The dude bleeds cardinal and navy. He’ll have plenty of help on the recruiting trail by ex-players. And I’d imagine that Lute would take the call if Josh called looking for pointers. I’d rather take a shot at him than throw seven figures at any coach who will take it.
April 5th, 2009 at 11:18 PM
On Lavin – does anybody recall the last few years he had at UCLA? I know he had a great run there for a while, and had multiple trips to the sweet sixteen. However, by the end he was being mocked by analysts all over the place. The student section of the U of A also chanted “fire Lavin” repeatedly during one of his last games at McKale.
On other coaches. I feel that Gillespie (sp?) may be worth a look. If not him then I would prefer we look to some former NBA coaches (Musselman, PJ Carlesimo, Avery Johnson (him not so much)), and then Pastner.
Just my thoughts.
April 5th, 2009 at 11:22 PM
How would you put Carlesimo over Avery Johnson. I don’t think we have a shot in a million years of landing Johnson, he is an NBA guy all the way, but I’m most certain I would want Johnson over Carlesimo……At any rate, none of this is going to happen, so that’s a mute point. Heh.
April 5th, 2009 at 11:30 PM
ill call this the last post of the night. for the most part you are either a College coach or an NBA coach. rarely do you get a guy successful in both. We need to stick with a college guy because we all know avery is a coach that most likely will not be out of the gig for long in the league. like someone said earlier pastner bleeds cardinal and navy. one thing that i like is his enthusiasm that he brings. that is one man(other than theus) that would die for that job. he has always been a wildcat and is friends with some good nba players that could help bring in recruits. i mean these NBa players that are his friends are sticking up for him telling Livengood that he should get the job and that says something about the respect these guys have for him. give em a chance why the hell not?
April 5th, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Icky
It’s really not based on any reason, or logic. I just don’t care for him for some reason. He may very well be able to recruit and coach a college team. I do think ZoneRepe may have a good point about him waiting for another NBA gig, but that is just my opinion.
Pastner could either be amazing or another flop under the Olson coaching tree. I think that under the current situation the risk is worth the potential reward. He could either be a Jay John, or he could be the next Roy Williams. However, I would not want to go to him without at least exploring Gillespie or some former NBA coaches. Other than those options, I say Pastner is the way to go.
April 5th, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Seriously, though, Javier, why hasn’t St. Louis’ Majerus been given more mention, or any mention at all?
I mean, Rick almost landed (ouch!) at first USC and then ASWhat?!, and he’s friends with Howland and Karl, so what gives?
And at least Majerus was at one time, at recently, only a game away from winning a NC, and with a team from the Salty City, the MWC, no less.
RM could be LO in a sweater and we ain’t even looking into it.
Since the ‘Cats are now exiting the low, medium and high mid-major rejection phase, is it officially time to look at who sits next to whom on those high major or NBA benches for answers?
I’m talking second in charge – the guy on the hot seat only if and when his boss gets the “squiggy” as my all-time favorite coach of another team and radio-TV color man Al McGuire used to say.
With these guys as with Boylen and Greenberg you don’t even bother having a press conference.
Why would you, unless you’re an idiot?
Why compound the problem, the embarrassment?
Player recruiting season is in full swing as well, after all.
Can you tell?
And Javier, how does Livengood A) explain himself and B) keep his job for a day much less a year after this debacle and the Tomey-Mackovic disaster?
Basketball money right now drives the Athletic Department, and Livengood is driving, singlehandedly, the Basketball Program into the ditch.
But you know, Javier & Co., there’s got to be more to this Livengood only has a year on his contract thing that is causing prospective candidates to think long and hard whether or not they want to give up what they got for one year with AD JL and then even more uncertainty soon thereafter, don’t you think?
How then does Shelton let this situation with a new coach and AD hire needed a year apart from each other?
How in the world is that supposed to work?
There are questions here that the Tucson media has to dig into.
While Shelton is off to ABQ for an Association of Tutoring
Conference, which is all well and good, his Basketball Program and Athletic Department are in dire need of his leadership.
He’s the President of the University of Arizona and not just the Dean of Academic Affairs.
There is a difference and Shelton better realize it now or the worse is yet to come for anybody wanting things the way they were way back when: When THE U won games, turned out pros and, more often than not, graduated its student-athletes.
For this president to make it an either/or situation like he is, sacrificing the Athletic Department for tutoring, in essence, means disasterous consequences in the years to come.
And it doesn’t have to be this way.
April 5th, 2009 at 11:43 PM
well guys another day gone another day with out a coach and another day Arizona was used hope tmrw bring hope of finding a coach.
April 5th, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Closing note Jime Levingood has really messed it up hes a joke hope he gets beat up in the street.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:03 AM
I fully understand the criticism of Livengood for the current situation, but I feel Shelton doesn’t really have an option at this point. Livengood has a little over a year on his contract. If you fire Livengood now, then Shelton’s two main options are to either 1) dedicate himself to finding another head coach quickly, in addition to his other responsibilities, or 2) find another AD to make the hire – and finding another AD is another major hire for the university which should not come lightly or quickly.
Potential coaches may be concerned about Livengood.s future status with the U of A, but that is the unfortunate situation.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:08 AM
We have been devalued for many reasons that I will not rehash again. Many of the negatives were discussed in the “pros and cons” and “dry well” pieces in Sunday’s paper. Most are not willing to risk their careers and the good thing they have to come and rebuild here. Therefore, we need to give the job to someone who appreciates the value of the program and understands the opportunity that presents itself. That person is Josh Pastner. We often did our best as a program when undervalued or underrated, so let’s go with the “underdog” for this position. He will cherish it and make us proud again. We will be behind him and be patient during the lean times to come and “have his back” when necessary. Clearly, many of the players are behind him, we should be too.
April 6th, 2009 at 1:08 AM
Mr. Morales,
Why hasn’t Travis Ford’s name come up? We know that he hails from Kentucky, and that probably is his dream job; surely Kentucky would have gone after him if Calapari was to have said no. Its safe to assume Cal is not going anywhere for a long while so UA would not have to worry about him bolting if the job were to open up; at Ok. St. he has recruited the state of Texas well, a hotbed for UA recruits; took them to the 2nd round of the NCAA’s in only his first season this yr (and beating Bruce Pearl’s Tennessee’s team I might add); plays the uptempo style of hoops Livengood and the rest of us are looking for, and u have to say UA is a step up from Ok St( and i know they have alot of tradition there w/ Sutton, and in ’05 it took a last second shot from Salim to beat them in the sweet 16) but that doesnt hold much water these days because no one can argue USC, or mid-major Xavier is on par w/ UA. I think he would be a great hire, just my thought… Curious what u think Javier
April 6th, 2009 at 1:12 AM
I am still incredulous as to how Indiana can pull a rabbit out of their hat in Tom Crean despite the violations and barren recruiting they faced just a year ago, and we have nothing. It is so embarrassing the way Livengood has handled this. It’s pathetic. We are nothing more than a mere negotiation tactic.
April 6th, 2009 at 1:18 AM
Billy Gillespie should be looked at what the hell he has no job, this is a horror show and Arizona is that dumb girl that falls down and get hacked to pieces time and time again.
April 6th, 2009 at 1:25 AM
Sinhce we are going to still throw out new names, I’m wondering why Matt Painter of Purdue hasn’t been mentioned. He seems like a young up and comer. What do you think Javier?
April 6th, 2009 at 1:31 AM
I agree too, Art. But he’s well paid and he’s at his alma mater.
April 6th, 2009 at 4:54 AM
I honestly think Livengood is now down to THREE options:
1.) Avery Johnson – I think tihs would be the biggest “win” in terms of a press conference from here. He was highly successful in the NBA, so I’m sure he’ll do just fine in the college ranks. I think at this point, any coach with a “wow” factor, in other words, NBA experience might be the best option. We need recruits bad, and I think the best way to get the best recruits remaining is hiring a coach with those NBA connections.
2.) Josh Pastner – He’s obviously the fan and former player favorite at this point. We at least know he wants the job, so we save some further embarrassment. We know he can recruit, just not sure who, or if, he could lock anyone up in the late signing period.
3.) Mark Haith – He’s done some great things in Maimi. He’s a good, young coach who is also a proven recruiter. What I like about Haith is his assitant experience ranges across multiple great programs, so his connections potentially span across the country.
This whole mess has me all sorts of messed up in the head. I’m depressed, enraged, confused, frustrated, anxious, nervous, etc….
April 6th, 2009 at 5:06 AM
Miller declining our offer was predictable.
Still, I’m just astonished that here we sit, over 5 months after Lute resigned and JL stated that ‘numerous’ high profile coaches had called to express interest in the program. Either that was bs, or he’s absolutely bungling the execution phase.
Imo there is no choice now. Unless he has some shocking name to pull out of his hat none of us saw coming, it’s gotta be Josh. If he hires Boylen or Greenberg we are well and truly screwed and hopefully he’s at least smart enough to see that not only would he lose the press conference, he would be eviscerated by the fan base and the boosters.
Josh would give us hope that we now have someone who WANTS to be here, someone who flat out knows how to recruit and has been immensely successful at everything he’s ever done. Why would we expect this to be any different? He could bring Ros back, surround himself with more experienced assistants who can help him develop as the head guy and we could have our next head coach for the next 30 years.
And if it doesn’t work out, hopefully that would mean he recruits some talent but doesn’t know how to control a program or be a solid in game coach so now we have a stocked cupboard and a better chance to make a run at a more proven name, ala what UNC did when they finally had to get rid of Guthridge.
Let’s end this now. With ever successive rejection our national esteem falls another notch, not just in the eyes of the media but more importantly in the eyes of recruits. We have to stop looking like damaged goods, we need to bring someone in who is excited to be here and is ready to get to work.
Hire Josh now.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:07 AM
also agree that Haith could be a solid choice, but still prefer Josh.
Avery ain’t coming. Nor should he. He’s gonna make far more money in the nba soon, and he’s probably making a good chunk of change for ESPN right now. And what kind of recruiting network do you think he has? That’s correct, NONE. You think just by signing all of a sudden recruits are going to come calling?
Hire Josh.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:12 AM
Rick –
Actually, yeah, I do. You see it all the time, recruits picking schools because the coach has NBA connections. Now they may not come calling, but he sure has an advantage over many.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:34 AM
I agree of the remaining coaches.. I’m taking Lavin over Theus anyday just because he knows the pac 10 and has had some success.. Please do not mention Isiah Thomas.. I will never attend a game again with him at the helm..
I do like Craig Robinson of OSU but he returns all his players except one senior and has a nice class coming in next year..
I still do not know what the deal was on the Fox 10 News “Sports line” with Jude Lacava sying that Dixon was interested.. Could be rumor or they could have known Sean was staying and had a back up plan..
This is getting beyond embarrassing….
April 6th, 2009 at 5:38 AM
The media really does not know what is going on..
The 620 Sports line up here in Phoenix “Doug and Wolf” just reported that Dixon is rumored to and “will listen” but that was all they knew..
Interesting to see where this develops throughout the day..
April 6th, 2009 at 5:44 AM
It’s refreshing to hear updates from local (110 miles north) media, and to know they are in the same boat as I am in Denver. I think at this point no one, including Livengood, has a clue what’s going on.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:03 AM
please. Dixon isn’t coming. Don’t even go there, JL. Just move on and hire Josh or Theus or Haith and end this debacle.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:04 AM
Avery Johnson and PJ Carlissmo went on record saying they were not interested in the job..
April 6th, 2009 at 6:07 AM
Really fans at this point…
I think LG has to look at Josh.. At least Josh will get the full support of the fans.. If we are going thru a rebuild I would rather do it with Josh who has the best interest of the school than some of these other “no names”..
April 6th, 2009 at 6:15 AM
if I was Dixon I would meet with AZ. I might get a raise out of it.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:17 AM
I would love to see Theus AND Pastner, but probably a pipe dream. I don’t ever see LG swallowing his pride, admitting he was wrong, and actually talking to Theus. For that same reason, I have a hard time seeing him turn to Pastner.
I thought this was a good opinion piece:
Scott Karpen
GOAZCATS.com Staff Writer
Related Links:
UA turned down
Talk about it in Premium Hoops Suite: Inside McKale
If I were Jim Livengood (and thank goodness I’m not), the decision on where to go from here is quite simple.
Hire Josh Pastner.
GOAZCATS.com
Josh Pastner could now be the best option for Arizona.
I know all of the reasons why I shouldn’t hire the 31-year old assistant coach. He hasn’t been a head coach before. He isn’t qualified or proven on a big stage. He’s too young. He’s not ready for the job.
You can continue to pour reasons down my throat but my stance is firm that Josh Pastner is the only reasonable choice to go from here. Who would you rather have, Seth Greenberg or Pastner? Jim Boylen or Pastner? Buzz Williams or Pastner?
How to approach the hire at a press conference is quite simple. Here’s all I – if I were Livengood – would have to stay:
“After conducting this coaching search it became quite apparent that the direction I attempted to go in was a wrong one. I made a mistake by attempting to bring in a coach who is not part of the Wildcat family.
“That’s why today I am proud to say we are going back to our roots and bringing in one of our own. We’re bringing in a coach who has been born and raised as a Wildcat. We are bringing in a coach that understands what it means to be a Wildcat. We are bringing in a coach who symbolizes what it means to be an Arizona Wildcat.
“Today we are re-connecting with our past by bringing back Josh Pastner as the newest head coach of the University of Arizona.
“What Pastner brings to the table can be rivaled by few around the nation. He is a tireless worker who has passion not only for the sport but for this school, he has the endorsement of not only this athletic department but former players as well, and Josh is our guy that will lead the resurrection of Arizona basketball.
“I’ll be honest for a moment; Josh was not our first choice to be the next head coach at UA. But this process has humbled me as not only an athletic director, but as a Wildcat. I have learned that the best way to approach a big hire is by bringing in a coach that is not only dedicated to the school, but whose ultimate goal is to return to Tucson.
“So, it’s my honor and pleasure that I re-introduce to you, Josh Pastner.”
That’s what I would say if I were the AD. I understand that this would take humility to admit fault in the search but the only way to save face in this entire process is bringing in a coach that the fan base will get behind and support.
Even if Pastner does falter for a year or two, fans will support him because they will understand the tough times surrounding the program. Pastner can help reunite an athletic department that has a lot of critics at the moment because of the debacle of the current search.
Pastner can handle the workload. We’re talking about a guy who player basketball, learned how to be a coach, graduated from college and took on a laundry list of responsibilities while in Tucson, and complete the task in three years.
Also, on Pastner’s resume he can boast the fact that he was learned from two of the top coaches in the game, Lute Olson and John Calipari and is widely considered one of the best recruiters in the nation.
In the college game I will take a more talented team over a better-coached team more nights than not. Right now Arizona will struggle to field a team that could compete in the Mountain West Conference next season and Pastner may be able to turn that around faster than anyone.
And even if it does take him a year or two to become accustomed to the head coaching role, the money saved by hiring Pastner could be spent on bringing in veteran assistants that can help guide the 31-year old if he ever hits a rough patch or two.
The former UA assistant has proven that he has what it takes to do the seemingly impossible, why not give him a shot as the next coach of Arizona? As of now it seems like the only logical choice for Jim Livengood.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:24 AM
+2 Zonacat_vols Says:
April 5th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
we need to face it Arizona is dead we’ll never find a coach now
———————————
I abso-LUTE-ly stated that IF Arizona failed to sign, seal and delive Miller et.al. to Tucson, then the Wildcats would be left with the dire stratis alternative of hiring a true Mid-Major head coach.
But junior bubba and his bloody minions gave moi the angry thumbs down, as in CRUCIFY him, CRUCIFY him!! LMFAO
Seriously though, will Arizona now go after a genuine Mid-Major from say the MoValley or Atlantic-10 or even W.C.C.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:38 AM
It’s amazing how inferior programs like Alabama, Georgia and Virginia can recruit and sign a coach with no hiccups or embarrassing rejections. These programs are in no better condition than Arizona, but now Arizona has the reputation of being damaged goods. This falls solely on Livengood’s bungling.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:40 AM
One thing that i will say is the fact that big name incoming college players do like to play for a coach that has been an NBA coach. You can see this through Time Floyd and Calipari. both may not be the best X’s and O’s coach there are but like someone said before i would rather have a team with good talent than well coached.
But i still have no clue where this situation is going so god help us all
April 6th, 2009 at 6:41 AM
REGGIE THEUS!!! I repeat–look what he did at New Mexico State…
April 6th, 2009 at 6:44 AM
+2 Javier M. Says:
April 5th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
That was not me guys who posted that. Dixon is not coming to Tucson, sorry to say. He was my No. 1 choice all along but he loves Pitt too much right now. These are sad days indeed for the UA. Livengood’s only opportunity now is to hire somebody successful with a flamboyant personality who will make recruits and UA fans believe it can win in these very trying times. To me, that means Boylen, Purnell and Bennett just don’t cut it.
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It was groovy while it lasted though, right Javier M.
Because all good things, eventually, come to an end, i.e, Roman and British Empires. LOL
Au contraire to the vast majority of Wildcat fans, I see the writing on the Wildcat decal wall…for Arizona is about to enter the Dark Ages of major college hoopdoms. The rate this hiring process is DEVOLVING, Arizona may not have a head coach by this Friday. Yikes!!
I tried to play the wishful “keep hope alive” card. But no mas.
As Javier M and numerous others said, the Wildcats are left with relatively nada in the notion of a marquee hire. Abso-LUTE-ly zilch!!
So, Javier M. Do you believe Arizona should try the Mid-Major route, i.e, MoValley, Atlantic-10, W.C.C, especially IF Bennett, also, turns down Arizona. I know it’s a crazy notion but there are some excellant “under-the-radar” coaches in these Mid-Majors. You know. LOL
April 6th, 2009 at 6:49 AM
+2 Randall Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 6:41 am
REGGIE THEUS!!! I repeat–look what he did at New Mexico State…
————————-
I abso-LUTE-ly agree with you my man. Thues had NMST playing in the N.C.A.A.’s in his second season in bleak, desolate Las Cruces, New Mexico of all places. LMFAO
But Livengood is so FREAKIN stubborn he’d NEVER go back on his word concerning Reggie, Reggie, Reggie.
Heck, Livengood would rather see Arizona become the Oregon St. of the PAC-10. 4-REAL. Because that’s where Arizona is headed!
No marquee head coach to save both Livengood and Shelton’s backside, and no recruiting class for 2009/2010 and not even any marquee JUCO player’s for 2009.
What a bloody tragedy!!!
April 6th, 2009 at 6:55 AM
What is this nonsense I’m reading about Lavin? If that happens, JL will be remembered as the worst AD in memory.
Lavin’s a very nice guy and a great recruiter. But when it came to coaching, no one was home. His team lacked discipline. His practices were completely unorganized. The talent he brought to Westwood never developed. He brought a mighty UCLA program to its knees.
At this point, it’s not even clear Lavin could recruit. It’s not like his guys had tremendous success in the NBA. Baron Davis is rumored to have told young guards to choose Arizona over UCLA. Davis could be the poster child for UCLA hoops under Lavin — incredibly talented and equally undisciplined.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:56 AM
Does anyone know Livengood’s email address?
I think we need everyone to start emailing him to demand he hire Theus.
April 6th, 2009 at 6:56 AM
+3 Javier M. Says:
April 5th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
My only posts involve serious talk about basketball etc. I didn’t post the one either about the voice of buddha. I will now delete those posts that are not mine. I apologize for the confusion. I’m asking who ever is doing that to please do not try to damage the integrity of this site. It also frustrates me after all the work I’ve put into this. I will try to have that person who is using my name blocked from posting on this site.
———————————
My apologies Javier for being on the EDGE, but when JUNIOR, CHRIS and their ilk make spurrious, unsubstantiated BLATANT LIES suggesting that I’ve DISRESPECTED Pastner and or the Arizona program and or Olson, then it’s a bloody internet war of the words.
Yes, yes. I will attempt to keep this forum CIVIL but I abso-LUTE-ly suggest that JUNIOR, CHRIS and like-minded minions do the same, and cease with the AD HOMINUM’s-think JUNIOR/CHRIS.
Because baby, I abso-LUTE-ly will respond in “un-kind.” Capice JUNIOR, CHRIS and henchmen!!! LMFAO
April 6th, 2009 at 7:01 AM
Why do you think I stopped responding to your derogitory comments towards me Buddah? Even after you kept refering to me as CHRISTINE?
I decided to take the high road a long time ago with you. And am sorry for falsely posting your dislike towards Pastner, I honestly misread your post.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:05 AM
the article that Chris posted about Pastner?
100% agree.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:05 AM
Many are predicting the collapse of Arizona’s hoops program. I agree that this could happen. If ticket sales dry up and the community no longer supports the program, we’ll be Oregon State with a larger arena and a nicer gym.
But I don’t think it has to be that way. Not with all the NBA alums and connections this program has, its wealthy base of boosters, and its history — so long as the typical fans continue their support.
In many ways, this is an opportunity. The chance to prove that Arizona’s amazing program is more than Coach Olson. The chance to prove that McKale is a great place to play, even when the team is down. That McKale is the best place in the west, as intimidating as Cameron.
Tucson is the perfect size to support an elite hoops program. We just have to believe this program will survive Livingood and whomever he hires.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:05 AM
Livengood is like that 45 year old guy out at the club trying to pick up chicks. He still believes that he has “it” and can pick up top shelf twentysomethings. So he spends the entire night aiming way out of his league and getting shot down. By the end of the night he’s all by himself and scrambling to try and find some druken fatty to drag home.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:09 AM
Boylen? Seriously? That’s gotta be a joke.
I was one of the last to board the Pastner train, but I’m getting on board too now. JL should tell Pastner he’s got it if he brings in the right personnel, you give him a couple of hours to put together a proposal, and then you see what he comes up with. Roz as Asst HC? Geary? etc.
Then, you call all of the NBA guys that went to bat for him, and you tell them they are attending the press conference too. You make the press conference into a family reunion deal. Message: This IS Arizona!
Then we go out, get some recruits, and start scheduling all the sorry bast%rds that have screwed with us over the past few weeks. We try to beat SC by 50.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:15 AM
I too was late to board the Pastner train. But at this point, what the hell. With Pastner you have the chance to have a top flight coach. With the others – not so much.
This comes down to damage control for Livengood. Theus, Bennett, Boylen, etc…they may all be nice enough coaches, but they will be like a dagger to the heart of the season ticket holders they need to keep the program profitable.
Pastner has risk, but we are long past the point where risk should be any type of concern.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:19 AM
what’s this talk of Dixon??
is there anything to that? (I know I’m desparate)
maybe he is just trying to help us out so others think the job might be worthwhile.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:20 AM
Voice of Buddha: Sorry for the confusion. Somebody with a Phoenix IP address (ASU fan who was calling Tucson a “brown town”) was posting comments using my name and he said that it was you who was impersonating me. My comment was not in reference to anything you have posted.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:22 AM
3 Rick Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Miller declining our offer was predictable.
Still, I’m just astonished that here we sit, over 5 months after Lute resigned and JL stated that ‘numerous’ high profile coaches had called to express interest in the program. Either that was bs, or he’s absolutely bungling the execution phase.
Imo there is no choice now. Unless he has some shocking name to pull out of his hat none of us saw coming, it’s gotta be Josh. If he hires Boylen or Greenberg we are well and truly screwed and hopefully he’s at least smart enough to see that not only would he lose the press conference, he would be eviscerated by the fan base and the boosters.
—————————-
The bloody reality of the remorse situtation, is that there is NO glamorous hire out there. All the marquee coaches aren’t touching Arizona with “two-thousand” mile pole. LOL
April 6th, 2009 at 7:25 AM
the only thing that consoles me slightly, is that Memphis is in just as bad, if not worse condition. Calapari was the entire program, now that he’s gone, everyone is jumping ship.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:27 AM
+3 ZoneRepe Says:
April 5th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
how about we burn this towel head buddah to the steak and make it so he never makes another post again!!!
————————–
Eh COWARDLY troll, why don’t you get back to the “azstarnet- Pascoe” forum. You know how I literally OWN YOU as well as your DELUSIONAL henchmen over at the “azstarnet-Pascoe” forum.
Now, get back to watching your HITLER ARYAN NATION videos/dvd’s!! DOUBLE LMFAO
April 6th, 2009 at 7:29 AM
we cant get rejected again… hire theus, bring back pastner as an assistant. theus can bring some late recuits, and maybe that blond chick from hang time. hell he even had damon stoudamire on one of the shows.
lets get moving
April 6th, 2009 at 7:35 AM
+3 tom Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Livengood is like that 45 year old guy out at the club trying to pick up chicks. He still believes that he has “it” and can pick up top shelf twentysomethings. So he spends the entire night aiming way out of his league and getting shot down. By the end of the night he’s all by himself and scrambling to try and find some druken fatty to drag home
————————–
Now, now! Us 45 year old-school guys hit a major HOME RUN once in a blue moon. LMFAO Ya know. And baby, I’m talking MAJOR “sweet young-25 or even sweet young-23.” LOL
April 6th, 2009 at 7:40 AM
But I don’t think it has to be that way. Not with all the NBA alums and connections this program has, its wealthy base of boosters, and its history — so long as the typical fans continue their support.
In many ways, this is an opportunity. The chance to prove that Arizona’s amazing program is more than Coach Olson. The chance to prove that McKale is a great place to play, even when the team is down. That McKale is the best place in the west, as intimidating as Cameron.
Tucson is the perfect size to support an elite hoops program. We just have to believe this program will survive Livingood and whomever he hires. PARALLEX
——————————————————
I hear you Parallex, but will approximately 40% of Arizona fans be willing to wait three years, or even four years for the Wildcat’s to be contenders in the PAC-10 as well as Disco Dance in the N.C.A.A.’s?
April 6th, 2009 at 7:44 AM
You know what also annoys me about this? Livengood’s unmitigated arrogance. He refused to even consider Theus because he wasn’t a big enough name. He said they must get a coach that can “win the press conference” and pretended like he was delaying because he didn’t want to be overshadowed by Kentucky’s hire. And now, because he’s such a stubborn ass, he’s going to stick by his ridiculous criteria and completely ignore Pastner as a candidate.
The man is completely hardheaded and short-sighted. I am certain I know what happened, even without any “sources.” Livengood has heard for five months that a handful of higher caliber coaches could be interested (I suspect the particular handful was Calipari, Floyd, Pitino, Knight, and maybe some less reputable report that someone like Izzo or Dixon was as well.) He then immediatly assumed that he could have his choice of any of these guys (and probably a half dozen more) at the end of the season and literally kicked back and waited. Then, one by one, they all vanished. Now, he’s too obtuse to realize he has to be creative and risky to do what is best for the program.
This can’t be that hard. For all our failings, we should be able to get some top-notch guy. Indiana got Crean and they were in ruins. UNC got Roy Williams despite having missed the tournament and with a very shakey recruiting class. Hell, all those years ago Dempsey brought in a guy who had made five straight tournaments, a Final Four, and was coming off a Sweet Sixteen. And he convinced him to jump ship to a program with no history, no recruits, and finishing up a FOUR WIN SEASON based entirely on how good the climate was and how loyal and supportive the fans were.
Now, we still have a great climate, we still have loyal and supportive fans, plus we have almost three decades of tradition AND we won a few more than four games last year. Despite all that, Livengood can’t get it done.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:44 AM
But I don’t think it has to be that way. Not with all the NBA alums and connections this program has, its wealthy base of boosters, and its history — so long as the typical fans continue their support.
In many ways, this is an opportunity. The chance to prove that Arizona’s amazing program is more than Coach Olson. The chance to prove that McKale is a great place to play, even when the team is down. That McKale is the best place in the west, as intimidating as Cameron.
Tucson is the perfect size to support an elite hoops program. We just have to believe this program will survive Livingood and whomever he hires.
—————————
It’s all cool Javier M!
I’ll will unwillingly keep my emotions in check- LOL, and not stoop to the level of some bi-pedal primitive animal regarding the search for Arizona’s next hard court maestro.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:44 AM
Livengood is now pursuing Boylen . . . ugh.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:49 AM
+1 Javier M. Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Voice of Buddha: Sorry for the confusion. Somebody with a Phoenix IP address (ASU fan who was calling Tucson a “brown town”) was posting comments using my name and he said that it was you who was impersonating me. My comment was not in reference to anything you have posted.
————————————
It’s all cool Javier M!
I’ll will unwillingly keep my emotions in check- LOL, and not stoop to the level of some bi-pedal primitive animal regarding the search for Arizona’s next hard court maestro
April 6th, 2009 at 7:50 AM
So lets hire Pastner or Theus and put a band aid on the situation so you all fell so much better today. McKale will be a tomb if this happens, I bet if the Taliban were here you would all surrender without a whimper.
This situation is the fault of Tucson becuase we allowed Livenmoron to stay here and now we are paying the price, goodby AZ basketball it is finished. I e-mailed Shelton many times a year ago about why JImbo should be removed.
Theres only two ways to go:
1. Fire Livenjerkoff immediately and shop for a package deal.
2. Go up to the 3 million plus range and steal a coach that will come for the right price.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:54 AM
Javier,
Can you e-mail me? Great site. I have been reading it a ton lately.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Livengood should resign soon. The only ones who will come to his defense is the Star – and THAT won’t last long.
This is NOT Lute’s fault and the public can see through this shady defense of Livengood.
An AD at a major university should not be continually taken in by people who are trying to renegotiate their own contracts.
All of his telling players, “expect an announcemnet in two days” indicates he is a loose cannon with very little ability to negotiate and hire coaches at an elite level.
I’m daring the local media to show us anything of significance he has done in the hiring arena.
And……try to keep Lute out of your defense of Livengood.
At his first national exposure as head of the selection committe the guy had BYU playing on a Sunday in NCAA’s a few years back for goodnes sake.
Billy Packer ate him for lunch during the NCAA selection interview.
Now, coaches are feasting at his carcass.
He needs to make a hire and then “retire.” The media should then give an “honest” evaluation of his abilities and try to keep their personal views of Sunny Jim out of it.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:00 AM
I can’t believe I’m saying this because 2 weeks ago I would have laughed hysterically if someone else posted this suggestion, but at this point (with 3+ rejects), what is the downside of a Theus/Pastner combo (Theus Head, Pastner Associate Head)? No, not ideal, but considering our options, is there anything better?
Please, tell me why Livenbad is NOT jumping on that as we speak.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:02 AM
“I can’t believe I’m saying this because 2 weeks ago I would have laughed hysterically if someone else posted this suggestion, but at this point (with 3+ rejects), what is the downside of a Theus/Pastner combo (Theus Head, Pastner Associate Head)? No, not ideal, but considering our options, is there anything better?
Please, tell me why Livenbad is NOT jumping on that as we speak.”
Because he is not bright. If Boylen is who he settles on, I will be beyond disappointed. Hopefully Boylen will turn us down as well.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:03 AM
… and as long as I’m being ridiculous, what is the downside of throwing $3M/year at Dixon, Izzo, Wright and seeing if it will stick? Can we really embarrass ourselves anymore than we already have?
Hell, maybe Calhoun will come out west for a few years before retirement to sneak away from the violation disaster at UConn!
… just kidding … sort of.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:06 AM
Phoenix1414
I think you’re thinking what we’re all thinking. There has to be a way to some how get ahold of Livengood to propose this because with the way he’s been operating, I’m willing to bet the thought never crossed his mind.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:12 AM
lord we all need to forget about Dixon frosty the snow man would skate through the middle of hell before Dixon would come to UA.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:12 AM
There has to be 50+ people who have posted on this site in the last 2 weeks (not counting the idiots just trying to start trouble or Buddha trying to teach a vocabulary class), and many of us have said a lot of the same things over and over again.
Even Livenbad is not that stupid … okay, maybe he is, but he has smart people surrounding/advising him. SURELY one of them have thought of some of the same ideas we fans have?
I just don’t get it. Can there really be more to the situation that we don’t know?
The only thing that can possibly save Sunny Jim and our program at this point is to land someone still coaching … that leaves Izzo (Williams out for obvious reasons).
Well, boys and girls, the final game is tonight. If Livenbad can hold a press conference tomorrow and announce Izzo is coming, all (most) will be forgiven. We’ll “know” that was his plan all along. But, if that were REALLY the truth, he wouldn’t have watsed his time chasing Floyd, Miller, etc in the meantime.
Never mind, just answered my own question. darn!
April 6th, 2009 at 8:18 AM
I think it’s just time to embrace Boylen or Bennett, hopefully plus Pastner as Assoc Coach. We’ll be back in the top third of the pac10 in a couple years with that combo. We just won’t have won the press conference the way Livengood wanted to.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Anyone thinking that Pastner will leave Callipari to be assistant to Theus needs a reality check. Besides, Pastner needs at least a few years running his own team. Perhaps a mid-major will open up for him.
There are many talented, experienced coaches to call on. However, we now need what Livingood lacks, a discerning eye. Instead, we’ll likely wind up with Boylen or someone like him. Then the issue will be whether three years from now we still have the fan base and booster support necessary to bounce back.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:20 AM
It’s starting to look as if Miller was our last hope and that got flushed down the toilet. So now we’ll have to settle for some nobody coach that will drag our beloved Wildcats in the gutter its very sad to think we will never be an elite program ever again.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:21 AM
I’ll take Pastner over anything else out there right now- he’s going to be a head coach someday soon anyway…
April 6th, 2009 at 8:23 AM
A NOTE:
Remember how BAD UNC was after thier legend retired – they climbed their way back.
Where is Georgetown? They are still suffering.
This could go either way.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:23 AM
I pray we don’t hire Boylen. I would much rather take Thain from Miami. I honestly believe he is our best option if we choose to bypass Pastner/Theus
April 6th, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Izzo isn’t coming here. That makes about as much sense as Lute ditching the U of A to take over the UNLV program 10 years ago. Aint gonna happen.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:25 AM
we can forget about Pastner ever coming back to Tucson he would be dumb to leave Kinfuky to be a associate or even an assistant coach at this hasbeen school we all need to face it Arizona will never be an elite program this coaching search just proved that fact.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:26 AM
If he hires Boylen, then JL needs to go. I would suggest the boosters rise up and ensure that JL is gone.
Then, we track down Cedric Dempsey and offer him $1million to serve as interim AD for one year. His instructions will be to find and hire his replacement as AD, and to find and hire a basketball coach. Afterwards, he can ride off into the sunset for a second time.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:28 AM
That it, unless Ced actually wants to stay. Then, by all means…
That guy knew how to hire.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Does anyone have any updates?
Javier – Any word from inside the compound?
April 6th, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Two points:
First, Parallax is right. Pastner loves Arizona but, really, put yourself in his shoes. We’d be asking him to leave one of the best programs in the history of college ball, leave a boss that he is very good friends with, take a pay cut, and give up all his recruiting ties for what? He’s not getting the head coaching gig here and being the top recruiter and a key assistant at Kentucky is much more likely to get him a head job elsewhere. Pastner is a smart kid, no way he’d be stupid enough to do that.
Second, Jim Boylen makes no sense at all. He has all of two years head coaching experience. Those two years have come in a high-mid-major conference and have resulted in a single one and done tournament apperance. I concede, what he’s done turning around that Utah program is remarkable, but he has NO TRACK RECORD. He’s every bit the shot in the dark that Pastner would be. And before anyone argues “well he has NBA experience” what does that matter? Who was the last successful NBA coach to transition to the college ranks? Not to mention that he was only an assistant. At least Floyd and KO were head coaches in the NBA.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Bad week for coaching search
Josh Gershon
GOAZCATS.com Senior Editor
Related Links:
10 candidates to consider
UA turned down
Coaching Search Giveaway
Talk about it in Premium Hoops Suite: Inside McKale
Arizona spent the weeks leading up to the NCAA tournament preparing to make Memphis coach John Calipari the most important person in Tucson. Before he could give an answer, Kentucky entered the picture and hired him away.
Associated Press
John Calipari was once Arizona’s top target.
Remember that? Just over a week ago? When we seriously thought Arizona had a chance at John Calipari?
And then, after Calipari was out of the picture, we were (wasting our time) talking about how UA will hopefully make a serious push for Rick Pitino and everything will be ok.
The Pitino pipedream quickly subsided and USC coach Tim Floyd became UA athletic director Jim Livengood’s top target. He even flew to Tucson. Fans cringed. Much to UA fans’ delight, he said no. No one wanted him anyway.
Then it became known that Xavier head coach Sean Miller was next in line. He was the last hope. Arizona had to hire him; he was the most desirable candidate left on the board, by far. Everyone close to him felt that if he got on a plane to meet Livengood, he wouldn’t turn down the job. Well, he did. And he did.
Somewhere in there, Tubby Smith and Jeff Capel said they weren’t interested. Mark Few was never considered a serious candidate by Livengood. I don’t know many UA fans who wouldn’t give their left arm for Few right about now.
Reggie Theus and Scott Drew? They’ve never been in the picture.
Jamie Dixon and Tom Izzo said “no thanks” before Livengood even said, “Got a few minut…”
People have brought up Avery Johnson’s name. UA tried to contact him a while back and he said he wasn’t interested. Someone informed us the other day that P.J. Carlesimo made it known that he doesn’t want the job either, although that’s yet to be confirmed.
Mike Anderson, Brad Stevens, Anthony Grant and Mark Fox either got extensions or new jobs, so they’re probably all out.
So who do we have left? St. Mary’s head coach Randy Bennett has the national media endorsing him. Virginia Tech’s Seth Greenberg is doing everything he can to get the job. UA has long liked UNLV head coach Lon Kruger.
GOAZCATS.com
Media reports say Sean Miller is staying at Xavier
A representative of ex-New York Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas got a hold of me Saturday, saying he wants the job. UA could get Oregon State’s Craig Robinson too.
Jim Boylen of Utah would accept if offered and he very well might be next in line. Clemson’s Oliver Purnell and Miami’s Frank Haith might be considered.
Kentucky assistant Josh Pastner would walk from Lexington to Tucson and probably work for free if it meant being hired as Arizona’s next coach.
That’s pretty much it. That’s Arizona’s known candidate list. Livengood very well could have other options, but they definitely haven’t hit the public yet.
If you’re Livengood, which direction do you go in? Do you listen to the fans’ sudden demand for Pastner, who has gone from someone with absolutely no chance of getting the job to the only coach left that more than 5% of UA fans want?
Or do you make the safer higher, taking a Bennett, a Boylen or a Greenberg, a coach that may not have a resume that will blow you away but has proven himself with X’s and O’s?
There’s no right answer anymore. Unless Livengood pulls a rabbit out of his hat, Arizona’s next coach is set up for failure. He’ll always be up against it to prove that Livengood made the right decision by hiring him.
It’s almost become a no-win situation for the athletic director.
About one week ago, Arizona fans were begging Livengood to do everything that he could to hire John Calipari. One week later, they’re begging him to hire one of Calipari’s assistants.
Whether or not Livengood will cave into public demand or go with the safer hire is just about the only suspense that this coaching search has left.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Please tell me there is no validity to this cbssports.com article of Boylen indeed being our next target?
PLEASE????
Xavier’s Miller rejects Arizona’s coaching offer
April 5, 2009
By Gary Parrish
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Tell Gary your opinion!
DETROIT — Sean Miller, after meeting with his family and staff late Sunday, decided to reject an offer from Arizona and remain at Xavier, sources have told CBSSports.com.
Advertisement
A statement is expected early Monday.
• Coaching changes | Miller’s flight?
Miller flew on a private plane to Albuquerque, N.M., then drove to Sante Fe, N.M., early Sunday to meet with Arizona president Robert Shelton, athletic director Jim Livengood and a high-powered booster named Paul Weitman. The meeting lasted roughly four hours, and when Miller returned to Cincinnati he was described by a source as about “50-50″ in terms of staying at Xavier or leaving for the Pac-10.
Late Sunday, that changed.
So now Miller will return for a sixth season at Xavier.
Sources said Arizona will next target Utah coach Jim Boylen.
Officials working on behalf of Arizona have already made contact, according to sources.
Arizona has now been publicly rejected in its search to replace Lute Olson by Miller and USC’s Tim Floyd. Some other candidates the school has informally pursued to varying degrees are Mark Few (Gonzaga), Jamie Dixon (Pittsburgh), John Calipari (Kentucky), Jeff Capel (Oklahoma), Bruce Pearl (Tennessee) and Tom Izzo (Michigan State).
April 6th, 2009 at 8:33 AM
How bad can it get?
By Thomas Preston
Posted Apr 6, 2009
Arizona has been turned down once again and now the question is whether or not the Wildcats can stop the bleeding.
Arizona has been turned down once again and now the question is whether or not the Wildcats can stop the bleeding.
Unfortunately things have gotten so bad for the program that is was definitely not a surprise when Xavier head coach Sean Miller turned down the job. If Tim Floyd could turn it down without getting a raise, then we should have a pretty good idea about the state of the program.
Now Arizona is struggling and the media criticism of athletic director Jim Livengood is beginning to pick up steam, as well it should. He can’t make the wrong hire, knows he can’t, but still looks like he will.
At this point, there seems to be one realistic hire than he can defend and that is Josh Pastner. However, Pastner has not been contacted for the job and we would be surprised if he is.
Many sources say that the top candidate is Utah coach Jim Boylen, which is a bit depressing. No offense to Boylen, but Russ Pennell outcoached him and he has the same pedigree as a guy that Arizona fans certainly have no love for.
If Livengood hires Boylen, nobody is going to care about the press conference let alone believe it has been won. He needs to go out and make a much better hire than Boylen, or at least one he can spin because if he does not he will be going off into the sunset.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Criteria for a new head coach:
A track record of success
Experience in the NCAA tournament
Good recruiter
Answer:
Billy Gillespie
April 6th, 2009 at 8:43 AM
Because he is not bright. If Boylen is who he settles on, I will be beyond disappointed. Hopefully Boylen will turn us down as well.
——————————–
IF Boylin is to be Arizona’s next head coach, then I seriously question Boylin’s LOYALITY to Wildcat hoop’s. Because this is the same Boylin who said…Arizona abso-LUTE-ly doesn’t belong in the 2009 N.C.A.A. Tournament.
Yes, yes he was just voicing his opinion but he still should have employed a Utah P.R. middle-man to say Arizona doesn’t belong in the Tournament.
Of course, Boylin could have a change in mind and change of heart regarding Arizona hoop’s and learn to appreciate the Wildcat’s succes, but he’s still not Wildcat coaching material.
Furthermore, two interim co-head coaches literally outcoached Boylin’s Utah squad in Miami, F-L-A.
Heck, if Livengood is down to seeking upper-tier Mid-Major head coaches, then go after the protege of one Generalissimo Montgomery Knight at New Mexico. At least Alford would rely on an up-tempo style of offense instead Boylin’s half-court slow-down offene. LOL
April 6th, 2009 at 8:46 AM
Gillespie would be a great Hire at this point
April 6th, 2009 at 8:49 AM
This is going to win the presser?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQJf211FwIA
RIGHT!!!
April 6th, 2009 at 8:49 AM
I say go the Idiana kind of way be bad next year, by firing the AD and bringing someone good, maybe the ‘Ville AD he was at NAU before and said he wanted to be at UA. AND let the new AD make the hire after being bad in 09-10 because it gonna happen anyway. Dont let Livengood make the hire if hes gonna hire Boylen, before he does if hes gonna hire Boylen fire him. Livengood I doubt is that stupid I think he knows that if he hires Boylen or Greenberg he will be fired and that coach too after 1 yr, so dont do that LIvengood throw $3mill at Dixon or Few try to sway them to change your mind. Big money will make you change your mind look at Calipari making $2.3+ and said he would never leave Mem. but Uk made him change his mind with all that money.
Pastner as HC if no to him Theus and bring in Pastner as asst coach. Pastner bleeds navy blue and cardianl red Im sure he would come at any time, he said so himself. I think this hire is really important to keep UA at the top, but some big schools have blowned hires like UNC hiring Dean Smiths Assistan Coach as HC. Then 10 yrs later they got Roy, also like UK they have been bad since Tubby wont the NC, and now I expect them 10 yrs later to be at the top with Calipari (also KU). Along with that G’Town and Saint Johns blew coaching hires and they never got to the top going to Final Fours so it could go either way, it better go the UNC way and not the G’Town way. So its important to stay at the top in ten years maybe UA can hire someone great but I doubt UA fans want to wait.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:50 AM
April 6, 2009
Opinion: Pastner might be best option
Scott Karpen
GOAZCATS.com Staff Writer
If I were Jim Livengood (and thank goodness I’m not), the decision on where to go from here is quite simple.
Hire Josh Pastner.
GOAZCATS.com
Josh Pastner could now be the best option for Arizona.
I know all of the reasons why I shouldn’t hire the 31-year old assistant coach. He hasn’t been a head coach before. He isn’t qualified or proven on a big stage. He’s too young. He’s not ready for the job.
You can continue to pour reasons down my throat but my stance is firm that Josh Pastner is the only reasonable choice to go from here. Who would you rather have, Seth Greenberg or Pastner? Jim Boylen or Pastner? Buzz Williams or Pastner?
How to approach the hire at a press conference is quite simple. Here’s all I – if I were Livengood – would have to stay:
“After conducting this coaching search it became quite apparent that the direction I attempted to go in was a wrong one. I made a mistake by attempting to bring in a coach who is not part of the Wildcat family.
“That’s why today I am proud to say we are going back to our roots and bringing in one of our own. We’re bringing in a coach who has been born and raised as a Wildcat. We are bringing in a coach that understands what it means to be a Wildcat. We are bringing in a coach who symbolizes what it means to be an Arizona Wildcat.
“Today we are re-connecting with our past by bringing back Josh Pastner as the newest head coach of the University of Arizona.
“What Pastner brings to the table can be rivaled by few around the nation. He is a tireless worker who has passion not only for the sport but for this school, he has the endorsement of not only this athletic department but former players as well, and Josh is our guy that will lead the resurrection of Arizona basketball.
“I’ll be honest for a moment; Josh was not our first choice to be the next head coach at UA. But this process has humbled me as not only an athletic director, but as a Wildcat. I have learned that the best way to approach a big hire is by bringing in a coach that is not only dedicated to the school, but whose ultimate goal is to return to Tucson.
“So, it’s my honor and pleasure that I re-introduce to you, Josh Pastner.”
That’s what I would say if I were the AD. I understand that this would take humility to admit fault in the search but the only way to save face in this entire process is bringing in a coach that the fan base will get behind and support.
Even if Pastner does falter for a year or two, fans will support him because they will understand the tough times surrounding the program. Pastner can help reunite an athletic department that has a lot of critics at the moment because of the debacle of the current search.
Pastner can handle the workload. We’re talking about a guy who player basketball, learned how to be a coach, graduated from college and took on a laundry list of responsibilities while in Tucson, and complete the task in three years.
Also, on Pastner’s resume he can boast the fact that he was learned from two of the top coaches in the game, Lute Olson and John Calipari and is widely considered one of the best recruiters in the nation.
In the college game I will take a more talented team over a better-coached team more nights than not. Right now Arizona will struggle to field a team that could compete in the Mountain West Conference next season and Pastner may be able to turn that around faster than anyone.
And even if it does take him a year or two to become accustomed to the head coaching role, the money saved by hiring Pastner could be spent on bringing in veteran assistants that can help guide the 31-year old if he ever hits a rough patch or two.
The former UA assistant has proven that he has what it takes to do the seemingly impossible, why not give him a shot as the next coach of Arizona? As of now it seems like the only logical choice for Jim Livengood.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:55 AM
wow you thought that one out
April 6th, 2009 at 8:56 AM
ITS MILLER TIME BABY THANK GOD FOR HIS CHANGE OF HEART!!!!
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news;_ylt=Ag.Cl64R5g94Bp2FHid7aN_evbYF?slug=dw-miller040609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
April 6th, 2009 at 8:57 AM
WOOOHHOOOOOOOOO!!! Please say it’s over?
April 6th, 2009 at 8:58 AM
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news;_ylt=AjCN1zQnNBs1eN7F.6tE86NShgM6?slug=dw-miller040609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
is this true?
April 6th, 2009 at 8:58 AM
Is this for real? Is anyone else reporting it?
April 6th, 2009 at 8:58 AM
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=dw-miller040609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Miller takes Arizona job
By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports
16 minutes ago
Buzz up! PrintMore From Dan WetzelFeeling the hometown love Apr 6, 2009 Revolutionary Fab Five still resonates Apr 5, 2009
Sean Miller accepted the job as head coach of the Arizona Wildcats on Monday, one day after turning the position down, a source close to the negotiations told Yahoo! Sports.
Miller told Arizona he would remain at Xavier late last night, however then asked for a chance to sleep on the decision. After going back and forth during the morning, a source said, he informed XU athletic director Mike Bobinski of his decision at noon ET.
Miller could not immediately be reached for comment.
Any truth to this??????????????
April 6th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
just like dbacks fans said about dbacks catcher damian miller when they won the world series ITS MILLER TIME
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news;_ylt=Ag.Cl64R5g94Bp2FHid7aN_evbYF?slug=dw-miller040609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
April 6th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
WTF!
HELL YEA!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Lord i need my life back pleas be true!!!!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
can anyone else find another article/source?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Amen Zonacat_vols, my wife and employees will be thankful it is indeed the truth
April 6th, 2009 at 9:01 AM
If it turns out this is true, it’s the best news I’ve heard in a very long time. Really pulls Livingood’s butt out of the fire. But, really, JL needs to retire when his contract is up.
If Miller really does accept the offer, I could see him sticking around for a very long time. I think the fans will be fully on board, even if the streak ends and we have to go through some down years.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:02 AM
http://arizona.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=932626
April 6, 2009
Change of heart?
Josh Gershon
GOAZCATS.com Senior Editor
Talk about it in Premium Hoops Suite: Inside McKale
Last night, Xavier head coach Sean Miller called UA athletic director Jim Livengood and told him he wasn’t coming to Arizona.
Then he had a change of heart.
Sources say that Miller called some associates, including Memphis head coach John Calipari, and told them he was once again undecided about what school he wanted to choose.
Calipari apparently told him what he was telling him all along: that he should come to Arizona.
Miller stayed up late re-thinking his decision and still hadn’t made up his mind in the morning. Then he decided he was officially coming to Arizona, as was reported by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports.
On Sunday morning, Miller met with UA athletic director Jim Livengood and president Robert Shelton in Santa Fe (N.M.).
At roughly 5:19am MST, Miller boarded a plane for Albuquerque (N.M.), where he landed at 6:31am MST. Livengood and Miller rented a car and drove to Santa Fe to meet Shelton.
After meeting for at least a few hours, Miller took a private plane back to Cincinnati at roughly 1:54pm MST. He met with some people in the Xavier program and told them he was seriously considering staying at Xavier.
Then he called Livengood to make it official, or so we thought.
Now, it appears that Sean Miller is headed to Tucson to be Arizona’s next coach.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:04 AM
just like dbacks fans said about dbacks catcher damian miller when they won the world series ITS MILLER TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im happy and im a UNC fan happy for the program
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news;_ylt=Ag.Cl64R5g94Bp2FHid7aN_evbYF?slug=dw-miller040609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
April 6th, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Can anyone from Arizona please find out anything they can about the press conference and let us know?
Thanks.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:08 AM
Whats the scoop?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:12 AM
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/287585.php
April 6th, 2009 at 9:13 AM
From the Daily Star:
Arizona Wildcats Basketball: Miller reportedly has change of heart
By Patrick Finley
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.06.2009
advertisement 10 a.m.
How’s this for a curveball?
One media outlet is reporting this morning that Sean Miller has taken the Arizona job after having a change of heart. Yahoo!
Sports said that “Miller told Arizona he would remain at Xavier late last night, however, then asked for a chance to sleep on the decision. After going back and forth during the morning, a source said, he informed XU athletic direction of his decision at noon (Cincinnati-time).
We don’t know what to make of this, but think it’s odd Xavier hasn’t released an official statement that he would stay.
One thing to consider — Major League Baseball’s opening day is practically a city holiday in the Queen City, with a parade and everything. Maybe the citizens are a bit distracted.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:15 AM
If what is being reported does, indeed, turn out to be true, Shelton needs to send Pastner and Calipari two of the biggest fruit baskets ever made. Does Hallmark make a fruit arrangement that includes solid gold orange peelers and diamond-encrusted apple corers?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Hell, I might do it if they don’t
April 6th, 2009 at 9:21 AM
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=dw-miller040609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
April 6th, 2009 at 9:23 AM
cue the apologies!!! no, not to livengood, he still made this process as painful as possible, but to miller. people were on here calling him a scumbag and much worse…wow, what a turn of events.
i am feeling great, even tho miller wasn’t my first choice, he’s a HUGE step up from theus or boylen!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Heck yea!!!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:24 AM
I’m not getting my hopes up on one more media report. So far the media has been flat out wrong on every story. Capel is coming, Dixon is interested, Pitino and JL are meeting, Izzo called in November and wants the job, it’s all a bunch of speculative BS.
That said, we still have no statement from Miller himself that he rejected AZ so I’m holding out modest hope until we get official confirmation one way or another.
Bottom line for a coach like Miller, if I could advise him this is what I would tell him: for the next 2 years you will have the greatest coaching challenge of your career. But AZ is rich in resources and respect and you will without question have greater opportunity at AZ to win a national championship than you will at Xavier, that’s just a fact. So you have to choose, what is your priority? Do you want to be somewhere you are comfortable, that you enjoy living, where you are adored and it’s acceptable to win 20 games a year, make the tourney most years and occasionally get to the sweet 16? Or do you want to strive for the pinnacle of your profession? Because that is the choice now before you.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Thanks Cal (and Josh).. i would love to see Josh come back and be his assistant.. Nice young coaching core..
April 6th, 2009 at 9:25 AM
HAHAHAHAHA
As of 10:21 Pacific ESPN is still reporting that Miller did not accept the job. These clowns look giddy when they report it. Cant wait for them to get the update on AP and have to eat their words.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:26 AM
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/sports/113675.php
Report: Xavier coach changes mind, will take UA job
April 6th, 2009 at 9:26 AM
STOKED! PLEASE BE TRUE!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Fingers crossed until it’s official…
Do you think he’ll change his mind, again?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:27 AM
It’s a FAIT ACCOMPLI loyal Arizona Wildcat fandom because Sean Miller will be your next head coach!!
Miller had second notions, and will accept Livengood’s offer to run the Arizona Wildcat program, and work for a national championship.
Check out Yahoo college basketball for more pertinent info.
By golly, Jimmy must have up-ed the ante in the Wildcat pot.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:27 AM
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog05&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:fdda4dab-ab39-43a7-8ba8-36da2f75a889Post:b82e9e3d-7fd2-41e3-abf4-168f47557606&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com
So now he’s taking the Arizona job? from cincinnati enquirer.com
April 6th, 2009 at 9:31 AM
I know why Sean Miller changed his mind $3million reason per year.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:31 AM
from the Wetzel article, sounds like UA upped both the total money and the length of the contract.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:33 AM
To leave a top 10 recruiting class for our beloved Wildcats must have been pretty tough. I guess all that bad weather out there must have helped him change his mind. Now let’s all get behind our new coach!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Quandry for ASU fans now. They’ve been pointing to a win last year over Xavier as a win over an elite school. They’ve also been saying UA couldn’t land an elite coach. So what gives?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:34 AM
easy there, sparky. Let’s wait to “get behind our new coach” until we actually have one, mkay?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:36 AM
if this is all true, i will kiss calipari on his greay dago head (easy…i’m a WOP too)!
i wonder who called cal and begged him to bail livengood out? how sad is it that he’s the savior of the program. livengood is sitting under his desk, sucking his thumb, and cal and josh are the ones that actually closed the deal.
i am ecstatic that this misery is apparently over. let’s all get out to the airport to welcome this guy like a hero. i am talking presidential motorcade to mckale, ticker tape, pomp and circumstance…full tilt. let’s all start praying he’ll get on the recruiting trail and land us some ballers for next season!!!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:37 AM
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/11599671
Xavier’s Miller to be introduced as Arizona coach after revised offer
April 6th, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Okay – Coaching issue resolved. Now lets start speculating about recruits and assistant coaches.
We need Rudd. Go get him!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:38 AM
What really happened is he got home and told his wife that he turned down 2+ million a year and they wouldn’t be living in warm sunshine all winter.
Thankfully she “influenced him”. They may need to buy a new frying pan too.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Where are you guys getting the info that Calipari and Pastner had something to do with this?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Looks like Miller called Calipari and Calipari must of told him to go to UA. Because Ua was gonna get Calipari before UK fired GIllespie
April 6th, 2009 at 9:43 AM
blueleaf11 Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Where are you guys getting the info that Calipari and Pastner had something to do with this?
____________________________________________________________________
Its one of articles in Yahoo! sports, or cbssportsline, or goazcats.com, or foxsports.com i dont remember which one, it says that miller called calipri and they told him to take the job. Miller called Calipari and Calipari must of told him to go to UA. Because Ua was gonna get Calipari before UK fired GIllespie
April 6th, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Thx UNCTarHeelnZona- was that from a story somewhere… I haven’t read that… just curious…
April 6th, 2009 at 9:45 AM
http://arizona.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=932626
Excerp from Change of heart?
Josh Gershon
GOAZCATS.com Senior Editor
“Sources say that Miller called some associates, including Kentucky head coach John Calipari, and told them he was once again undecided about what school he wanted to choose.
Calipari apparently told him what he was telling him all along: that he should come to Arizona.
Miller stayed up late re-thinking his decision and still hadn’t made up his mind in the morning. Then he decided he was officially coming to Arizona, as was reported by Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com”
April 6th, 2009 at 9:45 AM
ESPN finally updated their ticker. They are now reporting Millers acceptance. I am waiting for them to give it more attention than the ticker.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:45 AM
OK- so it’s out there somewhere… I just haven’t come across it yet
April 6th, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Above and beyond UNCTarHeelnZona- Thank you very much!
April 6th, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Press Confrence most likely scheduled for Tuesday because today is the Final Four
Its funny that Andy Katz had to report this to ESPN
And watching Opening Day games on ESPN (mets reds) they just reported that Miller will Accept job offer from UA
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4045199
Miller reportedly taking Arizona job
John Calipari decided to leave. Sean Miller reportedly decided to stay. Then he reportedly did an about-face and took the Arizona job on Monday.
Multiple media outlets are reporting that Miller is leaving Xavier to coach the Wildcats, one day after meeting with Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood and rejecting the school’s offer late Sunday night.
Xavier AD Mike Bobinski wrote ESPN.com’s Andy Katz in a text message on Sunday: “Nothing firm at this moment, but I remain very optimistic that Sean Miller will continue as our head basketball coach at Xavier.”
A statement from the school could come on Monday.
Calipari, a good friend of Miller’s, told ESPN.com that Miller was struggling with the same decision he had just battled before leaving Memphis for Kentucky.
Miller “has a potential Final Four team coming back next season, loves where he lives, has security and is paid well and has the best job in his league, yet has to decide whether or not this is the right job for him to explore,” Calipari said earlier Sunday.
While Calipari accepted the challenge of a big-name program, Miller reportedly opted to remain with a program that he has taken to four NCAA tournaments in his five years.
Andy Katz covers college basketball for ESPN.com.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:53 AM
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090406/SPT0102/304060084
Report: Miller takes Arizona job
small excerpt from cincinnati enquirer.com
“The Yahoo report stated Miller told Arizona he would be remaining at Xavier late last night, then asked if he could to sleep on the decision. He then informed XU athletic director Mike Bobinski of his decision today at noon.
The Enquirer has multiple calls in to Bobinski, who has not answered.”
April 6th, 2009 at 9:57 AM
In the CBS article, they mentioned something called a “buy” game. Does anyone know what this is referring to?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Kyryl Natyazhko from what i’ve read it’s down to Xavier and ASU.
Would AZ be in the mix if Miller ends up in Tucson?
April 6th, 2009 at 9:57 AM
just reported on espn news…’breaking news’..they say more to follow..
April 6th, 2009 at 9:59 AM
“In the CBS article, they mentioned something called a “buy” game. Does anyone know what this is referring to?”
Yes look up ASU’s non-confrence schedule this past season.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:02 AM
nervouscatfan Says:
April 6th, 2009 at 9:57 am
In the CBS article, they mentioned something called a “buy” game. Does anyone know what this is referring to?
________________________________________________________
Probably i means UA would pay schools to play or a really weak non confrence schedule
April 6th, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Sign the contract quick!!!
April 6th, 2009 at 10:21 AM
new post up by javy