Assistant Coaching news

[NorthCarolinaSooner]

I'm not a fan of this move. If you can say that he's the absolute best guy for the job then that's one thing. But i doubt that's the case.. that being said, i don't really think assistants really matter all that much

I was a college head basketball coach, albeit at a small school and not a high major DI.....but I can tell you that assistants ABSOLUTELY can make or break you. If your assistants can't pull their weight, then everything falls back on you. You NEED quality assistants...particularly for recruiting...and being around the block at least a LITTLE, and having connections and a network makes a VERY big difference. The assistants actually make a smaller difference in the on-floor coaching department than they do on the recruiting trail.

I don't want anyone to think I am totally questioning Lon, he knows what he is doing....and I am not saying Kevin Kruger won't be a good assistant.....but I definitely think their were more quality options. I'll reserve judgement though.

 

[hoopsaustin]

I was a college head basketball coach, albeit at a small school and not a high major DI.....but I can tell you that assistants ABSOLUTELY can make or break you. If your assistants can't pull their weight, then everything falls back on you. You NEED quality assistants...particularly for recruiting...and being around the block at least a LITTLE, and having connections and a network makes a VERY big difference. The assistants actually make a smaller difference in the on-floor coaching department than they do on the recruiting trail.

I don't want anyone to think I am totally questioning Lon, he knows what he is doing....and I am not saying Kevin Kruger won't be a good assistant.....but I definitely think their were more quality options. I'll reserve judgement though.

Was? Youre not doing it anymore?

 

[dahldennsull]

When you have to replace someone you want to find someone AT LEAST even. To me, this doesn't accomplish it.

He could totally prove me wrong. I hope he does.

I know you're frustrated, but this doesn't even make sense. you are saying you have to get someone at least even or better than guys who are now head coaches... So even would be stealing away a head coach of a small program to be Lon's assistant, and better would be the head coach of a medium college...

No matter who you hire, a lot is based on potential. That's why the ex coaches left and these new ones aren't head coaches yet.

 

[sperry]

If I remember correctly, he was a GA here before. It was posted on this board that he helped Buddy and/or Isiah with their shot.

There are many examples of schools where Father/Son teans have coached together successfully. Is it a guarantee of success? No, there are no guarantees, no matter who you hire.

It certainly can work out.

The problem is when it doesn't work out. Being responsible for the hiring, and potential firing, of your own children is a major conflict of interest, and it's why many companies and institutions have anti-nepotism policies.

 

[SilliSooner]

Mitch Richmond - one of Lon's best players ever - is an assistant coach at St. John's. Do you think he'd be a fit?

 

[NorthCarolinaSooner]

I'm reserving judgement....Lon knows what he is doing, obviously...he has done it everywhere he has been. I just hope the staff continues on the path we are on!

 

[Big Old Booger]

Mitch Richmond - one of Lon's best players ever - is an assistant coach at St. John's. Do you think he'd be a fit?

I don't think he's still with St JOhns unless he was just hired. I heard a radio interview with him earlier this season and he was in Lawrence for the OU-KU game as a scout for an NBA team.

 

[NorthCarolinaSooner]

Was? Youre not doing it anymore?

Nope....not currently. I currently work for a national recruiting network.

Have considered going back into coaching but it would have to be the right situation. I have passed on a couple of opportunities, including one this year that I may be kicking myself in the rear for the next couple of years. But, I'm doing it for family....opportunity to buy a house my family really wants in an area that they are happy with and it will keep me from looking at some opportunities....but it's cool....I can work with my current company and do it remotely and not worry about the day to day grind of running a program or building a program.

 

[KBaden145]

I'm reserving judgement....Lon knows what he is doing, obviously...he has done it everywhere he has been. I just hope the staff continues on the path we are on!

Reasonable. I'll trust Coach until he gives me a reason not to. Hiring his boy isn't in the same solar system as a bad move, IMO. We shall see.

 

[vbdad]

say what you want but hiring his son is extremely underwhelming for me. Like I said before......Josh Pastner can pull Bobby Lutz to his staff at GA Tech...someone with a TON of experience and recruiting connections (the lifeblood of coaching as an assistant) and Lon hires his son, who will be able to relate to players because he played and is young....but, can he recruit and does he have the connections we need to expand this program and make it better? I hope so. It remains to be seen but I have never been a big fan of coaches hiring their kids to fill spots at major colleges....it may work out great. You can say "why are you whining, etc" but think about it....would you rather have someone like Henson? or Kevin Kruger? Is it a trade up? Is it even an EVEN trade? Same with Lew Hill.

When you have to replace someone you want to find someone AT LEAST even. To me, this doesn't accomplish it.

He could totally prove me wrong. I hope he does.

You're thoughts are very true. The basketball budget isn't enough for them to hire some coaches that are available.

Kevin did a great job working with Isaiah his freshman year. He still has to prove the recruiting side of the equation.
Look for the other assistant to have Texas recruiting connections if at all possible.

 

[BoomSoon]

Shep is literally the best in the nation at what he does.

Kevin is a terrific replacement for Henson.

Next assistant coach will be an established recruiter. Needs to fit the culture, though. This is key. Kruger wins because of culture.

 

[Romulus]

Take some of Sheri Coale's over paid salary and go hire a top notch recruiter for the 3rd Asst. I can find money in the budget.

 

[MsProudSooner]

Shep is literally the best in the nation at what he does.

Kevin is a terrific replacement for Henson.

Next assistant coach will be an established recruiter. Needs to fit the culture, though. This is key. Kruger wins because of culture.

How would you describe Kruger's culture and how is it different from other coaches?

 

[TINY]

Take some of Sheri Coale's over paid salary and go hire a top notch recruiter for the 3rd Asst. I can find money in the budget.

yes please!

 

[Sooner04]

Take some of Sheri Coale's over paid salary and go hire a top notch recruiter for the 3rd Asst. I can find money in the budget.

The sybarite beacon has been lit.

 

[SilliSooner]

Michael Porter, Sr, is an assistant coach for Missouri women's team. Maybe he's looking for a better job?

 

[Big Old Booger]

The sybarite beacon has been lit.

He probably just got added to Sybarite's "ignore list". :ez-roll:

And...I'm not kidding. :ez-laugh:

 

[hoopsaustin]

Nope....not currently. I currently work for a national recruiting network.

Have considered going back into coaching but it would have to be the right situation. I have passed on a couple of opportunities, including one this year that I may be kicking myself in the rear for the next couple of years. But, I'm doing it for family....opportunity to buy a house my family really wants in an area that they are happy with and it will keep me from looking at some opportunities....but it's cool....I can work with my current company and do it remotely and not worry about the day to day grind of running a program or building a program.

That's understandable. Sometimes i wish I'd gone into coaching. Let us know if you get back in

 

[hoopsaustin]

How would you describe Kruger's culture and how is it different from other coaches?

Squeaky clean. See Calipari

 

[Darwin]

I think Lon knows how to build a winning program his way and I am thankful we have a man with his character. I hope he doesn't get wind of the kvetching. IMO we should be throwing rose petals in his path and begging him to stay till he is 80 years old.