Apparently Georgetown reached out to both to see if there was any interest in discussing the open coaching gig; both, however, declined. Apparently they straight up offered Smart the job if he wanted it but he declined.
Remaining Candidates Based on Rumors:
1- Amaker - Still the favorite at this point. Not sure how I feel about him.
2- Ewing - Up there with the top candidates. May not want to leave the NBA though.
3- (Richard) Pitino - There was a rumor that Rick Pitino contacted Georgetown about the position. Pitino seems to want the job but unclear how interested Georgetown is.
4- Dan Hurley - Apparently Georgetown is very interested in him but not sure how mutual it is at this point.
5- Ed Cooley - Basically out at this point. Said publicly he'd stay at Prov.
6- Jamion Christian - A rumor...not really sure how legit this is.
7- Tom Crean - Popular rumor of course given his name but no clue how legitimate a candidate he is.
Jeff Goodman said this morning that the Georgetown job has commanded a lot of interest but some coaches are wary of how much influence JT Jr has on the program.
It seems Randy Bennett of St Mary's should be on your list, and perhaps high on it.
From the little I have read, I would probably put Ewing and Bennett as the most likely candidates at this point in time, though not necessarily front runners.
Pitino has done a good job with Minnesota, but I would worry about him using the job as a stepping stone.
URI's AD announced this week that they're working on an extension but that would just be a formality if Hurley was indeed offered.
It would be a shame for the URI program that finally took a step in the right direction this year with the bones of something to build on, but to be fair, no one is flashing a few million dollars in front of my face. Not to mention a much higher profile gig in a top conference.
Personally, I think Hurley's dream job is Seton Hall and I hope he stays at URI until that opens up.
It seems Randy Bennett of St Mary's should be on your list, and perhaps high on it.
From the little I have read, I would probably put Ewing and Bennett as the most likely candidates at this point in time, though not necessarily front runners.
Ah got it - thanks!
This is where I'm at.
Same
URI's AD announced this week that they're working on an extension but that would just be a formality if Hurley was indeed offered.
It would be a shame for the URI program that finally took a step in the right direction this year with the bones of something to build on, but to be fair, no one is flashing a few million dollars in front of my face. Not to mention a much higher profile gig in a top conference.
Personally, I think Hurley's dream job is Seton Hall and I hope he stays at URI until that opens up.
I actually read this from college writers I trust - that Danny Hurley was up there with Shaka and Brey in terms of Georgetown's interest. Complete opposite of JTIII in every way but also a possible meltdown waiting to happen.
I mean, cant blame them for trying i guess.
I think Ewing is a pro guy and diving into the college game with all that comes with it (recruiting especially) is suboptimal for both parties. The Hoyas need a guy with proven college results. They can't afford another debacle with another entrenched name from the program's history.
Hurley, Bennett, Pitino (Richard), the Mt. St Mary's HC (name escapes me; not to be confused with St. Mary's' Bennett)... lot of interesting names out there.
Hurley, Bennett, Pitino (Richard), the Mt. St Mary's HC (name escapes me;
Bennett is not leaving UVA and the ACC .... for what used to be the Big East and Georgetown. Come the fuck on now people. He just turned down Indiana for crying out loud.
Richard Pitino is interesting because of his family name - he's had one good season at Minnesota (how they were seeded a 5 and not a 7 or 8 i will never understand), you'd want to see a little more first before anyone pursues that name. And even then, is Georgetown a better job than Minnesota? Not sure.
Hurley is probably my top choice at this point but I'd prefer Jamion over a retread like Amaker.
URI's AD announced this week that they're working on an extension but that would just be a formality if Hurley was indeed offered.
It would be a shame for the URI program that finally took a step in the right direction this year with the bones of something to build on, but to be fair, no one is flashing a few million dollars in front of my face. Not to mention a much higher profile gig in a top conference.
Personally, I think Hurley's dream job is Seton Hall and I hope he stays at URI until that opens up.
Let's hope he stays at URI. They have a lot of potential again next year.