Actually, when Floyd was leaving the NBA a few years back, I posted THEN that IF LSU was in the market for a "big name" coach, to BUILD A CREDIBLE, LONG-TERM program, then yes, they should go after Floyd. He was my front runner pick---LA ties, good recruiter, NBA ties. BUT, LSU was also building something and Brady then went to the FINAL FOUR! :shock: What do you do with that? It was a matter of timing, but also personal relationships. Floyd and Brady actually go back and know each other well. When rumors were swirling, I think Floyd even made it (sort of) known that he wasn't going to contribute to any animosity towards Brady. Then USC dialed him up. NOW, you're looking at a coach that gets paid in the mid $1Ms, and who has USC (i.e., $$$$) backing him. New Arena (can LSU afford that with football?), fertile recruiting grounds in SoCal. It kills me b/c Floyd also comes into LA and signs potential LSU recruits (ala Joe Mcknight--happens in football too, my friends). So, do I think he would have been a good fit? YES. Do I think he will come here now? NO. Not unless USC tanks AND LSU AD is willing to seriously "upgrade" where hoops sits. I've posted on the "Hot Seat" thread my general thoughts on a replacement. I think realistically, Skip for many reasons, is not ready to commit to a "full on" Basketball upgrade. Just not in the budget cards at this time. He's hoping that LSU can turn it around this year (even slightly), and see what Brady can do next year with another solid-great recruiting class. I mean we could be looking at a NCAA tourney team next year, and the year after that with Tommy Mason Griffin? The line between a bad year and good year in hoops if often a player getting injured and the ball bouncing the wrong way in a few games. All this said, I would not be crushed if we brought in a GOOD young up and comer as above. I would also NOT dismiss the idea of a NBA assistant coach or "less successful" head coach that wants to get back into college. There might be that kind of guy in the League (after all, Floyd, Calipari, Pitino, Kruger, etc.) that wouldn't mind taking a $1M pay check from LSU and getting back into the college game. AND I think a guy with some NBA experience will be distinguishable in the SEC. Noone, unless you count Billy D's "psych", in the SEC would be able to recruit against that.
All excellent points and accurate too. Tim Floyd is in a prime situation. New arena, great salary, national recruiting ability, and support which is something the program lacked under Bibby and Raveling. He's running a MMQB type program, has organized events joining current players and former players, and in the off season, he and PC make joint appearances which increases his familiarity with donors. And just like Karl Dorrell gained an extra year of employment with a 13-9 win over USC a year ago, Tim just gained about 5 years for beating the bruins AT Pauley. This has been a ucla basketball town for quite a long time now and that win was huge. He's also shown how much he cares for his players. After Ryan Francis was killed, Floyd made sure the team flew back to LA for the funeral, kept his mom around the program all of last season and she was there for each of the playoff games at Floyd's request. I've spoken to him a LOT and he's so intense, so sincere, and a great guy. Frankly, USC got lucky that Majerus quit after just 2 days or so on the job.
trivia question (i dont know the answer) what college basketball coach was FIRED soonest after reaching a FF?
Would you consider Mike Davis as being fired. He technically resigned, but for poor performance. Went to the final 4 in 2002 and "resined" in 2006. That's the best I could find in recent history.
I still believe that the incoming AD should hire the new coach unless Skip is able to find a big name coach which I doubt it.
