Rumor: Tom Izzo to Tucson

[Espo]

Just heard from a source in Tucson that Tom Izzo has contacted the UofA athletic department to express his desire to take over the Arizona basketball program in next season. This source also had the Lute Olson retirement and the Chase Budinger story right this summer.

If true Izzo could help save the program and he and Sendek could have some great battles in recruiting and on the court. As a UofA alum I really hope it proves to be true.

http://phoenix.fanster.com/2008/11/14/rumor-tom-to-tucson-izzo-top-candidate-for-arizona-job/

 

[Lefty]

Just heard from a source in Tucson that Tom Izzo has contacted the UofA athletic department to express his desire to take over the Arizona basketball program in next season. This source also had the Lute Olson retirement and the Chase Budinger story right this summer.

If true Izzo could help save the program and he and Sendek could have some great battles in recruiting and on the court. As a UofA alum I really hope it proves to be true.

http://phoenix.fanster.com/2008/11/14/rumor-tom-to-tucson-izzo-top-candidate-for-arizona-job/

If the UofA could get Izzo, that would be so huge. I never thought they had a chance at him but wow, that would be great.

 

[Espo]

If the UofA could get Izzo, that would be so huge. I never thought they had a chance at him but wow, that would be great.

I agree. Izzo's hiring would change the fortunes of this program. He could really make things very interesting in Arizona hoops with ASU on the up swing. I don't think I've been this excited about a UofA basketball rumor in years.

 

[nathan]

Place of birth Iron Mountain, Michigan

Playing career
1973–1977 Northern Michigan
Coaching career (HC unless noted)

1977–1978 Ishpeming HS
1979–1983 Northern Michigan (asst.)
1983–1995 Michigan State (asst.)
1995–present Michigan State


If he hasn't left the state of Michigan by now, would he ever? Is there trouble at MSU, or is he in need of leverage for a contract extension?

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

First off, any coach UA hires hould not have recruiting "battles" with the likes of Herb Sendek and ASU considering the paycheck he'll be earning. An Arizona program with stability has every advantage over ASU in the basketball recruiting world, let's notlower ourselves to such standards. Competing with UCLA should be the goal.

Secondly, I personally don't buy the Izzo rumors. In my opinion he's using the UA job as leverage for a much deserved raise ($1.7 annually is not nearly enough in the current landscape for a guy with 4 Final Four's and a ring) at MSU. Arizona should focus on coaches who actually have interest in leaving their current situations such as Calipari and Dixon. Yeah, we could probably offer Izzo $2.5 but there's no reason MSU could not match that and all things equal I'm assuming he'll stay home.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Secondly, I personally don't buy the Izzo rumors. In my opinion he's using the UA job as leverage for a much deserved raise ($1.7 annually is not nearly enough in the current landscape for a guy with 4 Final Four's and a ring) at MSU.

Bingo.

I can't see Izzo leaving Michigan State anytime soon, least of all for U of A.

Now Calipari may be a different story.

 

[overseascardfan]

Bingo.

I can't see Izzo leaving Michigan State anytime soon, least of all for U of A.

Now Calipari may be a different story.

I don't know about that. Calipari's team is going to be a powerhouse for awhile, MSU isn't the program it once was, Izzo may be looking for a change of scenery.

It makes alot of sense for U of A, Izzo is only 53 years old, 2 years older than Howland so it isn't like he's a dinosaur. The guy has a NC on his resume, something guys like Calipari don't. He would probably be cheaper than Calipari and unlike Dixon and Few, he isn't in the beginning of a new deal that would require a large buyout. He is the perfect replacement for Lute, and if he accepts right away he could probably get Hill & Moser back, and maybe Gaddy unless he signed a LOI.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Michigan State is #6 in the country and just a few years removed from a Final Four, not sure how that translates into MSU not being the program it once was. Sure it's not Memphis but it's still a powerhouse.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

I can see Izzo making contact with Arizona, but I dont think he leaves MSU.

Izzo would be a great hire, but Izzo's history in Michigan and love for MSU leads me to believe he is a longshot.

 

[Black Jesus]

I'd love Tom Izzo or Calipari. Tom Izzo would have U of A making their FTs again, where as Calipari would have the best athletes who can't hit FTs for their life.

 

[DWKB]

It's nice to see that every program has irrational fans that irritate the rational ones. Makes me feel better about my teams fans.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Whether he is using it as leverage or not I like to see that he considers to be a role worth reaching out for and he would jump to the top of my list if he really is interested.

In terms of him never wanting to leave Michigan - sometimes things run their course. Even in your hometown. Rich Rodriguez anyone?

I am not saying its likely or even probable but it's nice to see this level of name being mentioned.

I can't wait for the next coach to be named personally.

And Mao is absolutely right. Because ASU is getting hype right now doesn't mean we should be "competing" with them - LOL - Hell frozeth over...

UCLA should be the barometer.

 

[Russ Smith]

I think it's a salary leverage thing but who knows.

Anybody know the status of UA suspending as many as 5 players because of improper benefits from the Cactus Classic? ESPN is saying they probably have to declare them all ineligible and then hope the NCAA reinstates them in time for the first game. In some cases it's as little as $50 but it has to be repaid.

This is the end result of that story awhile back where a letter got sent out with Lute's signature asking for money to keep the Cactus Classic going, the NCAA investigated and apparently decided several players in the past got money in excess of the allowed limit, money in the form of transportation, lodging or clothing, not cash payments.

 

[Black Jesus]

I think it's a salary leverage thing but who knows.

Anybody know the status of UA suspending as many as 5 players because of improper benefits from the Cactus Classic? ESPN is saying they probably have to declare them all ineligible and then hope the NCAA reinstates them in time for the first game. In some cases it's as little as $50 but it has to be repaid.

This is the end result of that story awhile back where a letter got sent out with Lute's signature asking for money to keep the Cactus Classic going, the NCAA investigated and apparently decided several players in the past got money in excess of the allowed limit, money in the form of transportation, lodging or clothing, not cash payments.

Russ Pennell said no players are going to be recieving any NCAA sanctioniong based on his knowledge. They will be suited up tonight! Does the game really start at 9?

 

[Renz]

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/basketball/102699.php

 

[ASUCHRIS]

First off, any coach UA hires hould not have recruiting "battles" with the likes of Herb Sendek and ASU considering the paycheck he'll be earning. An Arizona program with stability has every advantage over ASU in the basketball recruiting world, let's notlower ourselves to such standards. Competing with UCLA should be the goal.

Hilarious that you were busting Hoover's balls on the other board for being overly optimistic. Keep turning your nose up at ASU and believing that you are in the same league as UCLA, the arrogance and false sense of entitlement is great.

You've been banging on Herb ever since he arrived at ASU, and while his ceiling may not be that of a top coach, he's done a pretty damn good job so far. Oh, people are talking about Arizona basketball this year, but it's for all the wrong reasons. Optimism in Tempe is at an all time high, with people actually looking forward to ASU basketball. Not sure if the same can be said of the mess down South. Maybe you can start "lowering your standards" for guys like Harden and Pendy, who did ok vs. the Cats last year. (cue speech dogging ASU bball and go off about how U of A will always be a basketball powerhouse and ASU bball sucks.)

 

[HooverDam]

I'm not trying to knock UA (I certainly hope ASU can one day be at or near their level hoops wise) but it seems like this would be a lateral move for Izzo. Considering the mess he'd be inheriting at UA and his strong ties to Michigan, why do it? Unless he's just got an urge to move to the southwest like a lot of Midweterners his age, it would strike me as odd.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Maybe you can start "lowering your standards" for guys like Harden and Pendy, who did ok vs. the Cats last year. (cue speech dogging ASU bball and go off about how U of A will always be a basketball powerhouse and ASU bball sucks.)

Ugh, im not trying to defend anyone here, because nobody needs defended, but I agree that if we are having recruiting battles with ASU we landed the wrong coach.

Also, obviously any intellegent UA fan would gladly take Harden no matter how good or bad our team is that year. I would take Pendergraph in a heartbeat, because at least I know we would have a guy who plays balls to the walls and gives us someone to actually start next to Jordan Hill.

Look, ASU is going to land some guys that I wouldnt mind having in Tucson, but the last thing we want to do is be in a recruiting war with Sendek over the Chris Polk's of the world.

 

[Gaddabout]

Personalities like Izzo and Calipari ... I think they'd have a mixed reception in Tucson. Some people would love their character while others would be taken back after 25 years of charm. It would be very weird watching them attempt to follow Olson. Maybe successful, but definitely would be an awkward transition.

Dixon makes more sense to me for many reasons, but I'm curious if he's big enough to fill Olson's shoes. Also, Dixon's primary recruiter, Tom Herrion, won't come with him, and that's the real secret to the success of that Pitt program. He's connected with all the best programs in NYC, NJ, and Baltimore. If I were hiring Dixon, I'm not sure I'd be enthused of hiring him without Herrion. Herrion has stated in so many words that he never wants to leave the Big East.

 

[HooverDam]

Look, ASU is going to land some guys that I wouldnt mind having in Tucson, but the last thing we want to do is be in a recruiting war with Sendek over the Chris Polk's of the world.

I'm not going to argue that Sendek is recruiting nothing but blue chippers, but it is time for UA fans to wake up and realize they're going to be in a lot of recruiting battles with Sendek. According to Scout.com for next year ASU has inked a 3 star (C Ruslan Patev) and a 4 star player (Trent Lockett) and had signed another 3 star (who I think was rated at 4 star at one point, but I may be mistaken) who's grades weren't up to snuff. They've also offered and have medium or higher interest with 2 other 4 stars and one 5 star. Plus it sounds like 3 star Demetrius Walker may be coming to ASU as well.

With UA going through some big changes and losing a lot of guys, I think its reasonable to expect ASU to out recruit them in the short term, and unless UA gets a super big name coach (i.e. Caliparri), expect the two AZ schools to go head to head a lot. Sure UA has the leg up on tradition and donors who are basketball crazy, but ASU is building a nice new practice facility, is going to be revamping Wells Fargo and is arguably in the more appealing location for whatever thats worth (probably not much, lots of kids have gone to college for football in places like Lincoln and Tuscaloosa).

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Hilarious that you were busting Hoover's balls on the other board for being overly optimistic. Keep turning your nose up at ASU and believing that you are in the same league as UCLA, the arrogance and false sense of entitlement is great.

Why wouldn't I have higher expectations than ASU? Considering we're going to be paying our new coach $2-$2.5 million annually which is more than double what Sendek makes (and more than Ben Howland) it only makes sense to set the bar high. Why would I be happy about paying someone for the same results the guy down the street is achieving for half as much?

You've been banging on Herb ever since he arrived at ASU, and while his ceiling may not be that of a top coach, he's done a pretty damn good job so far. Oh, people are talking about Arizona basketball this year, but it's for all the wrong reasons. Optimism in Tempe is at an all time high, with people actually looking forward to ASU basketball. Not sure if the same can be said of the mess down South. Maybe you can start "lowering your standards" for guys like Harden and Pendy, who did ok vs. the Cats last year. (cue speech dogging ASU bball and go off about how U of A will always be a basketball powerhouse and ASU bball sucks.)

Not really, I said Herb was a good but not great coach whose ability and ceiling is more than obvious to those who followed his career at ASU and NC State. He's not really a serious threat to UA as long as we're stable nor should he be expected to considering we have every advantage over ASU in money, facilities, tradition, etc. Just like I think UA isn't a viable threat to ASU over time in football considering your advantages in that sport. It's nothing personal against Herb or ASU's program, it's the simple reality of college sports that certain programs have higher expectations than others. ASU is not a basketball school and never will be, expecting to compete over time with schools who put more dollars and man power into that sport is unrealistic. And you're right, things are different this year as well they should be. Arizona has a lame-duck coach and a team gong nowhere while ASU will trot out the best team they've had in years (and probably will have for at least three or four more years). But not to worry, there is plenty of optimism around the program for the coach we will hire as the money we have and all the perks we have to offer will guarantee a big name that will have the Cats winning again very shortly.

Dixon makes more sense to me for many reasons, but I'm curious if he's big enough to fill Olson's shoes. Also, Dixon's primary recruiter, Tom Herrion, won't come with him, and that's the real secret to the success of that Pitt program. He's connected with all the best programs in NYC, NJ, and Baltimore. If I were hiring Dixon, I'm not sure I'd be enthused of hiring him without Herrion. Herrion has stated in so many words that he never wants to leave the Big East.

I'll first preface this by saying that in my opinion Jamie Dixon will be the guy on the podium at McKale Center next March or April. It makes too much sense at this point - Pitt is looking at a roster overhaul after this season, Sean Miller is readily available at step in for Dixon at his alma mater, and Arizona provides the high-ceiling West Coast program that will get Dixon the huge raise and proximity to family he's been looking for. I'd assume like any guy who moves across the country he'd bring in a recruiting hired gun with him (maybe Pastner wants to move back or Geary proved himself this summer) to help the transition process. I'm too worried about it, if Arizona could recruit at a high level this last summer and Dixon can get guys in his Western PA/Ohio recruiting base who all grow up playing football he'll do just fine at AZ.

 

[HooverDam]

Not really, I said Herb was a good but not great coach whose ability and ceiling is more than obvious to those who followed his career at ASU and NC State.

You keep repeating this as if saying it over and over makes it truth. Sendek started as a very young coach at NCState and has shown an ability to change his ways on things (i.e. zone defense), whats to say he can't improve as he gets older, more established on the west coast, etc?

It's nothing personal against Herb or ASU's program, it's the simple reality of college sports that certain programs have higher expectations than others. ASU is not a basketball school and never will be,

UA wasn't always a great basketball power, they were a good, but far from great school before Lute arrived. They improved because of a great coach, ASU can do the same if Sendek (or someone else down the road) turns out to be a great coach. Programs shouldn't be defined by their best coach, nor their worst, those records should be tossed out to discover what the reality of the program is. For instance, Id toss out Kush's records at ASU and say ASU is an above average, but not great football program. Around the top 20-35 in the country, that should make a bowl game most every year. Now its harder to do this with Lute since he's been at UA for most of their Pac 10 life span, but to imply that programs are what they are and can never gain or lose prominence for long periods of time seems off to me.

 

[overseascardfan]

It just goes to show how an elite recruit can change a program. No disrepect to Ike Diogu but Harden has raised the level of interest in the ASU program. So much so that elite recruits have atleast been considering ASU (see Sidney, Brandt, Stover).

As for Izzo, I recently posted that MSU was not the program it once was, I didn't realize they were ranked #6 in the country, I guess I haven't been paying attention to the Big 10 that much. But I just do not see them as a Final 4 team, UCLA, NC, KAN, MEM are my picks. I think that maybe Izzo feels he's done all he can at MSU and would like another challenge in bringing back U of A to the basketball elite. His recruiting capabilities could land him some of the abundant HS talent in the West. He would re-capture elite recruits interest if he accepts the job

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

You keep repeating this as if saying it over and over makes it truth. Sendek started as a very young coach at NCState and has shown an ability to change his ways on things (i.e. zone defense), whats to say he can't improve as he gets older, more established on the west coast, etc?

This is Herb Sendek's sixteenth year as a head coach in major college basketball. If he's capable of certain things he would've attained them by now especiialy at a program like NC State which has championship potential. Are you willing to concede that maybe Mike Stoops could evolve into a good coach? The answer is of course no, there's a big enough body of work with both to make the call.

UA wasn't always a great basketball power, they were a good, but far from great school before Lute arrived. They improved because of a great coach, ASU can do the same if Sendek (or someone else down the road) turns out to be a great coach. Programs shouldn't be defined by their best coach, nor their worst, those records should be tossed out to discover what the reality of the program is. For instance, Id toss out Kush's records at ASU and say ASU is an above average, but not great football program. Around the top 20-35 in the country, that should make a bowl game most every year. Now its harder to do this with Lute since he's been at UA for most of their Pac 10 life span, but to imply that programs are what they are and can never gain or lose prominence for long periods of time seems off to me.

Again, you and Chris seem to miss the biggest point I'm making here. Like with most things in life, with college basketball programs you get what you pay for and Arizona is going to spend a lot of money this spring. They're not going to bring in some career assistant, promote from within, or grab some retread or small school one year wonder like other once-proud programs have done and eventually crumbled as a result of. Arizona is going to make a proven head coach at a major program one of the top 10 paid coaches in the sport and as a result of that they will have the pick of the litter. This isn't ASU Football who pays in the middle of Pac-10 with it's coaches. Arizona's next head coach will make more money than any NCAA basketball coach in the Pac-10 and probably more than anyone west of the Mississippi not named Bill Self, that if any reason is why Arizona should stay elite.

I said it before and I'll say it again - Arizona only goes away if they hire somebody that lands them in hot water with the NCAA. That, promoting from within, and cronyism are the biggest reasons dynastic programs fall apart and the latter two ain't happening after the Kevin O'Neill disaster.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

I'm not going to argue that Sendek is recruiting nothing but blue chippers, but it is time for UA fans to wake up and realize they're going to be in a lot of recruiting battles with Sendek. According to Scout.com for next year ASU has inked a 3 star (C Ruslan Patev) and a 4 star player (Trent Lockett) and had signed another 3 star (who I think was rated at 4 star at one point, but I may be mistaken) who's grades weren't up to snuff. They've also offered and have medium or higher interest with 2 other 4 stars and one 5 star. Plus it sounds like 3 star Demetrius Walker may be coming to ASU as well.

With UA going through some big changes and losing a lot of guys, I think its reasonable to expect ASU to out recruit them in the short term, and unless UA gets a super big name coach (i.e. Caliparri), expect the two AZ schools to go head to head a lot. Sure UA has the leg up on tradition and donors who are basketball crazy, but ASU is building a nice new practice facility, is going to be revamping Wells Fargo and is arguably in the more appealing location for whatever thats worth (probably not much, lots of kids have gone to college for football in places like Lincoln and Tuscaloosa).

Again, you are talking about Trent Lockett, Demetruis Walker, Patev... 3* recruits. There is no problem with ASU recruiting those guys and im sure some of them turn out to be good players.

The point I am making is that if Arizona hires the right coach it will not be recruiting the Chris Polk's, Ruslan Pateev's, Demetrius Walker's of the world. Arizona will be recruiting the Jon Walls, Brandon Jennings, Jerryd Bayless, Jordan Farmars, ect...

If Arizona is stuck recruiting against ASU for 3* recruits, they didnt hire the right coach. The correct hire allows Arizona to pull whatever in-state kid the coach wants and allows them to recruit in LA against UCLA and USC, in Texas against Texas and Kansas.