Illinois going after Shaka Smart

**ISUAgronomist** · 03-20-2012, 06:27 PM

Eye On College Basketball - CBSSports.com Source: Shaka Smart still weighing Illinois offer

Short article but here are the details:

Shaka Smart is still weighing an offer from Illinois.

Smart signed an eight-year deal after last year's Final Four run worth about $1.2 million per year.

Illinois has, per sources, offered a deal worth in the neighborhood of $2.5 million per year.

Sources indicate that Smart could make a decision as early as Tuesday night.

**longtimeclone** · 03-20-2012, 06:32 PM

Not really surprised by this. If he doesn't take this opportunity, I think he might stay a while for something much bigger.

**ribsnwhiskey** · 03-20-2012, 06:34 PM

Hard to see him turning that down.

**ZJohnson** · 03-20-2012, 06:40 PM

Smart choice.

**bellzisu** · 03-20-2012, 06:41 PM

2.5 mil.... Wow... Sad at how much money some places will throw out there for a flash in the pan coach.

And that is what he is so far.

**Clone96** · 03-20-2012, 06:43 PM

Not surprising since both he & his wife are from Chicago...

**geburgess** · 03-20-2012, 06:43 PM

I would say this is a Smart decision.

**CyFan61** · 03-20-2012, 06:44 PM

I know everyone does it, but it irks me to see a guy sign an 8 year contract and then be shopping himself around the next year.

With that said... good move here by Illinois. He has proven that he can win in March.

**longtimeclone** · 03-20-2012, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by geburgess

I would say this is a Smart decision.

shaka, shaka

**ribsnwhiskey** · 03-20-2012, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by bellzisu

2.5 mil.... Wow... Sad at how much money some places will throw out there for a flash in the pan coach.

And that is what he is so far.

Really? Yeah that final four sure was a fluke.

**CyCrazy** · 03-20-2012, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by ISUAgronomist

Eye On College Basketball - CBSSports.com Source: Shaka Smart still weighing Illinois offer

Short article but here are the details:

Nothing new here, he has been Illinois top get for quite awhile now. I really hope MT can land him I think he will do I pretty damn good job at Illinois. I for one will be slightly disappointed if UI doesn't land him.

**bellzisu** · 03-20-2012, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by ribsnwhiskey

Originally Posted by bellzisu

2.5 mil.... Wow... Sad at how much money some places will throw out there for a flash in the pan coach. And that is what he is so far.

Really? Yeah that final four sure was a fluke.

I never said fluke.

Flash in the pan. He is a third year coach. Never won his conference yet.

Yes a final 4 last year... Several coaches coaches can claim that and never did much else.

He hasn't proved 2.5 mil worth yet.

**gocubs2118** · 03-20-2012, 07:27 PM

It would be a homerun hire, especially if Shaka can get Robert Smith to come as an assistant as well. They would have Chicago on lock down for a very long time.