Sampson replacement (Sources: Sampson Fired)

**jDub** · 02-21-2008, 10:53 AM

It's assumed by most, if not all, that sooner or later Sampson will be let go. Most are also saying that it will cost the AD his job. I don't feel bad in the least for Sampson, he knew what he was doing was wrong and lied about it. It's a shame for the players on that team though.

Who do you think will replace him? Sure, many have mentioned Knight and Alford as possible replacements, but I don't think either will end up there. I saw a blurb in the NY Daily News that mentioned Tony Bennett, the young coach at Washington State who currently has his team ranked in the top 20. His dad has been successful at Wisconsin and it certainly would create an interesting matchup every year when the two teams play.

**ISUFan22** · 02-21-2008, 10:54 AM

I don't feel bad for either party. Sampson did the deed, so of course no sympathy for him. Indiana new full well the guy was crooked when they hired him. Didn't know all the facts I think, but his past was far from clean.

It would be amusing if they went after Steve, having "scorned" him twice before. Knight is an interesting option - a retread and a guy they tossed out on his can. But wouldn't a number of the folks that had a hand in that now be gone?

**kingcy** · 02-21-2008, 10:56 AM

Keno Davis. SA wont go, I was listing to a reporter from Iny the other day on KC sports raido that said SA isnt liked my many in the Indiana Basketball family. Why would SA want to go back, if he fails he wouldnt be the golden boy there anymore,

**CloneFan65** · 02-21-2008, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by jDub

I saw a blurb in the NY Daily News that mentioned Tony Bennett, the young coach at Washington State who currently has his team ranked in the top 20. His dad has been successful at Wisconsin and it certainly would create an interesting matchup every year when the two teams play.

As someone living in Pac 10 territory, I hope not, but Bennett is a great coach.

**Jeremy** · 02-21-2008, 11:01 AM

I think Knight is a no - they wouldn't do it because it would make them look stupid for canning him before, not to mention I doubt he would want to go back for round two. I don't think many there like Alford as much as the announcers like to make it sound like they do. I would consider him a long shot but then again I never thought they'd stoop to taking Sampson and his baggage.

**Oldgeezer** · 02-21-2008, 11:09 AM

Indiana knew about Sampson's discressions at his new job as early as Oct. They reported it to the NCAA but took no action. Now, to avoid the "lack of institutional control" charge, they should fire the AD and Sampson, as soon as they have ironclad evidence so that he won't pull a Jim Obrien and sue. Even with all the fuss, they will have 100 applications from highly reguarded coaches, and won't have to resort to a has been like Knight or a loser like Alford. Look for Chris Lowery at Southern Ill. to get a serious look. SIU has produced Webber, Painter, and Lowery.

**fsanford** · 02-21-2008, 11:15 AM

Mark Few, Kevin Stallings, would be a couple of guys I would call.
Calapari maybe, though I never thought that guy had the highest ethics so they may
stay clear of him. I think Rick Barnes is a possibility

IU will probably pull a coach from a school that is currently in or near the top 25..
Assume that UCLA, Duke, North Carolina, Georgetown, Florida, Kansas guys are not going
anywhere after that who knows.

Also I don't think Dick Bennet coaches at Wisconsin anymore, he coached at WSU then
retired and his son took over.

**Cybadboy** · 02-21-2008, 11:16 AM

I was thinking Scott Drew from Baylor. A lot of people are high on him and he has done a great job in a short amount of time with a program that was in shambles. I am sure Indiana wants a big name coach, but they could go with someone young and a little more to prove.

I think Bob Huggins might be ready for another switch.

**Rolling Clones** · 02-21-2008, 11:25 AM

Tim Floyd?

**TheHelgo** · 02-21-2008, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I think Knight is a no - they wouldn't do it because it would make them look stupid for canning him before, not to mention I doubt he would want to go back for round two. I don't think many there like Alford as much as the announcers like to make it sound like they do. I would consider him a long shot but then again I never thought they'd stoop to taking Sampson and his baggage.

Jeremy, they wouldn't look stupid because it was Myles Brand that fired Knight against the wishes of the fans, trustees, and many in the administration. As an IU fan, it would be nice to see Knight back - but only as a temporary replacement with an assistant to groom for the job. Most in IU country want the chasm between IU and Knight to be bridged, and this may be a long shot way to do it.

Names I am hearing the most on premium IU boards are Bennet, Drew, Brownell, and Pearl.

**isuforlife** · 02-21-2008, 11:34 AM

LARRY E.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Oldgeezer** · 02-21-2008, 11:35 AM

Indiana may want Pearl, but do you think Pearl wants Indiana? For the next few years, that would be a step backwards. But it might be a chance for Pearl to stick it to Ill. again

**TheHelgo** · 02-21-2008, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Oldgeezer

Indiana may want Pearl, but do you think Pearl wants Indiana? For the next few years, that would be a step backwards. But it might be a chance for Pearl to stick it to Ill. again

MBB will always be a 2nd (or even 3rd) fiddle at Tennessee. All Indiana has ever cared about is basketball. ~18,000 fans at every game (including pre-season) would be attractive to any coach.

**acs4isu** · 02-21-2008, 12:03 PM

Maybe the Hoosiers will pull a Husker and appoint Bob Knight as AD a'la Tom Osborne?

**Jeremy** · 02-21-2008, 12:04 PM

I think Pearl would be a hard get for anybody, he really seems to like it there and he is doing good things. Indiana might be a mecca for college basketball tradition and history but I just don't see it getting that big of a guy to move with what he has going there in TN.

I do think they'll get a big-time coach but they aren't going to take chances. They're either going to get a guy similar to the success of Pearl or a younger up and commer but they aren't going to take anybody that has an sense of a problem in their past. They're at a point where they could be really good in 2 years with the right coach and a few recruits to take over for those about to leave and they can't afford to have a temp coach like Knight, in my opinion.