KENO LEAVES: KCCI link.

**cybsball20** · 04-15-2008, 12:37 PM

I'll admit, I went to a few Drake games, mostly because the games are alot more fun to watch, plus it's like a 2 minute drive. I will probably go to about 5-6 a year from now on unless they go back to Kanaskie bad...

**kgreeny** · 04-15-2008, 12:37 PM

I say good for Keno. Easy choice for him. I'm alittle shocked the Prov. (or any other school) would take such a big risk. 1 mil a year for a guy with one year at head coach.

**BryceC** · 04-15-2008, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

Regular year? Barring player turnover they will still win 20+ games. I would certainly take that.

I mean you keep saying this but it's not a sure thing. Now that Keno is gone I'd be surprised if they win 20.

**CycloneErik** · 04-15-2008, 12:45 PM

Just some thoughts without quoting every post:

1) Wow!!! I really didn't stop to think that he would actually make that move. I also really didn't look at Providence as a likely destination. It worked well for Rick Barnes and Rick Pitino, but I don't remember anyone else that's done very well there.

2) No, an employer really shouldn't hold it against someone who makes a move that's better for them and their family. Most of the people at the previous employer would and do the exact same thing.

3) Providence and Louisville could put together some really fun games!!!!

4) Wayne would be a good recruiter for this eastern staff. Similar styles, many connections. Probably a good call.

5) Wow! He's really moving on. Wow! (Yes, I just read the news.)

6) Drake has traditionally not been a stepping-stone, but more of a gravestone. See Tom Abatemarco, Kurt Kanaskie, and scores of others that couldn't make it work. Moving out has to be a good call for him.

7) True about the fair-weather fans. I almost hurt my own neck watching people jump on and off that bandwagon. I went along with cheering for them early, because it's just cool to see them do well.

All right. I'm done tying up space and burning eyeballs now.

Wow, he's really leaving...........

**cybsball20** · 04-15-2008, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

I mean you keep saying this but it's not a sure thing. Now that Keno is gone I'd be surprised if they win 20.

and last year I said they would be the best team in the state and compete for a conference championship and people said I was crazy. Emmenecker is not going to be as big of a loss as people think as Parker is much more talented. Templeton is a better shooter than Korver. The main guy they need to replace is Houston, which will be tough, but not impossible.

**Jeremy** · 04-15-2008, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

and last year I said they would be the best team in the state and compete for a conference championship and people said I was crazy. Emmenecker is not going to be as big of a loss as people think as Parker is much more talented. Templeton is a better shooter than Korver. The main guy they need to replace is Houston, which will be tough, but not impossible.

But you have to remember the rest of the conference will be better next year, at least they better be or the conference is in serious trouble, and they're now without the coaching prodigy and are going to have to do a lot of work in the off-season to gel around a new coaching staff.

I really don't think they would have been the top team in the Valley next year and I can almost guarantee that they won't now.

**everyyard** · 04-15-2008, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by CyinCo

I actually can't believe he is doing this. He is leaving a Drake team that will be competitive again next year. Drake is also the team that his Dad layed the foundation for. He has one good season and ditches on his team and Drake. All I can think is that this move is all about $$$$.

Duh. Do you think Drake owns his heart and soul? He didn't go to school there. His dad gave him a big fat winning lottery ticket and Keno is cashing it. Drake can't pay him major conference type money. Personally, I can't think of a single reason for him to stay. If they are terrible next year he may have missed his one change to really cash in and move up.

**cybsball20** · 04-15-2008, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I really don't think they would have been the top team in the Valley next year and I can almost guarantee that they won't now.

I don't think they would have been THE top team, but certainly top 4. Creighton is going to be entirely to tough and I think Stinnett is going to have a HUGE year.

**Drive4cy** · 04-15-2008, 12:52 PM

Creighton will have the MVC on lockdown next year. You have to think Bradley and SIU will put a decent product on the floor. I could see Drake winning 18-20 games but I don't see them playing in any post-season tournament next year. They've still got enough talent to be competitive but if they hire a coach who runs more of a controlled, half-court offense guys like Bucky Cox will be shadows of themselves. Should be interesting.

**candg4ever** · 04-15-2008, 01:00 PM

While it sucks for Drake and MVC fans, it's kind of a no brainer for Keno! His stock probably won't be this high for some time to come, if ever. An opportunity like this doesn't come along everyday, and he does succeed, the grass only gets greener with the no buy-out on his contract.

Kudos to Keno!!!!

**drmwevr08** · 04-15-2008, 01:10 PM

I didnt think that he would leave but hearing the money involved I'm not surprised that he did. I would be disappointed if I were a Drake supporter and I do think Keno owes Drake big time. That doesn't mean that he should not leave now, but he better thank them in his prayers tonight because he wouldnt have had a shot anywhere else. Drake needs to try and parlay their success this year just like Keno did by finding a better coach that they might otherwise be able to draw. Maybe it works both ways.

**CrossCyed** · 04-15-2008, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by Drive4cy

Creighton will have the MVC on lockdown next year. You have to think Bradley and SIU will put a decent product on the floor. I could see Drake winning 18-20 games but I don't see them playing in any post-season tournament next year. They've still got enough talent to be competitive but if they hire a coach who runs more of a controlled, half-court offense guys like Bucky Cox will be shadows of themselves. Should be interesting.

Speaking of Bradley, Jim Les is a guy I could see making the jump to a BCS conference. BU is his alma mater though, isn't it?

**scottie33** · 04-15-2008, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

OUCH

One request - If Chizik ever takes another job at a school like Texas, can we save the absolute gouging of him? He's doing what's best for him and frankly if he he were my personal friend I'd tell him to make his own decision but that is a crapload of money. I mean a freaking ton.

I agree with ya there. I see this very much with players leaving the team for a bunch of reasons. There are a few people who blast them for their decisions tehy make, but about 90 percent of the people on here wish them well on their ways and wish them the best of luck in their decision! I love it

**necromancy** · 04-15-2008, 01:28 PM

Link. He didn't waste any time taking advantage of his newfound fame. $1M/yr. Not too shabby.

**cycloneworld** · 04-15-2008, 01:32 PM

I don't really like how he didn't keep in contact with his players at all...seems like he abandoned them a little:

(From the DMR article)

“We don’t know anything right now," Drake freshman point guard Josh Parker told the Register this morning. "Whatever happens, we’ll be fine. We’re just looking forward to hear what’s going on.”

“I’m still in a holding pattern right now. We haven’t seen him since the banquet (Sunday) so we don’t really know what’s going on.”