4 Day Search

**CyGuy33** · 05-20-2008, 10:49 AM

"For the last four days, I've been single-minded in identifying and recruiting a coach who can inspire passion, teach the game of basketball, sell a program to recruits and fans, educate his student-athletes tirelessly, connect with Iowans and build a total program that rivals anyone in the Big 12 Conference and the nation," Pollard said. "I found that man within the borders of our state and I couldn't be more pleased to introduce Greg McDermott as our new coach."

We've harped on Coach McDermott on this but what about Pollard? His four day search may have needed to be a little longer.

**cyfanatic** · 05-20-2008, 10:54 AM

While I understand the meaning of your post...JP was looking at future coaches for longer than four days. He couldn't state that because WM was still our coach to that point. JP knew he was going to replace WM for a longer time than he leads on...he was searching for the replacement much of WM's last season. Observing and talking to others...not coaches directly.

That said...I somewhat agree with your position.

**BryceC** · 05-20-2008, 10:56 AM

I do put a lot of the responsibility on his shoulders, a lot of it. I'm waiting to see how it all plays out but if we fired a guy that never had a losing season here and hired a guy that eventually is fired for not matching the previous coach's winning percentage getting a new guy in here will be tough.

**cloneu** · 05-20-2008, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by CyGuy33

"For the last four days, I've been single-minded in identifying and recruiting a coach who can inspire passion, teach the game of basketball, sell a program to recruits and fans, educate his student-athletes tirelessly, connect with Iowans and build a total program that rivals anyone in the Big 12 Conference and the nation," Pollard said. "I found that man within the borders of our state and I couldn't be more pleased to introduce Greg McDermott as our new coach."

We've harped on Coach McDermott on this but what about Pollard? His four day search may have needed to be a little longer.

Is there anybody who would have questioned this quote at the time of hiring? I know I sure wouldn't have. To me he seemed like a guy who would fit those desires of Pollard.

**CyGuy33** · 05-20-2008, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by cloneu

Is there anybody who would have questioned this quote at the time of hiring? I know I sure wouldn't have. To me he seemed like a guy who would fit those desires of Pollard.

The thing is he says it like the four days were an eternity and he couldn't wait to get it over with. I guess I take it like he searched the whole country in four days and came up with a guy in his backyard.

I think hiring a head coach four days after firing the old one is something to be questioned. I questioned it then and I do so now. If you are brining in Bob Knight, ok hire him the next day but if you are being pressured to make the hire so K-State and Iowa don't that's a little different.

**Clone9** · 05-20-2008, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by cloneu

Is there anybody who would have questioned this quote at the time of hiring? I know I sure wouldn't have. To me he seemed like a guy who would fit those desires of Pollard.

You're right. Everyone was completely psyched when GMac was hired, as they should have been. He's an Iowa guy who took UNI to the top of a VERY good mid-major conference. I understand why some are starting to doubt him now, but hindsight is always 20/20.

I contend that it was a very good hire. There's always risk involved. And I think he'll still get it turned around. (although I am now officially concerned)

**CYKOFAN** · 05-20-2008, 11:56 AM

Anybody think that Gary Thompson was the real force behind getting rid of Wayne and getting Greg hired. It's mostly speculation on my part, but I'd bet on it. That's not to excuse JP if Greg can't get it done at ISU, but I think Gary and the big donors also should take some blame for getting rid of a pretty successful coach and risking that the program goes downhill before recovering, which is now looking like it will take longer than we hoped.

**CyGuy33** · 05-20-2008, 11:58 AM

I've heard that when Alex Thompson wanted to transfer and there wasn't a scholi under Wayne, Gary was very upset. That might have played a roll in it.

**d30fan** · 05-20-2008, 12:21 PM

Exactly what in Greg's past would have given a person reason to expect the "player relations" problems that he seems to be having? I don't recall him having any difficulty at UNI.

**CYKOFAN** · 05-20-2008, 12:22 PM

Could be but I'd guess it goes back further than that. Wasn't Gary on the search committee and if I remember correctly Wayne was only hired after we were turned down by two mediocre candidates. Basically if Wayne wasn't hired we were looking at losing some great recruits and facing the basketball graveyard coming off Larrygate. Wayne saved us from that and gave us some pretty good years, which are looking even better now.

**ISUFan22** · 05-20-2008, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by d30fan

Exactly what in Greg's past would have given a person reason to expect the "player relations" problems that he seems to be having? I don't recall him having any difficulty at UNI.

Which makes all of this thing that much more confusing. The biggest knock on Greg seemed to be his recruiting. So far, I don't think he's done a bad job in that area at all. Found a couple guys that were under the radar and turned out to be better than expected. Landed a couple big-name guys. Filled holes with JUCOs and walk-ons.

But the biggest, glaring problem is keeping the kids in the program. I just don't get it. I don't think Greg is the sole person to blame here - but he's certainly not void of blame. It's all very confusing.

**isuno1fan** · 05-20-2008, 12:29 PM

Wayne's last team was every bit as unbearable to watch as the two teams under McD.

I know this because as a 20yr fan of Men's BBall....I quit caring during Wayne's last year.

**CyGuy33** · 05-20-2008, 12:33 PM

Wayne's last year was a struggle and there were some hard losses but I would trade it for either of the last two years.
Beat Iowa
Beat Drake
Beat UNI
Won Rainbow Classic
Wins on the road at Mizzou and Nebraska

Granted the losses to Fresno State and OU were tough but it's not like they finished 11th in the league.

**cyfanatic** · 05-20-2008, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by isuno1fan

Wayne's last team was every bit as unbearable to watch as the two teams under McD.

I know this because as a 20yr fan of Men's BBall....I quit caring during Wayne's last year.

DITTO! I could not emphasize how similar our feelings are about WM's last season as coach! I lost the passion for ISU basketball! It was ugly!

**CycloneWarrior** · 05-20-2008, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by CyGuy33

Wayne's last year was a struggle and there were some hard losses but I would trade it for either of the last two years.
Beat Iowa
Beat Drake
Beat UNI
Won Rainbow Classic
Wins on the road at Mizzou and Nebraska

Granted the losses to Fresno State and OU were tough but it's not like they finished 11th in the league.

didnt they finish 10th or 9th that year