I just spoke with Melvin Ejim ---

[Jer]

I'm assuming JP will reset the clock two or three years into the new coach's tenure so the length of contract doesn't really matter

 

[Tre4ISU]

Do we think that it would be possible for Pollard to name an interim head coach for the coming season, due to how late in the game GMac left?

Really, we should be able to, but we wont be able to. the perception is too much to overcome.

 

[gocubs2118]

Do we think that it would be possible for Pollard to name an interim head coach for the coming season, due to how late in the game GMac left?

Naming someone an interim coach for a full year is a BAD idea.

 

[kkise]

Hiring to keep recruits is why we're in this boat in the first place. Just saying.

I'm not opposed to keeping Otz around by any stretch, but if we have a really quality, solid guy lined up and he says "No Otz. I'm bringing my guys in", I don't want it to be a sticking point. If the new guy is fine with it, GREAT.

+1. Probably best to start off fresh.

 

[cyfan964]

If Nurse becomes our head coach I will be more than disappointed. That's just my opinion.

 

[Rick]

Okay, but to get back to the original topic, Ejim is staying but the rumors were hot and heavy last night on McKnight and Godfrey. Whats the latest on recruits signed and or signing.

 

[HoopKnowledge]

Ball is Life has a short video clip of Melvin Ejim.
Melvin Ejim - New Hampshire Gatorade Player of The Year; One of The Top Small Forwards - BALL IS LIFE

 

[Clone5]

I'm completely surprised people actually want Nick Nurse as our head coach. I think it would be great to keep him and TJ on as assistants but I don't think he's ready to be the head man. Let's go out and get somebody who has either been as assistant or head coach at the major college level, grab a good recruiter, and go from there. There's more to the college basketball coaching world than Iowa State.

 

[Cydkar]

If I were king for a day, I would keep Otz, Nurse, and Grayer together and tell the incoming coach to give them a shot for a couple of years and see how it goes and use some of that $800k for retention. I think the recruit class is worth keeping with the right bball system. We just had a system that did not work in the Big 12. I would pursue CC and Hamm if they were interested. The next round of major moves would then be the head coach in the next year or two. A real coach could make this work. I would think Rutter would also want to go to CU with Doug. This could work better than spraying the empty cupboard with Lysol trying to find the mites.

You can't hire a decent HC and dictate his staff to him.

 

[Wesley]

It is an excellent theory...Just very doubtful that things work out that way.

Yet it could work. The assistants may bring more to the table than the HCs. At least the last one.

 

[cyfan964]

I'm completely surprised people actually want Nick Nurse as our head coach. I think it would be great to keep him and TJ on as assistants but I don't think he's ready to be the head man. Let's go out and get somebody who has either been as assistant or head coach at the major college level, grab a good recruiter, and go from there. There's more to the college basketball coaching world than Iowa State.

This.

 

[SpokaneCY]

If I were king for a day, I would keep Otz, Nurse, and Grayer together and tell the incoming coach to give them a shot for a couple of years and see how it goes and use some of that $800k for retention. I think the recruit class is worth keeping with the right bball system. We just had a system that did not work in the Big 12. I would pursue CC and Hamm if they were interested. The next round of major moves would then be the head coach in the next year or two. A real coach could make this work. I would think Rutter would also want to go to CU with Doug. This could work better than spraying the empty cupboard with Lysol trying to find the mites.

Would you want to be hired to head up a new company but would have zero say in your staff? New coach must be given every freedom to put together HIS staff as he sees fit. All this talk of setting us back...... from 11th place? I'm not afraid of that fall.

 

[crash_zone]

I'm sure a new coach is smart enough to see that if he keeps assistant XYZ, certain recruits will stay. Let the new coach do as he pleases. If he's willing to gamble with losing recruits - its his job on the line - let him.

 

[Wesley]

You can't hire a decent HC and dictate his staff to him.

I hear you that the solution would be too easy, but also I do not see any of the candidates super compelling on the big list that we might reach. It looks fuzzy. We do not need a CEO like we had, we need a motivator like a Doc Sadler type. Who on that list is a super motivator since we must get the most out of what talent we can recruit?

 

[Psyclone Brian]

CW gets mad props from me for his coverage on this situation. Hell of a job that last 24 hours my friend...

...major ditto!

 

[Bigguns]

Good deal, I want Ejim to stay bad, even if he is one of GMac's recruits. Kid looks fantastic.

I agree with everything but the bold print. Ben Jacobson just had a heck of a season with Mac recruits.

 

[jay moe]

I just got off the phone with Melvin Ejim. He is taking the wait and see approach.

He did tell me that if T.J Otzelberger is retained, he'd say in Ames for sure. If it is anybody else, he'd consider that and other options. I'll have a full story up shortly.

Melvin, Honor your commitment and come to ISU, you will love it here.

 

[WalkingCY]

I have a feeling we are going to get an EXCELLENT coach here. I hope Ejim stays and will enjoy the Hilton Atmosphere for 4 years. Not to mention a quality coach.

 

[isucy1234]

Chris,

What's the status on Godfrey and McKnight at this point? Is McD leaving for Creighton the "issue" that was going on with the McKnight commitment? Are these both Otz recruits that will likely leave if Otz does?

I find it weird that both of these players committed here hours before our head coach jumps ship.

 

[isuno1fan]

From other threads that CW commented on:

Both are Otz recruits.

CR reported that PC talked to McKnights coach and he said McKnight was very much excited about ISU and still wanted to come here, but that came from the coach.

Haven't seen any comments from Godfrey, but we are his best offer right now