[jcmanson]

Brunswick won their 2nd straight state title yesterday and Brandan picked up an offer from VCU

[Purple Haize]

Brunswick won their 2nd straight state title yesterday and Brandan picked up an offer from VCU

He should hold off on that. Shaka is a leading candidate for the Illinois job....along with Chris Collins

[rogers3]

What could go wrong with a recruit who has a dad that was once an ACC name? Just what we want.
In regards to heading off to Hargrave, better just to come to LU and then let the big name program snatch him up after a year.

[R i]

. Shaka is a leading candidate for the Illinois job....along with Chris Collins

Source? DP?

[jcmanson]

Shaka's not going anywhere

[jmdickens]

Shaka's not going anywhere

why you say that? I have been reading that he is the top tier candidate for Illinois

[jcmanson]

Shaka's not going anywhere

why you say that? I have been reading that he is the top tier candidate for Illinois

Just like he was "the top tier candidate" for NC State last year. He's not jumping ship at his first available opportunity.

[jmdickens]

Just like he was "the top tier candidate" for NC State last year. He's not jumping ship at his first available opportunity.

But this isn't his first.....Also, Illinois is better destination than NC State. No one wants to go head to head against Coach K and Roy Williams every year for recruits and state bragging rights.

[jcmanson]

We'll see, but I'll be Shaka'd if he leaves this year.

[BJWilliams]

and I thought my puns were corny...

[jcmanson]

[Purple Haize]

Shaka isn't going anywhere. Him and more importantly, his wife, love it here and she is sick of moving. Unless Florida becomes an option, I doubt he takes another gig in the next couple of years.

Here's the deal though. Your star is only going to be bright for so long. Brad Stevens is going to run into the same thing. You tell everyone NO eventually people, search committees and recruits, will forget about you. Your conference foes are recruiting to beat you and after you miss one or two NCAA tourneys you will be like left over cold Chinese food. Illinois will have more money to throw his way and he will be able to recruit Chicago Public League schools which would be huge.

[Sly Fox]

Dude, he's coaching a CAA team in Richmond. That is far from anyone's ceiling.

The Illinois gig has the potential to be a career position. It has been a bit of a sleeping giant the past quarter century which awakes for a few years every now & then.

[olldflame]

Put the right coach in that Illinois job, and that program should be a consistent championship contender in the Big 10. Tons of talent in Chicago alone and no real in-state competition for the top recruits, although there are major programs in Indiana which are closer to Chicago than Champaign is, and Madison isn't much further.

[jcmanson]

I don't see it happening

[BJWilliams]

I don't see it happening

You can not see it happening all you want but unless youre either in their house or somehow inside Coach Smart's head, I dont think you can completely and accurately assess his thoughts and feelings about taking/not taking another job

[Cider Jim]

You can not see it happening all you want but unless youre either in their house or somehow inside Coach Smart's head, I dont think you can completely and accurately assess his thoughts and feelings about taking/not taking another job

BJ, you're making me a little nervous. Hiding behind the bushes is one thing, but B&E is another. Be careful out there on Spring Break!

[jcmanson]

Yes Illinois is a better job. No that doesn't mean he wants it.

[TDDance234]

He'd be a gold mine in Chicago. Bruce Weber couldn't recruit and let top prospects leave the state which I'm sure didn't sit well with the Illini boosters. Shaka's personality and his reputation as a players coach would have players lining up, IMO.

He may have it made at VCU right now but he would be on another level at Illinois. I understand turning down NC State with having to deal with UNC and Duke but I can't see him walking away from this one if they do indeed want him.

[ATrain]

Yeah, I just don't think he's all that interested. They won't be paying him significantly more than he makes right now. It's a big move for his family, and his recruiting background is primarily in the southeast. I'm pretty close to the situation, but I could be wrong. I just don't see him leaving Richmond any time soon. I'm not sure he cares whether his star rises or falls. He's already a rich man, living in a good size city where he is an absolute rock star, and his wife doesn't want to move.

This last line right here should say it all. Unless someone can sweet talk her into moving.

[LUconn]

I'm sure she knew what she signed up for when she married a basketball coach.

[BJWilliams]

I don't see it happening

You can not see it happening all you want but unless youre either in their house or somehow inside Coach Smart's head, I dont think you can completely and accurately assess his thoughts and feelings about taking/not taking another job

Lol than neither can those saying he's the top candidate for Illinois.

That's my point. Nobody on here can really speak with 100% certainty about it since we arent in there as part of the decision making process (and he's kinda preoccupied at the moment...what with his team in the NCAA Tournament and all)

[olldflame]

Thanks BJ, until you straightened me out, I actually thought I was reading Chaka Smart's mind and knew exactly what he is planning to do.

Guys are just giving their opinions. Lighten up.

[From the class of 09]

I'm sure she knew what she signed up for when she married a basketball coach.

I'm sure she doesn't like money either, most women don't.

[BJWilliams]

Thanks BJ, until you straightened me out, I actually thought I was reading Chaka Smart's mind and knew exactly what he is planning to do.

Guys are just giving their opinions. Lighten up.

lol...I know olldflame...I really dont have an opinion on it because I cant read his mind (as you sarcastically noted)