WRSMick55

12 minutes ago, BobSaccamanno said:

I like the move for Fife, if true.  He’s been in the league and he knows the coaches and teams.  That can be a huge asset for Woody who obviously has not been in the league.  He’s also recruited in the area.  He’s learned from Izzo and can bring that perspective.

Most importantly, I like developing an in house coaching candidate. This is the path that UNC seems to be on and it’d be nice if we had an in-house candidate on the rise too.  Maybe we can avoid being rudderless in a future coaching search. 

From Dane’s point of view, he’s learned what he could from Izzo.  He’s also obviously been coached by Knight. By coming here, he can get exposure to an NBA coach and his approach but also get around Thad Matta and possibly others.  It can make him more well rounded in his experience. Plus it is his alma mater and he’s an IU guy.  I see a win-win. 

I was thinking same, from a professional point of view, Fife’s resume would look much better if it showed time at multiple places from well respected coaches instead of all his experience being with one coach. Different styles and methods. 

2 hours ago, dgambill said:

Not saying kids do or don't know who Mike Woodson is...but if you have to google Mike Woodson to know who he is...that isn't a good sign. Kids don't have to google most premier power 5 conference coaches to know if they should take a phone call from them or form an opinion of them. They know them period. May not know everything about them but they know their track record and know who they are. Just saying you can google a guy and even still not come out with much knowledge of who he is as an athlete, coach, or man. I'd argue if you just google Mike Woodson you wouldn't come away nearly as impressed with him as those that just KNOW Mike Woodson. Again...not saying kids don't know the man...but I don't like the fact that he is the best kept coaching secret in basketball. Mike has his work cut out to establish his brand and his persona in the college coaching landscape. I hope he is able to do that quickly!

I would think that a recruit or their parents or intermediary WOULD know that Indiana University is a power Five conference team and would at least take an initial phone call. I don’t think he is as much of a “ best kept secret “ you think. Woodson’s success will be a result of his ability to build relationships and relate, not get opportunities. 

13 minutes ago, dgambill said:

I really want this to work out. I am just being honest here. I really really don’t get it. What their role is suppose to be and why we even need them. I mean I want to pretend to be the smart guy in the room and pretend I know exactly why this is all necessary and why it all makes sense but honestly I’ve never seen anything like this. To me a home run hire doesn’t need hand holding and a staff of HOF coaches to guide him and make up for what he lacks. Maybe this will be the new way things work...maybe it’s innovative...like to say I get it but I don’t. Heck I don’t even know if Woodson is a long term solution past his first contract. I’m going to root for success and root for my team but I’m more than a little concerned.

Matta was hired to help navigate the college aspect . Brown would be there by Woodson’s desire, he’s obviously someone Woodson respects and values. Surrounding yourself with smart people is always good. What’s to understand? 

32 minutes ago, FritzIam4IU said:

I think we need to wait and see what happens in the future regarding recruiting. I hope you are right, but remember after Archie landed Romeo many thought he was going to lock up the state.

A coach will never lock up the state; you only have 13 scholarships. 

12 minutes ago, 5fouls said:

Bringing in one of those guys sets a clear picture of who the next head coach will be.  I think Woodson coaches for 5 seasons or so and whichever of Fife/Lewis is hired as an assistant will be the coach in waiting.  And, that will be understood by all future recruits 

Lewis is the guy to get.

13 minutes ago, GaloisGroupe said:

I think this WAS this was the #1 or #2 choice. 

Given how complicated hiring both Matta AND Woodson and to keep it quiet and announce it simultaneously, this has been in the works for awhile...

Personally, I find it really exciting - good coaches can coach. I don't care if he has not coached in college. 

Just imagine what he will do with TJD if he comes back one more year...

OR Maybe it was just a courtesy  interview and Woodson knocked it out of the park when interviewed with his vision /plan of how he was going to run to he basketball program. IU doesn’t need another AD so you know his role is to Assist Woodson on all things basketball. Need to see what assistants are on the bench, players populate the roster and what style they play.