Rumor is they may be looking to get Sprinkled.
With UW announcing that Mike Hopkins will not return as men's basketball coach next season, here's a look at six early candidates to replace him.
www.seattletimes.com
Seattle Times article (03/09/2024) on 6 possible replacements for Hopkins at UW. It's a long article, also cited was Hopkins making $3.1 million this year. Casmir Chavis saying that UW's Big Ten affiliation as a reason to sign with the Huskies. And last week UW started construction on a $60 million basketball-only practice facility, due open in 2025.
Randy Bennett, Saint Mary’s
Almost every time there’s a coaching vacancy with a West Coast Power Five team, his name is thrown in the mix. Last year, he reportedly rebuffed overtures from California. During his 23-year tenure at Saint Mary’s, Bennett has built a basketball powerhouse and the Gaels (24-7) are poised to make their 10th appearance in the NCAA tournament in the past 20 years.
Darian DeVries, Drake
The 48-year-old DeVries has never won fewer than 20 games in a season during his six years with the Bulldogs. This season, Drake is 26-6 and on the verge of its third NCAA tournament under DeVries. Son Tucker, a 6-foot-7 junior guard, is the two-time Missouri Valley Conference player of the year.
Dusty May, Florida Atlantic
Arguably the hottest name among mid-major coaches, who is reportedly one of the top two candidates for the Ohio State job along with Xavier’s Sean Miller. May is 124-67 over six seasons at Florida Atlantic and surprisingly he returned to the Owls for this year after guiding them to a 35-win season and the Final Four.
Niko Medved, Colorado State
Much like May, Medved has been a rising star among mid-major coaches since guiding the Rams to four 20-win seasons in the past five years. However, since making his only trip to the NCAA tournament in 2022, the Ram have finished eighth and seventh in the Mountain West.
Kyle Smith, Washington State
Smith is beloved in Pullman after guiding the Cougars to a 23-8 record, second-place Pac-12 finish and an expected NCAA tournament appearance, which would snap their 16-year postseason drought. But Washington would be foolish not to explore his interest. Besides, the last coach who left WSU for UW turned out pretty good for the Huskies: the legendary Marv Harshman.
Danny Sprinkle, Utah State
Several college basketball pundits believe it’s his job if he wants it. Sprinkle led Montana State to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and during his first year at Utah State, the 22nd-ranked Aggies are 22-5 and headed to the Big Dance. Sprinkle is a Pullman native whose father played football at UW.
Percy Allen:
[email protected]; Seattle Times staff reporter Percy Allen