Oatmeal Savage
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It seems like the majority on this board and the media, both nationally and locally, think Niko’s going to be Coyle’s choice. Coyle keeps things pretty close to the vest, so we’re all speculating. While many of us, myself included, don’t seem super excited about him, I’m warming quite a bit to the possibility. Here’s some reasons why:
Let’s get the obvious, and likely overrated, out of the way: the Minnesota connection. He’s from here, was a student manager at the U, and spent one year as an assistant. But coupled with his outgoing personality, I think that will prove to be really good with boosters, the media, and recruiting. He’s going to get off to a fast start and he’s not going to wear out his welcome or turn off certain people.
Of course with most of the mid-major candidates, it’s hard to know if their coaching, recruiting, etc. will translate to the high major level. As some have mentioned here, what should give pause is a hot coach who has a run, especially with one or two good players. Is that a flash in the pan? During the last Gopher’s coaching search I worried that Niko’s success at Colorado State was largely based on David Roddy. But now, four years later, it seems like he continues to have success with a variety of other players. Considering his stints as a head coach of four years, one, and seven give a pretty good idea of his track record.
Also, if he were to retain his former assistant Dave Thorson it would likely help smooth his transition. He might be able to retain several key Gophers: Asuma and Frank Mitchell. It might also maintain Minnesota high school recruiting relationships. Additionally, Niko might be able to bring along some of his current players. He might be able to get hit the court running and have some momentum in the first few years, which Ben never seemed to gain.
Others might have better insight into his x’s and o’s and game management. Though, I will say, I was not impressed by last year’s NCAA tourney loss that was Virginia-esque where they only scored 11 first half points against Texas. At least they were in the tournament (and had beat Virginia in the First Four).
Tune in tonight at 5pm Central on CBS to watch Colorado State vs. Boise State for the Mountain West Championship. It would also be interesting to hire the regular season MWC runner up; the league winner was Pitino.
Let’s get the obvious, and likely overrated, out of the way: the Minnesota connection. He’s from here, was a student manager at the U, and spent one year as an assistant. But coupled with his outgoing personality, I think that will prove to be really good with boosters, the media, and recruiting. He’s going to get off to a fast start and he’s not going to wear out his welcome or turn off certain people.
Of course with most of the mid-major candidates, it’s hard to know if their coaching, recruiting, etc. will translate to the high major level. As some have mentioned here, what should give pause is a hot coach who has a run, especially with one or two good players. Is that a flash in the pan? During the last Gopher’s coaching search I worried that Niko’s success at Colorado State was largely based on David Roddy. But now, four years later, it seems like he continues to have success with a variety of other players. Considering his stints as a head coach of four years, one, and seven give a pretty good idea of his track record.
Also, if he were to retain his former assistant Dave Thorson it would likely help smooth his transition. He might be able to retain several key Gophers: Asuma and Frank Mitchell. It might also maintain Minnesota high school recruiting relationships. Additionally, Niko might be able to bring along some of his current players. He might be able to get hit the court running and have some momentum in the first few years, which Ben never seemed to gain.
Others might have better insight into his x’s and o’s and game management. Though, I will say, I was not impressed by last year’s NCAA tourney loss that was Virginia-esque where they only scored 11 first half points against Texas. At least they were in the tournament (and had beat Virginia in the First Four).
Tune in tonight at 5pm Central on CBS to watch Colorado State vs. Boise State for the Mountain West Championship. It would also be interesting to hire the regular season MWC runner up; the league winner was Pitino.
