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Archive => On The Horizon => Topic started by: oklahomamick on March 16, 2016, 02:32:58 PM

Title: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: oklahomamick on March 16, 2016, 02:32:58 PM
http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/03/16/billy-donlon-wright-state-part-ways/ (http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/03/16/billy-donlon-wright-state-part-ways/)
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: agibson on March 16, 2016, 02:38:02 PM
Wild.

[tweet]710180766286741504[/tweet]

Popular candidate for coach of the year.

I suppose it's why they're not playing in the post-season.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: covufan on March 16, 2016, 02:42:27 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 16, 2016, 02:32:58 PM
http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/03/16/billy-donlon-wright-state-part-ways/ (http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/03/16/billy-donlon-wright-state-part-ways/)
This doesn't make sense.  One of the better programs in the HL.  I get that he didn't do as well as Brownell, but what are Wright State's expectations? 
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: HC on March 16, 2016, 02:43:09 PM
Wow, I don't like Donlon but he is a good coach.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: Kyle321n on March 16, 2016, 02:44:37 PM
What? Really? I mean I don't think he's that great a coach, but holy crap they made it to the HL championship 3 of the past 4 seasons.  If that's not good enough, I don't know what is...
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: valpotx on March 16, 2016, 02:46:24 PM
This is ridiculous.  The AD expected Wright State to win the title this season, when Valpo was returning everyone?  The fact that they beat us twice with subpar talent, demonstrates how good of a coach he is.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: covufan on March 16, 2016, 03:04:15 PM
I'd think that with the number of openings and his record, he should be able to find something. 
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: oklahomamick on March 16, 2016, 03:30:21 PM
The kicker is Slocon's option at YSU got picked up for next year.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: historyman on March 16, 2016, 03:50:47 PM
I suppose the complaining at his HL tourney press conference about the double bye and losing at UIC didn't help his cause. I would have thought that beating Valpo twice and beating Oakland in Detroit would have made up for it though. I wonder if the AD thinks he has a better coach he can bring in.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: HC on March 16, 2016, 04:13:39 PM
Donlon to Clemson perhaps
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: VULB#62 on March 16, 2016, 04:23:54 PM
Who did Donjon have coming in as the class of 2016?  Bet some will decommit and, if he gets a job quickly, will follow him. His teams are always tough and scrappy.  He's a no-nonsense guy.  Schools would be nuts to pass on him with what he's been able to accomplish despite obviously less institutional support than most.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on March 16, 2016, 05:19:46 PM
He always does the most with the crappy players he recruits...

He took Wright State from a team right up there with Butler (even winning the regular season in 2006-2007) and turned them into a little bit above average team. His mean RPI was 181 and median RPI 163.

A big problem with the Horizon League is the amount of programs content with mediocrity. Each Horizon League team should break 100 RPI every 4 or 5 years. That shouldn't be too difficult if you want to be a top program. 100 RPI is a 14-15 seed in a typical year. There's a lot of talk about the bottom of the league, but what has been really missing is multiple teams at the top. If the 2,3,4 seed in the conference makes a run and wins the league, they should be in line for a decent enough seed. This year our 2+ seeds were all 15-seed levels (if not for a billion teams losing their tournament also).

So I don't really blame an athletic director that isn't content with a 15-seed program year after year.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: motowntitan on March 16, 2016, 07:00:45 PM
I agree that he has done the most with the least recruited players.  All I see is how a coach can do the least with the more talented recruits.  >:(

Those being said, any coach in the HL that hasn't won a NCAA tourney game since 2011 should be on the hot seat.



Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on March 16, 2016, 09:33:01 PM
Quote from: motowntitan on March 16, 2016, 07:00:45 PM
I agree that he has done the most with the least recruited players.  All I see is how a coach can do the least with the more talented recruits.  >:(

Those being said, any coach in the HL that hasn't won a NCAA tourney game since 2011 should be on the hot seat.
I think evaluating coaches on 1 or 2 game sample sizes is a bit silly. But I do enjoy the fact Wardle wasn't able to get to the tournament, despite having a couple of the most talented Horizon League teams.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: StlVUFan on March 17, 2016, 12:04:54 AM
I don't know if this news has been confirmed yet, but I'm assuming it has or will be.  DDN does have more links up on it, including Tom Archdeacon weighing in, but so far, no official word from WSU athletic department that I'm aware of.

Assuming it is true, this is absolutely insane.

Piecing this together with Amanda Braun's declining any postseason on behalf of her Men's basketball team and one of the rationale's we all heard for moving the conference tournament to a "neutral site", it is starting to sound like there's a common theme running through all 3:

The way to become a multi-bid league is to start pretending to be one.

And that, if true, is absolutely ridiculous.

There's a difference between stretch goals and stress goals.  The former are used to challenge yourself and avoid complacency.  The latter are an excellent way to guarantee failure -- and Billy almost cheated that one.

For Milwaukee's situation, there have been schools who have parlayed a long run in a non-NCAA tourney into NCAA tourney success and consistency, including the University that just hosted the First Four.  VCU parlayed it into a final four run (some uncommon sense from the selection committee helped, of course).

For WSU's case, they have just given themselves a splendid opportunity to find a new coach who *can't* out-coach Bryce or maximize his talent or whatever mojo it was that they had over Valpo this year, so as a Valpo fan I'm ecstatic, but as a Horizon League fan, I'm with Paul Oren who went on a 13-tweet rant this afternoon that could basically be summed up as WTF???????????

For the tournament, you can't just wave your hand and change something and instantly turn this into a multi-bid conference.

That is all. :( ??? :crazy:
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: agibson on March 17, 2016, 10:53:53 AM
This deserves its own thread, but, quickly posted: Jeter's also been fired. I believe there as an announcement this time. Balance of contract will be paid out.

(Donlon had time left on his contract too.)

Slocum remains.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on March 17, 2016, 10:59:25 AM
The Wright State board is interesting. Seems like they would have been terrible next year anyways - losing 3 of their top 4 scorers. Donlon just isn't a good recruiter. He makes the most with the players HE RECRUITS. That's really half the battle. Looking at verbal commits, there's 0 players signed on the current roster that were above 2 stars - typically meaning you were in some database somewhere. There were 3 recruits that amassed a rating between 2.0 and 2.5 and they all transfered out. I really don't want to hear a sob story about how they're under budgeted - YSU has more 3 star recruits.

Another poster said it was put up or shut up time for the League (with UWM's response to the CIT in mind). Having ADs set the bar for success past the CBI or CIT is good. Or setting the bar past a potential 15 seed in the tournament. Saying a team should at least hit the top 100 RPI every 4 or 5 years is reasonable.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: FWalum on March 17, 2016, 11:10:19 AM
Still think that Donlon and Jeter were good coaches.  I understand all of the concerns about recruiting and such, but the issue remains... does Slocum have something on the YSU administration or something?  The fact that he remains at YSU just baffles me.  :crazy:
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on March 17, 2016, 11:52:48 AM
Quote from: FWalum on March 17, 2016, 11:10:19 AM
Still think that Donlon and Jeter were good coaches.  I understand all of the concerns about recruiting and such, but the issue remains... does Slocum have something on the YSU administration or something?  The fact that he remains at YSU just baffles me.  :crazy:
Slocum getting re-signed is infuriating. It's baffling how anyone can defend that guy.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: SanityLost17 on March 19, 2016, 11:00:26 AM
I don't understand why you guys are defending him...  Do you want to go up against a really well coached, terrible RPI team, 3 times a year????  Seems to me like that is a recipe for disaster to me.   It does not help us that they improve as the year goes on.  This is a GOOD thing. 

Simple truth is that Donlon SUCKED every year in the non-conference.  The last thing we need is a coach at WSU who has an RPI 175 team playing like a 70 RPI team at the end of the season every year. 

I mean, if the HL is going to have bad RPI's, they might as well at least play like bad RPI teams.       
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on March 19, 2016, 11:56:59 AM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on March 19, 2016, 11:00:26 AM
I don't understand why you guys are defending him...  Do you want to go up against a really well coached, terrible RPI team, 3 times a year????  Seems to me like that is a recipe for disaster to me.   It does not help us that they improve as the year goes on.  This is a GOOD thing. 

Simple truth is that Donlon SUCKED every year in the non-conference.  The last thing we need is a coach at WSU who has an RPI 175 team playing like a 70 RPI team at the end of the season every year. 

I mean, if the HL is going to have bad RPI's, they might as well at least play like bad RPI teams.     
This!
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: StlVUFan on March 21, 2016, 06:01:42 PM
Quote from: FWalum on March 17, 2016, 11:10:19 AM
Still think that Donlon and Jeter were good coaches.  I understand all of the concerns about recruiting and such, but the issue remains... does Slocum have something on the YSU administration or something?  The fact that he remains at YSU just baffles me.  :crazy:
Slocum is not the problem at YSU.  The problem at YSU is football gets at least 85 % of the support, fan-wise, money-wise, every-wise.  A coaching change at YSU is going to change *nothing*.  If I had to guess, they are tickled that Slocum is willing to do the job.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: FWalum on March 21, 2016, 08:35:29 PM
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 21, 2016, 06:01:42 PM
Quote from: FWalum on March 17, 2016, 11:10:19 AM
Still think that Donlon and Jeter were good coaches.  I understand all of the concerns about recruiting and such, but the issue remains... does Slocum have something on the YSU administration or something?  The fact that he remains at YSU just baffles me.  :crazy:
Slocum is not the problem at YSU.  The problem at YSU is football gets at least 85 % of the support, fan-wise, money-wise, every-wise.  A coaching change at YSU is going to change *nothing*.  If I had to guess, they are tickled that Slocum is willing to do the job.
Can't really agree about Slocum. Yes, everything you have said about the program is true, YSU is a football school and resources, support and money go to football.... and Slocum knows that!  Whether he is a good coach is not the question (he has had a good record of success at other schools, 700 wins is quite an accomplishment), he is just beaten down by the situation year after year.  He doesn't believe anymore and it shows on his face and in his posture.  They need someone who is naive to the situation, that has energy and still thinks they can change the culture.  To me it looks like Slocum is beaten before the teams even hit the floor.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: StlVUFan on March 21, 2016, 09:30:23 PM
Good luck with that.

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Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: bbtds on March 22, 2016, 05:15:42 AM
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 21, 2016, 09:30:23 PM
Good luck with that.

Good luck to our AD when he must replace Bryce.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: StlVUFan on March 22, 2016, 08:29:31 AM
Different situation

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Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: bbtds on March 22, 2016, 03:50:17 PM
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 22, 2016, 08:29:31 AM
Different situation

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

Replacing a good coach in the Horizon League. I don't see much difference. When it comes to new coaches you must realize none of the old coach shows except for the players that stay behind. The most they last is 3 or 4 years usually.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: StlVUFan on March 22, 2016, 03:53:15 PM
We're talking about what YSU would do if they fired Slocum, not what they'd do if he move up to a better job.  The latter is actually a much better situation for the school.

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Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: valpotx on April 03, 2016, 11:32:24 AM
This is a very surprising list of coaching candidates to me:

Marty Simmons (Evansville), Scott Nagy (South Dakota State), and Joe Dooley (Florida Gulf Coast)

Jeff Goodman tweeted that these candidates were all met by the Wright State players.  I can understand Dooley wanting to leave the Atlantic Sun, but Nagy and Simmons?  Simmons had a great year at Evansville, and Nagy is coming off an NCAA berth in a conference that was 10 spots higher on the conference RPI standings this year.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on April 03, 2016, 12:06:21 PM
Quote from: valpotx on April 03, 2016, 11:32:24 AM
This is a very surprising list of coaching candidates to me:

Marty Simmons (Evansville), Scott Nagy (South Dakota State), and Joe Dooley (Florida Gulf Coast)

Jeff Goodman tweeted that these candidates were all met by the Wright State players.  I can understand Dooley wanting to leave the Atlantic Sun, but Nagy and Simmons?  Simmons had a great year at Evansville, and Nagy is coming off an NCAA berth in a conference that was 10 spots higher on the conference RPI standings this year.
$$$$$$$$$

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Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: usc4valpo on April 03, 2016, 04:57:35 PM
I hope Billy Donlon gets a good job, he is a decent coach and a fine North Shore Chicago product. I think he get a bad rap for no decent reason.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: valpo64 on April 03, 2016, 06:53:05 PM
Simmons a candidate at WSU?  Maybe he was on the hot seat too.  I wonder what his thoughts are concerning the MVC and HL.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on April 03, 2016, 07:09:25 PM
South Dakota State's Scott Nagy expected to take the Wright State job, sources told ESPN.

So Wright State just got a better coach than before, one with much more success than Donlon.

UWM... your turn.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: SanityLost17 on April 03, 2016, 10:16:29 PM
I would argue this is a big step down for Nagy.   SDSU has much more name recognition, great facilities, and has the Summit League conference tournament literally in their own backyard.     

This is a home run for Wright State and the Horizon League! 
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on April 03, 2016, 10:27:09 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 03, 2016, 10:16:29 PM
I would argue this is a big step down for Nagy.   SDSU has much more name recognition, great facilities, and has the Summit League conference tournament literally in their own backyard.     

This is a home run for Wright State and the Horizon League!
It's a step up, because like I said, $$$.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: valpotx on April 03, 2016, 10:28:51 PM
Wright State pays more than South Dakota State??  That doesn't make sense to me.  Plus, he has been there for 20+ years.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on April 03, 2016, 10:32:55 PM
Quote from: valpotx on April 03, 2016, 10:28:51 PM
Wright State pays more than South Dakota State??  That doesn't make sense to me.  Plus, he has been there for 20+ years.
Yes. Nagy was making 180k. Wouldn't be surprised if Wright State doubled it.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: wh on April 03, 2016, 11:00:35 PM
Just when I'd given up any hope for the HL, Wright State hits an absolute home run with the Nagy hire.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: VULB#62 on April 04, 2016, 11:56:23 AM
Since the beginning of the 2014-2015 season, the HL coaching carosel has turned over 7 of its 10 HBBCs in two years.

UWGB
UIC
UWM
WSU
UDM
NKU
Valpo (if Bryce leaves)

Wow!
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: Pathfinder on April 04, 2016, 06:45:41 PM
 
Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 03, 2016, 10:16:29 PMI would argue this is a big step down for Nagy.   SDSU has much more name recognition, great facilities, and has the Summit League conference tournament literally in their own backyard.     



Not remotely. Besides paying a whole lot more, WSU has a much bigger basketball budget, double the attendance, a much more fertile recruiting area, better facilities, less conference travel, and -- wait, you think South Dakota State has more name recognition?

But we agree - great hire for the Raiders.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: blackpantheruwm on April 05, 2016, 08:41:11 PM
Scott Nagy is an absolute home run. I've been told his salary is north of $500,000.

Get ready to pay up for Bryce's replacement. Our next coach is going to make less than Rob - add in the clueless AD and our coaching pool is...um...questionable.

What I mean by that is there's no sure-fire winner like Nagy in there. Everyone has question marks.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: a3uge on April 05, 2016, 08:48:56 PM
Quote from: blackpantheruwm on April 05, 2016, 08:41:11 PM
Scott Nagy is an absolute home run. I've been told his salary is north of $500,000.

Get ready to pay up for Bryce's replacement. Our next coach is going to make less than Rob - add in the clueless AD and our coaching pool is...um...questionable.

What I mean by that is there's no sure-fire winner like Nagy in there. Everyone has question marks.
Except Valpo can go inside for cheaper than Bryce ($377k).
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: FWalum on April 09, 2016, 09:27:32 AM
Quote from: blackpantheruwm on April 05, 2016, 08:41:11 PM
Scott Nagy is an absolute home run. I've been told his salary is north of $500,000.

Get ready to pay up for Bryce's replacement. Our next coach is going to make less than Rob - add in the clueless AD and our coaching pool is...um...questionable.

What I mean by that is there's no sure-fire winner like Nagy in there. Everyone has question marks.
I like Nagy, but not sure this is the home run everyone is making it out to be.  He has a tremendous home court winning record and played the conference tournament literally in his backyard. Was great in D2, but wasn't even .500 his first 6 years in D1 and his record away from home even during this last great run of 6 years is only .500.  You are taking this guy completely out of his "home" environment, it might take a few years for him to get his footing and I am not sure the "home" environment at Wright State will ever match that of SDSU.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: valpopal on May 04, 2016, 02:51:21 PM
Donlon has been hired as an assistant at Michigan.
Title: Re: Donlon out at Wright State
Post by: VULB#62 on May 04, 2016, 09:34:04 PM
Good for him.  I liked the way his kids came to play.