Head coaches are an extra layer away in CFB. Position coach and coordinator are both probably more important to most players.
FB is a different game. Position coaches in FB are more essential in player’s development than the basketball assistants.
The thing with Zeb is that he’s surely wondering if Howard prefers Steward or Adam Miller, given the Chicago thing and positional overlap. And if Zeb doesn’t end up in the class because Howard finds other targets he likes better, well, fair enough. I’m more concerned with getting Wilson back in the fold.
Seems like Dickie V either spilled the beans early or is jumping the gun.
Ohio State doesn’t still have an opening. They hired Jake Diebler (Jon’s brother) who was at Vandy, in mid April. Their other 2 assistants came with Holtmann from Butler.
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Actually, I’ve seen a lot of players either clam up completely (Cole Bajema), re-open their recruiting after early coyness (Jalen Wilson), or make non-committal comments when asked. And not just from Michigan players. I disagree with you that being less than fully on board right after a new coach is hired is a bad look–it’s a natural reaction, and it takes place in businesses and professions other than sports.
You’re right that it’s one to keep an eye on, and things could certainly change. I think, though, that if Juwan wants him and makes that clear, he’ll stay and that will be clear pretty quickly.
As it appears more obvious Yak is on the way out…I do find it interesting that Texas is struggling to close the deal. Perhaps Yak is holding out for the JB call up? Or is that program truly that much of a mess? Time will tell.
I’m not thrilled with the Martelli rumors at all. The comments made by those involved in his firing, were, um, interesting. Just kind of puzzling to me.
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Martelli, Saddi and Eisley —— if Dickie V is right —— I think is the perfect combination.
Howard’s a Defense and Big Man guy. Chicago and Florida guy.
Eisley’s an Offense and Guard guy (perfect compliment). Detroit guy.
Martelli’s got all the experience in the world. A Northeast guy.
Saddi’s nice for the transition. Great familiarity with school, administration, boosters, big ten, rules, current players and recruits. A great young coach and recruiter in his own right. Big man and guard experience. Tons of Michigan/Midwest recruiting experience.
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What exactly are the Martelli rumors you’ve heard?
As far as I can dig up… it seems like the school president just felt they depended on the success of their bball program quite a bit for their marketing/application numbers… and wanted to bring in a new era of hopeful increased success sooner than martelli was willing to step down.
See St. Joe’s new AD’s Q/A
bad things tends to spill out, i don’t have any concern given the fact that there is nothing out there.
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I’m from the Philly area. The new AD is widely regarded as a blowhard who’s trying to make a strong first impression while gutting the AD in order to get it into black. She wasn’t going to be overshadowed by a figure like Martelli especially when he’s struggling to maintain success.
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Yeah, when the new AD who fired the long-time, popular coach refers to concerns that she just can’t talk about and for which there is no other evidence, it might be best to withhold judgment.
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Yep, there were some comments from the Athletic Director that caught my attention. I presume Michigan would do its due diligence before finalizing a staff hiring.
On the flip side, a couple questions later she answered…
Which seems like a strange waffling between planting a seed that there were serious issues behind the scenes, but still wanting to celebrate the coach?
Well, whatever happened in the past, Martelli won’t have the latitude in Ann Arbor to do things his way no matter what. He’s a big personality and all, but he’s not bigger than Michigan’s athletic department and its culture. If he’s not a fit, he’ll have to move on.
Isn’t that called investigative journalism? I’m not sure why that’s pathetic.
I hear what you’re saying, but in both of the last coaching seaches (Amaker when fired, and now JB leaving), we have had guys de-commit (Manny, Legion, and now Wilson).
I would think if Zeb had an interest in looking around, he would have just come out and opened up his recruitment again. He didn’t.
Further, DJ Carton would be ahead of Zeb at OSU. He’s got a much clearer path to a starting role here.
Also, I just don’t see Zeb playing the two. It seems like most of his three pointers come off the dribble. I’m not sure he’s enough of a a catch and shoot player to run the two.
Most of Rocket Watts buckets are off the dribble, but he’s a 2. In high school at non prep schools the best players have the ball in their hands and operate as the PGs usually. Zeb has a scorer mindset similar to Watts. Just makes me think his minutes will be at the 2 if Dejulius excels.
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Also Zeb is what, 16, 17 yrs old?? There IS a chance that he could STILL learn how to shoot off the catch. I know 16, 17 is pretty close to over the hill these days. But maybe
Why are you a Warde hater? What has he done to make you that sour on him?