MSU Red Cedar Message Board

True, the defensive teams or slower teams like Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan State, Purdue, or Minnesota may give some fits to his offense, but I still think he would succeed. I only watched VCU play a handful of times, but they play like the Missouri team of last year did, very frantic full court defense that causes tons of turnovers. Those faster paced teams attract recruits better. With Chicago in Illinois' turf, I believe he would be able to recruit exceptionally well, and Illinois would be a top four team in the BIG year annually.

I think both coaches would do well in the BIG, but for the sake of watching games, I hope Illinois goes for Smart.

(this was response to Lo triumphe-- I haven't quite mastered the quote function yet)

St. Mary's is damn good, and is ranked ahead of the Zags. Have been most of the year. Has developed into a nasty rivalry. No shame in that loss. Few can coach there forever if he wants to. Dude owns Spokane. Except for Jud.

This. If you don't know who St. Mary's is you haven't been paying attention. They are the furthest thing from a nobody.

Only teams that go to Final Fours are somebodies? Seriously?

Kentucky didn't go to a Final Four during the 2000-2010 decade... must be a nobody.

A team like Butler, obviously doesn't get to recruit high level talent. So, if they are reaching the pinnacle of a sport in back to back years going against teams with elite talent against the country, how can they be anything but well coached? Who the hell on last year's Butler team was individually spectacular (ala Kemba Walker)?

I think Shaka is a good coach too, but he needs at least have a decent run this year before he gets compared to Stevens. So far, they are nothing more than a George Mason. Stevens has Butler consistently competing in the tournament, and got to the championship game again even after losing NBA prospect Hayward. That is Izzo like coaching. I would love to have him as MSU's next coach.