Here we are, down to 16 teams in the 2013-14 men’s college basketball season. There’s been plenty of drama, plenty of joy and plenty of sadness. For the fans on the short end of what was supposed to be a “magical” season, they may be looking for some momentum heading in to next season.
But what happens if coaches shock everyone and leave for the NBA? “Not my coach” is what many fans are thinking this time of year. Surely, that was what Butler fans were saying about Brad Stevens last year. So yes, it happens. Mostly because money makes people do some crazy things.
Below is a list of current NCAA Men’s basketball head coaches that may be at the height of their careers (value wise). Keep an eye on them, as there’s no doubt NBA general managers will be buzzing their agents.
6) Josh Pastner (Memphis) – This guy took over for John Calipari when coach Cal decided to trade blues. Since then, he’s taken what most would consider an impossible situation, and made the Tigers in to a legit threat. Are they elite? No. Not even close.
But Pastner has a key ingredient that could be successful in the NBA; he gets the best out of his players. When recruits choose Memphis, they are choosing Pastner. That’s a great quality if you can bring that with you to the NBA. Not to mention he’s also very marketable, just look at that smile.
Pastner is almost “Pastor”. Think about it. Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
5) Mick Cronin (Cincinnati) – All Cronin has done since arriving at Cincinnati is make them better each year. That’s all. He’s energetic, intense and knows the game of basketball. He’s tough on his players the way a coach should be. He expects hard work and determination from his players. The Bearcats’ program isn’t exactly where it once was under Bob Huggins, but Cronin has them competing every year.
Cronin is a fireball. Could work in the NBA. Photo: fansided.com
4) Tony Bennett (Virginia) – Virginia is coming off one of its best seasons in school history. The Cavaliers play in the ACC, so how long can we really expect them to be hanging with Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse and so on? Bennett was a hell of a player, with a gift of getting players to believe in his system. Having played at the level he did, NBA players would buy in to him. He’s classy, smart and aggressive. Those are great qualities. His value may never be higher.
Bennett just looks like a successful person, doesn’t he? Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
3) Bill Self (Kansas) – According to an ESPN.com report from August, Self would be tempted by the opportunity to coach in the NBA. Self used the common “but I’m happy where I’m at” comment so he didn’t upset the Jayhwaks’ fan base, but we’ve heard that a million times before. Self has landed some major recruits the past few years (including 2014-15), but another disappointment in the NCAA tourney this year, and his best players being “one and dones”, the time for trying the NBA is now.
Bill Self is often angry, here’s a happy one. Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
2) Shaka Smart (VCU) – Possibly the “sexiest” name in college basketball in terms of energizing a fan base looking for a new coach, is Shaka Smart. We didn’t get our fill of Shaka this year as VCU failed to make the Sweet 16 (maybe they’re better as a Cinderella story). As reported in March by SI.com, Shaka has been tempted by higher profile schools to jump ship from the Rams. Perhaps Shaka wants a bigger challenge, or a bigger spotlight. Where on Earth would there be a bigger challenge with the biggest spotlight in the NBA? Oh, right, the Lakers will be in need of a coach on the evening of their 82nd game.
Shaka Smart and Kobe Bryant? Perhaps. Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
1) Fred Hoiberg (Iowa State) – Without a doubt, “The Mayor” is to Iowa State what Mike Krzyzewski is to Duke, but even Coach K has flirted with the idea of coaching the NBA. So has Izzo, and many other legendary coaches. Want a connection to the NBA that’s firmer than Justin Bieber’s hair paste? Flip Saunders and Fred Hoiberg. Saunders, the President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, made Hoiberg a household name in the NBA as coach of the Timberwolves. Guess who will likely need a new head coach this Summer? The Timberwolves.
Saunders is trying to rid himself of former shot-caller David Kahn’s trash in Minnesota. Saunders isn’t tied to anyone on the current roster, outside of Shabazz Muhommad and Gorgui Dieng (both rookies). That includes Kevin Love, who can opt-out after next season. The Wolves will need a coach who can try and keep Love around, and Hoiberg has that swagger players want to play for. It may be a long shot, but teams like the Wolves will pay top dollar for an analytics guy like Hoiberg to take over. Just ask Brad Stevens.
As you can see from his dance moves below, The Mayor doesn’t teach anyone how to Dougie, he teaches them to win basketball games.
Fred Hoiberg to dance his way to the NBA? Stay tuned.
Photo: celticslife.com