Monday, March 8, 2010

We haven't a clue but...

We haven't a clue as to who is even in the competition as Hawaii's next basketball coach but, of course, that won't stop us from speculating. It doesn't seem like it will be a big name (a press conference winner) due to Bob Nash's buyout and the financial deficit Hawaii athletics is currently running. But it's more important to get the right guy anyway.

So here goes:

* Does Billy Gillispie have any connection to Donovan/Donovan's athletics "tree"? Gillispie obviously is a Midwest and Texas geographical guy and Southern Methodist actually makes more sense if that coaching position opens but it seems a solid bet that Gillispie will be coaching somewhere in 2010-2011 despite his DUI baggage.

* How about Weber State's Randy Rahe? He has been racking up Big Sky Conference Coach of the Years awards (three in the last four seasons) and his teams display synergy (the sum being better than the individual parts). Rahe assisted Stew Morrill for 13 years and that's a résumé highlight that will catch the eye of any AD.

* There's no sign that uber-successful Bob Thomason is going to retire anytime soon at Pacific so would 16-year-assistant and Associate Head Coach Ron Verlin (Don's twin brother) be interested in moving to the islands?

* Randy Bennett's (St. Mary's) name is mentioned every year when vacancies occur but come October he is still in Moraga. Associate Head Coach Kyle Smith is Bennett's designated successor but might he decide to spread his wings and head to the WAC?

Hey, who else do you have on your short list?

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