2015-16 Friars' Mens Basketball Thread: Dunn Guns for 3rd-straight NCAA Run

HomeRunBaker

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Maybe there are some other issues, but he's being paid well (are there 25 programs out there paying 2 mil per year?) and they just approved a huge athletic center that's mostly for the basketball team, so he can't be unhappy with the commitment to the program. More power to him, but I'd be disappointed if he left.
I've heard generic rumors behind the scenes for those in the know but now the Pittsburgh name has popped by more than one person.

This would be a huge payday for Cooley as that is a 5-year/$16-20m a year gig.
 

Mloaf71

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I've heard generic rumors behind the scenes for those in the know but now the Pittsburgh name has popped by more than one person.

This would be a huge payday for Cooley as that is a 5-year/$16-20m a year gig.
Not sure what you mean. Think Pitt pays that high?

Pitt hired Stallings today. Think we're in the clear?
 

HomeRunBaker

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Not sure what you mean. Think Pitt pays that high?

Pitt hired Stallings today. Think we're in the clear?
Every big job that fills up is a good thing. Yes, Pittsburgh is a top job for sure. Heard this was a 6-year deal I'd expect it to be in the $20m range.
 

Mloaf71

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Wow that's an impressive payout for what's essentially a second/third tier ACC job!
 

HomeRunBaker

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Wow that's an impressive payout for what's essentially a second/third tier ACC job!
Don't underestimate that Pittsburgh program. They have been one of the most profitable programs in the country the past couple seasons, 3rd in the ACC behind Duke and UNC, and I believe they made the Top-10 in the entire country last season.
 

moondog80

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Do we overestimate who hot a commodoity Cooley really is? Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with the job he'd done and would be upset if he left. But he's won exactly one NCAA game (on a bit of a fluke play) despite having 6 all Big East selections in 4 years, with the most recent team having a high lottery pick and another guy who could go mid first round. He's also been caught off guard by a couple of transfers who might have really made a difference this year. What does he look like if Kris Dunn didn't happen to be right in his backyard while he was at Fairfield and Providence?
 

HomeRunBaker

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Do we overestimate who hot a commodoity Cooley really is? Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with the job he'd done and would be upset if he left. But he's won exactly one NCAA game (on a bit of a fluke play) despite having 6 all Big East selections in 4 years, with the most recent team having a high lottery pick and another guy who could go mid first round. He's also been caught off guard by a couple of transfers who might have really made a difference this year. What does he look like if Kris Dunn didn't happen to be right in his backyard while he was at Fairfield and Providence?
You aren't giving Cooley credit for having a decent shot to land Dunn over Louisville, Stanford, and UConn (also in Dunn's backyard) while running the Fairfield Stags program? We are coming off 15 years of Tim Welch and Keno Davis......when you land a guy like Pitino, Rick Barnes, Gillen, or a Cooley to turn your program around you don't expect to keep them for long. This is a stepping stone job, always has been and always will be......it's a step up from Fairfield, Monmouth, Stony Brook, et al but when a guy takes Providence College to 3 straight NCAA tournaments while consistently beating bigger programs for Top-50 recruits then Yes, this coach brings tremendous value.

What are your expectations? 3 straight NCAA's and a tournament win isn't enough with the obstacles the Providence job faces on the recruiting trails? You are docking him points for not winning more with highly rated recruits or losing some to transfer......how the heck does he even get these kids to even consider Providence in the first place?
 

moondog80

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You aren't giving Cooley credit for having a decent shot to land Dunn over Louisville, Stanford, and UConn (also in Dunn's backyard) while running the Fairfield Stags program? We are coming off 15 years of Tim Welch and Keno Davis......when you land a guy like Pitino, Rick Barnes, Gillen, or a Cooley to turn your program around you don't expect to keep them for long. This is a stepping stone job, always has been and always will be......it's a step up from Fairfield, Monmouth, Stony Brook, et al but when a guy takes Providence College to 3 straight NCAA tournaments while consistently beating bigger programs for Top-50 recruits then Yes, this coach brings tremendous value.

What are your expectations? 3 straight NCAA's and a tournament win isn't enough with the obstacles the Providence job faces on the recruiting trails? You are docking him points for not winning more with highly rated recruits or losing some to transfer......how the heck does he even get these kids to even consider Providence in the first place?

As I said, I've been happy with him. I'm just not sure he's one of the first interviews if Big Time U loses their coach.
 

HomeRunBaker

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As I said, I've been happy with him. I'm just not sure he's one of the first interviews if Big Time U loses their coach.
Ah gotcha. I don't think he's one of the first either which is why he is still here. If he doesn't make a tournament run soon he's going to have to decide if he's a Friar lifer or takes the next mini-step up in pay grade. Hopefully we are able to offer enough to prevent him from leaving for a non-elite gig.
 

moondog80

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moondog80

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Yeah but Syracuse is an elite job. That's like worrying about losing him to one If the NC schools. If we lose Ed there, then he's done amazing things here and cheers to him.
Agree. The point I was trying to make is that he's already signed for the next 5 seasons. Making it 8 or 10 or whatever will not hinder him from taking any other job, at any time, if that's what he wants. It doesn't make it any more difficult for him to leave, unless you consider the emotional capital that it buys.
 

bsan34

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Agree. The point I was trying to make is that he's already signed for the next 5 seasons. Making it 8 or 10 or whatever will not hinder him from taking any other job, at any time, if that's what he wants. It doesn't make it any more difficult for him to leave, unless you consider the emotional capital that it buys.
I think I consider it an investment in whenever Ed leaves, it won't be for f***ing Pitt but for somewhere actually worth it.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Agree. The point I was trying to make is that he's already signed for the next 5 seasons. Making it 8 or 10 or whatever will not hinder him from taking any other job, at any time, if that's what he wants. It doesn't make it any more difficult for him to leave, unless you consider the emotional capital that it buys.
This is true of course but what it does accomplish is prevent Cooley from leaving THIS year. It is also common for agents handling hear negotiations to link their client to jobs for the purpose of ripping up the current deal for a more lucrative one. This has already occurred once with Cooley I believe two years ago.

Another benefit is to have this long-term deal in place when you go into the home of top recruits. Cooley can say with confidence how he is committed to his hometown school while the school has shown twice now that they are committed to him.
 

Mloaf71

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Signed the extension to remain at PC "for life" today and donated $500k to the school!
 

HomeRunBaker

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Signed the extension to remain at PC "for life" today and donated $500k to the school!
Read: Cooley came to us stating he was going to interview with Georgia Tech and if there was anything we could do. We said we can re-do your deal and he agreed to discuss.

Glad to have him here now and in the near future!
 

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Something doesn't sit right with me as Junior went through Senior Night when he still has another year of eligibility. If is walks like a duck and quacks like a duck.....
As I suspected, Lomomba won't be returning to Providence for his final year of eligibility. He has a young child and will either try and play overseas (good luck with that, he's a $600/wk league player) or go to work according to him.
 

Mloaf71

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HRB, how do you feel about the Holt signing and potential with Diallo and others?
 

Mloaf71

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And just like that Diallo commits. This is the first relatively big time spring recruit I can remember in the Cooley era. Henton doesn't count as he was under the radar.
 

pdaj

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I've heard generic rumors behind the scenes for those in the know but now the Pittsburgh name has popped by more than one person.

This would be a huge payday for Cooley as that is a 5-year/$16-20m a year gig.
I'm confused by this comment. Dixon made 3.2 million last year as Pitt's HC. Did you mean to say a 5 year, 3-4 million per year gig (15-20 total)? I saw the Cooley extension news to be a no-brainer from PC's end following the third-straight NCAA appearance, with the huge bonus being a strong recruiting pitch. "I'm not going anywhere while your son's with us."

Perhaps I'm naive, but with Ed being a RI-er, I think he's truly happy at Providence. They've shown they can compete, they're upgrading the facilities. I could see him being a lifer. NOW, if an elite college gig or NBA chance came along? That's a no-brainer. But Georgia freakin' Tech? Never going to happen, in my opinion. I think he's going big or staying home. Cooley made 1.6/year prior to the extension (good for 28th in the country); I'm guessing he's at 2 now, which would put him in the top 25 nationally. Tony Bennet from UV made 2.1 last year, for instance.

As far as the recent recruiting is concerned, if Bentil ends up staying, I think I'm going to end up being quite bullish on this team. There's some whispers that the Friars are still on the look out for a big; someone who can play the 5. If so, there's going to have to be another player departure, ala Lamomba.
 
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HomeRunBaker

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HRB, how do you feel about the Holt signing and potential with Diallo and others?
I don't know much about Diallo and after not playing his senior year in HS he's a bit of a wildcard but Holt......oh boy I'm very familiar. Edit: I didn't realize Diallo played last season at Brewster after missing his senior year in HS and the talk is that he's already ready offensively to take the next step which is good to hear.

This is a HUGE get on the floor and just as big a risk off it. A true power 4/5 who will produce right away with or without Bentil returning. Holt was the Hoosier player who was driving the car when a drunk teammate ran in front of it, got hit and died. Holt wasn't charged however admitted to drinking that night......then rather disturbingly got a DUI that summer leading to his dismissal from the program. Obviously we're all hoping he's learned his lesson.
 
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HomeRunBaker

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I'm confused by this comment. Dixon made 3.2 million last year as Pitt's HC. Did you mean to say a 5 year, 3-4 million per year gig (15-20 total)? I saw the Cooley extension news to be a no-brainer from PC's end following the third-straight NCAA appearance, with the huge bonus being a strong recruiting pitch. "I'm not going anywhere while your son's with us."

Perhaps I'm naive, but with Ed being a RI-er, I think he's truly happy at Providence. They've shown they can compete, they're upgrading the facilities. I could see him being a lifer. NOW, if an elite college gig or NBA chance came along? That's a no-brainer. But Georgia freakin' Tech? Never going to happen, in my opinion. I think he's going big or staying home. Cooley made 1.6/year prior to the extension (good for 28th in the country); I'm guessing he's at 2 now, which would put him in the top 25 nationally. Tony Bennet from UV made 2.1 last year, for instance.

As far as the recent recruiting is concerned, if Bentil ends up staying, I think I'm going to end up being quite bullish on this team. There's some whispers that the Friars are still on the look out for a big; someone who can play the 5. If so, there's going to have to be another player departure, ala Lamomba.
I can't pinpoint a single area where a top half ACC job like Georgia Tech job isn't a significant upgrade to the Friars job. We have always been a stepping stone job with several coaches taking the step up into the ACC after a brief stop in Providence while GTECH has a history of being a landing spot with Hyder (25 years), Cremins (20 yrs), and Hewitt (10 yrs). Brian Gregory was hired from Dayton (more on the PC level) to do the same......Cremins, Hewitt, and then Gregory were lifers if the success was continual while Pitino, Barnes, and Gillen were always on the lookout for a similar upgrade into the Georgia Tech level programs who each ultimately left for the step up.

Aside from Pitino leaving for the Knicks we also saw Gillen leave for Virginia and Barnes leave for Clemson. It wasn't surprising to see Cooley use Georgia Tech's interest as leverage to get more money out of Providence. It's not only the ACC but one of the better jobs in the ACC from institutional money/support, facilities, off the court benefits, access to the top HS recruits as opposed to those landing in your backyard (Ledo, Dunn) or who aren't problem childs (Brandon Austin). It's always been a top landing spot, Providence never has been or will be.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Quadree Smith leaving school and will be transferring. I'll see some people next week and get more info.
 

HomeRunBaker

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He was a bit out of his league in the Big East, no?
Yes, his ceiling was always probably that of frontcourt depth which right now is still a major hole in our roster. He wasn't recruited by any major programs and was a last minute get to fill the hole following Chukwa's transfer to Syracuse 12 months ago.
 

HomeRunBaker

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In addition to Quadree, backup guard Tyree Chambers will also be transferring. Got word that each had talked about wanting to move on to where they could play and were encouraged to do so by the coaching staff freeing up a couple scholarships.

Neither are much of a loss.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Bentil killed it at the Combine which is great for him.....and terrible for us. Next us the team workouts and if his rise continues he won't be back here.
 

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PC Announces 6-9 Kalif Young from Ontario Signs National Letter of Intent with the Friars
Posted: May 20, 2016 12:16 AM EST Updated: May 20, 2016 12:16 AM EST
PC news release...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley announced today (May 19) that student-athlete Kalif Young (Vaughan, Ontario) signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Providence College beginning in September 2016.

Young, a 6-foot-9-inch, 255-pound forward played for Orangeville Prep in Mono, Ontario. Young played in the Biosteel All-Canadian Games, which featured the top-24 high school basketball players in Canada. He scored 20 points and registered nine rebounds in the contest and was named MVP for Team Red.

“We are looking forward to having Kalif join our family next season,” Cooley said. “He brings a lot of size, strength and enthusiasm to the court. In addition, we are excited to add this high character and very motivated young man to our program.”
 

HomeRunBaker

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Cooley really solified our frontcourt this spring with Holt stepping in for Bentil with Young presumably being the 3rd wheel of the 4/5 team with Bullock. Throw in Diallo (PC over Florida, Indiana and Miami) and PG Maliek White (who choose PC over Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, and Pittsburgh)........and this is a very good recruiting season. This team has a chance to surprise next year with such a grinding, workmanlike group.

I like looking at who a player has offers from since I'm not in the know about many HS players......it's easier to get excited when a player chooses the Friars over the programs listed above rather than when a kid picks Providence over Stony Brook, SW Missouri State, and Nevada-Reno.
 

Mloaf71

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Big week on the recruiting trail. Lost out top 50 PG to UConn but snagged top 75 PF over big time ACC schools.

In the 2017 season the Friars are shaping up to be deep and BIG for once.