Harper....The next UNLV head basketball coach

[TimothyC3]

Now we have a history with AD Harper. First, and rightfully so football has been made a priority under his leadership. Also, when it came to his first coaching search it was devoid of any leaks and it kept the media and UNLV fans guessing ultimately resulting in the hiring of Barry Odom as the program’s 13th football coach. We had no clue! Additionally, a contingency plan was in place well before Odom's second season started (just in case) because it was later learned that Harper, Saccenti and Mullen were all playing golf together last summer at Southern Highlands. Harper pretty much had his new coach and money lined up and ready to go. How would you rate Harper's first hire in Odom? He get's an A IMO. What about Harper's 2nd hire in Mullen? It's early. But preliminarily, another A and potentially a higher ceiling than Odom.

Based on history, when it comes to UNLV's next basketball coach there will be no leaks or rumors. No national search committees or consultants. I anticipate based on past performance Harper already has the new UNLV basketball coach pretty much lined up along with the $$$$ to pay him. Within 3-5 days after CKK release, I anticipate UNLV announcing it's new head basketball coach. Based on history and the level of football coaches hired by AD Harper I expect it will be considered another A rated hire.

 

[LVRebel2000]

Now we have a history with AD Harper. First, and rightfully so football has been made a priority under his leadership. Also, when it came to his first coaching search it was devoid of any leaks and it kept the media and UNLV fans guessing ultimately resulting in the hiring of Barry Odom as the program’s 13th football coach. We had no clue! Additionally, a contingency plan was in place well before Odom's second season started (just in case) because it was later learned that Harper, Saccenti and Mullen were all playing golf together last summer at Southern Highlands. Harper pretty much had his new coach and money lined up and ready to go. How would you rate Harper's first hire in Odom? He get an A IMO. What about Harper's 2nd Hire in Mullen? It's early. But preliminarily, another A and potentially a higher ceiling than Odom.

Based on history, when it comes to UNLV's next basketball coach there will be no leaks or rumors. No national search committees or consultants. I anticipate based on past performance Harper already has the new UNLV basketball coach pretty much lined up along with the $$$$ to pay him. Within 3-5 days after CKK release, I anticipate UNLV announcing the UNLV new head basketball coach. Based on history and the level of football coaches hired by AD Harper I expect it will be considered another A rated hire.

I love your positivity. I hope it plays out exactly like that and we get to enjoy UNLV football and basketball both being ranked in the top 25 in the same season.

 

[rebel5280]

Now we have a history with AD Harper. First, and rightfully so football has been made a priority under his leadership. Also, when it came to his first coaching search it was devoid of any leaks and it kept the media and UNLV fans guessing ultimately resulting in the hiring of Barry Odom as the program’s 13th football coach. We had no clue! Additionally, a contingency plan was in place well before Odom's second season started (just in case) because it was later learned that Harper, Saccenti and Mullen were all playing golf together last summer at Southern Highlands. Harper pretty much had his new coach and money lined up and ready to go. How would you rate Harper's first hire in Odom? He get's an A IMO. What about Harper's 2nd hire in Mullen? It's early. But preliminarily, another A and potentially a higher ceiling than Odom.

Based on history, when it comes to UNLV's next basketball coach there will be no leaks or rumors. No national search committees or consultants. I anticipate based on past performance Harper already has the new UNLV basketball coach pretty much lined up along with the $$$$ to pay him. Within 3-5 days after CKK release, I anticipate UNLV announcing it's new head basketball coach. Based on history and the level of football coaches hired by AD Harper I expect it will be considered another A rated hire.

Well said!

Odom was not mentioned once here by anyone and Mullen happened so quickly that the way you lay it out makes sense.

Harper is the AD we have been dreaming of, he has proven he knows what he’s doing in the way he has slayed the dragon of UNLV football!

Now, is Harper going to get poached soon, that’s the real question…

 

[Rebel77fl2]

So what you’re saying is two years of Ulric Maligi before he goes takes the Oklahoma State job and then Buzz Williams, gotcha.

 

[TimothyC3]

IMO Harper now has so much good will in the community he could make a run at Gregg Marshall and no one would give the hire much thought. Also, WSU is still paying Marshall as part of their separation agreement through the end of 2026. But what is important in the separation agreement is that WSU must STILL pay Marshall even if he takes a new job. Maybe $1.5 mill could get it done? Marshall would be a great hire. From the Kansas paper:

"According to the agreement, Marshall’s LLC, Marshall Hoops, will receive a $48,076.92 payment from WSU every two weeks, starting on Dec. 11, for the next six years, for a total of 156 payments and $7.5 million. The remaining $250,000 is being paid to Marshall in a lump sum. There is also no mitigation agreement, which is common in separation agreements. That means WSU still has to pay Marshall if the coach is hired by another program in the next six years."

Read more at: https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article247294674.html#storylink=cpy

 

[RebelScrub]

Is Harper golfing with Lon right now?

 

[dcut03]

Is Russ Turner completely a lost cause?

I would love Wade or Marshall, but Russ Turner is just killing it at Irvine as well.

I don't think we can fund rase enough for Marshall, but I think the other 2 are more than obtainable. It is much easier to sell Football with all the excitement and results, but when no one cares for a good not great year last year in basketball, it becomes a much harder sell. At least a much riskier investment.

 

[rebel5280]

IMO Harper now has so much good will in the community he could make a run at Gregg Marshall and no one would give the hire much thought. Also, WSU is still paying Marshall as part of their separation agreement through the end of 2026. But what is important in the separation agreement is that WSU must STILL pay Marshall even if he takes a new job. Maybe $1.5 mill could get it done? Marshall would be a great hire. From the Kansas paper:

"According to the agreement, Marshall’s LLC, Marshall Hoops, will receive a $48,076.92 payment from WSU every two weeks, starting on Dec. 11, for the next six years, for a total of 156 payments and $7.5 million. The remaining $250,000 is being paid to Marshall in a lump sum. There is also no mitigation agreement, which is common in separation agreements. That means WSU still has to pay Marshall if the coach is hired by another program in the next six years."

Read more at: https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article247294674.html#storylink=cpy

Would be a good move!

Wade, Wright or Marshall were high on the list, with Marshall being the one name that makes sense when it comes to the “former” HC vein that is a proven model around here!

 

[WarthogRebel]

I just spent some time searching for what Marshall has been doing for the past four years. All I get is pablum. Nobody knows what he is doing specifically. It does look like he's been away from basketball. If he was involved in BB it would be out there. I would rather see a coach who has been involved with the game.

 

[rebel5280]

I just spent some time searching for what Marshall has been doing for the past four years. All I get is pablum. Nobody knows what he is doing specifically. It does look like he's been away from basketball. If he was involved in BB it would be out there. I would rather see a coach who has been involved with the game.

Mullen wasn’t coaching for a few years but here he is now, like he never left!

 

[WarthogRebel]

Mullen wasn’t coaching for a few years but here he is now, like he never left!

To me the difference between them is Mullen was active announcing/commentating. Marshall has done none of that. The press and the basketball community in general has treated Marshall like a leper. Four years is a long time to be away from NCAA sports. The last year Marshall coached, the portal had only been around for a year and there was no NIL. Recruiting has to be completely different from when Marshall was active. I think it's a big risk to take a coach who has been completely away from the sport for four years.

 

[j. spilotro]

Is Russ Turner completely a lost cause?

I would love Wade or Marshall, but Russ Turner is just killing it at Irvine as well.

I don't think we can fund rase enough for Marshall, but I think the other 2 are more than obtainable. It is much easier to sell Football with all the excitement and results, but when no one cares for a good not great year last year in basketball, it becomes a much harder sell. At least a much riskier investment.

Turner won’t budge the needle with interest. That’s part of it. UNLV has lost so badly that they need to win the press conference and win right away. They’ve exhausted every ounce of goodwill with the fans. You snooze, you lose. Start with an unexciting hire, you get 2k in stadium … need a name that has something with substance behind it, some higher level proof. Turner ain’t it.

 

[j. spilotro]

I just spent some time searching for what Marshall has been doing for the past four years. All I get is pablum. Nobody knows what he is doing specifically. It does look like he's been away from basketball. If he was involved in BB it would be out there. I would rather see a coach who has been involved with the game.

Wade.

I’d take Marshall, too. But Wade would top my list of realistic possibilities. I don’t consider Wright a possibility at all. Too high of a tag. Ultimate success, squeaky clean image - high premium.

 

[TimothyC3]

To me the difference between them is Mullen was active announcing/commentating. Marshall has done none of that. The press and the basketball community in general has treated Marshall like a leper. Four years is a long time to be away from NCAA sports. The last year Marshall coached, the portal had only been around for a year and there was no NIL. Recruiting has to be completely different from when Marshall was active. I think it's a big risk to take a coach who has been completely away from the sport for four years.

Kelvin Sampson was fired at Indiana after the 2007-08 season. He was treated like a leper and didn't coach again until 2014-15 at Houston and I don't remember seeing him involved in college hoops at all . That's 7 years and he hit the ground running. At the end of the season it will be 5 years for Marshall. The time off doesn't matter IMO. Marshall can coach and has won every where he has gone. He would have a Sampson like impact at UNLV IMO.

 

[rebelzzz]

Harper did great hiring Odom and from first appearances looksnlike he even did better getting Mullen. Time will tell. He know football, he has the contacts. After the Odom i expected a big hire for football.
I guess now we will see if he can do the same for basketball. I am not as confident about Harper and basketball. He may hire a homerun hire and i hope he does but i am not holdingy breath.

 

[Rebel77fl2]

Sampson was never out of basketball as he coached in the NBA as an assistant for those years. Secondly, right or wrong his sins are much different than Marshall’s. Not sure how Marshall is even an option these days.
To me Wade is top of the list, but what does UNLV look offer? he is too young to have much idea of what UNLV was. He has a good gig in the southeast (sort of) where he is from, he can move from McNeese to a P4 job eventually. What does Vegas offer him. Sure Wade is making peanuts and UNLV can offer more than most non-P4 schools. It would be great to get him, I just think it is a long shot.

 

[WarthogRebel]

Kelvin Sampson was fired at Indiana after the 2007-08 season. He was treated like a leper and didn't coach again until 2014-15 at Houston and I don't remember seeing him involved in college hoops at all . That's 7 years and he hit the ground running. At the end of the season it will be 5 years for Marshall. The time off doesn't matter IMO. Marshall can coach and has won every where he has gone. He would have a Sampson like impact at UNLV IMO.

Not even a close comparison. Sampson was a Bucks and Rockets assistant. He was NEVER away from the game.

 

[TimothyC3]

Not even a close comparison. Sampson was a Bucks and Rockets assistant. He was NEVER away from the game.

Away from the game? What does that really mean? He was an assistant and in the NBA. Not a college head coach. Different game. Success in college or in the NBA totally different. Lon Kruger, Rick Pitino and Tark were all fired in the NBA. But they are hall of fame college coaches. Not the same game at all.

 

[TimothyC3]

Not even a close comparison. Sampson was a Bucks and Rockets assistant. He was NEVER away from the game.

In fact I thought the argument would focus on potential loss of aau and high school recruiting connections. With NIL that is not as important as it once was.

 

[WarthogRebel]

Away from the game? What does that really mean? He was an assistant and in the NBA. Not a college head coach. Different game. Success in college or in the NBA totally different. Lon Kruger, Rick Pitino and Tark were all fired in the NBA. But they are hall of fame college coaches. Not the same game at all.

Marshall will never be a hall of fame coach.

 

[unlove]

Kelvin Sampson was fired at Indiana after the 2007-08 season. He was treated like a leper and didn't coach again until 2014-15 at Houston and I don't remember seeing him involved in college hoops at all . That's 7 years and he hit the ground running. At the end of the season it will be 5 years for Marshall. The time off doesn't matter IMO. Marshall can coach and has won every where he has gone. He would have a Sampson like impact at UNLV IMO.

Sampson… what could have been 🤦🏼‍♂️

 

[Rosegreen1]

We’ll see, but the fact there’s zero leaks or even a hint that CKK is doing a bad job is telling to me.

IDK if CKK actually gets fired. Just so weird nobody in the media is even contemplating a coaching change.

 

[bcvegaspt2]

Just so weird nobody in the media is even contemplating a coaching change.

The Las Vegas 'media' is nothing more than an extension of a PR firm for the University.
"Say good things about us and we'll let you ride around campus in a golf cart".

Same with certain 'insiders'.
"Hype this JC center up and I'll keep telling you more about who we may be getting. Ignore that his cool nickname doesn't match his game."

 

[dcut03]

Wade.

I’d take Marshall, too. But Wade would top my list of realistic possibilities. I don’t consider Wright a possibility at all. Too high of a tag. Ultimate success, squeaky clean image - high premium.

I don't think Wade will excite anyone either. Casual fans don't know who he is. And he is doing exactly what Turner is at a lower level, though Turner is arguably doing it better right now. And the majority of LAs Vegas college basketball fans ARE pretty casual.

Marshall is likely the only candidate that could immediately spark interest that I think we have any chance of landing.

Fan support is low, outside only a few names, there won't be any type of notable bump with a new hire. With that in mind, we need to get the best coach that will get us to the dance.

Marshall could be exactly that, and he would spark interest. There are questions though. He has been away from the game. And normally I wouldn't care that much, but with how the portal and NIL has changed in the past 4-5 years, there is a legit concern there. Things have changed a lot. Not saying that is an issue, but it could be.

Marshall could also demand an over 2.5 mil salary which I don't think we can swing right now , so there is that.

 

[Rosegreen1]

The Las Vegas 'media' is nothing more than an extension of a PR firm for the University.
"Say good things about us and we'll let you ride around campus in a golf cart".

Same with certain 'insiders'.
"Hype this JC center up and I'll keep telling you more about who we may be getting. Ignore that his cool nickname doesn't match his game."

To an extent, but again that doesn’t always ring true. In the final seasons of Rice and Menzies, the heat was on. There’s no disputing that it affected both of them, more so Menzies by going unhinged with his comments about the situation he was in and that there was racial bias (paraphrasing) at unlv.

Point is, it’s different and I’m not sure there’s a desire to invest millions into a coaching staff for the MBB program that doesn’t generate anything close to the football program.

I don’t see ANY evidence that UNLV is primed to pay a salary or issue money for two buyouts (CKK and whoever the other guy has left on his contract). There’s been discussion that the MWC payments would go towards helping unlv athletic department debt. It doesn’t sound like we’re in a position to pay big dollars on a coaching change.


If there’s going to be a coaching change, it’ll be on the cheap (3 of the last 4 hires were cheap) . Start evaluating from the patriot league or something, because that’s where we’re at money wise.

 

[rebel5280]

To an extent, but again that doesn’t always ring true. In the final seasons of Rice and Menzies, the heat was on. There’s no disputing that it affected both of them, more so Menzies by going unhinged with his comments about the situation he was in and that there was racial bias (paraphrasing) at unlv.

Point is, it’s different and I’m not sure there’s a desire to invest millions into a coaching staff for the MBB program that doesn’t generate anything close to the football program.

I don’t see ANY evidence that UNLV is primed to pay a salary or issue money for two buyouts (CKK and whoever the other guy has left on his contract). There’s been discussion that the MWC payments would go towards helping unlv athletic department debt. It doesn’t sound like we’re in a position to pay big dollars on a coaching change.


If there’s going to be a coaching change, it’ll be on the cheap (3 of the last 4 hires were cheap) . Start evaluating from the patriot league or something, because that’s where we’re at money wise.

You could have stopped here!

Kevin should be gone but could they keep him, maybe but my hunch leans the other way, meaning Harper doesn’t keep him.

Let it play out, it’s above all our pay grades or access!

 

[Rebel1986]

To an extent, but again that doesn’t always ring true. In the final seasons of Rice and Menzies, the heat was on. There’s no disputing that it affected both of them, more so Menzies by going unhinged with his comments about the situation he was in and that there was racial bias (paraphrasing) at unlv.

Point is, it’s different and I’m not sure there’s a desire to invest millions into a coaching staff for the MBB program that doesn’t generate anything close to the football program.

I don’t see ANY evidence that UNLV is primed to pay a salary or issue money for two buyouts (CKK and whoever the other guy has left on his contract). There’s been discussion that the MWC payments would go towards helping unlv athletic department debt. It doesn’t sound like we’re in a position to pay big dollars on a coaching change.


If there’s going to be a coaching change, it’ll be on the cheap (3 of the last 4 hires were cheap) . Start evaluating from the patriot league or something, because that’s where we’re at money wise.

3 of the 4 were under idiots as AD's and an administration that was always looking to fix things cheaply, grouping the current AD in with that group isn't warranted!

 

[Rosegreen1]

You could have stopped here!

Kevin should be gone but could they keep him, maybe but my hunch leans the other way, meaning Harper doesn’t keep him.

Let it play out, it’s above all our pay grades or access!

I’m just going on recent history, 3 of 4 hires were cheap AF.

Meanwhile the investments into the football program are skyrocketing like never before. Going from a shoestring budget and SBS to now is incredible.

 

[j. spilotro]

To an extent, but again that doesn’t always ring true. In the final seasons of Rice and Menzies, the heat was on. There’s no disputing that it affected both of them, more so Menzies by going unhinged with his comments about the situation he was in and that there was racial bias (paraphrasing) at unlv.

Point is, it’s different and I’m not sure there’s a desire to invest millions into a coaching staff for the MBB program that doesn’t generate anything close to the football program.

I don’t see ANY evidence that UNLV is primed to pay a salary or issue money for two buyouts (CKK and whoever the other guy has left on his contract). There’s been discussion that the MWC payments would go towards helping unlv athletic department debt. It doesn’t sound like we’re in a position to pay big dollars on a coaching change.


If there’s going to be a coaching change, it’ll be on the cheap (3 of the last 4 hires were cheap) . Start evaluating from the patriot league or something, because that’s where we’re at money wise.

I can’t be absolutely positive, but my understanding, and this isn’t guesswork, there’s knowledge behind it …. Is that there will be money for a buyout and a non-cheap hire. A cheap hire meaning an unproven, light experience, etc.

That’s as it stands now. For a myriad of reasons, UNLV is in a stronger financial position than I can recall. We aren’t oozing excess dollars like big schools but it’s not as bad as it’s been, even with us finding a ton to dump into football.

If we do make a cheap hire - I take it as a final nail in the coffin for UNLV hoops, meaning the university is 100 in on football and nothing else matters. A flip of the script.

 

[j. spilotro]

I don't think Wade will excite anyone either. Casual fans don't know who he is. And he is doing exactly what Turner is at a lower level, though Turner is arguably doing it better right now. And the majority of LAs Vegas college basketball fans ARE pretty casual.

Marshall is likely the only candidate that could immediately spark interest that I think we have any chance of landing.

Fan support is low, outside only a few names, there won't be any type of notable bump with a new hire. With that in mind, we need to get the best coach that will get us to the dance.

Marshall could be exactly that, and he would spark interest. There are questions though. He has been away from the game. And normally I wouldn't care that much, but with how the portal and NIL has changed in the past 4-5 years, there is a legit concern there. Things have changed a lot. Not saying that is an issue, but it could be.

Marshall could also demand an over 2.5 mil salary which I don't think we can swing right now , so there is that.

Casual fans might not, but it’s an easier sell because he’s done something of significance in a power conference. You show some success in the SEC and post season success, that’s a draw. Different sport, but his resume is favorable to Odom’s.

The Turner thing has been explored before. And it wasn’t something strong. Times have changed, but I don’t see something like that happening. Turner, Pasternak, Bob Williams, those types of cats …. Nah, not good enough IMO.

 

[Rosegreen1]

3 of the 4 were under idiots as AD's and an administration that was always looking to fix things cheaply, grouping the current AD in with that group isn't warranted!

Basketball hires were cheap, football not so much. The ADs put more money into staffing every year on the football side. Remember we had Sanchez flanked by experienced coordinators, that cost money. Then it was Arroyo and his staff, etc.

Basketball has largely stayed the same with TJO notwithstanding, and that’s with Texas Tech and Iowa State paying UNLV buyouts.

 

[Rebel1986]

Basketball hires were cheap, football not so much. The ADs put more money into staffing every year on the football side. Remember we had Sanchez flanked by experienced coordinators, that cost money. Then it was Arroyo and his staff, etc.

Basketball has largely stayed the same with TJO notwithstanding, and that’s with Texas Tech and Iowa State paying UNLV buyouts.

Hauck (2010-2014) was paid $700,000 per year then they took a significant pay cut to Sanchez (2015-2019) who was paid $600,000 per year, then they did make a large increase to $1,500,000 per year for Arroyo.

 

[Rosegreen1]

I can’t be absolutely positive, but my understanding, and this isn’t guesswork, there’s knowledge behind it …. Is that there will be money for a buyout and a non-cheap hire. A cheap hire meaning an unproven, light experience, etc.

That’s as it stands now. For a myriad of reasons, UNLV is in a stronger financial position than I can recall. We aren’t oozing excess dollars like big schools but it’s not as bad as it’s been, even with us finding a ton to dump into football.

If we do make a cheap hire - I take it as a final nail in the coffin for UNLV hoops, meaning the university is 100 in on football and nothing else matters. A flip of the script.

You know more than I do. The only thing that would change the equation for me is if CKK’s contract has a clause where if he accepts a buyout deal, he cannot work or volunteer anywhere relating to sports. It’s pretty standard at UNLV and I know Arroyo took a year off making a million. Menzies went to work immediately I think at GCU. Same with Rice.

Can’t see a guy like Kruger sitting around not doing anything with basketball. I can see a similar situation as with Hauck to mutually part ways while cutting a check for a clean break.

 

[Rosegreen1]

Hauck (2010-2014) was paid $700,000 per year then they took a significant pay cut to Sanchez (2015-2019) who was paid $600,000 per year, then they did make a large increase to $1,500,000 per year for Arroyo.

Again, they upped the staffing salaries under Sanchez. He was flanked by experienced p5 coordinators and I think the salary pool for staffing was quadrupled.

 

[WarthogRebel]

We on this board want a "Name" coach to excite fans. I'm sure it will excite posters on this forum but I'm not so sure about the average fan - especially most of the casual fans. I bet you could poll 500 people leaving a Rebel game and ask who is "Greg Marshall" and less than 30% would even know. Ask the same poll of general residents of the valley and it would drop to below 15%. Do the same poll for the coach of current # 1 Auburn ( Bruce Pearl) and you'd get the same results. Calipari and Pitino would be higher - but they aren't coming.

The only thing that will excite fans (by mid season) is wins. That's the only thing that will bring in new fans or lure back previous fans. Wins and loads of them - especially over "Name" teams. Hire coach "Joe Bagadoughnuts" and have him go 12-1 with preseason wins over Duke, Kansas and his only loss against Gonzaga by 1 point and there will be 10,000+ at his first conference game. Hire a "Name " coach and have him go 5 - 7 with blowout losses against those same teams and you will be lucky to have 5,000.

A case can certainly be made that a "Name" coach can garner better local support for recruiting NIL and team building in general than coach "Bagadoughnuts". But if this no-name coach can get recruits to play the style he wants and it's a winning style that can be rapidly overcome.

The only thing a "Name" coach gives Harper is a built-in excuse if he sucks. Harper can easily say "Look I hired the best available - what could I do"? He hires someone nobody has heard of and it's all on him.

It will be interesting.

 

[rebel5280]

Why is everyone so worried about Harper, you act as if he just started on the job yesterday?

If anyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, it is him! He hired Odom and not one person here posted his name beforehand.

The fact is none of us know what’s in play or who so let’s see what happens.

He either keeps Kevin because or he moves on from because.

And I think it’s the later and TimothyC3 laid out Harper’s potential plan beautifully!

 

[dcut03]

Casual fans might not, but it’s an easier sell because he’s done something of significance in a power conference. You show some success in the SEC and post season success, that’s a draw. Different sport, but his resume is favorable to Odom’s.

The Turner thing has been explored before. And it wasn’t something strong. Times have changed, but I don’t see something like that happening. Turner, Pasternak, Bob Williams, those types of cats …. Nah, not good enough IMO.

But the Odom hire didn't spark much interest either.

Hell our best season in 2 decades barely moved the needle for his second year on opening day.

Those types of cats like Porter Moser? Your punchline for 5 years who is doing just fine right now?

 

[dcut03]

We on this board want a "Name" coach to excite fans. I'm sure it will excite posters on this forum but I'm not so sure about the average fan - especially most of the casual fans. I bet you could poll 500 people leaving a Rebel game and ask who is "Greg Marshall" and less than 30% would even know. Ask the same poll of general residents of the valley and it would drop to below 15%. Do the same poll for the coach of current # 1 Auburn ( Bruce Pearl) and you'd get the same results. Calipari and Pitino would be higher - but they aren't coming.

The only thing that will excite fans (by mid season) is wins. That's the only thing that will bring in new fans or lure back previous fans. Wins and loads of them - especially over "Name" teams. Hire coach "Joe Bagadoughnuts" and have him go 12-1 with preseason wins over Duke, Kansas and his only loss against Gonzaga by 1 point and there will be 10,000+ at his first conference game. Hire a "Name " coach and have him go 5 - 7 with blowout losses against those same teams and you will be lucky to have 5,000.

A case can certainly be made that a "Name" coach can garner better local support for recruiting NIL and team building in general than coach "Bagadoughnuts". But if this no-name coach can get recruits to play the style he wants and it's a winning style that can be rapidly overcome.

The only thing a "Name" coach gives Harper is a built-in excuse if he sucks. Harper can easily say "Look I hired the best available - what could I do"? He hires someone nobody has heard of and it's all on him.

It will be interesting.

100%!