They can’t retain Kevin unless they want 500-1000 people in the stands. He has proven (as many of us knew) that he is not qualified nor a needle mover perception wise. It’s not even a question as to if they should move on IMO. It was an atrocious hire by an AD who knew nothing about sports.
This mentality is what hurts UNLV and a true evaluation of Kevin.
You are not the only one with this, far from it. Not specifically trying to call you out. More that this mindset really pins the AD in a weird spot.
But the idea that Kevin wasn't qualified therefore will never be good enough is flawed and unfair.
Kevin hasn't been great, but he hasn't been terrible either. Truth is, if Pitino was hired with the same results he would have much more leeway. Now that leeway was earned through his experience, but still.
He is a rookie head coach that will take time to be good. Thems the facts. Hard to say what his ceiling is, but very unlikely that he has reached it already.
That doesn't mean he should get 5 years regardless. I am not sure he still should get his 4th year regardless.
But if he finishes this year strong, solidified as an top 4-5 team, then that is progress. Especially this year. That would equate to 5+ quad 1 wins, with a potential winning record in quad 1 as well.
If the team falls apart and we lose to the bottom and finish 6th or worse, then maybe not keep him.
But due to unreasonable fans and general disinterest, Harp should not harp too much on the attendance. (lol)
He does have the advantage that CKK is cheap, and his entire salary was pretty much paid for by TJ's buyout. Also Football is in the black so he does not have to rely on basketball to fund the department.
The unfortunate truth is the general disinterest in college basketball/UNLV in Las Vegas. Being 30 years removed from being a national level program. and 16 years removed from a tournament win, the interest isn't there. Our past matters very little any more. Even the Lady Rebs struggle to draw, while the Aces are doing well.
Any hire short of a big name that has won big in the recent past will north drum up much interest. Even one that does will be probably a marginal bump. So whether it is Kevin or a bigger name, it will likely take tournament wins and/or national rankings to get the T&M legitimately 1/2 full or better.
There is also the element that he is a Kruger and a huge part of our most recent significant success in the NCAAT. UNLV has already pissed off way too many of our past history. Do we want to add the Krugers to that list? It would be different if he wasn't a Kruger.
He has to finish out the season, which is going to happen. How they finish should matter.
I have no idea what Harp is thinking. It may be NCAA or bust. He did a relatively risky move in firing Arroyo after a promising though disappointing year in his 3rd season. It paid off big time. This is a little different with a much more liked coach with history with the program. We will see. '
But if he does fire CKK, I sure hope he swings for the fences. If he aims for a double or triple, fans aren't showing and the ones that are will be vocal early in their displeasure. And it will cost him probably double the salary.
