Gators are at best a one and done. We open with Virginia Tech and if we get that game would face Ohio State. I don't see our first game as any cinch but if we win then I think the game with Ohio State would be almost impossible for us.
I think the Longhorns are in a good spot, they are pretty healthy and they got on a run to finish out the season. Getting hot at the end of the season is a good thing in playoff basketball. I could see them going to the Sweet 16, we play a good mid major in Abilene Christian that we should handle then 1 of 3 teams either BYU, UCLA or Mich State. UCLA flopped at the end of the season so I'm thinking either BYU or Mich State both of which will be challenges. BYU is very experienced and MSU with Izzo you always have to be aware!
Was listening to Jay Bilas this morning he had some good insight and he had information on teams with players missing the 1st game or even the 2nd game due to Covid. Kansas getting a player back for the 1st game and another player back for the 2nd game. Said Mich really hurt by the foot injury to their leading scorer. He loves Illinois.
I think the Gators chances of going to the Sweet 16 have improved with the Ohio State upset by Oral Roberts.
Local news sources are reporting that Indiana has approached Coach Holtmann about the vacancy at Indiana. Ohio State has confirmed the information. I really would hate to see him leave our program after only four seasons. Big bucks may be involved to pry him away from the Buckeyes.
Is IU really a better job than OSU? Can IU really pay more? Ohio State has way more Athletic Dept revenue than IU.
Last report I saw re basketball expenses was for the 2016-7 season. Indiana - $12,855,019 Michigan State - $10,975,215 Illinois - $10,404,451 Wisconsin - $9,564,602 Ohio State - $9,293,589 Michigan - $8,800,186 Northwestern - $8,549,357 Rutgers - $8,168,723 Purdue - $8,099,562 Minnesota - $7,997,511 Nebraska - $7,448,108 Maryland - $7,442,558 Iowa - $7,215,672 This link shows that Indiana generates the highest revenue and profit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwauk...madness-how-much-revenue-big-ten-schools.html
Rumors Terry, but I have read from multiple sources, Hoosiers boosters have the money to attract the best available coach. Sounds almost like Texas boosters. Coach Holtmann said he is happy at Ohio State. Of course that comment is heard many times prior to leaving.
As as in-state resident and IU fan, I don't think the job is as attractive as it once was. EDIT: As of this post, six basketball scholarship athletes have entered the transfer portal. Who ever takes the job has the task of reeling them back in.
IU no doubt has a rich basketball history and Indiana is a great basketball state, but IU hasn't been a dominant program in recent history so kids today probably don't think of IU when they think of great programs. They think Duke, Kentucky for sure even though both programs are down this year. I am assuming IU alums are willing to back the $ needed to hire whoever they want. I assume that IU facilities are excellent as well. Still not sure why Holtman would leave OSU, unless IU was just one of those jobs he always hoped he could get someday. If so this is a good time, he's not following a legend and there is no doubt a will to do whatever is needed to bring IU back to the top of the Big 10. I would imagine that Ohio State has the money if that's the driving factor, and I would imagine that Ohio State facilities are as good as IU or maybe better so that can't be an issue. But if IU was/is his dream job then not much Ohio State can do about that.
It's being reported that Mike Woodson is the new IU men's basketball coach. He's originally from Indianapolis, played at IU and in the NBA and has been an assistant coach and head coach in the NBA for over 20 years. It's being reported in the local media that Thad Matta has been hired as assistant coach.
Correction to my earlier post: Matta will be Associate AD and will assist Woodson's staff. My words: He'll be involved.
Gator fans are howling for White to be fired. I am not one of them I think he should stay as our coach.
Most exciting game of the tournament so far, UCLA and Alabama. Back and forth the whole second half. Bama misses free throws but hits a 3 pointer at the buzzer to send it into overtime. Ucla finally wins it. Both teams missed free throws that could have won the game. In the end UCLA wins it and it was by far the most entertaining game so far, in my opinion at least.
If Woodson can gain any type of success such as Howard has achieved at Michigan, it will be a great hire for an unpoven college coach. With Matta onboard as well, just might work.