That’s who I was comparing him to. I think Dixon is a better coach and would take him in a heart beat over Alford but here’s the kicker.
Nevada beat TCU by 13 this year. At the beginning of this season, Dixon’s Big 12 winning percentage was worse than Boynton. He makes $3.8 million at TCU. That is a lot of money for those results.
What's the point of hiring to hire later? Find the right guy now. If this hire of Alford actually happens, it feels like such a missed opportunity.
The number 1 team all year, number 1 in BPI, best team in best conference, yeah I’ll take that.
Maybe it does, totally understand that.
Interesting!
Looking at Nevada as well, he has done less there than Eric Musselman or Mark Fox accomplished. His heyday was a good run at New Mexico and his first couple of years at UCLA. He is still a solid coach, but his peak appears past him.
He's not my first choice, and I'm not saying that's the reason for the hire, just thinking it through long term. If it's Alford, what I like is what seems to be a pretty high floor. Any of the mid-major guys we like are still a risk, and we simply can't afford to go much longer as a doormat sitting home in March. If he can get us to the tournament regularly, it'll be a good hire. And there's no guarantee that he's hit his ceiling, so who knows. None of the mid-major guys have proven yet how high their ceiling would be, especially in the meat grinder that is now Big 12 basketball. I prefer younger because the game is going through changes, but I won't hate an Alford hire.
There are certainly worse hires. But it is a bunt to advance the runner from 1st to 2nd. I'd rather we take a swing.
“High floor, low ceiling” seems like a great way to describe Alford. He’ll probably win at a higher level than Boynton, but there’s nothing in his 30+ year coaching history that suggests he’ll do great things here.
This is the thought process I imagine Weiburg is going through. We've been a doormat for so long and have swung and missed on up-and-comers once or twice, let's first hire someone with a, while not incredible, still solid track record who can regularly get us into the postseason. TLDR, let's first get some stability and baseline success back in the program. Alford likely offers that, and is a big enough name at what I imagine isn't too high of an accompanying price tag. Then since he's getting up in age anyway, start laying the groundwork and studying for the next big hire to happen within 5 or so years.
Wow Marcus Smart has really upped his backflip game since his infamous one at the PhogIt's not like Alford is chopped liver, he had 3 sweet 16's in basically 5 years at UCLA. UCLA is a tough job and every coach will be chasing a larger than life figure in Wooden. Would be a good hire but won't make me go
When you're hot you're hot!I hear he is even decent at shooting the 3 now
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Is that the goal? Just to get to the tournament, with getting to the round of 16 to be our greatest achievement for the next 5-6 years.
I.e., upper middle management.
based on the last 20 years...what do you think is realistic for the next 5 years?
I am just hoping for tournament bids which would be 20-22 wins. We have a lot to overcome to right the ship - brutal conference and limited NIL funding.
