Thorough Notes:
If Darian DeVries goes to West Virginia, then Steve Alford could be a solid backup option. He has a long coaching career with experience at various schools like Iowa, New Mexico, UCLA, and Nevada. Alford is known for having both good and bad seasons, but his age, nearing 60, may not align with the desired profile of a young and up-and-coming coach. However, some have compared his potential hiring to OU bringing in Lon Kruger, indicating that he could still be a viable option if other candidates fall through.
01:00:25
Regarding the coaching search, the focus seems to be on narrowing down the candidates to up-and-coming coaches. Two primary contenders are Darian DeVries, the head coach of Drake, and Danny Sprinkle, the head coach of Utah State. Reports suggest that Oklahoma State aims to make a decision by Monday, with DeVries being the reported top target. DeVries has strong ties to Iowa and the Midwest, having played at Northern Iowa and worked as an assistant at Creighton. His coaching style emphasizes efficient offenses and solid player development, which could be appealing to the program. Sprinkle, on the other hand, has led successful offensive teams at Drake and Utah State, showcasing a different coaching approach. Both coaches offer unique strengths and could bring valuable assets to the program.
00:36:35
Analyzing the potential impact of the coaching search on the team's roster, the current players are advised to wait before officially transferring until the new coach is hired. Chad Weiberg, the athletic director, has met with the players to discuss this strategy, indicating that a decision on the coaching position may be imminent. The uncertainty surrounding the coaching situation has led to speculation about player transfers, with remaining eligibility players likely to enter the transfer portal if a new coach is not hired soon. This transitional period presents challenges and opportunities for the team as they navigate potential roster changes.
00:33:27
In the context of player transfers and the transfer portal, the discussion shifts to the behavior of specific players like Brandon Garrison and Naz Brown. Garrison's reported interest in Oklahoma State and Washington adds intrigue to the coaching search, while Brown's decision to enter the transfer portal as a walk-on raises questions about player motivations and future opportunities. The dynamics of player movements in college basketball, especially during coaching transitions, highlight the complexities and uncertainties faced by student-athletes in navigating their careers. The decisions made by individual players can have ripple effects on team dynamics and future recruitment strategies.
00:38:22
Exploring the coaching styles and backgrounds of Darian DeVries and Danny Sprinkle reveals contrasting approaches to offense and defense. DeVries is known for his efficient offenses and player development process, drawing on his experience as an assistant at Creighton. In contrast, Sprinkle's teams have excelled offensively while facing defensive challenges, showcasing a different coaching philosophy. The potential impact of these coaching styles on Oklahoma State's program and player development strategies underscores the importance of aligning coaching philosophies with the program's goals and values. The diverse skill sets and experiences of both coaches offer valuable insights into the future direction of the team.
00:57:42
Reflecting on the potential hires of Darian DeVries and Danny Sprinkle, the discussion delves into their coaching backgrounds and player development approaches. DeVries' emphasis on player development and efficient offenses aligns with the program's needs for growth and improvement. Sprinkle's track record of offensive success and defensive challenges presents a unique coaching profile that could address specific areas of improvement within the team. The evaluation of these coaching styles and philosophies provides valuable insights into the potential impact of their hires on the team's performance and development trajectory. The decision-making process surrounding coaching hires involves a careful consideration of coaching strengths and program needs.
00:40:37
In the context of player transfers and coaching transitions, the impact of individual decisions on team dynamics and future recruitment strategies becomes evident. The uncertainty surrounding player movements during coaching changes highlights the complexities and challenges faced by student-athletes in navigating their careers. The strategic considerations and motivations behind player decisions, such as entering the transfer portal or seeking scholarship opportunities, underscore the evolving landscape of college basketball and the competitive nature of player recruitment. The interplay between coaching changes and player transfers shapes the future direction of the team and influences program development strategies.
00:38:22
The potential hires of Darian DeVries and Danny Sprinkle offer contrasting coaching styles and backgrounds that could impact the team's performance and development trajectory. DeVries' focus on player development and efficient offenses aligns with the program's needs for growth and improvement, while Sprinkle's offensive success and defensive challenges present a unique coaching profile. The evaluation of these coaching philosophies provides valuable insights into the potential impact of their hires on the team's performance and development trajectory. The decision-making process surrounding coaching hires involves a careful consideration of coaching strengths and program needs.
00:40:37
Analyzing the coaching search process and potential candidates like Darian DeVries and Danny Sprinkle reveals the program's focus on identifying young and up-and-coming coaches. Reports suggest that Oklahoma State aims to make a decision by Monday, with DeVries emerging as a top target. DeVries' coaching style emphasizes efficient offenses and player development, aligning with the program's goals for growth and improvement. Sprinkle, known for his offensive success and defensive challenges, offers a different coaching approach that could address specific areas of improvement within the team. The diverse skill sets and experiences of both coaches provide valuable insights into the future direction of the team.
Additional Notes:
- Chad Weiberg is looking for a young and up-and-coming head coach, which Steve, at almost 60 years old, does not fit the bill for. However, Steve has experience as a head coach at various schools and has had both good and bad seasons
- Some have compared the potential hiring of Steve to OU hiring Lon Krueger, suggesting that he could come in to change the culture and then move on after a few seasons. The concern lies in the risk of an older coach potentially driving the program back into the ground after getting it back on track
- While Steve Alfred may not be the most exciting hire for Oklahoma State, he could still be a viable option to spark some excitement and get the program back on track. There are other splashier hires that could accomplish the same goal, such as Mike Smith from Washington State
- There is a preference for a younger, up-and-coming coach among the discussion participants, with names like Will Wade, DeVries, and Sprinkle being mentioned as more appealing options. While Alfred could be an acceptable choice, there is a desire for someone who can bring a fresh perspective and energy to the
- The anticipation is high for an announcement regarding the new head coach, with expectations of hearing something before the next podcast episode. The excitement is palpable, and the hosts are looking forward to breaking down the news in detail
- Predictions are made regarding the potential hire, with DeVries being the favored choice due to his strong ties to the region. Sprinkle is also considered a viable candidate, but the consensus leans slightly towards DeVries
- The conversation shifts to other sports programs at Oklahoma State, including softball, baseball, and wrestling. Updates on recent games and tournaments are shared, highlighting the achievements of various teams and athletes. The coverage of these sports events is praised, and the hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned for more updates
- A shoutout is given to Jonas Palmgarner for his recent victory in the Palm Valley Invitational, showcasing the success of Oklahoma State's golf program. The hosts express their excitement for the upcoming NCAA tournament and the conclusion of the coaching search, urging listeners to follow them on social media for more updates
My thoughts:
- I must say I was impressed with Sprinkle in Utah State's Round of 64 win. His team played really well and beat a Big 12 foe (TCU) that we have had major trouble beating for several years. For me, that might move him into the top spot, especially if Sean Miller is not in play and I have not heard anything regarding him. I would be happy with DeVries, Will Wade or Dusty May, although the latter two are looking less likely.
