Brando...

[ShortCreek]

During the game Tim Brando had many complimentary things to say about the Louisville program. But, he also went “Fletcher Page” during the game as well, suggesting Padgett should be given the job right now!

It’s amazing how someone with zero vested interest in the program wants to wade in with the answer on who should lead our team long term.

While Padgett is continuing to improve and do good work I contend this job has to be opened up at season’s end - regardless of the success this team may have.

 

[Cardinal Cash]

During the game Tim Brando had many complimentary things to say about the Louisville program. But, he also went “Fletcher Page” during the game as well, suggesting Padgett should be given the job right now!

It’s amazing how someone with zero vested interest in the program wants to wade in with the answer on who should lead our team long term.

While Padgett is continuing to improve and do good work I contend this job has to be opened up at season’s end - regardless of the success this team may have.

Why does the team’s success have no bearing on the status of Padgett? If this team were to do the unthinkable and win a national championship or get to the final 4, that proves Padgett can lead a solid group of players to great success. If you say recruiting is the reason then you’ve got no idea how badly we are hamstringing Padgett on the recruiting front right now. There are 2 reasons that U of L can’t recruit right now. Rick Pitino and the rogue assistants screwing us again and the fact that no one knows who the head coach is going to be next year. One of those can be quickly fixed by U of L if Padgett is successful.

 

[Senore2006]

Padgett will be a very successful recruiter. Either here or somewhere else. Good coaches get good players. This is not the dilemma people think. Fact is, Dave will have certain definite advantages right out the gate.....a hot team with terrific vibes and a sweet playing style featuring defense.......Louisville fans and following/arena...........he's a dam giant lol. Mom';s and Dad's will worry how much food to make for his visits, ha ha. He has tiny little people at home.

 

[ShortCreek]

Ever heard of a guy named Kevin Ollie? Well, that’s not working out too well for UConn is it!

Bottom line - while I give Padgett credit for the job he’s done, there are better, more experienced coaches available that we can get at season’s end.

 

[Senore2006]

Comparing Kevin Ollie with Dave Padgett? Whatever floats your boat. You seem pretty sure Dave will not be the man. Your tone is that desperate, lol.

Sure, if Dave can't convince people he is appropriate for the gig, we'll cast eyes elsewhere. Eric Mussleman at Nevada would be the first guy I would call. Truth is, there just aren't that many compelling coaching choices out there. The good ones have jobs.

Most of our fans are seriously risk-aversive. Hell, if Padgett shows what many of us suspect, he would be overwhelmingly the right choice. Making a genius is hard work. We already did it with Jeff Walz.

 

[CardFanBudMan]

Comparing Kevin Ollie with Dave Padgett? Whatever floats your boat. You seem pretty sure Dave will not be the man. Your tone is that desperate, lol.

Sure, if Dave can't convince people he is appropriate for the gig, we'll cast eyes elsewhere. Eric Mussleman at Nevada would be the first guy I would call. Truth is, there just aren't that many compelling coaching choices out there. The good ones have jobs.

Most of our fans are seriously risk-aversive. Hell, if Padgett shows what many of us suspect, he would be overwhelmingly the right choice. Making a genius is hard work.

This is silliness. U of L is a top 5-10 job. There are plenty of guys who will be interested when the time comes, assuming Tyra is going to be allowed to spend the money to get it done.

 

[shadow force]

It's a tough decision that I'm glad that I'm not in charge of making. I understand recruiting windows/time and all of that, but I think you absolutely have to see who is interested and who would take the UofL head coaching job when the time comes.

I say, depending on how the season ends, that Padgett should be considered and in the running as head coach. He has impressed me thus far, but I would like to see who else UofL could get too. I think slamming the door on any other candidates right now would be a mistake.

 

[Senore2006]

This is silliness. U of L is a top 5-10 job. There are plenty of guys who will be interested when the time comes, assuming Tyra is going to be allowed to spend the money to get it done.

Keep telling yourself that. It most certainly is when things are swinging along but they aren't right now, are they? This could mean choosing candidate #3 or 4 because the others are not sure about leadership here - you know, the guys they work for. And Candidates 3 and 4 are not an ideal solution.

 

[ShortCreek]

Just because an attractive candidate “has a job” doesn’t mean he wouldn’t listen. I guess if Petrino left us in a mess like this you’d be willing to give Mike Summers or Lonnie Galloway the head gig???

 

[CardsFirst]

During the game Tim Brando had many complimentary things to say about the Louisville program. But, he also went “Fletcher Page” during the game as well, suggesting Padgett should be given the job right now!

It’s amazing how someone with zero vested interest in the program wants to wade in with the answer on who should lead our team long term.

While Padgett is continuing to improve and do good work I contend this job has to be opened up at season’s end - regardless of the success this team may have.

I don’t think Brando went Fletcher on us because he suggested we keep Padgett. I’ve been leaning that way for weeks. Sure we can go out and find a more experienced coach, but that doesn’t mean it will be successful.

I don’t think anyone should overlook what Padgett has accomplished with zero time to prepare and given the circumstances. Sometimes the answer is right in front of you but you can’t see it because it’s not as shiny.

We have the rest of the season to see plus at least another year or two if we sign him to get us through the NCAA crap.

 

[T-Bone74]

During the game Tim Brando had many complimentary things to say about the Louisville program. But, he also went “Fletcher Page” during the game as well, suggesting Padgett should be given the job right now!

It’s amazing how someone with zero vested interest in the program wants to wade in with the answer on who should lead our team long term.

While Padgett is continuing to improve and do good work I contend this job has to be opened up at season’s end - regardless of the success this team may have.

Totally agree.....these players are doing what they are supposed to do so far.

If they do a search and DP is hired than so be it. But it would be foolish to decide now either on DP or against him. Lots of ball to be played still

 

[glassmanJ]

i hate the argument that there's better more experienced people out there. shaka smart was that man a few years ago and texas sucks. crean was that mean a few years ago and iu sucked. who's the dude from fiu now at usc and they are not great. whoopderdo for a flash in the pants. what's happening at arizona? time and time again an experienced coach is hired and he sucks. and jsut as many times a new young coach does good. don;t hire old players who want to coach like mullen and ewing.

i say extend his contract from six months to two full years so he can go out and recruit. if a new ad comes in and doesn;t want him you're only buying out one year of a contract that isn't paying much comparably. but he deserves two full years just because he was willing to take the job, that alone deserves two years as long as the team shows it learns and improves under him which it has and is doing. give him a longer contract!!!

 

[Cue Card]

I'm all in for David Padgett to get the job full time. I like his calm collective approach while on the sideline. It doesn't really matter all that much to me though. I'm a UofL fan no matter who the coach is.

 

[CardFanBudMan]

Keep telling yourself that. It most certainly is when things are swinging along but they aren't right now, are they? This could mean choosing candidate #3 or 4 because the others are not sure about leadership here - you know, the guys they work for. And Candidates 3 and 4 are not an ideal solution.

I will keep telling myself that and anyone else who will listen because it is 100% true. You are vastly underselling and underestimating this job, NCAA sanctions, or not. Unparalleled arena, check. Unparalleled practice facility, check. ACC membership, check. Ability to live in a city and not some crappy small town like Bloomington or even Lexington, check. Tradition, check. Big salary, check (and it will still be big, even if Tyra is not allowed to pay TJ level money).

People take jobs all the time not knowing the person they are going to work for. They might know who it is, but they truly don’t know the person, until they actually work for them. That is not an issue.

Padgett might end up being the guy. I am not saying no to him, just yet. However, I am certainly leaning toward someone else who is more established, especially with what we all think is coming. It sounds like you don’t think too much of our team and University. We saved a football team that was about to be dropped. We recovered from Cooper and Kragthorpe. It is even easier to do in basketball because all you need is 8 really good players. We recovered from the hole Denny Crum dug. Quit being so paranoid, or maybe panicked is a better word.

 

[ShortCreek]

A six-month to two year commitment suggestion is just plain stupid. First of all, that won’t happen. What are you saying? Padgett walks into recruits living rooms and pledges to be with a kid for half of his four years at UofL? Boy, now that will haul the recruits in (sarcasm)!

 

[BPGhost]

Keep telling yourself that. It most certainly is when things are swinging along but they aren't right now, are they? This could mean choosing candidate #3 or 4 because the others are not sure about leadership here - you know, the guys they work for. And Candidates 3 and 4 are not an ideal solution.

Again - not meant as disrespect towards Padgett but the reality is - his credentials and experience put him about Candidate 6 or 7 in this discussion.

 

[KozmasAgain]

The thing that scares me the most about our situation is the people in charge. We have an interim President in charge who looks lost more and more every day. We have an interim Athletic Director who is 30 years removed from athletics. We have a BOT who is throwing negative rhetoric around about our program.

I have nothing against Padgett but I am concerned about recruiting. I also look at the UConn situation and see how similar it is to ours.

 

[Louisvillian]

Amazing how some of our fans can somehow get their feathers ruffled by a guy like Tim Brando, who not only is a fan of our city, was also simply giving proper credit to a smart young coach who has been thrown into a tough situation and handled it better than anyone can imagine.

Would it be too much to ask to give DP this season before finding his superstar replacement? Especially with the Pitino induced mess on the horizon.

Worrying about whether or not everyone in the nation knows this is a Top 10 job is pointless at this particular time. Enjoy the ride this year, which is something we haven’t been able to do lately.

 

[Senore2006]

Amazing how some of our fans can somehow get their feathers ruffled by a guy like Tim Brando, who not only is a fan of our city, was also simply giving proper credit to a smart young coach who has been thrown into a tough situation and handled it better than anyone can imagine.

Would it be too much to ask to give DP this season before finding his superstar replacement? Especially with the Pitino induced mess on the horizon.

Worrying about whether or not everyone in the nation knows this is a Top 10 job is pointless at this particular time. Enjoy the ride this year, which is something we haven’t been able to do lately.

Not only that, but "enjoying" has been a surprising adjunct to what had every right to be a miserable season. I'm about as desperate, by the way, as a sleeping Nun. I like the pageant of it all, the truth is. I don't need to nurse an opinion with teeth an fangs. I just want to make sure we understand what gifts.might be sitting on our own porch. I also don't believe for a minute all these guys advocating this and that coach even know the wide world of dudes who might be available. Once again, Eric Musselman at Nevada was once an NBA COY. Try looking farther than 100 miles for once. If we;re going to have serious cinversations about potential coaches, open the mind a little.

 

[Senore2006]

Again - not meant as disrespect towards Padgett but the reality is - his credentials and experience put him about Candidate 6 or 7 in this discussion.

If course they do. Going by 'credentials and experience" would put him in last place in a best-looking Pug contest. You and I both know there is far more to his candidacy than that.

And, as much as it may seem I want him, what I am really saying is I want the team to do great this season. On this issue swings the entirety of this hyperbolic chain.

 

[CardChipper]

I would argue that Louisville is probably the best job in D1 given the facilities, support, and the simple fact that we have had 2 coaches over the past 47 years. As stable a situation that can exist in college basketball.
The only issue is the NCAA, and given the track record of that organization you never know what to expect-this is the only variable.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

It's common courtesy for announcers to say nice things about teams/players/coaches for the games they are broadcasting.

They typically get carried away with their opinions.

 

[HRTheCard]

I wish some people would realize that Louisville fans are the only people who think the current administration is bad. Everyone else seems to think that Louisville did what they should've done a long time ago. Except, this is a new BOT and President whereas the old group wouldn't punish anyone. Believe what you want but the current administration did what should've been done awhile ago and most outsiders respect that. Only one's that don't are biased and lying to themselves. UofL is much bigger than 2 people. And UofL is still a top 5 job.

 

[CardsFirst]

Amazing how some of our fans can somehow get their feathers ruffled by a guy like Tim Brando, who not only is a fan of our city, was also simply giving proper credit to a smart young coach who has been thrown into a tough situation and handled it better than anyone can imagine.

Would it be too much to ask to give DP this season before finding his superstar replacement? Especially with the Pitino induced mess on the horizon.

Worrying about whether or not everyone in the nation knows this is a Top 10 job is pointless at this particular time. Enjoy the ride this year, which is something we haven’t been able to do lately.

Not only that, but "enjoying" has been a surprising adjunct to what had every right to be a miserable season. I'm about as desperate, by the way, as a sleeping Nun. I like the pageant of it all, the truth is. I don't need to nurse an opinion with teeth an fangs. I just want to make sure we understand what gifts.might be sitting on our own porch. I also don't believe for a minute all these guys advocating this and that coach even know the wide world of dudes who might be available. Once again, Eric Musselman at Nevada was once an NBA COY. Try looking farther than 100 miles for once. If we;re going to have serious cinversations about potential coaches, open the mind a little.

I agree with you. Seems to me most have settled on Chris Mack. I’m not sold on him. There are several other candidates.

But/and everyone is so hung up on we had a HOF coach we have to have that caliber coach from the start. Who? We’re sitting on a diamond in the rough and people’s egos can’t even see it. Sure he doesn’t have the best resume experience wise, but he has many of the attributes we want. Neither Crum nor Pitino were HOF coaches when they arrived. I just have this gut feeling DP will be that level coach given the chance.

And I’m not concerned on whether he can recruit. He just has the right demeanor. I’m in on DP but if he’s not whose selected that’s fine, but I hope we don’t miss out on someone special.

Something I’ve noticed about DP is he’s a quick study and he recognizes his mistakes pretty damn fast and he’s humble enough to admit it. Will see.

 

[shadow force]

Something I’ve noticed about DP is he’s a quick study and he recognizes his mistakes pretty damn fast and he’s humble enough to admit it. Will see.

This is one of my favorite aspects of Padgett so far. His in game adjustments since conference play started have been very good. I love that if something wasn't working in the first half, you can actually tell he tries to change things in the second.

I'm not saying DP is a better coach than Pitino, of course, but I like his in game adjustments/changes and rotations so far. He will actually ride the hot hand instead of taking them out as CRP would do so often. DP also seems more willing to play freshman, especially if the upper classmen aren't getting it done.

If DP is named the new head coach I will be happy for him. However, I think they have to see who else is interested in the job and give other options a fair shake.

 

[Senore2006]

This is one of my favorite aspects of Padgett so far. His in game adjustments since conference play started have been very good. I love that if something wasn't working in the first half, you can actually tell he tries to change things in the second.

I'm not saying DP is a better coach than Pitino, of course, but I like his in game adjustments/changes and rotations so far. He will actually ride the hot hand instead of taking them out as CRP would do so often. DP also seems more willing to play freshman, especially if the upper classmen aren't getting it done.

If DP is named the new head coach I will be happy for him. However, I think they have to see who else is interested in the job and give other options a fair shake.

Honestly, this is the page I think we are mostly all on. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to get their panties in a wad yet, simply because they prefer this or that guy. We can debate all that crap once it becomes apparent Dave should not be the man....if that happens. Or when the season ends - whatever. I am sure it will be a lively debate, lol.

Right now we like what we see for great reasons. One of my high grades is his smart reliance on scouting. Putting VJ on Ferrell from the getgo in the ND game was freaking way smart. Adel guarding him later, ditto. Perry to soften him up, lol, OK too. His scouting is causing interesting lineups and good results. Playing Malik really works. Smart guy, using recources at hand. Dave has some early votes because he deserves them.

 

[nccardfan]

Again - not meant as disrespect towards Padgett but the reality is - his credentials and experience put him about Candidate 6 or 7 in this discussion.

Reality is please name me 7 legitimate candidates not named Donovan, Cronin, Smart, Marshall, White, Mack or Hurley...
Reality is like someone else mentioned it’s easy to find a list of coaches who have already achieved something. But to be honest, our recent coaching hires, Walz, McDonnell were assistants before making them HCs here. You could also say that nobody gave Charlie an opportunity to be a HC except here.

 

[wreckcard#22]

Given the BOT/Postel/Tyra combo can't seem to see past their own collective noses, I can see a 3 year deal with DP coming shortly after our NCAA invite (going with a 6 seed fwiw)...we have ourselves pretty dim lights guiding us at the moment.

It may seem by that statement that I don't want DP to be our coach, but that isn't the case; I like him a lot and I think he may do just fine for us (possibly great). We can get someone who is a known entity (which doesn't guarantee success, but improves the odds), but I suspect this group leading us currently doesn't have the wherewithal to complete that task. So DP it will likely be, even blind albino squirrels find a nut.

 

[Morgantown Card]

During the game Tim Brando had many complimentary things to say about the Louisville program. But, he also went “Fletcher Page” during the game as well, suggesting Padgett should be given the job right now!

It’s amazing how someone with zero vested interest in the program wants to wade in with the answer on who should lead our team long term.

While Padgett is continuing to improve and do good work I contend this job has to be opened up at season’s end - regardless of the success this team may have.

I think the reasonable and safe approach is open the job up for interviews, and David interviews just like everyone else does. I see no reason we tell David "NO" and then open the job up, or tell David "YES" and without doing our due diligence by seeing who shows up when we make the position available for interviews.

Man, I would feel a lot better about this if Jurich were the one conducting interviews. We have no idea how great or horrible Vince Tyra is at vetting coach candidates.

 

[CardChipper]

Just my .02 but I think we were all a bit tired of the Pitino drama. It is actually refreshing to have a low key guy in the coaches chair. Padgett has been fun to watch-and criticize, and he is so honest I can't help but root for him to get the job. I really trust him-which is something I could never say about Pitino.

 

[KozmasAgain]

I didn't like the drama of Pitino but with the loss of Pitino and Jurich I feel like we lost our star power.

 

[wilkie01]

Just my .02 but I think we were all a bit tired of the Pitino drama. It is actually refreshing to have a low key guy in the coaches chair. Happy Birthday has been fun to watch-and criticize, and he is so honest I can't help but root for him to get the job. I really trust him-which is something I could never say about Pitino.

Well, said. Padgett is currently in 2nd place in the ACC. He has won at Notre Dame. And he has not used hookers, paid for players or screwed anybody in a public restaurant! Plus he has beaten a Top 10 ranked team. I for one like having Padgett over Pitino!

 

[nccardfan]

I didn't like the drama of Pitino but with the loss of Pitino and Jurich I feel like we lost our star power.

Exactly, which is why a few on here think we can go get someone’s else coach. CDP is not a glamorous hire to most. I think a few on here want to be able to say “look kitties see who we have.” I don’t care if it’s glamorous or not as long as he’s doing the job he was hired to do.

 

[nccardfan]

Well, said. Padgett is currently in 2nd place in the ACC. He has won at Notre Dame. And he has not used hookers, paid for players or screwed anybody in a public restaurant! Plus he has beaten a Top 10 ranked team. I for one like having Padgett over Pitino!

In fairness to David, don’t compare him to Pitino or Crum. The only fair comparison would be with who we could have got at the time, which means no Donovan, Cronin, Jay Wright or anybody else that was currently coaching a team at the time.

 

[MikeMcCammon]

Jurich had the credibility to go out and get just about anyone we want (within reasonable availability). Tyra does not have that at all. Also we still don't know whether the powers that be are interested in hiring expensive big name coaches. On the positive side, I think the right hire could elevate us above where we were during most of Pitino's time here. Of course the wrong hire would just extend the disaster. I guarantee if Padgett has a deep NCAA run he is going to be strongly considered.

 

[nccardfan]

Jurich had the credibility to go out and get just about anyone we want (within reasonable availability). Tyra does not have that at all. Also we still don't know whether the powers that be are interested in hiring expensive big name coaches. On the positive side, I think the right hire could elevate us above where we were during most of Pitino's time here. Of course the wrong hire would just extend the disaster. I guarantee if Padgett has a deep NCAA run he is going to be strongly considered.

But that’s the wrong message, only hire him if he makes a deep run. Someone needs to be recruiting for whatever our situation is. Let’s say he makes the NCAA as a 3 seed. Give him the job and he goes out in the 2nd round to a midmajor. Then the fan base cries, he’s not the right guy, we should have waited, etc. Who can coach under those kind of circumstances? DP seems to be able to do an ok job, but unless you put somebody in those same circumstances, you don’t know another coach could do as well or better.

 

[MikeMcCammon]

But that’s the wrong message, only hire him if he makes a deep run. Someone needs to be recruiting for whatever our situation is. Let’s say he makes the NCAA as a 3 seed. Give him the job and he goes out in the 2nd round to a midmajor. Then the fan base cries, he’s not the right guy, we should have waited, etc. Who can coach under those kind of circumstances? DP seems to be able to do an ok job, but unless you put somebody in those same circumstances, you don’t know another coach could do as well or better.

DP was handed a substantial amount of talent and experience, more than most coaches will ever see. You have to judge his potential somehow. Our goal here is deep NCAA runs not merely a good season.

 

[Cue Card]

DP was handed a substantial amount of talent and experience, more than most coaches will ever see. You have to judge his potential somehow. Our goal here is deep NCAA runs not merely a good season.

This team is not a lock to even make the NCAA tourney today. All this talk about a deep run is premature and probably should cease for now. The young men representing our team need to stay focused on winning and the rest will work itself out.

Go CARDS!!!

 

[MikeMcCammon]

This team is not a lock to even make the NCAA tourney today. All this talk about a deep run is premature and probably should cease for now. The young men representing our team need to stay focused on winning and the rest will work itself out.

Go CARDS!!!

I don't disagree but the thread is about our next head coach and where DP fits in to that. I think a lot of coaches could get this team to the NCAA so just getting there should not get Padgett the job.

 

[Senore2006]

I don't disagree but the thread is about our next head coach and where DP fits in to that. I think a lot of coaches could get this team to the NCAA so just getting there should not get Padgett the job.

There has already much more been proven than merely David guiding the team to a tourney berth. His coaching acumen, so far, looks on the awesome side, imo, and most people are loving it. He does things Rick did not do - the team shoots FT's 20 times better than under Rick's steely eyed stare - freshmen get time to prove themselves and develop faster thahn under Rick. And then there is this chemistry thing where these fella's look as happy together as any team who ever played here. Honestly, I don;t know what category that belongs in but I do suspect Dave influences it all somehow. I can't even imagine how huge and singular this would be on a repetitive basis.

No, Dave already has shown substantial acumen, even considering the talent he was given. Sometimes that's harder than winning with your own scrubs.