MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I figured that Steve Kollar would throw his hat into the ring at Millikin, not just for the reasons that Mark mentioned, but also because he's an Elmhurst grad. It's pretty typical for CCIW alumni to want to get back into this league. He also coached at several west suburban high schools prior to being hired as an assistant to John Baines at St. Francis, so he holds promise for Millikin in terms of his potential to recruit in Chicagoland.

Joe Fano's been a big part of two very successful back-to-back seasons at two different schools, and he knows his stuff, so he's a solid candidate as well.

Todd Creal at MacMurray is another guy I could see going for the MU job, as he was an assistant there under Tim Littrell and before that had served for a couple of years under Grey Giovanine at Augustana. He's coming off of a tough 5-20 season, though, which might make it harder for him to plead his case in an interview. Chris Martin's only been at Loras for one season, so it might be too soon for him to contemplate a change if he's interested in eventually returning to the CCIW. And I always wonder if a coach who's been successful in one of the local lower-echelon D3 leagues, such as Chris Bunch at Webster, Ken Davis at Lake Forest, or Ryan Kane at Ripon, might be interested in a CCIW job. Kane would be an attractive candidate for Millikin; he's in his late thirties, he just enjoyed a D3 tournament season at Ripon, and he spent five years sitting second chair beside Mark White at Dominican, so he knows Chicagoland recruiting, too.

I still think that this is Todd Kelly's job to lose, though. He led Illinois Tech to a 22-6 record this year, as the Scarlet Hawks finished as the runner-up in the USCAA national tournament in spite of the fact that their best player, Anthony Mosley, missed the end of the season with a knee injury. IIT, in its own way, is a tough gig for a coach in terms of recruiting, and yet Kelly built a really good team there. Todd's a Millikin basketball alumnus, which would make it easier for the community to rally around him in the wake of the departure of the very popular Matt Nadelhoffer.

Despite the widely held belief that Todd Kelly is not only the most logical and likely candidate, but also the odds on favorite to actually get the job, I have just heard from an unimpeachable source that not only has Todd Kelly NOT applied for the Millikin job, but also, that he has no interest in doing so. It seems there are as many as three major factors accounting for his disinterest.

I've heard the same thing tonight, from a likewise unimpeachable source. I was surprised by it, because it appeared that in so many ways this would've seemed like a golden opportunity to him. But one man's gold is another man's dross ... or perhaps the gold standard has sunk that low in Decatur.

Furthermore, the MU selection committee was to meet either yesterday or today to discuss what applicants they want to invite to campus to interview.
My source also indicated that while some applicants are no doubt currently on staff at other CCIW schools, he would expect that even more were from other conferences like the Midwest, and especially, the SLIAC.

Like I said, I see this as a job that someone from a lower-tier league might view as a step up.

It will be interesting to see if MU goes with someone who is currently an assistant. We've discussed this before, but the last head-coaching hire by a CCIW school who had no prior head-coaching experience on the college level was Paul Brenegan at NPU in 2004.

In regards to Todd Kelly,
Just taking a look at his situation from a far, it really wouldn't make a ton of sense for him to leave IIT for Millikin at this point. He has some nice talent returning. IIT will be eligible for the NCAA tournament as an independent next year.  With another solid recruiting class coupled with another great season, he could find his team in the big dance as early as next year. It would take him 3-4 years at the earliest to get Millikin to a similar position.

Good points CP.  I think IIT is more committed to its program and Kelly than would Millikin.  From a recruiting perspective, I would rather have the Chicago area in my backyard than Decatur.

Not to mention a soph point guard who could end up being an all american before everything's said and done.

[Gregory Sager]

IIT will be eligible for the NCAA tournament as an independent next year.  With another solid recruiting class coupled with another great season, he could find his team in the big dance as early as next year.

No, you're one year too early. Illinois Tech is a third-year provisional in 2016-17. Next year will be IIT's fourth and final year as a provie, and then the Scarlet Hawks will be eligible for D3 national tournaments and meets starting in the fall of 2018.

http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Feb2017DIIIGOV_Provisional-Reclassifying-Exploratory-Chart_20170215.pdf

[AndOne]

The Kelly File-----A Synopsis

The Set Up

Kelly has a good thing going at IIT, and doesn't want to give it up. Especially that soph PG. At least not yet. 🏀

The Hook

Take the Millikin job = take a pay cut too. < 💰 Not this year!

The Sting

Mrs. Kelly would have her spousal unit's butt in divorce court faster than you can say IIT if he insisted on moving to Decatur. 👎🏼

[cardinalpride]

IIT will be eligible for the NCAA tournament as an independent next year.  With another solid recruiting class coupled with another great season, he could find his team in the big dance as early as next year.

No, you're one year too early. Illinois Tech is a third-year provisional in 2016-17. Next year will be IIT's fourth and final year as a provie, and then the Scarlet Hawks will be eligible for D3 national tournaments and meets starting in the fall of 2018.

http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Feb2017DIIIGOV_Provisional-Reclassifying-Exploratory-Chart_20170215.pdf

Once again I stand corrected!

[Gregory Sager]

The Kelly File-----A Synopsis

The Set Up

Kelly has a good thing going at IIT, and doesn't want to give it up. Especially that soph PG. At least not yet. 🏀

IIT also has a 6'7, 225 freshman center named Max Hisatake who looks like he's going to have an outstanding career down there at 31st and Wabash.

The Hook

Take the Millikin job = take a pay cut too. < 💰 Not this year!

Given what happened to Matt Nadelhoffer, one has to wonder about the job security there, too.

The Sting

Mrs. Kelly would have her spousal unit's butt in divorce court faster than you can say IIT if he insisted on moving to Decatur. 👎🏼

Dunno anything about that, and don't care to know.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Sager - is that to assume Nadelhoffer was canned? I got the feeling he left on his own. Didn't think he was looked at in a negative light. Granted I am looking from afar. If he was canned, you are right about job security. If he left on his own, not sure that speaks to job security at all... might speak to "being the right fit" (which is something my alma mater apparently is struggling with SMDH).

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

IIT will be eligible for the NCAA tournament as an independent next year.  With another solid recruiting class coupled with another great season, he could find his team in the big dance as early as next year.

No, you're one year too early. Illinois Tech is a third-year provisional in 2016-17. Next year will be IIT's fourth and final year as a provie, and then the Scarlet Hawks will be eligible for D3 national tournaments and meets starting in the fall of 2018.

http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Feb2017DIIIGOV_Provisional-Reclassifying-Exploratory-Chart_20170215.pdf

Once again I stand corrected!

Not incidently, unless there are a lot of conference changes, 2018 will also be the re-appearance of a Pool B bid.  Just in time for them.

[AndOne]

Sager - is that to assume Nadelhoffer was canned? I got the feeling he left on his own. Didn't think he was looked at in a negative light. Granted I am looking from afar. If he was canned, you are right about job security. If he left on his own, not sure that speaks to job security at all... might speak to "being the right fit" (which is something my alma mater apparently is struggling with SMDH).

Dave,

If you will scan back a few pages, you will note several posts that seem to point to the likelihood that he was fired. He may have technically resigned but, if so, it was likely a case of if you don't jump, we'll push you.

[petemcb]

Sager - is that to assume Nadelhoffer was canned? I got the feeling he left on his own. Didn't think he was looked at in a negative light. Granted I am looking from afar. If he was canned, you are right about job security. If he left on his own, not sure that speaks to job security at all... might speak to "being the right fit" (which is something my alma mater apparently is struggling with SMDH).

Dave,

If you will scan back a few pages, you will note several posts that seem to point to the likelihood that he was fired. He may have technically resigned but, if so, it was likely a case of if you don't jump, we'll push you.

Also, If you scroll back to those posts, Titan Q (I believe) posted a link to a lengthy and seemingly very frank interview of Matt on the local Decatur radio station.  It didn't sound like a resignation.

[USee]

He definitely didn't quit. Confirmed by Q and elsewhere.

[Gregory Sager]

IIT will be eligible for the NCAA tournament as an independent next year.  With another solid recruiting class coupled with another great season, he could find his team in the big dance as early as next year.

No, you're one year too early. Illinois Tech is a third-year provisional in 2016-17. Next year will be IIT's fourth and final year as a provie, and then the Scarlet Hawks will be eligible for D3 national tournaments and meets starting in the fall of 2018.

http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Feb2017DIIIGOV_Provisional-Reclassifying-Exploratory-Chart_20170215.pdf

Once again I stand corrected!

Not incidently, unless there are a lot of conference changes, 2018 will also be the re-appearance of a Pool B bid.  Just in time for them.

Of course, this is meant to be the ultimate and eventual antidote to the absence of a Pool B bid:

http://www.rooathletics.com/news/2017/2/14/general-ncaa-d-iii-membership-committee-approves-new-multi-sport-conference.aspx?path=general

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

IIT will be eligible for the NCAA tournament as an independent next year.  With another solid recruiting class coupled with another great season, he could find his team in the big dance as early as next year.

No, you're one year too early. Illinois Tech is a third-year provisional in 2016-17. Next year will be IIT's fourth and final year as a provie, and then the Scarlet Hawks will be eligible for D3 national tournaments and meets starting in the fall of 2018.

http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Feb2017DIIIGOV_Provisional-Reclassifying-Exploratory-Chart_20170215.pdf

Once again I stand corrected!

Not incidently, unless there are a lot of conference changes, 2018 will also be the re-appearance of a Pool B bid.  Just in time for them.

Of course, this is meant to be the ultimate and eventual antidote to the absence of a Pool B bid:

http://www.rooathletics.com/news/2017/2/14/general-ncaa-d-iii-membership-committee-approves-new-multi-sport-conference.aspx?path=general

Yep, and they'll only miss one year, since their year two they Pool B should be back.  I don't know how long that conference will last, though - I suspect any of those members will bolt the first chance they get to go somewhere else.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

The Division III NCAA tournaments have already seen their fair share of twists and turns. Both defending champions eliminated on the opening night, several home teams beaten, off-the-radar squads tearing Top 10 teams apart, and much more.

It has been an exciting start. What's next?

Can the home teams parlay a perceived advantage into a Championship Weekend appearence? What Cinderalla team will hear the chimes of midnight? What program will continue to make history? How will the battle of Top 25 teams shake out? And will a storied career end this weekend or in Salem?

There is plenty to talk about ahead of the Sectional Weekend and Dave McHugh has a super-sized list of guests on Thursday night's Hoopsville.

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch the show LIVE staring at 7:00 p.m. ET here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2016-17/mar9 --- or via the Facebook Live simulcast. If you missed any part of the show, you can watch it On Demand or listen to the podcast.

Despite the large list of guests, Dave will find time to answer questions as well. Make sure to email them to hoopsville@d3hoops.com or tweet them and Dave will answer them on air.

Guests scheduled (in order of appearance):
- Brian Morehouse, No. 18 Hope women's coach
- Trevor Woodruff, No. 17 Scranton women's coach
- Craig Carse, Hardin-Simmons men's coach
- Ruth Sinn, No. 2 St. Thomas women's coach
- Michelle Ferenz, No. 16 Whitman women's coach
- Kevin App, Williams men's coach
- Grey Giovanine, Augustana men's coach

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
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[AndOne]

Speaking of the team bus, on the ride up to Kenosha yesterday the NPU coaches and I were joking as to whether or not the ink was still wet on Millikin SID Bryan Marshall's press release when Todd Kelly's résumé came through the Millikin athletic office fax machine.

Hearing that among the other applications recently received for the vacant Millikin Head Coach position are two from coaches with former ties to Benedictine. One from former BU assistant coach and current North Park assistant Joe Fano, and another from former BU assistant and current Blackburn Head Coach Steve Kollar.

I have just heard from an unimpeachable source that this is a false rumor. Joe Fano is not applying for the Millikin job.

Sources confirm that NPU Coach Fano is indeed not a candidate for the Millikin job. Evidently, he did initially apply, but subsequently rescinded his application and withdrew from consideration. Word on the street is that he wouldn't leave NPU and the CCIW for another assistant job, but that evidently he is looking into the possibility of a head position in a warmer locale.
Seems pretty normal as how many assistants don't aspire to a head man position?

[markerickson]

My knee-jerk reaction is that Millikin is more than four years away from contention, but then I have to look at how far my alma mater recently climbed.  (Sustaining is something totally different.)