MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[augie77]

I'm sad to hear this.  Your recruiting update list doesn't show a lot for the Vikings.  I wonder if this factored into his decision.

[Gregory Sager]

He's 61 and is a year removed from a bout with cancer, in an environment in which those two facts put him at risk if he happens to contract a highly contagious disease that as yet has no cure, has a sobering death rate, and has stopped this country in its tracks.

The more I think about it, the less this news surprises me.

[Titan Q]

He's 61 and is a year removed from a bout with cancer, in an environment in which those two facts put him at risk if he happens to contract a highly contagious disease that as yet has no cure, has a sobering death rate, and has stopped this country in its tracks.

The more I think about it, the less this news surprises me.

I've heard this has nothing to do with health.

But who knows.  Well see what we learn from some of the media coverage.

[Gregory Sager]

Oh, believe me, I'd be surprised if the coronavirus was put forward as a reason.

But life has changed. We live in a new world now. If you're a college coach in any sport, you don't need to be 61 and a recent cancer survivor to realize that your job, and how it affects your life, is very, very different than it was a few short months ago.

[Titan Q]

Congrats to Grey Giovanine for an incredible run at Augie.

As the personnel changed yr to yr his teams played identically - tough, physical and great on D. He recruited perfect fits for his system and coached the heck out of them.

He's one of the elite coaches in CCIW history.

[lmitzel]

Kinda surreal now to look back and realize that I announced his final game.

I'm going to miss the Jacket Watch, to be sure, but CCIW basketball as a whole will never be the same. Congratulations to him on a phenomenal career.

[Gregory Sager]

He's one of a kind, that's for sure, and the CCIW will be a lot duller without him.

I think it'll be pretty hard to match his accomplishments going forward -- not just the five straight CCIW titles and Sweet Sixteen appearances, but the twenty consecutive top-four finishes in the CCIW, which is likewise something that no coach has ever done in this league before and is in its own way just as impressive, if not more.

[kiko]

I agree with all these accolades.  The jacket and sideline antics were easy to poke fun at, but the man can flat out coach and recruit with the best of them.  If you wanted to beat his teams, you'd better bring your 'A' game.  He made the rest of the conference stronger in this regard.

[Mr. Ypsi]

He's one of a kind, that's for sure, and the CCIW will be a lot duller without him.

I think it'll be pretty hard to match his accomplishments going forward -- not just the five straight CCIW titles and Sweet Sixteen appearances, but the twenty consecutive top-four finishes in the CCIW, which is likewise something that no coach has ever done in this league before and is in its own way just as impressive, if not more.

Agreed, but in Dennie Bridges 36 years, he finished as low as 5th only twice, and NEVER lower than fifth.

I'm gonna miss the betting on when he would toss his jacket!

[kiko]

He's one of a kind, that's for sure, and the CCIW will be a lot duller without him.

I think it'll be pretty hard to match his accomplishments going forward -- not just the five straight CCIW titles and Sweet Sixteen appearances, but the twenty consecutive top-four finishes in the CCIW, which is likewise something that no coach has ever done in this league before and is in its own way just as impressive, if not more.

Agreed, but in Dennie Bridges 36 years, he finished as low as 5th only twice, and NEVER lower than fifth.

I'm gonna miss the betting on when he would toss his jacket!

FFS, why is everything always about Illinois Wesleyan?  Let the man have his curtain call.

[Gregory Sager]

He's one of a kind, that's for sure, and the CCIW will be a lot duller without him.

I think it'll be pretty hard to match his accomplishments going forward -- not just the five straight CCIW titles and Sweet Sixteen appearances, but the twenty consecutive top-four finishes in the CCIW, which is likewise something that no coach has ever done in this league before and is in its own way just as impressive, if not more.

Agreed, but in Dennie Bridges 36 years, he finished as low as 5th only twice, and NEVER lower than fifth.

[jaybird44]

Not only did players and teams have to bring their A game when facing Augustana...I felt the need to add a couple more layers of broadcast prep when Augie came to WashU.  Augustana and Illinois Wesleyan are the two yearly non-conference opponents in men's basketball that demand my keenest attention and preparation well beyond what is expected.  Climbing Kilimanjaro and Everest, as opposed to Pike's Peak.

That's a tribute to the head coaches of those programs, and the caliber of players they bring in every year.  Those games in December have the feel of being in the NCAA Sweet 16 or Elite 8.  And they're a hell of a lot of fun to call.

Congrats Grey on a wonderful head coaching career!  You have created a legacy that will last as long as they play the game of basketball.

[iwu70]

Congratulations to Coach Giovanine on his long and successful career at Augie.  A great run to be sure.  All best to him and his family for a happy, safe and healthy retirement period.  I agree with Greg that everyone will consider things in a very different way, pre- and post-pandemic. 

I'm sure Augie will find a worthy successor and continue to be one of the premier programs in the CCIW and D3 as a whole.

IWU'70

[Titan Q]

Here is my lead candidate for the Augie job...

https://duhawks.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/chris-martin/1808

Successful D3 head coach who has very successfully recruited within key parts of Augie's recruiting footprint at two D3 schools (Loras, Elmhurst).

I have no idea if Chris would be interested in the job (I'm guessing he would), but he seems like a strong candidate.

[Gregory Sager]

Chris Martin was my first thought as well, although I've also wondered if Tom Jessee has any aspirations to move one chair over on the bench.

Other names that have occurred to me:

Gary Grzesk
Ryan Kane
Ryan Marks
Bryan Martin
Brian Miller
Robbie Sieverding
Thom Sigel
Ryan Twaddle
Chip Wilde

As is the case with Chris Martin, I have no idea if any of these guys intends to apply for the Augie job, or has any interest in it whatsoever.