MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Next Man Up]

But with Lambesis, Noe, Yoder, Schumacher, Heflen, Sroka, and Heaton already there (with each one having at least two years of eligibility remaining with the extra Coronavirus year), plus possibly other equally talented fellow freshmen, might any appreciable PT not be quite a ways over the horizon?

Not next year, but after that, sure.  I guess we will see, AndOne.

And, one more player we'll apparently see who will be in the same position. Depth! Nice. 

[Titan Q]

I have been told Augustana Head MBB Coach Steve Schafer has informed Augustana players and commits he is leaving.

[Next Man Up]

I have been told Augustana Head MBB Coach Steve Schafer has informed Augustana players and commits he is leaving.

Wow! That IS news. Apparently, a one and done, just like D1.

Will former Augie star Jim Thomas of Downers North now be granted admittance if he is still interested in the position? Keep in mind that a biggie with the AD when Coach G left was college head coaching experience.
Will any commits change their minds?

[Next Man Up]

Recent discussion re Millikin so here is some MU recruiting info. Apologies is this has already been reported.

Millikin has successfully recruited JT Welch, a 2A All-State player from Bloomington Central Catholic. In addition to MU, he visited Carthage, IWU, and Loras, and had an offer from NAIA Judson. JT Is a 5'9" PG.

[Tko244227]

I have been told Augustana Head MBB Coach Steve Schafer has informed Augustana players and commits he is leaving.

Wow! That IS news. Apparently, a one and done, just like D1.

Will former Augie star Jim Thomas of Downers North now be granted admittance if he is still interested in the position? Keep in mind that a biggie with the AD when Coach G left was college head coaching experience.
Will any commits change their minds?

How can you say that college head coaching experience was big with the AD then suggest a candidate without any college experience head or assistant. In addition I don't necessarily think the head college experience was a "biggie" cause if it was Jim wouldn't have been a candidate in the first place. I can tell you this for sure though, Jim is a much much better candidate than one of the other candidates that interviewed.

[Next Man Up]

1. The fact that college head coaching experience was a biggie to the Augie AD at the time Schafer was hired comes from a direct quote from man himself that appeared in a Rock Island local paper.
2. I would think it was entirely possible the AD made this statement after the application process was opened, and maybe as late as after applications were closed. If so, Coach Thomas could certainly have applied.
He could even have applied if he knew of this preference by the AD beforehand hoping his being a graduate and former star player might have, in some way, swayed opinion.
3. As far as what either the requirements or preferences might be this time around, we have no idea as yet. All we know to this point is the news, as revealed by Titan Q, that Schafer is apparently leaving after only one season. As far as Coach Thomas applying again, with his past playing experience and alumni status, the coaching experience he has gained over several years now, and his knowledge of both a primary Augie recruiting territory, as well as knowledge of the details of the recruiting process, I would think he would be a viable candidate under any circumstances.

At one point last season, AC had recd 46 applications. Head college experience or not (in his case not) I'll bet Coach Thomas was a better candidate than a lot more than one applicant. It's easy to understand he wasn't the top guy or likely not even the second best choice, but it's important to remember he made the final four list without having college head experience. Given that fact, it wouldn't be surprising to see him try again if he's still interested.

Lastly, no doubt you're right about Thomas being a better choice than one of the other finalists. In light of the current situation, possibly better than two!

[Next Man Up]

ELMHURST RECRUIT

Nick Tingley, a Class 4A All-State Special Mention 6'2" SG  from Lincoln-Way Central, is a Elmhurst commit. 

[Tko244227]

Haha in light of the current situation he for sure was better than two of the finalist. But he for sure wasn't better than one of the other finalist and that's indisputable. Nonetheless if still interested Jim should be offered the job. It would be very interesting to know why Steve resigned because I'm sure this blindsided a lot of people and probably completely unexpected by all.

[Titan Q]

https://qctimes.com/sports/college/basketball/schafer-leaves-augie-program-after-1-year-for-private-business-opportunity/article_fac36ad9-e532-53a2-9905-574a5b977660.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter_

[Gregory Sager]

It's understandable that Steve is doing what's best for him and his family, and I wish him success on his return to Arizona. But, man, that's a real kick in the teeth to Augustana. I'm sure that Augie folks believe that the men's basketball head-coaching job at their school is a high-prestige position that should produce a lengthy incumbency on the part of the position's holder (provided that he keeps the program successful, of course).

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I also wonder, given the turmoil of the last year, if they may not get a few more high profile resumes than they did last summer. Might be a few more people looking for a change. I'm fascinated to see how it plays out.

[mcgraw]

 Wow.... Can't believe the news out of Rock Island!

At the risk of sounding insensitive,  it's hard to believe that something can change so quickly as to make you leave your "dream job" after only 11 months.  Was he able to achieve his dream
            in a short 12 game covid season?

Everyone has to do what is best for themselves, but I was secretly hoping there was a better reason for Schaefer leaving.  (personal or family health, spousal job)

His message to Viking Nation was essentially....... thank you for all your support but, a better opportunity has come along.  Not something a proud Viking fan wants to hear.

While I wish him well in his endeavors, it's still hard to get over the shock and disappointment of his announcement.  I feel really bad for the current student athletes that will now have to
             their 3rd new coach in the last 3 years. 

Hoping we don't lose any recruits but that may be inevitable.  Hopefully the administration will be able to find the right person to take his place and keep the program moving forward.

[Tko244227]

Well one thing is clear the wrong hire was made last year because there's no way the administration thought this was a one year deal. This is exactly what happens when hires are made based on politics and alumni influence instead of who is the flat out best guy for the job. Let's see if Augie can get it right this time.

[Next Man Up]

Wow.... Can't believe the news out of Rock Island!

At the risk of sounding insensitive,  it's hard to believe that something can change so quickly as to make you leave your "dream job" after only 11 months.  Was he able to achieve his dream
            in a short 12 game covid season?

Everyone has to do what is best for themselves, but I was secretly hoping there was a better reason for Schaefer leaving.  (personal or family health, spousal job)

His message to Viking Nation was essentially....... thank you for all your support but, a better opportunity has come along.  Not something a proud Viking fan wants to hear.

While I wish him well in his endeavors, it's still hard to get over the shock and disappointment of his announcement.  I feel really bad for the current student athletes that will now have to
             their 3rd new coach in the last 3 years. 

Hoping we don't lose any recruits but that may be inevitable.  Hopefully the administration will be able to find the right person to take his place and keep the program moving forward.

I think we need to consider the that the Augie head position might have been Schafer's dream coaching job (at least as far as D3).
However, it's entirely possible that during the past year his thinking changed as far as the ultimate path he wanted to travel on his professional career. Thus the switch from coaching to the business world. Also, it appears that he will still be involved with the sport of basketball as evidenced by his indication, as seen in the article referenced above by Titan Q, that the new position will still be involved with basketball, just not on the coaching side.

[mcgraw]

Yeah, that certainly may be the case,........ pursing his 'professional' dream job that is.

It's just frustrating because he seemed very invested in the Augustana coaching job when he moved across the country and talked of a lengthy stay and working toward national prominence.  Being from Batavia, it seemed right like he was coming home.  One would think you would be "all in" and have everything though out prior to making such a move.  I'm sure the Augie administration felt like this was hire for the next 20 years.

Must be a great opportunity.... I'm thinking a job with the Pheonix Suns?