Brad Stevens

[Duke Blu]

What can I say, anybody feel like beating the heck out of a dead horse with me?

Perhaps some cracks at the NBA level starting to show? Doesn’t look fun right now. Maybe a return to college isn’t out of the question?

I’m sorry I’m sorry but I have a problem, as I have dreams of Duke dominance continuing after the GOAT decides to ride off into the sunset after a couple more titles

 

[1156jack]

Stevens would be great. Bypassing over the K coaching tree will be tough...

 

[PatrickYates]

What can I say, anybody feel like beating the heck out of a dead horse with me?

Perhaps some cracks at the NBA level starting to show? Doesn’t look fun right now. May e a return to college isn’t out of the question?

I’m sorry I’m sorry but I have a problem, as I have dreams of Duke dominance continuing after the GOAT decides to ride off into the sunset after a couple more titles

I've had those same thoughts. Problem is, the timing isn't great. That said, there are some big time assets and moves available this offseason. Heyward should fetch the sort of "spackle" that title teams need to win titles.
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And Kyrie. He's such a sublime offensive talent. One of the best ball handlers, ever. Clutch shooter, heck, clutch performer PERIOD. But he just doesn't seem to elevate the play of his team. LeBron elevated the Cavs to a playoff run(s), and Kyrie hit the dagger. Kyrie can win a close game, but he needs help to get to that clutch situation.
.
And that assumes he's on the court. I might let him walk this summer. Put the future on the shoulders of Brown and Tatum, with a few good pieces around them. With a few shrewd moves, the Celts could be right there.

 

[chov1125]

Problem for the Celtics is that they went from overachievers to overrated overnight. The NBA is tough man, tough to know when to push all your chips to the middle of the table. The Celtics had a crop of young talent and a slew of top picks and were still able to win a lot of games. They made some moves to get some seasoned top talent in there, but in doing so, they immediately raised the bar of expectations considerably. Basketball has a lot to do with chemistry and right now they don't have it. And they don't have that top 5 superstar to carry them through the tough times.

It will be an interesting off season when Danny Ainge has the choice of really pushing all his chips in with AD. It would be a considerable gamble, that much is for sure. They likely would have to trade their picks and Tatum, making them all in. If AD turns out to be a 1 year rental, the Celtics could be right back in the basement in the blink of an eye. The NBA could be the toughest league to ascend and easiest to watch it all fall apart. See Knicks, my team.

 

[chov1125]

By the way, the Knicks are finally making some seriously smart, long-term moves. They too will have an interesting off-season. My only hope is that if they can't sign KD, they hold off and keep their cap space. But NY is a tough place to be patient in. But I digress, this thread is about Brad Stevens.

 

[dukiejay]

Stevens would be great. Bypassing over the K coaching tree will be tough...

I would say impossible instead of tough. Stevens will not be the next Duke coach.

 

[Duke Blu]

I would say impossible instead of tough. Stevens will not be the next Duke coach.

You cut me deep. Dang “impossible?” As in even if he WANTS it, he CANT have it?

 

[dukedevilz]

NBA season is incredibly long. Every team goes through rough patches. Stevens will be fine. Celtics still have a good shot at landing Anthony Davis in the offseason. Don't see Stevens leaving the NBA anytime soon.

 

[pisgah101]

Next duke coach

 

[dukiejay]

You cut me deep. Dang “impossible?” As in even if he WANTS it, he CANT have it?

Duke's first hire after K will be a Duke guy. Besides, Stevens doesn't WANT the job.

 

[Liftee]

As much as I think Stevens is a great coach, I'd rather have someone who feels Duke is his dream job and would not be tempted to leave for greener pastures. There is enough of a talent pool among Duke alums to choose a great successor.

 

[Duke Blu]

Duke wins out by an average of 15 points and a 20 point win over UK in the Title game, K decides to ride off into the sunset with 6 titles and maybe one of the greatest teams in the modern era.

Celtics implode in the locker room, Stevens decides he doesn’t need this filth, his agent reaches out to Duke and tells them he wants the job BADLY.

Duke's first hire after K will be a Duke guy. Besides, Stevens doesn't WANT the job.

Saddened lol alright Jay thank you for being gentle

 

[Duke Blu]

Alright folks well that’s enough. I have to do this to myself every now and then.

Let’s get 6. Worry about 7,8,9,10,11 later *smile*

But just remember, if the impossible did happen, I would be the happiest Duke fan in the nation.....is there any doubt? Lol

 

[dukiejay]

In inner circles, it's been said that Stevens has told people there are only two college jobs that could tempt him to leave the NBA. One is Duke. The other is eight miles away from Duke. Those are the only two jobs in the country as prominent as coaching in the NBA.

For the time being, we're riding ok with the guy in charge....and I don't get the feeling that K has a number of seasons in mind for when he's done. I don't think he's saying 'two more', or 'when I'm 75' right now.

Also, I think K has earned the right to have a say in picking his successor. He's created the brand Duke has right now. I think there's a certain value in giving that a chance to grow within the family. And, of course, it might not work out in the end....but that's business in a sense. To sustain what's been built, I think is initially better served by someone who understands the steps it took and carries the same vision. That means a Duke person, IMO.

 

[Duke Blu]

In inner circles, it's been said that Stevens has told people there are only two college jobs that could tempt him to leave the NBA. One is Duke. The other is eight miles away from Duke. Those are the only two jobs in the country as prominent as coaching in the NBA.

For the time being, we're riding ok with the guy in charge....and I don't get the feeling that K has a number of seasons in mind for when he's done. I don't think he's saying 'two more', or 'when I'm 75' right now.

Also, I think K has earned the right to have a say in picking his successor. He's created the brand Duke has right now. I think there's a certain value in giving that a chance to grow within the family. And, of course, it might not work out in the end....but that's business in a sense. To sustain what's been built, I think is initially better served by someone who understands the steps it took and carries the same vision. That means a Duke person, IMO.

Bobby Hurley!!!!!

 

[pisgah101]

In inner circles, it's been said that Stevens has told people there are only two college jobs that could tempt him to leave the NBA. One is Duke. The other is eight miles away from Duke. Those are the only two jobs in the country as prominent as coaching in the NBA.

For the time being, we're riding ok with the guy in charge....and I don't get the feeling that K has a number of seasons in mind for when he's done. I don't think he's saying 'two more', or 'when I'm 75' right now.

Also, I think K has earned the right to have a say in picking his successor. He's created the brand Duke has right now. I think there's a certain value in giving that a chance to grow within the family. And, of course, it might not work out in the end....but that's business in a sense. To sustain what's been built, I think is initially better served by someone who understands the steps it took and carries the same vision. That means a Duke person, IMO.

His pick is Stevens duh

 

[chov1125]

I also don’t think Duke’s brand is anywhere fragile enough where one “wrong” hire (unsure what the best word is, just mean not enough immediate wins/championships resulting in a firing) is going to strip away the equity that K has built up.

A Brad Stevens type hire doesn’t need to be the first post K hire, our brand will survive.

 

[layneja]

Wojo

 

[Duke Blu]

I don’t

Wojo

Hurley!

 

[Mac9192]

I don’t think it has to be a former player. Whoever comes is doing so knowing the tradition he has built.

K wasn’t a Duke guy when he was hired.

 

[dukiejay]

Bobby Hurley!!!!!

Why Hurley?

 

[chov1125]

There may be a new coach in Pittsburgh who is still auditioning for the position. As DJ mentioned, there is no timetable for when K will call it a career. Leaving the Duke bench doesn’t prevent a later return IMO. I’ll be curiously following how he handles himself.

 

[Duke Blu]

Why Hurley?

1. I grew up in NJ

2. His father is a God I’m sure Jr learned a lot

3. He worked his way up, coaching under his brother first (that had to take a lot of humility)

4. He’s done well now at two programs that have had little to no tradition before arriving there

5. His fire and passion

Some of the above are meant to be funny with a little truth in it.

Long story short, I think of all the Duke guys, due to his blood lines, how he had to work himself up from virtually the bottom, I think he would be best suited to handle the pressure. He started for K as a freshman during a time where it was probably most difficult and demanding. He overcame some adversity from that time and the accident, Bobby is a fighter who appears to also be a good coach. I think of all the guys, Bobby would be the most demanding of excellence.

 

[dukiejay]

I'll add one more thing....most successful organizations have succession plans in place. Not all of them. But most do. And often times, those succession plans come from within, by someone who was groomed by the organization to one day potentially oversee the operation.

College basketball is big business. No one, and I mean no one, has been better at it than Coach K. Why we wouldn't want someone who has watched, practiced and learned from the best ever be his successor would, on the surface, be a little odd. But again, that's JMO.

 

[crazyduke3]

Give up the dream fellas. I have. We’ll be alright without him.

 

[SwatX1]

Stevens would be a great choice

I don't believe he will ever be our coach

I believe coach K will be here at least 4 more years with his grandson coming

I believe our next coach is either Capel or Scheyer

 

[Duke Blu]

I'll add one more thing....most successful organizations have succession plans in place. Not all of them. But most do. And often times, those succession plans come from within, by someone who was groomed by the organization to one day potentially oversee the operation.

College basketball is big business. No one, and I mean no one, has been better at it than Coach K. Why we wouldn't want someone who has watched, practiced and learned from the best ever be his successor would, on the surface, be a little odd. But again, that's JMO.

Good point, I’m just not convinced that logic holds true in sports. I would be curious to see what the data says in terms of how successful in house successions are for elite programs at the college level. I can think of several right now that didn’t go so well.

I really do hope there is a plan. When a coach is in their 70’s, it’s probably a good idea to be ready to have to adjust your plans.

 

[HeLooks2MuchLikeDave]

Stevens would be a great choice

I don't believe he will ever be our coach

I believe coach K will be here at least 4 more years with his grandson coming

I believe our next coach is either Capel or Scheyer

Dammit you let the cat out of the bag. I am the only person who knows that our next coach will be Jon Scheyer. @DukefanKY was just guessing, but I actually know this to be true. I don't think Coach K even knows yet (although I think he has a clue), and Kevin White sure as heck doesn't know. I am disappointed because I was really hoping to drop this bomb on the group and say "You heard it here first"!

Anyways, so now that everyone knows, how do you feel about it? I am still up in the air because Scheyer doesn't have any head coaching experience at any level. But he does have a good "presence." He's young enough to fail (which I think is the most likely outcome for any immediate successor) and still resurrect his career.

​

 

[Duke Blu]

Kevin Ollie did take over for Calhoun and win a title. However, he could not sustain. I think that’s the best case scenario for somebody like Sheyer.

I just think it’s unrealistic to expect sustained or consistent success from someone with very little experience, and ask them to take over a program of this magnitude.

I’m trying my best to come up with the words to describe how daunting of a task it will be to take over for Coach K at “Duke” I’m truly struggling immensely to come up with the words. Doug Collins I believe said that he would not like Chris to be the first coach to take over for K for that reason. I think it’s unfair.

I think you need a guy who has accomplished a lot in their own right. Someone that will have the confidence to make decisions and be able to point to their own prior success doing so, and even that person may not be able to overcome the shadow that will surely be there.

 

[HonkeyT]

1. I grew up in NJ

2. His father is a God I’m sure Jr learned a lot

3. He worked his way up, coaching under his brother first (that had to take a lot of humility)

4. He’s done well now at two programs that have had little to no tradition before arriving there

5. His fire and passion

Some of the above are meant to be funny with a little truth in it.

Long story short, I think of all the Duke guys, due to his blood lines, how he had to work himself up from virtually the bottom, I think he would be best suited to handle the pressure. He started for K as a freshman during a time where it was probably most difficult and demanding. He overcame some adversity from that time and the accident, Bobby is a fighter who appears to also be a good coach. I think of all the guys, Bobby would be the most demanding of excellence.

This is a good post.

Honestly I don't think about the next coach, ever. Rollin with the G.O.A.T till he walks away and then we'll see what happens.

 

[SwatX1]

Kevin Ollie did take over for Calhoun and win a title. However, he could not sustain. I think that’s the best case scenario for somebody like Sheyer.

I just think it’s unrealistic to expect sustained or consistent success from someone with very little experience, and ask them to take over a program of this magnitude.

I’m trying my best to come up with the words to describe how daunting of a task it will be to take over for Coach K at “Duke” I’m truly struggling immensely to come up with the words. Doug Collins I believe said that he would not like Chris to be the first coach to take over for K for that reason. I think it’s unfair.

I think you need a guy who has accomplished a lot in their own right. Someone that will have the confidence to make decisions and be able to point to their own prior success doing so, and even that person may not be able to overcome the shadow that will surely be there.

I get what you are saying. But with that criteria, we wouldn't have gotten K. Who is out there that has already accomplished a lot, that we would want? Some might say Jay Wright, but most of the current big name, accomplished coaches, I wouldn't want at Duke
Cal- no thanks
Self- no thanks
Bennett- don't want that style here

Also, most of the more accomplished guys are already getting up there in years themselves

 

[Duke Blu]

I get what you are saying. But with that criteria, we wouldn't have gotten K. Who is out there that has already accomplished a lot, that we would want? Some might say Jay Wright, but most of the current big name, accomplished coaches, I wouldn't want at Duke
Cal- no thanks
Self- no thanks
Bennett- don't want that style here

Also, most of the more accomplished guys are already getting up there in years themselves

Right, and to be honest, I don’t think the guy I’m describing is out there. There is no Roy Williams when he was at Kansas. But with that said, I don’t think you go as far away from that as possible, which would be Sheyer, who’s not coached one full season at a division 1 program. Bobby Hurley, Chris Collins, Wojo, Capel, all these guys have already taken their programs to the NCAA tourney. Both Chris and Bobby took programs who had NEVER been there. None of them are proven YET IMO. But at least they have accomplishments of significance they can draw from as a HC.

IDEALLY, I would like to hire the guy who’s still ascending, who star is still burning bright. It’s debatable who that is at this point.

I like Hurley for the reasons I listed earlier in this thread.

Stevens is the homerun hire IMO but I do believe guys here who say that ain’t happening. As much as that pains me but it is what it is. It sucks.

I’m not looking forward to K leaving at all. I’m definitely going to have the sniffles a little bit. But I love Duke basketball. I just love it man. K is in his 70’s. We can plan for another four years all we want but when you’re in your 70’s, sometimes other plans show up. I want K to be able to walk away, come to a game in his suite still in good health and enjoy looking at the greatest college basketball program he authored continue its greatness.

 

[dukiejay]

I just think it’s unrealistic to expect sustained or consistent success from someone with very little experience, and ask them to take over a program of this magnitude.

It's unrealistic to expect anyone, regardless of experience, to be able to sustain or be as consistent....

I’m trying my best to come up with the words to describe how daunting of a task it will be to take over for Coach K at “Duke” I’m truly struggling immensely to come up with the words. Doug Collins I believe said that he would not like Chris to be the first coach to take over for K for that reason. I think it’s unfair.

It's more than daunting. And it's crazy how unfair it is....everyone knows that. I think everyone who is a Duke fan and posts on this board wants to see what's ultimately best happen for the program/team we love. Unfortunately, it's not as easy to wave a magic wand. That's what really sucks.

I think you need a guy who has accomplished a lot in their own right. Someone that will have the confidence to make decisions and be able to point to their own prior success doing so, and even that person may not be able to overcome the shadow that will surely be there.

Based on this alone, that person is probably Jeff Capel. Do I think he's the guy? I don't know. A year ago I did.

I think a big time part of the position is the day-to-day toll coaching, teaching, recruiting and everything else takes on you. That's why I feel someone who just simply hasn't experienced it at Duke or seen it on a daily basis immediately comes in a step behind. Too many people (and I'm not saying you, just using a generic term) are under the assumption it's all about coaching, rolling out the ball and we're good to go. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Brad Stevens, as much as I love him, didn't experience at Butler over his tenure what he'd take on at Duke in one year.

Now, I get that not everyone is meant to be a head coach. But, I consider K to be the best ever at what he does....and I feel as though the best ever surrounds himself with a lot of really good people, too. In fact, his success is imperative to it. Over the last decade, K has handed off a lot of duties to assistants, A LOT of them. He doesn't do that with people he doesn't trust. Chris Collins, Wojo, Capel and now Jon take on a lot within the program.