I'm actually OK with this hire.

[patdog]

Much better than Kenny Payne in my book. It'snot a conventionalhire, but I like the upside potential

 

[ckDOG]

nm

 

[Nugdawg]

as I like his associations with Matt Painter and Cuonzo Martin, both coaches I like a lot. I also like his midwest basketball background prior to Clemson. The fact he was a scholar athlete indicates he's probably a pretty intelligent guy with some class. I think he may need to keep a little local flavor on his staff, but I'm ready to give the guy a shot and support him. I was extremely iffy on Payne as I just couldn't find any other reason to hire him than message board hoopla thinking he was going to sign UK classes because he eats at Mickey D's with WWW.

Get over the intial shock, do a little research on the guy, give him an open mind and let's see what happens.

Edited to add...thatany guy Robbie Hummelis excited for is a guy I will give achance as I really admire what Hummel has done with all he has gone through in his career.

 

[B Rock]

I'm not gonna deny that Payne is the better recruiter, but Ray isn't so bad himself. I read the interviews on the lake with Clemson's coach and Tennessee's coach. Both said he has that IT factor. Clemson coach also said he's has been contacted by several schools about head coaching vacancies but that he was waiting for the head spot at a place he felt he could do something special. I like his mindset.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

You'll have major college assistants become mid-major head coaches and then major conference head coaches. And he's gotten a person apparently thought of highly by mid-majors and majors as an assistant. Definitely outside the box but there appears to be a method to his madness.