The run I believe Houston was referring to:
Arkansas State 5,304
Western Kentucky 7,071
Denver 8,066
Obviously if that's what he was referencing he misremembered amounts, and it was more than a few seasons ago. It was Marlin's first year. We also made it into the 5,000s numerous times during the 2017-2018 season. Personally I think the 4,500-5,000 mark is the peak we could expect for average attendance in the current state of college athletics. That would still be a very impressive feat though. The only thing making it seem less impressive would be that 5,000 average attendance would mean a less than half full venue each game.
If you want a young & energetic coach that should be considered is Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas. He's the son of former NBA coach John Lucas II & brother of John Lucas III Jai is from Houston Texas and is a great recruiter. He would be the type of hire that will build up a program bring excitement but only be here a max 3 years & leave once a bigger job opens up.https://goduke.com/sports/mens-baske...jai-lucas/5013
Kevin Johnson
Brock Morris
Quannas White
Duane Broussard
Some serious names on this list, all have extensive and quality college coaching experience....
Everyone has an idea of what would work....and I'm not sure anyone really knows. This sport has changed so much over the last five years or so.
But, if you want a blueprint for our next coach, remember that Dr. Maggard has used the same criteria for every hire. The sport hasn't mattered. And, the formula has worked.
1. Fosters a solid relationship with student-athletes.
2. Knows what winning looks like.
3. Is a relentless recruiter (recruiting is still the lifeblood of the program)
4. Has a high moral compass
5. Has a focus on academics
And, now, has to be a fundraiser. Our coaches have now become the point person for NIL raising. Coach Deggs, Coach Aly and Coach Des have all been a major part of getting money for NIL. The new coach will be charged with the same.
Now, there are other criteria which can help. But the new coach will be the one who checks all of Dr. Maggard's boxes. He will get to find out more about that candidate's vision for success. We will not until after the hire.
As you consider candidates, remember the criteria Dr. Maggard would use. It's not going to matter exactly where the new coach is from or where he has been (all that could be used as secondary criteria but it won't be the primary.) I wouldn't exclude anyone who has no ties to the area. I also wouldn't exclude anyone who DOES.
Dr. Maggard has a blueprint and it has worked. I'm betting on him.
I was thinking of the 2017-18 season when we went 27-7, 16-2 SBC. I live in Houston, so I couldn't attend the games but it seemed like attendance was at an all time high as our winning streak lengthened. I thought it was at 8,000+, at least watching games on TV. We had the beard thing going on and the students were a big factor. Basketball was exciting again.
When we beat TCU in the N.M. Bowl, that will open some eyes about UL football, then other sports and our overall facilities. IMO, when entering the CajunDome, the basketball set-up is very impressive. May not have the suites someone mentioned at mid-level but it looks great especially on TV. The CajunDome is a Big 12 facility. UL needs to keep pushing for a future Big 12 invite, especially once the football stadium is finished. The basketball hire is a critical piece of this.
Basketball does not drive the bus, football does. Just ask UCONN who has won numerous National Championships and can't get a sniff at a major conference. But it is a key part of an overall big time program. We are already there in baseball and softball and have big time facilities in both sports. And football is coming. UL has got to restore basketball to national prominence. Combined with football and baseball / softball, it will help propel UL to a higher level. Who knows where realignment will go in the future? UL needs to position itself for whatever opportunities may come its way whether it is a P5 conference or a realigned G5 conference with the top G5 schools. Basketball is needed to help make UL the #1 overall G5 school in the country and this hire is critical to that. This is the missing piece. Why not think beyond the Sun Belt Conference? Think BIG?
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