Lefty

Things are getting out of control in this once proud program. Negedu told Lute this weekend he is not coming and Lute won't let him out of his LOI. Chase is all but gone and I have a feeling Nic won't be back. I think it's time for Lute to step down after this year. If he really cares about the program he will bow out gracefully, even if the Cats don't make the tournament next year.

It has been mentioned that Callipari would accept the job if he was asked but I do not know if the UofA would take a chance on him. I still like Dixon or Few.

What is sad is that many have said Lute is not the same guy he was a year ago. Miles Simon said Lute has changed and he doesn't even know who he is. It really makes you wonder what was really wrong with him when he took his leave of absence?

Russ Smith

It' s a tough call both ways the kids committed to a situation they thought was one thing and is now another, but you're hearing rumors now that along with Negedu, Withey wants out , Wise wants out and Jennings might wind up at prepschool because of his grades.

It's never as bad as it looks but if Negedu is really appealing to the NCAA that looks really bad.

__________________
“Your expectations always exceed outside expectations. I feel like you just can’t stop working, can’t stop getting better, because I’ll be a failure in my eyes before I’m a failure in someone else’s eyes.” -- Arron Afflalo

Lefty

Withey is staying, that is what I heard today. His mother posted that. As for ZNegedu, they need to let him go. If he comes here he will be more a distraction than a help. I really believe this will be Lute's last year and who knows if he actually finishes the year?

MaoTosiFanClub

Yeah, he's pretty much done. Coming back was good only that we didn't have to see KO inevitably put the program completely in the crapper over the next 5 years and with Lute we have Jordan and Jennings to at least tread water in a bad Pac-10. But this will be Lute's last year, time to start thinking about the future. We should have the choice of some pretty damn good coaches a year from now.

Renz

Negedu signed to play for Lute, so what's the problem? Did Negedu want to play for Pastner? If so, then he's an idiot.

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Lefty

Could Dunlap be the next coach? I looked at his career and it's pretty impressive.

MaoTosiFanClub

Lute's been MIA is most aspects of the program for awhile so Pastner was Negedu's biggest connection to UA. Not that Lute's completely at fault, Livengood and Kevin O'Neill have a hand in this mess too.

And I agree, Dunlap might be the head coach sooner rather than later although it will only be an interim thing. If Jim Livengood's not the AD (and I've heard the wheels are in motion to get him fired) expect Arizona to make a big hire next season.

Lefty

If the football team does not make a bowl game I heard Livengood will retire before being fired.

Skkorpion

Hooray Lute! Wants to coach at least 5 more years or until he deigns to retire. Thinks he can't get fired. Same ole delusional man feeling he's entitled.

You need to fire him now, err..., last year.

Mr. Boldin

In my opinion Lute never really thought he would be coaching for 5 more years, rather it was something he had to say to save face in recruiting after what KO did to the program.

Also, firing Lute Olson would be one of the worst things to happen to UA, not because many think he still has "it", but because of the backlash from firing the HOF coach who built the program, the probability Lute would not support the program much after being fired, and the fact that our NBA talent base would be up in arms and likely would choose not to support the program any longer.

I think it probably is in Lute and UA's best intrests that he leaves following this year, however there is no way UA can fire him and save face. If Lute is gone next year, UA WILL make a big hire and it wont be Dunlap. There are a few big time coaches who would still love to takeover at UA, but the program cant keep declining and expect to land these guys in a few years.

Russ Smith

Good news on Withey, even with the changes if a kid that verballed to Louisville and changed his mind were to ask out now I'd have serious doubts about that kid.

__________________
“Your expectations always exceed outside expectations. I feel like you just can’t stop working, can’t stop getting better, because I’ll be a failure in my eyes before I’m a failure in someone else’s eyes.” -- Arron Afflalo

Russ Smith

He says UA lied to him. I think he's just trying to get out because Pastner left and he is pretty certain Lute's not going to be there beyond this year so nobody that he was recruited by will be there next season.

He says if he can't get out and go somewhere else he'll return to prepschool.

__________________
“Your expectations always exceed outside expectations. I feel like you just can’t stop working, can’t stop getting better, because I’ll be a failure in my eyes before I’m a failure in someone else’s eyes.” -- Arron Afflalo

mattyboy

How come everytime there is talk about Lute leaving one of the first names to come into play as his replacement is Mark Few?

MaoTosiFanClub

Smoother transition due to a similar style of play, ability to recruit on the West Coast, Few's desire to be on a one horse town instead of a major media market, and his track record as a coach make Tucson look like a logical fit were he decide to move on. I don't think Few will happen though (Oregon is his alma mater and that will likely open up in the next 2-3 years), if you had to ask me today I think Jamie Dixon, Tony Bennett, or Jeff Capel will be the guy if the change is made next year and Jim Livengood is the AD.

Russ Smith

Few is a very avid fly fishermen I'm not sure if there are opportunities in Arizona like there are in Washington or will be in Oregon? Very good coach though.

Dixon or Bennett would be great hires. Dixon said 2 years ago he'd never coach in the same conference as Howland because they're too close of friends to play that often but he's a West Coast guy so you'd have to assume he'd have interest if Arizona offered.

__________________
“Your expectations always exceed outside expectations. I feel like you just can’t stop working, can’t stop getting better, because I’ll be a failure in my eyes before I’m a failure in someone else’s eyes.” -- Arron Afflalo