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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 20, 2007
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I'd mentioned a few days ago that our staff was going to look A LOT different next year. Lute's really going to have to work hard to keep Pastner now, not because of the departures of KO and Simon, but because Pastner is a hot commodity right now. We all know he turned down an opportunity at Kentucky last year, and he's being pursued again this year (had already met with Marquette, is meeting with another school, or schools, now). If we can hold onto Pastner, I think next year's staff will be outstanding, especially if they land Mike Dunlap, as I expect them to.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 20, 2007
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By the way, the school that's currently going (hard) after Pastner is Memphis. Pastner is friends with World Wide Wes (WWW), and if you know anything about him, you know how influential he is (or can be). If you don't know anything about World Wide Wes, Google him.
This is, without a doubt, the hardest Lute's had to work during the offseason since he took the reins at UA. If he can hold on to Pastner, Budinger and Wise, it will also have been the best job he's done, IMO.
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Reputation:75
Level:Pro
Since:Feb 28, 2007
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Hosh, I agree completely... at least the hardest he's had to work since maybe the 80's when he was trying to turn the program around... good points...I don't know if Josh would leave though... I think U of A is a better job than Memphis and he's a wildcat, not a tiger... what you think?? Worldwide wes is probably the most influential/powerful person in college bball (maybe sports lltogether) and if anyone could do it, he could
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 20, 2007
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I think U of A is a better job than Memphis and he's a wildcat, not a tiger...
It's true he's a wildcat, but I think he's gone... He's ambitious and talented, and he's not going anywhere fast at UA. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him take the Memphis job.
That would open up another assistant position, and I think we could see a familiar face fill that spot...
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 16, 2006
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If he's offered a position on Memphis' staff he should take it. I love what Pastner has done with the big men and, from an outsider's point of view, he seems like a talented young coach. Moving to another recognizable program would only open other doors for him -- like you said, Hosh -- more quickly. Seeing as how I've long proclaimed a selfish desire to have him or Kerr take over the program some day, I think this would only speed up the opportunity of that happening. Ideally I'd like to see him go somewhere with a style that varies more from the one he's studied under for so long, but it will still probably give him a better first head coaching opportunity than if he went for one straight from Arizona. It would certainly hurt Arizona's immediate staff, though.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 13, 2008
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Why would Pastner go to Memphis to work under a younger head coach in John Calipari? He's got the same position at Arizona with a chance to expand his role. He could even work himself into a spot where he could take over for Lute in three years.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 20, 2007
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My thoughts...
- He's not being given an opportunity at UA. Despite the turnover of the staff, he's not been promoted to AHC.
- He'd be able to add to his resume. He'd be able to say that he learned under Lute Olson and John Calipari.
- As much as we don't want to admit it, Memphis may be the more compelling job right now. UA is in turmoil right now and Memphis is coming off of a championship game loss. And, Memphis has been a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament for the last three years.
- Calipari has been successful everywhere he's been and there's nothing to suggest that his success won't continue. With Memphis, Josh would have a chance to be part of another title in the next few years. If Budinger doesn't return, we're not even going to sniff a # seed or a national title in the next few years.
- Josh could always return to UA as a head coach in the future. Leaving now does not eliminate him from consideration in the future.
I want him to stay as much as anybody, but I do think there are a number of compelling reasons for him to take another opportunity. If nothing else, this lights a fire under UA's ass to do what they need to do to keep him around.
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