Everyone knew Russ Pennell had no chance to stay in Tucson as the head coach once Louisville finished off the Wildcats. It was an incredible run to the Sweet 16, seeing as though nobody even wanted the name "Arizona" in the tournament to begin with. As the buzzer sounded on that 39-point rout, the coaching search became official. The Wildcats needed a high-profile coach to fill the shoes, and the legacy, of Lute Olson. That was easy in theory, but couldn't have gone worse thus far in the recruiting game.
GoAzCats.com posted an article on Tuesday focusing on the tribulations of the Tucson search, noting that the "John Calipari to Kentucky" rumors not only basically diminishes their chances of landing Calipari, but might influence Rick Pitino to stay at Louisville and try and beat his long-time coaching foe.
But consider this; Pitino and Calipari don't like each other at all. If Calipari takes Kentucky, Pitino knows that people will say he left Louisville because he's scared to go up against the rival coach. That alone could keep him at Louisville. Or maybe he hates Calipari so much he'll refuse to coach at the rival school of his.
One way or the other, what we do know is that Kentucky possibly making Calipari the highest paid coach in college basketball – if not college athletics – has to drive up the price for Pitino.The problem Arizona faces is more than just a battle for Pitino. Now the Wildcats must face the realization that they might not land Tom Izzo, who was on their mind before this incredible run with Michigan State to the Final Four. Izzo has said he wants to win two National Championships with the Spartans, so if he can't get past Connecticut and then Villanova or North Carolina, is the recent success enough to keep him in East Lansing?
That leaves Jamie Dixon, Mark Few and a handful of lesser named coaches that probably won't go over well at a school that is in desperate need of a face-lift. One name being tossed around is Jeff Capel of Oklahoma. Capel had some success at VCU before taking over as the Sooners head coach, and went to the Elite Eight this season, but it's hard to figure if that run was more coaching or just sheer talent.
Capel could bring a face and youthful exuberance to Tucson, but is that what the school needs at this point? It's been battling the last two years with guys on the bench that some have never heard of.
It's disappointing that the same day the McDonald's All-American game will be taking place, a school once known to pull recruits from the game like petals off a flower will not watch players like Abdul Gaddy tear it up on the court as he heads to Washington instead of Arizona.
This team needs a name, and it needs one soon. If it can't land Pitino, people won't be happy. Thing is, who else can Jim Livengood bring in to add another banner?
