Cronin to UCLA

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Cronin leaves Cincinnati to take UCLA job

https://es.pn/2U6IkTl

I think he is biting off more than he can chew. There are reasons why a number of other coaches passed, and this job may be considered something of a high end coach’s graveyard.

I don’t think it will work out, but this likely means Cincy will take a step back.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Steve Alford had 3 Sweet 16s in 5 seasons with UCLA, and his reward was “you’re fired.” I don’t know how many Sweet 16s Cronin has had but not 3 in the last 5 years.

 

[the Blades]

lot of scenarios could play out, here's one that hits close to the Hurley clan too

 

[Dominicfrank]

Cronin UCLA is a BAD BAD BAD match.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Dom I agree, I was very surprised by the news. Cronin is not a west coast guy, and if his UCLA teams play like his Cincy teams, really with a grinding style of basketball, the fans and media may not be too happy. I also never thought Cronin was good with media and LA's media is much tougher than Cincy's. The good news for him is that if gets fired quickly in 3-4 years like Alford was, like Alford, he is accomplished enough to move on to another job.

 

[Dominicfrank]

Agree on the West Coast part and the media part.....Not a fit at all.

I see him coming back to the American or to the Big 12 in less than 5 years.

 

[the Blades]

And on the other end of the Cronin hire.....FM spent 2004–2006 at Cincy

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Frank Martin is an excellent, no nonsense coach. But isn’t Cincy a kind of step down for him? How do you go from the SEC to AAC unless the roots issue is really strong? Is Cincy gonna give him more money?

 

[the Blades]

Sometimes it's better to move on B4 you get fired, don't know if that's the case with FM but other than his FF year 3 years ago he's been very mediocre overall at USC in his 7 years. He had one other " good year" (NIT season) and 5 years at only 1 game above .500 or worse. (78-86 in those 5 seasons)

 

[the Blades]

I guess FM feels secure with his job at USC, plus as we all know it's terrible for recruiting if your name is being floated around for another job:

 

[the Blades]

Cincy hires John Brannen.... was an asst @ VCU and Bama for Anthony Grant and interim when he was fired before the HC gig @ NK

 

[Dominicfrank]

Perfect hire for Cinci........and not worried one bit.

 

[the Blades]

AP article on:
Cincinnati stays in its backyard for next basketball coach

" The most intriguing question is how much Brannen changes the Bearcats' style. Cronin emphasized defense, rebounding and toughness. While Brannen also likes full-court defensive pressure, his offense at Northern Kentucky was much more wide open. ''Our style of play will invigorate the fan base and capture your hearts,'' Brannen said. AD Bohn indicated that was a factor in the hiring decision. He said the new coach will bring in ''an exciting brand of basketball. We like that. That's something we were looking for.'' "

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

I interpret the AD's comment as something of a shot at Cronin - "an exciting brand of basketball........that's something we were looking for."

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Rick Barnes has essentially said that UCLA cheaped out:

Barnes: If UCLA paid buyout, would have left

https://es.pn/2UqJYQ8

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Very interesting story about how Mick’s ex wife and daughter moved out to LA with him, and he didn’t accept the offer until the ex wife and daughter agreed to join him in LA. Story really humanizes Mick. I know a lot of divorced couples who don’t behave anywhere near as decently and with their kid’s best interest in mind. Hope that move works out for him- now that he isn’t in UConn’s conference I wish him well:

Why Mick Cronin's move to UCLA isn't just about basketball

https://es.pn/2FwwnBY