Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
New York, NY (Future150) -- Every year we go through the same process. Coaches either jump to bigger jobs after leading a darling mid-major on a cinderella run, and others end up leaving their mid-major power spots in order to attempt to build up their own BCS programs at a higher level. Unfortunately, there are coaches searching for a spot after being fired by their former employers.
This year we have all four main coaches who will be hounded by high level programs. Andy Enfield has become a hot commodity after FGCU beat Georgetown and SDSU with an exciting brand of ball in March. Greg Marshall is certain to hear from a number of high-majors after he completes his final four run with the Wichita State Shockers. Meanwhile, big names like Tubby Smith and Ben Howland could be major hires after being shown the door by Minnesota and UCLA, respectively.
During all this madness, recruits move around too. whether it's due to the fact that they don't feel they fit with the new staff, or due to other reasons. We are sure to see some highly sought after prospects become available once more after all the hiring and firing settles.
So what does this all mean? We at Future150 will be here throughout the process to keep you covered on the potential moves and the comings and goings.
1. Northwestern: After firing Bill Carmody, top recruit Jaren Sina asked out of his letter of intent and was granted his release. With the hiring of Duke assistant Chris Collins, one has to think they are in a strong position to land him again. Hometown Seton Hall has come on strong and Sina had been committed to Alabama once before, but the chance that Anthony Grant could take another job could hurt the Tide. Look for Sina to end up at NU with current commit Nate Taphorn.
2. Minnesota: The Gophers might have done more harm to their potential 2014 class than their 2013 class with the firing of Tubby Smith. The new coach must work to keep Alvin Ellis and Alex Foster in the fold. Where it could really hurt is with elite in-state recruits Tyus Jones and Rashad Vaughn. Minnesota will be looking to make a major hire in order to keep the interest of those two talented guards. Buzz Williams has been mentioned for the gig, but that seems unlikely. Still, it's a lot of fun to think of what Jones and Vaughn would look like in that system. If the Gophers could land Greg Marshall or Andy Enfield they should be happy as both are great young coaches.
3. UCLA: Steve Alford takes over the reins of a program with sky-high expectations after the firing of Ben Howland. The move has already paid off for the Bruins in a way, as they landed sharpshooter Bryce Alford as well. While the Alfords should bring new energy to the program, it is important that they keep Allerik Freeman, Zach LaVine, and Noah Allen in the fray. Alford must also call Rysheed Jordan and keep the Bruins in play for the talented point guard.
4. Buffalo: Former Duke star Bobby Hurley will take his first head coaching job at the division one level at Buffalo. He has had great success on the recruiting trail alongside his brother Danny while at Wagner and URI. It will be interesting to see how he recruits at Buffalo. The first order of business will be keeping Shannon Evans of Hargrave Academy on board. Also expect a boost from the guards already at Buffalo as Hurley should elevate their games greatly.
5. Saint Louis: Jim Crews did a fantastic job with the Bilikens after the passing of Rick Majerus. In a season that had to be unfathomably difficult to get through, Crews and company proved to be a top team this year. I believe that Crews should get the gig, but a source says that is unlikely to happen. Whether he does or not, he and the Bilikens deserve to be commended for their efforts.
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