Gary Parrish runs down five collegiate choices for guys who could take over after Coach K steps down from his Olympic position. In order: John Calipari, Billy Donovan, Tom Izzo, Bill Self and Brad Stevens.
We take his point on Calipari growing, but he still seems kind of brittle to us, not to mention he drives some people just crazy. His main attraction in college seems to be a fast track to the draft. What happens after you make that goal?
Donovan? Now there's a guy who's grown. We could see him being successful.
Izzo, without question, would be a great choice.
Self? Probably. He wouldn't be top on our list. Nothing against him, just better candidates.
And Stevens is really intriguing. We're huge fans of his results if not necessarily his style. His teams are grinders basically and that may not translate. On the other hand he may be smart enough to junk the Butler stuff and run. Maybe they could bring him in and see what he can do.