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He is a system coach...

He really thrives off taking kids with a chip on their shoulder, teaching them how to play hard and then designing a system around those strengths. Texas obviously wanted him to recruit a certain type of recruit that while it looks good on paper, it doesn't mesh with his system. Mo Bamba doesn't have a chip on his shoulder. He isn't going to ever play hard. He is skilled and big and had gotten by for far too long on talent and size to play the way Shaka likes to play. Marquette doesn't have that kind of expectation, and the year they were a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament they only brought in 1 Top 100 player, who was on par with the type of player in VTs realm. They play hard. They play in his system. They're always going to be a tough out. "Recruit better" despite being an absolute nothingburger of a suggestion, also isn't the answer for many programs. Unless what you're suggesting is be better in your evaluations. Then every coach on the planet needs to do that. I would have loved to see him at VT had he been let go at the same time VT had the vacancy. But I don't think Blacksburg would be the ideal landing spot for he and his wife.
Posted: 12/06/2023 at 10:56 PM ET
(In response to this post by YBYSAIAHokie)

Thread Replies (11)

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Just realized Shaka Smart has Marquette ranked 8th in his 3rd year there.
YBYSAIAHokie 12/06/23 09:42 PM ET
He is a system coach...
GCHokie34 12/06/23 10:56 PM ET
they were really impressive last night. Good to see him doing well.**
reestuart 12/07/23 12:45 PM ET
Ummm yeah
Vippie1 12/07/23 12:41 PM ET
gossip question.. why would blacksburg be " a bad landing spot"**
VermontDDS 12/07/23 12:39 PM ET
They are into areas with a thriving art/music scene...
GCHokie34 12/07/23 01:23 PM ET
Bingo.**
HoakieCup 12/07/23 02:46 PM ET
Your description of Bamba perfectly captures my perception of UT athletes**
Lancelot Link 12/07/23 12:02 PM ET
So you are suggesting that UT athletes don’t play hard?
Squatro 12/07/23 04:04 PM ET
Interesting re: UT
Woody 12/07/23 09:20 AM ET
He did make the NCAA 3 of the 5 years they had a tourney while he was there
reestuart 12/07/23 12:47 PM ET
VT made it to the tournament just as much with much less talent
GCHokie34 12/07/23 09:58 PM ET