Tommy Tonelli for hoops coach

[wagers]

For those that don't know, Tonelli was a 4 year starting PG at USF and assistant coach for 10+ years.  He even was hired by Stan Heath as Director of Basketball Operations and then promised an assistant job but was given to a 'recruiter' who didn't get anyone to USF.  This guy can flat out coach.  Wharton has never recruited a player to play there and has won a tough district almost every year and made it to the state Final 4 a few years ago.  His plays are very crisp and his defense is extremely tough.  It's hard nosed basketball with tough kids.  Heck, his son's were there for 4 years each and made them earn playing time like everyone else.  The guy is TOUGH and organized.  We need one of our own at USF. 

If they go in a different direction than COA (almost a must), then Tonelli would be perfect to coach young talented guys like Bibby, Fitts, Da Silva.  Plus get him for say 500k/year, then the buyout isn't so bad for COA.

[bcgruber]

Actually very good points and looks good from what we may have to choose from

[El_Toro_86]

Maybe bringing back one of of our own would be enough to remove the curse of the Indian burial ground.

[Triple B]

2 hours ago, El_Toro_86 said:

Maybe bringing back one of of our own would be enough to remove the curse of the Indian burial ground.

It's a course we haven't tried yet .... successful head coach, high profile assistant, successful high school coach who was one of our own ... helps that he does have some time at the college level, even if it's minimal.

[flsportsfan83]

No

[206BULL]

If we're bringing in former players who are HS coaches my vote is for Chucky. Doubt we go the route of HS basketball coach though thankfully. There are some pretty good names that could become available this off season, this is a good year to be looking for a coach.

[Apis Bull]

I wouldn't mind seeing him and Chucky on the staff though

[206BULL]

Agreed but I don't think our head coaching job should be either first college coaching spot (assistant or other).

Edited December 21, 2016 by 206BULL

[Triple B]

43 minutes ago, 206BULL said:

If we're bringing in former players who are HS coaches my vote is for Chucky.

Reggie would be another option ...... I'm warming up to this former Bull, high school coach thing .... thinking outside the box.

[NewEnglandBull]

I don't think we can go the high school route...we would lose any credibility we may already have. No problem with having them as an assistant (especially if an alumnus). Think we have to go the route of someone who has had previous head coaching experience who can recruit nationally.