Search for TU coach continues
BY ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Sunday, March 18, 2012
3/18/12 at 6:21 AM
Tulsa's search for its 29th head basketball coach is about to enter its second week.
TU, led by athletic director Ross Parmley, is looking for Doug Wojcik's replacement. The school is being tight-lipped on potential candidates.
Slowing down the process may be that some of the coaches targeted have played or continue to participate in tournament games.
POSSIBLE TU COACHING CANDIDATES
Tommy Amaker, Harvard head coach
Pluses: Built a strong basketball program at Harvard. Has 15 years of Division I head coaching experience.
Minuses: Oklahoma area would be unlike any of his other stops (Michigan, Seton Hall, Duke).
Scott Cross, Texas-Arlington head coach
Pluses: Spent past eight years as alma mater's head coach. Current Southland Conference of the year.
Minuses: Cross' name has also come up with vacant SMU job. His career winning percentage is .557 (103-82).
Bryce Drew, Valparaiso head coach
Pluses: Had successful first season, leading Valpo to 22 wins. Emerging star in profession. Horizon League coach of the year.
Minuses: Health of his parents, including former Valpo coach Homer Drew, could be major factor. Only one season as head coach.
Terry Evans, Central Oklahoma head coach
Pluses: Very successful coach at Division II level. Rising star in coaching ranks. Style of play would put fans in the seats.
Minuses: No Division I head coaching experience. He may be a few years away from a job like Tulsa.
Billy Gillispie, Texas Tech head coach
Pluses: Would be an instant hit at Tulsa, given his time here on Bill Self's staff. Attendance, revenue problems likely would be solved.
Minuses: He's only been at Texas Tech for one season. Tulsa would have to pay plenty to get him.
John Groce, Ohio head coach
Pluses: Has led Ohio to NCAA Tournament wins over Georgetown (2010) and Michigan (2012). Has major college experience, was assistant at Ohio State.
Minuses: Groce may be destined for a bigger job than Tulsa. His name is emerging with plenty of current openings.
Tim Jankovich, Illinois State head coach
Pluses: Coaches exciting brand of basketball. His team made 17 3-pointers versus Ole Miss in NIT first-round game. Former Bill Self assistant at Kansas, Oklahoma State assistant.
Minuses: Averages 20-plus wins a season, no NCAA Tournament appearances. ISU will be very good next season, with core coming back.
Scott Sutton, Oral Roberts head coach
Pluses: Has sustained success at ORU. Has a good grasp of expectations at Tulsa. Has beaten Top 25 teams during time at ORU.
Minuses: Would he bring attendance, revenue bump that school craves? Would TU fans accept Sutton, similar to former Golden Eagles coach Bill Self?
Eric Bailey 918-581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
ORU head coach Scott Sutton could be a potential candidate for the TU coaching job. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
Texas Tech coach Billy Gillispie was a former TU assistant under Bill Self. CORY YOUNG / Tulsa World file
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