In response to some people, I'm not sure ISU is even a top 5 job in the Big 12, let alone the country.
Look at the total number of Final Fours for the other Big 12 schools in front of ISU along with their (arguably) most accomplished player:
Kansas: 14 - Wilt Chamberlain
Oklahoma State: 6 - Bryant Reeves
Kansas State: 4 - Bob Boozer/Mitch Richmond
Oklahoma: 4 - Wayman Tisdale
Texas: 3 - Kevin Durant
Baylor: 2 - Vinnie Johnson
West Virginia: 2 - Jerry West
Iowa State: 1 - Jeff Hornacek?
Realistically, I would peg the ISU job right now at about 30 - 50 in the country when considering history, tradition, success in the tournament, championships, and All-Americans. Also, the Big 12 as a whole is historically weak when compared to Big Ten, ACC, and Big East-type schools.
The team has a nice little run going right now and hopefully that can continue. Hilton Magic is also a fun tradition. When considering ISU's historical ineptitude in marketing/branding the athletic programs, Fred's "NBA blueprint" is perhaps the closest we have come to having an unique message nationally (but that's a whole another topic).
Fred has set ISU up nicely--will the new hire continue that?
Look at the total number of Final Fours for the other Big 12 schools in front of ISU along with their (arguably) most accomplished player:
Kansas: 14 - Wilt Chamberlain
Oklahoma State: 6 - Bryant Reeves
Kansas State: 4 - Bob Boozer/Mitch Richmond
Oklahoma: 4 - Wayman Tisdale
Texas: 3 - Kevin Durant
Baylor: 2 - Vinnie Johnson
West Virginia: 2 - Jerry West
Iowa State: 1 - Jeff Hornacek?
Realistically, I would peg the ISU job right now at about 30 - 50 in the country when considering history, tradition, success in the tournament, championships, and All-Americans. Also, the Big 12 as a whole is historically weak when compared to Big Ten, ACC, and Big East-type schools.
The team has a nice little run going right now and hopefully that can continue. Hilton Magic is also a fun tradition. When considering ISU's historical ineptitude in marketing/branding the athletic programs, Fred's "NBA blueprint" is perhaps the closest we have come to having an unique message nationally (but that's a whole another topic).
Fred has set ISU up nicely--will the new hire continue that?
