Last nights post with some added info...
Here is a quick update on a few of the more popular topics being discussed, in a highly filtered state given the fluidity of things...
1 - It is expected that the announcement of Fred to Chicago will be either late tomorrow or Tuesday. My bet would be on Tuesday based on the position of those that are saying Tuesday behind the scenes.
2 - Despite rumors to the contrary, no decision or offer has been made on a replacement coach, I know that for a fact. There are said to be 4 candidates under heaviest consideration and back-channel, high-level discussions continue to evolve with representatives of each. I feel that a decision will be made this week based on various discussions.
3 - I continue to hear grumbling about the financials involved and the reluctance to shell out the necessary funds, but it's all speculation since JP and Leath are the only two that really know what they're willing to go up to and for whom. FWIW, I do think money is going to play a bigger factor in the decision than many would like - though that should in no way be taken as a suggestion on who I think the replacement will be.
4 - There is a lot of continued chatter about several discussed names (i.e. Hornacek, TJ, and even Floyd) but also a surprising level of talk about some other lesser considered options. None of the information is good enough that I want to add speculation, but I do feel better about the level of search being conducted, though there are still clear concerns about the parameters involved (i.e. money).
5 - I continue to hear very positive things about how the team is sticking together and using this as further motivation to regroup from how the season ended. The assistant coaching staff has done a remarkable job keeping everybody focused on basketball in the huge vacuum created without Fred communicating on a regular basis.
New for Monday...
6 - It has been confirmed that Fred will have paperwork signed by 3 or 4 and a press release should go out by this evening with press conference tomorrow.
7 - I would anticipate a new coach being named by Thursday, possibly sooner.
8 - There continues to be a lot of speculative chatter about replacements, but again, no decision has been made. At the end of the day, I feel decently optimistic with the names being considered.
9 - While the team continues to gel together, there is some frustration that some feel betrayed after being promised by Fred that he would be here through their senior years - pretty common for the situation. Up until two weeks ago, the last time many players talked to Fred, he insisted he was likely to return to Ames next season. With the unconfirmed rumors of some recruits being told it was less than 50/50 he would return, some feel lied to and betrayed.
10 - As long as TJ stays on the staff in some capacity, I don't see anybody transferring. There is no hiding that Matt was close to Fred, but I'm continuously told he wants to continue to develop and prove himself.
