Interesting Tim Cluess Piece
- Thread starter paultzman
- Start date
When I moved near Albany years ago, I brought my "pro" Cluess attitude with me. I hoped SJU would offer him an Asst Coach spot under any of the post-Carnesecca guys we marched through.
As I followed Siena (as my second team to root for), I discovered the general perception around Fairfield, Manhattan, St Peter's and Siena was Cluess was great for Iona but he doesn't teach defense.
I don't know how fair a rap that is but the article seemed to reinforce that view.
Of course, how many coaches at ANY level today even if they spout "defense!" actually know
how to teach it?
I think he will take some major conference, college team, willing to take a chance on him, at least into the Top 25 on a reasonably consistent basis.
As I followed Siena (as my second team to root for), I discovered the general perception around Fairfield, Manhattan, St Peter's and Siena was Cluess was great for Iona but he doesn't teach defense.
I don't know how fair a rap that is but the article seemed to reinforce that view.
Of course, how many coaches at ANY level today even if they spout "defense!" actually know
how to teach it?
I think he will take some major conference, college team, willing to take a chance on him, at least into the Top 25 on a reasonably consistent basis.
beast of the east
Active member
Cluess had a huge reason that caused him to want stay in the NYC area. I'm not sure that reason still exists. One thing is certian is that Cluess knows how to win, and can bring players in that help him win at any level so far. I know he loves to coach, and even before he took the Iona job had said that he just loves to coach and it didn't matter that much to him at what level. I'd hate to see him end up at another Big East school, or even at a Syracuse or UCONN. I know many of you don't think much of him, but imagine how it would suck if he succeeded Boeheim for 10 years and kept that program going strong?
jerseyshorejohnny
Well-known member
From what I've heard, Tim has a sizable (for a mid-major) buyout clause in his contract.
prjohnnies
Member
He has shown he will be selective in pursuing his next move up the ladder. Will not jump to a bigger mid-major. He would take most of the larger conference jobs - but I don't see any opening for a while. Willard will leave the Hall if the right larger conference job comes along - when they were in trouble in the midst of the Big East schedule and Angel was flirting with leaving - he was strongly considering a move to South Florida even though that is a huge step down from the Hall. But Sha is the likely successor there. Pickell will have a long leash to turn around Rutgers it seems. And Mullin isn't going anywhere unless he wants to; in which case Cluess would be beating down the front door of Carnesecca.
The guy has won wherever he's been - so clearly he can coach. I think his success at Iona is largely due to the fact that he recruits a higher caliber player than anyone else in the league. Iona always has the most talent in the MAAC. Can Cluess no defense style play in a bigger conference? That's the million dollar question. It doesn't at Iona, as they routinely get destroyed by the better programs. But perhaps he'd adjust in a different situation. I wouldn't bet against him given the success he's had at every level.
The guy has won wherever he's been - so clearly he can coach. I think his success at Iona is largely due to the fact that he recruits a higher caliber player than anyone else in the league. Iona always has the most talent in the MAAC. Can Cluess no defense style play in a bigger conference? That's the million dollar question. It doesn't at Iona, as they routinely get destroyed by the better programs. But perhaps he'd adjust in a different situation. I wouldn't bet against him given the success he's had at every level.
What damaged his reputation, to an extent, was the nationally televised NCAA play-in game vs BYU, where is guard-oriented offense had a big lead at the half, but after adjustments, BYU came out strong and Iona completely lost it's composure and lost. It was a few years ago.
beast of the east
Active member
When Tim welsh got the hofstra job in 2010 Cluess was on their radar but was not interviewed. After Welsh resigned they did not turn to Cluess. Cluess subsequently got the Iona job
beast of the east
Active member
Supposedly when Welsh was hired they had 4 names on their list, Cluess being #4. They only interviewed 3. Cluess would have turned Hofstra around, no doubt.