This just in, Brooks Hatch is reporting that IUPUI coach, Ron Hunter is in “serious talks” with the Beavers about becoming the next head basketball coach. I wonder if he wore shoes to the meeting?
Hunter, has lead IUPUI from a D-II school into the D-I ranks and the NCAA Tournament in 2003.
There is just one problem. This has happened before. Not only to Oregon State (See: Grier) but also to Hunter. It was just a little over six months ago that Hunter was in talks with Ball State. If the report is correct, then it would be the second time that IUPUI would need to offer more to keep Hunter and it would be battling a school with more money.
On August 7th , 2007, ESPN’s Andy Katz reported, “Barring an unexpected impasse, Ball State (MAC) and IUPUI head coach Ron Hunter are expected to agree on a contract that would make him the new Cardinals coach.”
At the time Hunter was the top candidate to replace Ronny Thompson. There were multiple sources, everyone was happy, it was going to happen. Hunter was supposed to talk to high-ranking Ball State and IUPUI officials, it was just a matter of time.
At the time, Ball State athletic director Tom Collins, much like Bobby D, was looking for a replacement with head coaching experience and didn’t want an assistant. But the talks fell through, things didn’t work out, two days later, Hunter withdrew himself from consideration – much like Grier.
There were conflicting reports as to why Hunter backed out, some sources said it was because of NCAA rules violation allegations that, “the women’s volleyball coach was fired for reporting a possible men’s basketball violation and that extra benefits were provided to current players and a player from another university who Thompson was recruiting as a transfer to Ball State.” The allegations were first reported by the Muncie Star Press.
Others say it was because Ball State had a bad “racial climate.”
Insert Oregon State. It’s not that Corvallis has a bad racial climate, but its not exactly southern florida-esk. Just last fall the school was blanketed with controversy over a “blackout” held at a football game that had the Black Cultural Center picketing outside of Reser Stadium.
Sources closest to Hunter say it was for that reason, and not the NCAA rules violation that he stayed at IUPUI. So as Beaver fans await a new coach, they should not get too excited about the prospect of Hunter. Yet.
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