An interesting angle on the Majerle to Suns hypothetical is that I think it still helps GCU. I have no reason to doubt that Mr. C & AD Vaught couldn't/wouldn't make a strong hire to replace Majerle. I also have to believe Majerle leaves on good terms. That said, the ties and opportunities for GCU recruits and players to interact with Suns organization only benefit GCU. How many schools can sit a recruit across from an NBA head coach who looks them in the eye and says, "If you have what it takes, you'll get a look from the Suns."? If I'm a kid dreaming of playing in the league, that is going to move the needle.

(03-20-2017 02:52 PM)gleadley Wrote:  An interesting angle on the Majerle to Suns hypothetical is that I think it still helps GCU. I have no reason to doubt that Mr. C & AD Vaught couldn't/wouldn't make a strong hire to replace Majerle. I also have to believe Majerle leaves on good terms. That said, the ties and opportunities for GCU recruits and players to interact with Suns organization only benefit GCU. How many schools can sit a recruit across from an NBA head coach who looks them in the eye and says, "If you have what it takes, you'll get a look from the Suns."? If I'm a kid dreaming of playing in the league, that is going to move the needle.

It couldn't be that direct - that would be illegal inducements. But, once they use up their eligibility they can get invited to summer camps/tryouts/signed to the D-League, and word gets around that GCU players are getting tryouts.

When NAU had an AD (Gary Walker) that was also an investor in the Suns, I know that a few NAU seniors players got Suns' tryouts/scouting based on Colangelo helping out a friend/investor. Bu

Obviously, everything would have to be done in a compliant manner. I believe Grandy Glaze had a tour of Suns facilities w/PJ Tucker during his official visit to GCU. GCU alum Daniel Alexander has spent this season on the NAZ Suns' roster. As you said, the stronger the ties between GCU & the NBA, the more opportunities we will see for skilled players that come through GCU. It could be an attractive piece for recruits that doesn't exist in many other mid-major programs.

(03-20-2017 12:30 PM)dbackjon Wrote:  Steve Alford to Indiana
Earl Watson to UCLA
Majerle to the Suns

No. UCLA is not going to hire Earl Watson if Alford leaves. I cannot say who they would hire, but they will hire an experienced head coach, one that has coached at D1 level with some level of success. Watson has one year of NBA head coaching experience and he is a long way from getting another head coaching job. The Suns will give him at least one more season at Phoenix.

I really don't know if Alford would leave UCLA. He has the #2 ranked recruiting class coming in next season according to Rivals. He has momentum at UCLA. Indiana is a rebuilding job in a tough conference and who knows if he is Indiana's first choice or if Alford would leave UCLA.