Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Swearin' Kevin O'Neill

Curious as to the appeal of Kevin O'Neill, I looked up his record and it's not very impressive, 205-207 overall.

His best tenure was when he was at Marquette coaching the Anthony Pieper's of the world, going 86-62 in 5 years and making 2 dances and a Sweet 16 in 1994 where Duke beat them.

At Tennessee, he went 36-47, not even sniffing a bid. Before getting canned, he bolted for Northwestern of all places going 30-56 in 3 years including a snazzy 0-16 in conference in his last year. After 2000, he was an NBA vagabond before returning to the college game and Arizona where he got his start as an assistant under Lute Olson.

After a messy year at Arizona where he went 19-15 replacing the allegedly sick Olson and getting beat in the first round, he was shown the door and two years later was hired by USC where him and his drunken wife got into an altercation with 'Zona fans allegedly named Hacker.

What's the appeal? Sure, he's better than Tim Floyd but this was the guy USC wanted to challenge Ben Howland?

Finally, I'll give Marquette this, they've had a few doozies since Al left. Dirty fat man Majerus, Piano Man Dukiet, Drinking Man O'Neill & Angry Man Deane (I never knew he actually recruited Dwyane Wade). Now add TV man Crean and the circle is complete. I bet Indiana fan loves seeing their coach break down play-in games!

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