Post by freewind on Jul 8, 2022 7:31:14 GMT -6
Looks like we’re going to be at 11 teams for next year, which probably means the Horizon League is waiting for a certain team to become NCAA eligible before giving them an invite. With the loss of UIC and the vacancy of our #1 coach from last year, it looks like most coaches will get a boost from their previous year ranking.
11 Matt Crenshaw - IUPUI (+1) – lackluster first season, but we weren’t expecting much either. He showed he could get his teams to play solid defense and that’s about the best thing we saw. Looks like most of his roster will turnover this year, so it’s like a 2nd beginning, BUT that also looks like the becoming of the norm for mid major basketball.
10 Will Ryan – Green Bay (Even) – Not much different look than what Matt Crenshaw had, another team that is turning over lots, including major pieces that were supposed to be the go-to guys on the team. This will be an important year for him to bring stability to the program (and some more wins too).
9 Daniyal Robinson – Cleveland State (New)– Daniyal was apparently a good recruiter for Iowa State in the Chicago area. Though Chicago is still definitely in the footprint of the Horizon League, not being close to Cleveland State and not having a school to play in the area might mean he will have to find recruiting grounds closer to his new home. He’s got some good momentum from Gates behind him in the program, it’s dire he finishes above .500 to keep the program rolling.
8 Andy Toole – Robert Morris (+1)– I wonder if Toole can continue this kind of performance and still have the staying power that Kampe has. At some point, the questions will have to be asked, if he’s the right man for this program in the Horizon League. Until then Andy will keep turning his teams over and look for the magical fit that get’s him back in the spotlight. He was so good in the NEC, kind of hope he gets his breakout year, and soon too.
7 Bart Lundy - Milwaukee (New)– interesting career. Definitely did great things at Queens. Had a winning career overall at High Point but in 6 years failed to get to the top. Will be interested to see if he does differently at Milwaukee. At this point a winning season sounds nice to the program, you’d have to go back to the 2015-16 season to find one in conference play.
6 Jarrod Calhoun (Even) – It really feels like this guy does so many things right with recruiting, scheduling, getting his team prepared and then some how it all falls apart down the stretch. He’s done so much for this program, I still think he’s an excellent fit for the program, but like many other coaches in the league, he still needs his breakout year.
5 Jon Coffmann – Fort Wayne (+3) – From 2nd to last to 2nd in the Horizon League, Jon has made an excellent 2nd season jump in the Horizon League. I honestly don’t think you could do much better than what he has done with his position.
4 Mike Davis - Detroit (+1) – is the fifth time a charm? Random fact. 3 of the 4 years so far Antoine Davis has lost in the post season playing for his dad to Northern Kentucky. You can bet they’re hoping to not play that team this coming post season.
3 Greg Kampe – Oakland (+1) – was the only coach who had a solid non-conference. A different year but similar end results. Typically, Oakland gets stronger through the year, but I felt this team kind of fell apart down the stretch. Great coach for other teams to have in the league, has a solid program and you can almost guarantee he’s not going to win the championship, you just hope he doesn’t take down your program before he hiccups. Until he wins one, this will be my view.
2 Darin Horn – Northern Kentucky (+1) – Horn is going to get NKU back in the tournament sooner than later. My thought process for universities at this level in the Mid Majors, you want a coach who can get you to the dance at least once every 4-5 years. I think Horn fits this role. He’s not amazing in any one role, but he can recruit, retain players, and coach up good teams. As soon as he gets one of his own teams into the tournament, he’ll also be on radar for larger programs to look at. He was one possession away from having the team back in it this year.