Tom Crean to Indiana

[JoseA]

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Tom Crean couldn't say "no" when Indiana offered him the coaching job.

He thought back to the undefeated 1976 team he watched as a child, the first coaching clinic he attended with Bob Knight, the appearance of Kent Benson in his hometown of Mount Pleasant, Mich., and the respect he had for the program.

Yes, his loyalties always seemed to be with Indiana, and after his introduction Wednesday as the new coach, he's finally a Hoosier.

"This was a heart decision," Crean said, his voice cracking. "This was not a business decision or a legacy decision. I'd had other opportunities to walk away [from Marquette], and none of them felt like this. I'm going to miss those people a lot, but I'm excited to be here."

ESPN - Crean gets eight-year deal as he sets about righting Indiana's ship - Men's College Basketball

As a Marquette fan it sucks to see Crean leave in a sense. He represented the university in a good manner, and was a recognizable face in the college basketball world. I have no clue why he would leave now. If James and McNeal would return next season the team would be pretty darn good. AND to go to a school with all the problems Indiana has doesn't make much sense. I know it's a very covenanted job in the past, but I think its tarnished with the recent problems.

However, besides the final four appearance with D-Wade, Crean hasn't really done much else in the tournament. He's a good recruiter, but I questioned his coaching at times (the G'Town game this season for example.) A lot of the recruits for this upcoming season class are considering leaving and James and McNeal may not come back because of this...

[JoseA]

Marquette coaching candidates are as follows:

>> Sean Miller, Xavier (93-39 career record)

Makeup and background make him a perfect fit, but reportedly has a $2 million buyout.

>> Tony Bennett, Washington State (52-17)

State ties and tremendous success in two seasons at Wazzu make him a popular choice.

>> Anthony Grant, Virginia Commonwealth (52-14)

Another hot prospect who cut his coaching teeth under Billy Donovan at Florida.

>> Bob McKillop, Davidson (338-224)

Possesses East Coast roots and fell just three points short of advancing to the Final Four.

>> Brad Brownell, Wright State (127-60)

Fast-riser who has guided Raiders to a 44-20 mark in past two seasons.

>> Chris Lowery, Southern Illinois (96-41)

Energetic, defensive-minded coach who could finally be ready to make the big jump.

>> Buzz Williams,

MU assistant (14-17 in one year at New Orleans)

Under-the-radar candidate whose ties to incoming recruits could prove crucial.

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Sean Miller would be a great pick, however, it's gonna cost Marquette to get him. Anthony Grant and Buzz Williams look like the two leading darkhorse candidates.