Maryland Basketball Scoop: What I'm hearing on those big (East) rumors
As Maryland prepares for the NCAA Tournament, rumors are flying. Here's what we're hearing.
Maryland prepares for the NCAA Tournament; rumors are flying about Kevin Willard and a high-profile job opening. What's the real deal? Here's what I've gathered.
Rumors have swirled that Willard is a top candidate for the Villanova job, vacated by Kyle Neptune's firing. I'm told legendary former Wildcats coach Jay Wright, who's still closely involved with the program, is pushing for Willard to be the top choice. The two shared Big East coach of the year honors in 2016 and have become friends.
"Kevin Willard has always been one of the best coaches in the country. He's a great recruiter, a great tactician and a good man. He will do a great job at the University of Maryland," Wright said when Willard was hired by Maryland.
Whether Willard will actually consider the job depends on who you talk to. Most sources I've spoken said they view it as a chance for Willard, who's in the third year of a seven-year deal paying him about $4 million a year, to secure an extension or more resources. But it is a big job in his stomping grounds, the Big East, and Villanova has a lot of money to pay recruits.
Willard is enjoying his best season at Maryland and has built up momentum moving forward, returning the Terps to the national spotlight. He's set to lose Julian Reese, Selton Miguel and likely Julian Reese, but should be able to sell high-level transfers on those open starting spots. Would he want to uproot his family just as things are getting good? My hunch is no, but it's worth keeping tabs on.
Northwestern's Chris Collins is reportedly a top choice as well, along with VCU's Ryan Odom, whom I've heard might be ticketed for UVA. With the rumors spreading fast on Twitter and other sites, it wouldn't be a bad idea for Willard to address them and confirm he's committed to Maryland. The same scenario happened when his Seton Hall team entered the tournament, surrounded by rumors he was leaving for Maryland, and the distracted Pirates were blown out by TCU by 27 points in the first round.
As always, I'll keep you updated.
