Blessing in Disguise: Would Wichita Rather Have Turgeon Coaching Shockers?
Unless you're clairvoyant, there is no reason to get exorcised about a coach departing for another apparently better situation. For instance, there was considerable angst among Gonzaga loyalists after a 28-7 record in 1998-99 when Dan Monson left the Zags for Minnesota. Although successor Mark Few boasted no prior DI head coaching experience, all he did the past 15 seasons was become one of the most successful mentors in NCAA history.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Mark Turgeon was hailed with Wichita State before plying his trade in a couple of power conferences. But after what has transpired the past three campaigns, would Shocker fans prefer having Turgeon at their helm rather than Gregg Marshall? It is doubtful that any of the following schools would want a do-over after a successful bench boss abandoned ship seeking greener pastures in a power alliance:
| School | Success Summary of Current Coach | Predecessor's Subsequent Struggles |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Tad Boyle won more than 20 games each of first four seasons. | Jeff Bzdelik compiled a losing record with Wake Forest. |
| Creighton | Greg McDermott won more than 25 games each of last three seasons whether in MVC or Big East. | Dana Altman posted two losing league records with Oregon. |
| Iona | Tim Cluess compiled four consecutive 20-win campaigns. | Kevin Willard compiled losing Big East Conference record each of first four seasons with Seton Hall. |
| Kansas State | Bruce Weber tied KU for Big 12 regular-season title last season and appears bound for an NCAA playoff berth this year. | A powerful magnifying glass is needed to discern any significant progress South Carolina has made in a mediocre SEC under Frank Martin. |
| Miami (Fla.) | Jim Larranaga notched a school all-time best 29-7 worksheet last season. | Frank Haith's dismal postseason record is expected to continue with this year's disappointing Mizzou squad. |
| Massachusetts | Derek Kellogg won more than 20 games each of last three seasons. | Travis Ford registered one NCAA playoff win in first five years with Oklahoma State before Pokes' turmoil this season. |
| Virginia Commonwealth | Shaka Smart won at least 27 games each of previous four seasons. | Anthony Grant notched no NCAA Tournament triumph in first five seasons with Alabama. |
| Wichita State | Gregg Marshall averaged more than 30 victories annually over the last three seasons. | Mark Turgeon has a minimum of 13 defeats and no NCAA playoff appearances in first three years with Maryland after stint at Texas A&M. |