Jacobson to A&M?

[TheShock]

Ah, the annual "UNI to the abyss" conversation. Carry on...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB17uWuBrL0

[strike00]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6553151

Byrne and associate athletic director John Thornton met with Kennedy early Saturday and then flew to Fargo, N.D., to meet with Northern Iowa's Ben Jacobson, but Jacobson chose to stay put.

take that for what you will.

[Snaggletooth]

It seems that Jacobson is no different than any other valley coach. Although he didn't leave this time he took an important step and said "I'm ready and willing....". Any success our schools will have will be a double-edge sword. It will be fun while the ride last, but after the ride ends the coach will be leaving. Our schools are merely stepping stones to the next level.

[Duan]

Does this possibly mean that Jacobson is not as optimistic about UNI's next few years as its fans are?

I guess I don't follow your logic. Could you spell this one out for me?

No, I don't think that that is necessary. Everyone one here (who had a decent education) can figure out exactly what it means.

[Trapped in CA]

Does this possibly mean that Jacobson is not as optimistic about UNI's next few years as its fans are?

The Texas A&M job is not turnaround project. From coach Jake's perspective, you would have to look at the following:

- Double - triple current salary (with no state income tax in TX on top of it)
- A team that is arguable a top 25 team starting the season
- Easier to recruit talent in a Big 12 program
- Can finish in 3rd to 5th or 6th place in the Big 12, and still qualify for the post season, rather than needing to win the conference tourney
- 2 chances to kick Bill Self in the package each year
- inheriting a team running a similar defensive / offensive scheme

Downsides
- Little to no experience recruiting in Texas

[unipanther99]

Does this possibly mean that Jacobson is not as optimistic about UNI's next few years as its fans are?

I guess I don't follow your logic. Could you spell this one out for me?

No, I don't think that that is necessary. Everyone one here (who had a decent education) can figure out exactly what it means.

Sorry my education is apparently not up to your standards. I've always been a realist about Jacobson, he owed it to his family to at least listen to these guys. I really don't understand how being somewhat open to the possibility of increasing your salary x3 (maybe more) says anything about how successful he thinks UNI is going to be in the future. Apparently UNI has found some more money for our assistant coaches (at Jacobson's request). I think that says more about his commitment to UNI's future success than anything else we've heard recently.

[valleychamp]

Really good article excerpt from an interview with coach Jake regarding this whole process.

http://wcfcourier.com/sports/college/uni/mens_basketball/article_fefe9750-7fea-11e0-b890-001cc4c03286.html

[2livewu]

Wow. Kind of amazing actually. I can't imagine hearing anything more positive from your own coach. If he doesn't take a job like A&M, I'm not sure Panther fans have anything to worry about, except MAYBE Minnesota from what you've said.

I wonder though, I'm sure UNI fans don't think this is likely, or even possible, but if the Panthers fall out of the top half of the Valley (barely stayed there this season and certainly a possibility next) will the offers dry up, along with some of the monetary support of late, making an upward move nearly impossible?

[Trapped in CA]

Don't think the Panthers will be on the bottom half of the Valley for the foreseeable future, unless it is an injury issue. UNI was in the mix until O'Rear's ankle cracked. All the momentum unraveled at that point, basically relying on our third post player at that point. (McDermott would likely have started the season as #2 post player if not for the soap opera last summer).

As for next year, I would say the talent level is moving up from what historically UNI has been able to grab recruiting wise. Marvin Singleton from Minneapolis should be be in the mix right away. Take player built Kwadzo, add four inches (to 6' 6") and 15 pounds, a back to the basket game and an O'Rear type attitude down low. How this plays out at the next level, who knows, but he looked fantastic in the Minnesota HS playoffs.

[unipanther99]

Jake seems to be staking his career on his getting something long-term accomplished at UNI.