Last spring, athletic director Craig Littlepage drew wide criticism in his search for a head basketball coach. After the dust settled, his selection of Dave Leitao was perceived by many as a second-tier hiring when compared with other potential candidates. Many fans speculated that the team would not generate the needed revenue as the school opened the new John Paul Jones Arena in 2006.
It seems intriguing to play Monday morning quarterback and analyze the selection (while extremely premature) of Leitao compared to the other potential candidates. Most media sources confirmed that the other major coaches in the search included (among others) Tubby Smith (Kentucky head coach), Dave Odom (South Carolina head coach), Mike Brey (Notre Dame head coach) and Rick Barnes (Texas head coach).
Rick Barnes has done a fabulous job with Texas, as they are ranked first in the Big 12 and appear poised for a run deep into the tournament. Many media sources speculated that Barnes did not have an interest in the Virginia coaching job last spring. The play this season of the Longhorns supports his decision for staying in the burnt orange.
Kentucky, meanwhile, is struggling through one of its worst seasons in recent memory. Currently a "bubble team" for the NCAA tournament, the Kentucky faithful resemble a pack of rabid dogs that can smell the blood of a fresh steak. Do you think Tubby regrets turning down the reported $5 million per year offer to come to the University of Virginia?
Dave Odom, at the University of South Carolina, has struggled this year with a squad that is last in the SEC East. Odom will need a late run to have a shot at the big dance.
Mike Brey at Notre Dame has not fared any better, with a conference record of 2-8 in the tough Big East conference. The Irish appear to be fighting for a spot in the much-maligned NIT.
Meanwhile, the "second-tier" candidate from the mid-major school of DePaul has led Virginia to fifth place in the ACC and is in contention for coach of the year honors. This Virginia team has only played a total of seven scholarship players the last few games. Yet Leitao has managed to put this inexperienced team on the bubble for the NCAA tourney.
A look at the incoming recruiting class shows a glimpse of potential greatness to come next year. Entering the new John Paul Jones Arena, the Wahoos desperately needed two things: another quality ball handler at the guard position and some depth at the forward/center position.
Like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, Leitao hit both troubled spots with the upcoming class. The star of the class is Solomon Tat, a 6-foot, 5-inch guard out of Stockbridge, Ga. Tat is averaging 26 points a game while transitioning from point guard (which he played last year) to shooting guard. Next year, add Tat to a guard rotation of Sean Singletary, J.R. Reynolds and T.J. Bannister and it becomes quite clear that ball handling and shooting will not be a problem for the Wahoos next year.
The other four recruits are listed by most sites as 3 or 4-star recruits and range in height from 6 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet, 9 inches. This added depth will enable the Wahoos to stay out of foul trouble and create a competitive environment for playing time for the big men.
In what will be a much tougher ACC next year, the Wahoos have the potential depth and skill to finish in the top three of the conference. While Leitao is doing a fantastic job coaching this season, next year will give him the opportunity to take this team to the next level.
Actually, why not just give Leitao a huge long-term deal right now before showing he can take the team to the next level...
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