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10:30 a.m. April 04, 2008
McCaffrey, Les in Marquette mix. Who's your choice?
by Jeff Sherman

Chicagotribune.com's Skip Myslenski reports today that "word on the street is Marquette is looking at Siena coach Fran McCaffrey as a possible replacement for Crean." McCaffrey's team upset No. 4 seed Vanderbilt in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament this year.

Sources tell me that Bradley University coach and former NBA player Jim Les is also interested in the job. Les, a point guard standout in his playing days, took Bradley to the Sweet 16 in 2006. His brother, Gary, has strong ties to the state and the  Milwaukee area.

Personally, I want Marquette to hire the best coach available. The program is strong and Crean got it there. MU needs a passionate communicator, strong civic-minded soul and, obviously, a great basketball mind.

I don't have a top choice in mind, but do like Pitt's Jamie Dixon and Washington State's Tony Bennett. Dixon turned down California already, though, and Bennett has shunned an offer already, too, of course, as he was Indiana's first choice ahead of Tom Crean.

MU assistant Buzz Williams is a recruiting dynamo who should also get a look. Rick Majerus? L:ove the guy, but he's locked in at St. Louis. And, don't believe that MU would hire Kevin O'Neill back. If I had to bet, you might see him back in the NBA next year. How about UMass' Travis Ford?  Or, John Calipari?  He can't be satisfied in C-USA.  Hmm. Should be interesting.

Who's your pick? Use the talkback feature.



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