Macallan 18

Article in the Post-Dispatch said, "Assistant coach Jamall Walker, who has served as interim head coach since Groce was fired, will remain on Underwood’s staff." Makes sense. I bet Underwood didn't have a choice on Walker (at least this year). Walker comes with the job and $3M.

Coach Ford is not leaving after one year. It would be a foolish thing to do on all fronts, and plain & simple I don't believe he is that kind of person, and he certainly is not foolish. With that said if there is something to the "rumors" (which I don't believe there are) perhaps Coach Ford and Athletic Director May are in it together to get the facility upgrades. Sometimes at any business you have to play a little politics to get what you want. Saint Louis University is a business! People tend to forget that in education. Also what makes money at SLU and the the potential to make a lot more... Men''s Basketball. The University understands this now and is prepared to invest accordingly. The financial challenges at SLU are not as bad as reported, I know this, that's all I can or will say), and I applaud The University for making the tough fiscal decisions. The cost of a college education in general is out of control, and many colleges and universities across the country are in similar situations. Mizzou is dealing with a major shortfall in funding. Will Coach Ford leave at some time for greener pastures? Perhaps? Everyone does not aspire to coach / work at a giant state university in a small crap town. Maybe he does, maybe he does not. There is something to be said for work / life / family balance at a top flight institution that is basketball focused in a significant metropolitan city. Marquette, Xavier, Butler, Creighton, SLU to name but a few. Saint Louis is a great place to live and at this stage in the Ford's family life moving is not easy. Those of you older folks on this board who have raised your family understand this. The Millennials who do not have kids or have little ones will see when your your family gets to high school age. A third school for his kids in two years is incredibly disruptive in the most formative of years. For a little more money? No way... If I am wrong and Coach Ford does leave then I have every confidence that SLU would "step-up" again and hire an appropriate replacement. I do not believe I am wrong so with that said, I am excited about Coach Ford and the future of Saint Louis University Men's Basketball and looking forward to watching Coach Ford and his staff continue their positive momentum. And I am done with this silly thread. Macallan 18 Out...

Agreed. And he just moved his family here with two kids in high school and one in junior high touring high schools. He is not uprooting his family again right now. He has been very outspoken about making SLU Basletball a premier event in Saint Louis. He would have zero credibility if he screwed SLU and his current and future players after only one year. At first I thought they should make some kind of statement, but I like the tact of not even acknowledging it. I know Mizzou people think that it is a cherry job. It is a good one and will pay well, but it is not a dream job (unless you are Kim Andrson). Also the crap surrounding the MU athletic program and school as a whole has not run its course.

I doubt Coach Ford paid out of his own pocket, but if he did that is impressive as well. The financial woes are not as bad as reported. Media loves to do what they do. SLU is fine. That doesn't mean they don't need to make some needed adjustments. SLU is not going to mess-up a revenue generator that has a chance to really produce. They finally "Get-it!"

Goodwin and French are STUDS! I don't really care where their HS ratings are. It's all about college now. Ford is BIG TIME and he proves it everyday in different ways. Going to French's Senior Night instead of sending an assistant is terrific. Also it shows SLU increased commitment. Not too long ago there would not have been the budget for that trip.

Significant improvement from the beginning of the year when he looked almost lost.

Most improved Billiken this year!

I think they will. And I would throw Thatch in there. While not from Saint Louis his being from Missouri makes him local enough. Loved Gordon's quote after the packed Vason game. “It was good. I grew up here playing in front of everybody,” Gordon said. “I plan for it to be like this in a few years when I go to SLU.”

Gordon also had a few really nice passes which is good to see. Thanks for sharing the highlights.

Lebron Jr. could play for SLU right now. http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/12-year-old-lebron-james-jr-showed-off-absurd-basketball-skills-in-latest-highlight-video/ar-AAlZGFZ?li=BBnb7Kz

Welmer stays and his game will improve with significantly better players on the floor. My guess is he can't wait until next year. Can't imagine Nuefeld stays. I bet Gillmann and Roby stick it out. I am 50/50 on Bishop.

I hope he pans pans out. There are some ????'s. Highlights looks great, but remember the bar has been low here. Couldn't cut one semester at BC? I am a little skeptical, but trust Ford's judgement. So welcome Ty!

I'm not sold on him. HS senior year stats were average, he was 3* coming out of HS and lost the BC PG battle. I don't think Ford will settle so if Ford likes him then I will, if Ford has the opportunity to pass and does then I support that.

Thanks Pistol. Love the intel...

We have better options here than this guy. http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/marquette/2016/11/20/cohen-leaves-marquette-basketball-team/94180616/