SMU Mustangs Win Transfer Battle For Former Illinois Guard Crandall Head

Larry Brown and his new staff haven't wasted any time revamping the SMU basketball roster for their upcoming transition to Big East play:

SMU has landed former Illinois guard Crandall Head, source told CBSSports. Larry Brown & Co. have added Josiah Turner and now Head thus far.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) May 10, 2012

Head was originally at Illinois, but announced his departure in December. He averaged 1.4 points per game in 17 appearances as a freshman and made one start, against Ohio State. In 2011-'12, he played in only nine games after a four-game suspension to start the seasons (violation of team rules) and averaged 1.0 points and 9.2 minutes.

The transfer of Head combines with former Arizona guard Josiah Turner, and comes after Brown dismissed four players from the roster upon his hire.

For more on the SMU Mustangs basketball team, be sure to check out SB Nation's college basketball page.

SMU Mustangs Basketball 2012: Crandall Head To Visit On Tuesday

Larry Brown and the SMU Mustangs basketball program are taking a shot at landing ex-Illinois guard Crandall Head. According to a report by Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com, Head is expected to visit SMU on Tuesday.

Former Illinois guard Crandall Head set to visit SMU tomorrow, source told CBSSports.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) May 7, 2012

Last week, Head told CBSSports that the Mustangs are the leaders to get him, though there was no list of teams he plans on visiting or showing interest in. Head did mention, however, his interest in playing for an former NBA coach.

"It matters a lot," Head said. "We all want to get to the next level and I can learn a lot from Coach Brown."

Head averaged just over one point a game in his career with the Illini and last season played less than 10 minutes a game.

Read more about SMU Mustangs basketball at SB Nation Dallas and our StoryStream here.

Larry Brown Hires Tim Jankovich From Illinois State

Larry Brown was able to convince Tim Jankovich, the Illinois State Redbirds current head basketball coach into joining him on staff at SMU. Brown, who just accepted the SMU position on April 17th, has been slowly assembling his assistants, most recently hiring Ulric Maligi, an assistant at the University of Houston.

The Dallas Morning News has the story on the Jankovich hire:

SMU officials were keen on Brown hiring a sitting head coach or a veteran coach because Brown hasn't coached at the college level in 24 years. Brown said that Jankovich understands that there is no timetable in place for when Brown may leave.

Tim Jankovich compiled a 106-64 record during his five year tenure at Illinois State and served as an assistant under Bill Self at both the University of Illinois and and the University of Kansas.

For all the latest news and notes surrounding Larry Brown coming to the Hilltop, stay tuned to SB Nation Dallas' exclusive storystream.

Larry Brown Hires UH Assistant Coach Ulric Maligi

For all his fame and career accomplishments, Larry Brown is still a 72-year old coach who hasn't been involved in college basketball in over a generation, which is why his coaching staff will be crucial in terms of his ability to recruit.

He scored a major coup on Thursday, when SMU announced the hiring of University of Houston assistant coach Ulric Maligi, who has long-time ties to the Dallas basketball community:

Larry Brown is now in business. Per @skhanjr, the SMU coach has hired Houston assistant Ulric Maligi. Critical hire to get Texas kids.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) April 26, 2012

Maligi, who is from Arlington, was the head coach of the Dallas Mustangs AAU program from 2003-2006. The Mustangs have long been one of the elite amateur basketball programs in the area, and Maligi coached several future NBA players there, including Wesley Johnson, Anthony Randolph, Sean Williams and Donald Sloan.

He was an assistant coach for UT-Arlington, Stephen F. Austin and Houston for the last seven years, and he should be an invaluable asset for Brown in terms of recruiting Texas players.

For all the latest news and notes surrounding Larry Brown coming to the Hilltop, stay tuned to SB Nation Dallas' exclusive storystream.

Larry Brown Is Hopeful He'll Be Coaching At SMU For The 'Long Haul'

Larry Brown Invites Matt Doherty To SMU Players Meeting

The SMU Mustangs are hoping for big things from the new coach of their men's basketball team, Larry Brown. The legendary coach is coming out of semi-retirement in hopes of completely revitalizing the school's basketball program. He has already began holding players meetings and is already making them interesting.

Laken Litman of FOX Sports reports that one of the invitees to the first SMU players meeting -- at the request of Brown himself -- was former head coach Matt Doherty, who was recently fired from the position. The two coaches are reportedly friendly and both share UNC ties.

The move is definitely an interesting one. It is unclear whether Brown intends to keep Doherty around as an advisor, or merely wanted to show the players that the transition will be smooth, or at least not acrimonious.

For all the latest rumors and analysis surrounding Larry Brown and the new-look Mustangs, stay tuned to the exclusive SB Nation Dallas storystream.

SMU Continues Larry Brown Buzz With Press Conference, Splash Page

Larry Brown was formally introduced as SMU's men's basketball coach on Monday, and the school made sure everyone knew what kind of commitment it's making to hoops.

Visiting SMUMustangs.com takes you to a splash page listing all of Brown's accomplishments, which includes three Final Fours and a national championship with Kansas, along with his NBA success. SMU hasn't made the NCAA Tournament since 1993. The page also links to the official press release.

At the introductory press conference Monday, Brown moved around questions as to how long he would be at SMU. He also tried to ease the concerns that he wouldn't be able to recruit.

From ESPN.com:

"Walking around this campus, if we can get a kid to visit here, I can't imagine him going anywhere else."

SMU has renovated many of its facilites and plans on doing more as it moves into the Big East. The program is trying to make a splash and grab headlines as it attempts to move out of obscurity. Brown's hiring has done that, and SMU is making sure the buzz continues.

Larry Brown Press Conference Scheduled For Monday

After all the drama and rumors surrounding SMU's potential hiring of Larry Brown, the coach finally confirmed the decision on Thursday.

Brown will be formally introduced at a press conference on Monday:

#SMU to welcome Larry Brown as new hoops HC in a press conference Monday at noon. Can watch a live webcast here: smu.edu/live

— Laken Litman (@LakenLitman) April 20, 2012

While many media members have expressed the opinion that it is a bad hire, no one can doubt that SMU made a big splash as it heads into the Big East. In an attempt to avoid the ignored bottom of the conference, SMU made an outside-the-box hire that has brought a lot of attention to the program, which was part of the reason the hire was made. Monday's press conference is sure to draw a lot of attention, and SMU made a smart decision broadcasting it online.

Larry Brown To SMU Is Finally Official

After a week-long process where Larry Brown may or may not have dragged his feet about signing a contract in order to pursue the Portland Trail Blazers GM, the Hall of Fame coach confirmed to the Dallas Morning News that he would be taking over on the Hilltop:

"I'm thrilled that they think enough of me to put me in this position," he said when reached by SportsDay's Brad Townsend. "I realize how important this hire is, going into the Big East. But it's a thrill. I always thought of myself as a college coach. Now this gives me a chance to get back where I started."

SMU's boosters have stepped up in a big way, as not only will Brown likely receive a $2 million plus contract, but he is rumored to be bringing in a coach in waiting in Illinois State's Tim Jankovich who would make $800,000. The Mustangs previous coach, Matt Doherty, will still be under contract for the $500,000 the school owes him.

Most importantly, Brown is bringing in two of the best recruiters in the country, Kentucky's Rod Strickland and Illinois' Jerrance Howard, in order to help him try to take advantage of the DFW area, one of the deepest talent pools in the country.

For all the latest rumors and analysis surrounding Larry Brown and the new-look Mustangs, stay tuned to the exclusive SB Nation Dallas storystream.

Larry Brown Rumors: SMU Target Linked With Portland GM Job

The folks over at SMU are getting a good preview of the joy it is dealing with Hall of Fame coach and legendary itinerant Larry Brown, as the school has still not come to terms with a contract despite rumors confirming the deal leaking out earlier in the week.

If the latest reports are true, Brown is reportedly dragging his feet due to interest in a job in the NBA, specifically the open GM position of the Portland Trail Blazers:

Still think Larry Brown ends up at SMU (perhaps soon) but source close to LB says his interest in Portland GM job continues to delay process

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) April 19, 2012

A front-office job isn't as much of a daily grind as coaching, especially when it comes to the level of hours a college coach must put in recruiting, something which Brown might not be prepared for, given that he hasn't coached outside of the NBA in nearly 25 years.

For all the latest Larry Brown rumors, stay tuned to the exclusive SB Nation Dallas storystream.

SI: Larry Brown Has Not Been Offered SMU Job Yet

Hold the presses on Larry Brown to SMU -- for now. According to Sports Illustrated, SMU has not yet offered the job to the Hall of Fame coach, despite being very interested in the job.

"They haven't offered me the job, I haven't accepted the job, and I would never do it without Joe's blessing," Brown told The Associated Press. "I think before anything happens, Steve would probably have to have his blessing from his president. That's where we are."

It does seem likely that Brown will eventually end up with the job at SMU. Though he hasn't coached since he left the Charlotte Bobcats in 2010, he'd bring a lot of clout to the program as they get ready to move to the Big East -- a move that will certainly help with recruiting.

Brown hasn't coached in the NCAA since the 1980s, when he coached at UCLA and Kansas before the college ranks to coach in the NBA.

Larry Brown To SMU: Assistants Are The Real Story

Brown is bringing in two of the top recruiters in the country, but how will they fit in with rumored coach in waiting Tim Jankovich?

Larry Brown Named New SMU Basketball Head Coach, According To Report

ESPN Dallas is reporting that 71-year-old Hall Of Fame coach Larry Brown will become the next head coach of the SMU Mustangs:

BREAKING: Hall of Famer Larry Brown, 71, agrees to become next #SMU men's basketball coach. Story to come: es.pn/eS1xuG #Mustangs

— ESPNDallas (@ESPNDallas) April 17, 2012

The only holdup on an immediate official announcement is the assembly of a staff, according to ESPN:

Sources said that Brown has offered Illinois State coach Tim Jankovich a "coach-in-waiting position." Jankovich is leaning toward accepting the job, but he's also conflicted about leaving a Redbirds squad that returns every key player from last season's 21-14 team.

Brown has been out of basketball for just under two years, when he left the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats in 2010. He's the only basketball coach in history to have both a NCAA Championship (Kansas, 1988) and a NBA title (Detroit, 2003).

For more on Larry Brown and the SMU Mustangs, go to SB Nation's college basketball page.

SMU Basketball Coach Search: Larry Brown Will Make Decision Soon, According To Report

The SMU Mustangs are currently seeking out candidates for the vacant position as new head coach for the men's basketball team. The school hopes that a new coach can help revitalize the program. To that end, the first candidate they've significantly pursued is former NBA, ABA and NCAA head coach Larry Brown.

According to Andy Katz of ESPN Dallas/Ft. Worth, Brown has an interview with the school on Sunday and is expected to give the school his decision this week. Another finalist for the position that was interviews on Saturday is Tony Benford, currently an assistant coach at Marquette.

While both Brown and SMU have expressed a mutual interest in one another, Katz states that there is no guarantee he will agree to taking on the role. Either way, the Mustangs should know within the next few days whether they'll be welcoming a Hall of Fame coach in the fall.

For more on the SMU coach search, please stay tuned to this StoryStream.

SMU And Larry Brown: To The Big East Together?

Could Larry Brown resurrect the SMU basketball program? A brief discussion of how his potential hiring could affect the Big East's newest member.

SMU Coaching Search: Larry Brown Reportedly The Frontrunner

Larry Brown, the only man to ever win both an NCAA and NBA championship as a head coach, is reportedly the frontrunner for the vacant SMU head coaching position, as noted by Kate Hairopolous via Twitter.

SportsDay reported in today's editions that it appears Brown, 71, has emerged as frontrunner.

— Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) April 16, 2012

Brown has been linked to the job in recent days, and it would be his first college gig since leading the Kansas Jayhawks to 1988 National Championship and then jumping ship to the NBA to become the San Antonio Spurs' head coach.

SMU recently fired Matt Doherty as its head coach after finishing 13-19 during the 2011-2012 season. Doherty managed to win only 42.3 percent of his games during his six year tenure with the Mustangs, failing to reach the NCAA Tournament every season.

For all the latest news and analysis on SMU's coaching search, stay tuned to SB Nation Dallas' exclusive story stream.

Could SMU Possibly Land The Nomad Of Head Coaches In Larry Brown?

Larry Brown is a coaching nomad. The longest coaching stint in Brown's career is just 6 years, when he dealt with one of the biggest headaches in basketball in Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers. Its been Brown's M.O. as a leader of men, traveling from place to place to find a new opportunity and create a winning tradition.

ESPN's Andy Katz reported that SMU will meet with Brown on Saturday to discuss their head coaching opportunity as the Mustangs prepare to move to the Big East next season. Its also been reported that Marquette assistant Tony Benford will interview for SMU's head coach vacancy.

Here's a breakout of all of Brown's tour stops, which include small schools, ABA teams, an NCAA champion and an NBA champion.

• Davidson Wildcats (1972)
• Carolina Cougars (1972–1974)
• Denver Nuggets (1974–1979)
• UCLA Bruins (1979–1981)
• New Jersey Nets (1981–1983)
• Kansas Jayhawks (1983–1988)
• San Antonio Spurs (1988–1992)
• Los Angeles Clippers (1992–1993)
• Indiana Pacers (1993–1997)
• Philadelphia 76ers (1997–2003)
• Detroit Pistons (2003–2005)
• New York Knicks (2005–2006)
• Charlotte Bobcats (2008–2010)

For all the latest news and analysis on SMU's coaching search, stay tuned to SB Nation Dallas' exclusive story stream.

SMU Coaching Search: Rick Majerus Staying At St. Louis, According To Report

CBS Sports is reporting that Rick Majerus won't be the next head basketball coach at SMU, opting instead to stay at St. Louis University:

Rick Majerus has spurned SMU, sources told CBSSports -- and will remain at Saint Louis.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) April 12, 2012

Majerus just completed his fifth year at SLU, where he's revived the program - the Billikens made the NCAA Tournament this season and upset Memphis to make it to the second round, finishing with a 26-8 record. St. Louis will return its entire team minus one starter next season.

SMU will continue its search after firing Matt Doherty as it transitions to the Big East Conference. The Mustangs have made several offers that have been turned down, most notably Marquette's Buzz Williams, a Texas native, as well as Harvard's Tommy Amaker.

For more on the SMU coaching search be sure to check out SB Nation's college basketball page.

SMU Basketball Coaching Search: Rick Majerus Given Permission To Talk

Over the last few days, St. Louis basketball coach Rick Majerus has emerged as the front-runner for the vacant basketball job at SMU.

On Wednesday, Billikens AD Chris May announced the school had given permission for their 64-year old coach to speak with the Mustangs. Majerus, who makes $1 million a season for the Atlantic 10 school, stands to possibly double his salary at SMU, now that the school is set to join the Big East.

Majerus is best known for his time as the head coach of Utah from 1989-2004, where he won five WAC Coach of the Year Awards and took a team led by Keith Van Horn and Andre Miller to the 1998 Final Four.

He was a television commentator for ESPN from 2004-2007 before taking over at St. Louis, taking the school to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in over a decade.

For all the latest news and analysis on SMU's coaching search, stay tuned to SB Nation Dallas' exclusive story stream.

SMU Coaching Search: Rick Majerus May Be Targeted, According To Report

The SMU Mustangs are hoping to overhaul their men's basketball program; a process that would begin with the hiring of a new head coach and continue from the top down. The latest names bandied about as potential candidates for the coaching job are Buzz Williams and Larry Brown. You can now add another name to that list.

Laken Litman of FOX Sports and Scout.com reports that Rick Majerus has come up as a name associated with the coaching search. Majerus, a five-time WAC Coach of the Year during his 15-year run with the Utah Utes, has been at the helm of the Saint Louis Billikens program since 2007.

Majerus has turned the program around at Saint Louis and is fresh off steering the Billikens to the third round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament. If SMU is really looking to rebuild, they could do much worse than Majerus.

For more on the SMU coach search, please stay tuned to this StoryStream.

A Look At The College Coaching Carousel

With SMU still looking for their next basketball coach, a look at which two jobs the two biggest dominoes on the board (Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens) are holding out for.

Larry Brown to SMU?

Buzz Williams To SMU? Not Likely

Where Does SMU Basketball Go From Here?

With a beautiful campus only five minutes away from one of the deepest recruiting hotbeds in the country, there's no reason the right coach couldn't turn SMU into a Memphis-like program, especially with the school set to join the Big East.