I saw the Hatchet is recommending the Hippos.  I think that is just a terrible name.  I really hope they don't screw up and go for that.  I would be fine with just about any other name, the Buff and Blue, the Generals, the River Horses. 

I know some people think the Generals is a joke because of the Globe Trotters. But I am not sure anyone under the age of 60 knows that. 

I too like the Generals.  It is easy.  A bit harder to say would be the GW Commander in Chiefs.

I am happy with the hire.  I griped that it took a bit long, but I am glad they got it right.  I think GW is better going with a coach who knows the recruiting circuit in the way Caputo does.  It was kind of the same way with Hobbs, and look at the quality of players he recruited not far into his tenure as coach.  So here is hoping that Caputo follows that same path, and he keeps at least one of the guys who went into the transfer pool.

I can't see a reason why GW would want to give up playing against teams like Davidson, Dayton, VCU and Richmond, to go play in a lesser conference with smaller programs.  So just stay put in the A-10 and pony up the cash for a coach.

If GW ends up doing this on the cheap then I think many of us are going to question what the hell they were thinking in all of this.

Not to get into too much idle speculation, but how long does this vacancy go before we can assume that GW is talking to people they want to hire, but the numbers GW is offering aren't what the candidate is looking for? 

Wouldn't that be the likely top reason for this to go on for a bit?  I just wish for once GW would offer bigger $ to get a coach.  Just step up and try to do what's needed to build a program this one time.  

Interesting, still think Caputo is at the top of the list given that some people in GW’s admin are Miami connected.  

It would be a bit strange to hire Caputo knowing that he is only here for a 4 year stint.  I just don't see him turning down the Miami job when it becomes available.  But what if TV got word that Miami wanted Caputo in a head coaching gig for a few years before he takes over there.


Maybe they want him get some experience being the main guy calling the plays and leading the team before taking over there.  The risk for Caputo is he comes to GW and tanks.  Is 4 years enough time to rebuild GW's program and get to the NCAA's?  I think an NCAA bid would be enough for Miami to hire Caputo after a "successful" 4 year stint at GW.  But what if he comes and GW hovers around .500 or worse?  Miami wouldn't be able justify hiring him on that record.

But it kind of seems like a no lose situation for GW.  Yes, if there is success in 4 years he leaves.  But as has been said, most GW coaches who are successful will leave at some point anyways to go to the bigger conferences.  And right now I will be more than happy with an NCAA bid in 4 years.  Right now we are nowhere.

There needs to be someone in GW's Admin, above the AD, who believes in the program to the point where they will steer some extra $ to it for recruiting trips, asst coach salaries etc.  Chernak was certainly that person.  I don't believe GW has someone in their Admin today like this.  The school has other challenges, so I highly doubt it.  I do think TV probably had to go to the interim President for his approval to cut JC loose with a year left on his contract.  Maybe he is thinking about the program more than the previous couple of Presidents did.

On the coaching note, I do think it is interesting that we are hearing older A-10 coaches names like Archie Miller, Martelli, and Hobbs being mentioned out there again.  Maybe GW shouldn't go with a younger coach from a lower conference, but a more seasoned coach, even if they are an Asst in a higher conference.  Just to try a different direction this time.

Could GW get Cuonzo Martin?  He just got fired from Missouri.  A lot of people thought it was unjustified.  He is a midwest/west coast guy.  So not sure he would come to DC.  But i don't know if another BCS program will hire him as a head coach at this moment.

Somehow I think it is wrong to wish for a new coach, but I do.  I just don't see a way to being better than mediocre if the current staff stays. The odds have to be in the favor of going with a new coach after next season.

The interesting thing will be if JC can land immediate impact players in the frontcourt.  What if he could get an Isaiah Armwood like transfer?  That will be interesting, because GW could possibly be in the top 4 or 5 of the A-10 with really good front court players.

But assuming that doesn't happen, I just hope the young talented players stay through whatever transition occurs. Maybe JC lands another Freshman surprise next year who adds to the list of guys we would want to see stay through a coaching transition.  Just so the cupboard isn't bare if a new coach comes along.

I would actually like to see GW try for a more seasoned coach (no, not Tom Penders), but maybe a coach who has been at it for a while at a lower conference and wants to move up to the A-10.  So perhaps a Mike Jarvis or Mike Lonergan type guy.  Maybe a coach in their 40's or even 50's who still has the energy to go out and recruit, and has a strategy to recruit.  It would be great to see GW go after international players again.  That was always a good strategy, in addition to DMV guys.