Otz named to Naismith Late Season Coach of the Year watch list

[Connor_Ferguson]

T.J. Otzelberger has been named to the Naismith Coach of the Year Late Season watch list.

T.J. Otzelberger named to Naismith Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletics Communications: ATLANTA, Ga. – Iowa State men's basketball head coach T.J. Otzelberger has been named to the 2024 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List. Otzelberger is one of 15 coaches across the c

cyclonefanatic.com

 

[chadly82]

I’m hard pressed to find someone more deserving especially if the cyclones tie for first or lose one more finishing 2nd

 

[qwerty]

 

[Cycsk]

And this might not even be his best year so far coaching Iowa State! If the best coaching means "what the coach does with what he has," then his first year may be his best effort. This year is the "best overall" if you include quality of recruiting and what he does with the players he has.

 

[WooBadger18]

I’m hard pressed to find someone more deserving especially if the cyclones tie for first or lose one more finishing 2nd

If not him I'm hoping for Lamont Paris from South Carolina (picked 14/14 preseason) or Kyle Smith from Washington State (picked 11/12 preseason)

 

[chadly82]

If not him I'm hoping for Lamont Paris from South Carolina (picked 14/14 preseason) or Kyle Smith from Washington State (picked 11/12 preseason)

Oh dang, I totally forgot about the South Carolina coach!

 

[Pope]

If Jaimie hasn't already talked contract raise/extension with TJ, I'm guessing those conversations will begin soon.

 

[tigerclone924]

Sampson’s praise says it all. In 3 seasons, TJ has created a culture that demands an understanding of and an intense desire to execute the defense. When coaches like Sampson call your team the toughest in the country, you know you’re doing something right. My mind always goes to the behind the scenes that results in the product we see on the floor. Imagine the mindset and work required to develop that culture. Certainly fun to watch this team play. It is just as much fun for me to contemplate what the process has been to cultivate this incredible turnaround!

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Robert Jones is a big part of TJ's culture success.

 

[tigerclone924]

Robert Jones is a big part of TJ's culture success.

That kid’s progress has been incredible. He does so much for this team!

 

[inCyteful]

If Jaimie hasn't already talked contract raise/extension with TJ, I'm guessing those conversations will begin soon.

I doubt he has - and if I am TJ I would say not now. Making Final Four could be worth $1 million/year more than 2nd or 3rd round exit.

I don't think TJ is inclined to head somewhere unless 1 of 2 things happen

1) ISU is stupid and doesn't show him the love with a big but manageable bump. Have him in upper half of Big XII coaches. ($3.5 Mil?)
2) Someone just backs up the Brinks truck and dumps a stupid amount of cash on him - like highest paid coach in MBB cash

The more I think about it, only #1 matters - and Jamie isn't stupid.

 

[madguy30]

And this might not even be his best year so far coaching Iowa State! If the best coaching means "what the coach does with what he has," then his first year may be his best effort. This year is the "best overall" if you include quality of recruiting and what he does with the players he has.

I still think ISU has done well with what they have this season. TJ himself was transparent when talking to an ESPN guy (Fran F.?) about how BRE is not talented but works his tail off and that's what has made him so important**.

And I still wouldn't say they're as athletic overall as a lot of teams they play. They're connected and outplay teams.

Obviously having a team full of dudes would be fun but imo watching a team win by outplaying others is very gratifying.

All that said, setting the tone with making the tourney in '22 and '23 with those groups was quite an achievement even if it had some rough spots.

**I'd love to hear more from players about TJ's brutal honesty impacting them.