Some more thoughts on O'Neill

Searching around the web, it seems every national writer -- save those who tend to find the positive in each development, even when the positive doesn't exist -- believes USC's hiring of Kevin O'Neill is baffling because, you know, it just is. On a lot of different levels. But one thing I wanted to clarify is that basketball people don't frown upon O'Neill simply because he's a "disciplinarian," which is what some are suggesting. That's not quite it. There are lots of disciplinarians in this sport, but O'Neill is on an entirely different level. And if you want some background, I'd encourage you to click this link and read a profile written by the Commercial Appeal's Scott Cacciola last year right after O'Neill was hired as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies.

There are some great stories in there.

Again, click this link and give it a read.

But before you do that, let me tell you one more reason why this isn't an ideal hire.

I know USC athletic director Mike Garrett loves defense (you saw the quote, right?). But hiring a "defensive" coach to work in Los Angeles and across town from Ben Howland is incredibly shortsighted. Understand, the only knock on Howland is that he's a "defensive" coach who doesn't offer his players enough offensive freedom; that's what those who recruit against him try to sell to recruits. Does it work? Not terribly well, it seems. But still, that's the perception and the knock. And rather than try to take advantage of it, USC hired a "defensive" coach who has a history of butting heads with pretty much everybody he coaches or works with.

Honestly, does that make any sense?

And just so you know, Kevin O'Neill has always been OK with me.

I find him quite funny, actually.

So this isn't personal.

But it would be disingenuous to suggest this hire makes much sense.

The only way it works is if O'Neill has changed everything about himself in the past year.

College coaches with NBA experience have become popular choices for athletes. O'Neill will get players, he will coach them well, and USC will be successful. When concidering O'Neills past, I think the potential far out weighs the risk. I simply dont think there is anyone else interested or available that could make the potential impact that O'Neill can make. Its a good fit. They need each other.

Some more thoughts on O'Neill

Hi, my name is Halo. My desire to be appreciated far outweighs my actual basketball knowledge. I am aware of this and continue to post ridiculous posts anyway. My other name is JDubs.

uhhhh...... ok.... I dont really know what I ever did to you (actually, first time I have ever seen your name) but, whatever.....

halo27legend Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Oct 16, 2007	Posted on: June 20, 2009 7:02 pm Score: 70 Some more thoughts on O'Neill O'Neill is a good coach. I actually see this combination of O'Neill and USC working. [ Reply to Comment ]
Gary Parrish Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Feb 8, 2007	Posted on: June 20, 2009 7:04 pm Score: 67 Some more thoughts on O'Neill That's a tremendous counter-argument. [ Reply to Comment ]
halo27legend Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Oct 16, 2007	Posted on: June 20, 2009 7:21 pm Score: 63 Some more thoughts on O'Neill [ Reply to Comment ]
MemphisJesus Reputation: 95 Level: Superstar Since: May 11, 2009	Posted on: June 20, 2009 7:32 pm Score: 52 Some more thoughts on O'Neill Gary, since, Halo is too cool to post on the Memphis, Kentucky, Kentucky, fans therad. Why don't you take your little girl screenname over there and see what's up? Don't be shy. [ Reply to Comment ]
halo27legend Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Oct 16, 2007	Posted on: June 20, 2009 7:39 pm Score: 93 Some more thoughts on O'Neill College coaches with NBA experience have become popular choices for athletes. O'Neill will get players, he will coach them well, and USC will be successful. When concidering O'Neills past, I think the potential far out weighs the risk. I simply dont think there is anyone else interested or available that could make the potential impact that O'Neill can make. Its a good fit. They need each other. [ Reply to Comment ]
Nathan Brice Reputation: 89 Level: All-Star Since: Apr 28, 2009	Posted on: June 20, 2009 10:30 pm Score: 67 Some more thoughts on O'Neill Kevin has never really been an easy guy to enjoy. He seems abrasive at times and is a bit testy. We shall see how he does at USC. USC is, as I said before, really rolling the dice here. [ Reply to Comment ]
halo27legend Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Oct 16, 2007	Posted on: June 21, 2009 12:46 am Score: 83 Some more thoughts on O'Neill Kevin has never really been an easy guy to enjoy. He seems abrasive at times and is a bit testy. We shall see how he does at USC. USC is, as I said before, really rolling the dice here. nahhh not really..... he will do fine and will do better than most..... [ Reply to Comment ]
MemphisJesus Reputation: 95 Level: Superstar Since: May 11, 2009	Posted on: June 21, 2009 12:51 am Score: 58 Some more thoughts on O'Neill Hi, my name is Halo. My desire to be appreciated far outweighs my actual basketball knowledge. I am aware of this and continue to post ridiculous posts anyway. My other name is JDubs. [ Reply to Comment ]
halo27legend Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Oct 16, 2007	Posted on: June 21, 2009 1:10 am Score: 88 Some more thoughts on O'Neill Hi, my name is Halo. My desire to be appreciated far outweighs my actual basketball knowledge. I am aware of this and continue to post ridiculous posts anyway. My other name is JDubs. uhhhh...... ok.... I dont really know what I ever did to you (actually, first time I have ever seen your name) but, whatever..... [ Reply to Comment ]
MemphisJesus Reputation: 95 Level: Superstar Since: May 11, 2009	Posted on: June 21, 2009 1:15 am Score: 50 Some more thoughts on O'Neill uhhhh...... ok.... I dont really know what I ever did to you (actually, first time I have ever seen your name) but, whatever..... you don't want none boy shut up [ Reply to Comment ]

Gary Parrish

Parrish: The Thoughts