Florida International Basketball

You can now add the name of former NBA player, coach, and executive Isiah Thomas to the long list of “big time” coaches who have retreated to the perceived safety of non-major college basketball to try and rehabilitate a damaged reputation.

With the announcement that Thomas will take over as head basketball coach at Florida International University (FIU), he is following a path that has been tried by many, but with surprisingly mixed results.

The history of college basketball is filled with coaches who enjoyed tremendous success at the highest level of competition, but for one reason or another fell from grace and no longer commanded the interest of top programs.

Many smaller schools are constantly looking for opportunities to increase exposure and contend with the major athletic programs. Lower level Division I schools are often willing to overlook any baggage and accept their new coach with open arms.

What is different about the hiring of Isiah Thomas is that he has absolutely no experience coaching at the college level. With the exception of his stint as head coach of the Indiana Pacers, where he posted a 131-115 record in three seasons, his post-playing career has been anything but successful.

Thomas was an abysmal failure during front office stints with the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks. During two seasons coaching the Knicks, he posted a record of 56-108.

He is also credited with driving the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) into bankruptcy during his stint as owner of the league.

Most coaches who have made the transition from a major program to a lower level Division I school have struggled not only with the increased challenge in recruiting players to a non-marquee school, but also with the realization that they are no longer at a school where the coffers of the athletic foundation are full.

Because, in most cases, the school is paying their marquee coach significantly more in salary than they had previously paid, there is immediate pressure to increase revenue through ticket sales, advertising, and booster contributions.

However, while the addition of a big name coach usually provides an immediate bump in interest and exposure, the increase is often temporary. If the new coach isn’t able to immediately put a winning team on the floor—often a challenge because the coach generally inherits a team that has not had recent success—it isn’t long before the new coach must begin to accept the realities of life at a non-major program.

When Lefty Driesell coached at James Madison University—after being forced out at the University of Maryland following the death of Len Bias—the quote floating around the school was that Driesell “had an unlimited budget, and he exceeded it.”

Driesell arrived at James Madison in 1989 amid great fanfare and expectations that he could raise the national profile of the college. After posting first round NCAA tournament upsets each year between 1981 and 1983, the basketball program had struggled with only one winning season in the immediate three years before Driesell’s arrival. Fans were excited about the prospect of Lefty taking the team back to the NCAA tournament.

He immediately elevated expectation and alienated the other members of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) by saying that getting to the NCAA tournament should be easy because all you have to do is win the conference tournament.

It proved to be an ominous statement, as Driesell took JMU to the championship game of the CAA tournament five times during his eight-year tenure, but registered only one tournament title. After he left in 1996, the JMU program struggled for more than a decade before registering a winning season in 2009.

Driesell finished his coaching career a peg further down the coaching totem pole at Georgia State University. He retired ranked ninth all-time among Division I coaches with 786 career victories.

In addition to Driesell, a number of other former big-time coaches posted only moderate success at smaller schools.

Hugh Durham, who led both Florida State and Georgia to the NCAA Final Four, became head coach at Jacksonville University in 1997 and posted a 106-119 record in eight seasons.

After leading the University of Alabama to eight NCAA appearances and four SEC championships, Wimp Sanderson became head coach at Arkansas-Little Rock in 1994. In five seasons, he led UALR to an 85-58 record, but never reached the NCAA tournament and made only one trip to the NIT.

After leading the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA title and Loyola-Marymount to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, Paul Westhead arrived at George Mason University in 1993 amid high expectations. In four seasons, he led the Patriots to a 38-70 record. After spending most of the past decade as an NBA assistant, Westhead was recently named the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Oregon.

One coach who was able to parlay his reputation into success was Gene Bartow. After leading Memphis State to the NCAA championship game in 1973, and UCLA to the Final Four in 1976, Bartow left the spotlight to start the athletic program at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB).

Bartow enjoyed tremendous success during his 18 seasons at UAB, including nine trips to the NCAA tournament. The team made seven consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament from 1981 to 1987, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 1982.

A number of current coaches have also found success away from the bright spotlight of major college coaching.

Despite registering a 146-104 record and reaching the NCAA tournament five times during eight seasons at the University of Virginia, Jeff Jones was fired after posting an 11-19 record during the 1997-98 campaign.

In 2000, he moved from the bright lights of the ACC to the shadows of the Patriot League as head coach at American University. Jones recently completed his ninth season at American by leading the Eagles to a 24-8 record and their second consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament, where they gave eventual Final Four participant Villanova all they could handle in a first round matchup.

Todd Bozeman experienced amazing highs and dramatic lows during his turbulent tenure as basketball coach at the University of California-Berkley, from 1993 to 1996. In 1993, he became the youngest coach ever to lead a team to the “Sweet 16” of the NCAA tournament.

Three years later, following a number of NCAA rules violations, he was slapped with a “show-cause” order than prohibited him from coaching in college basketball for the next eight years.

In 2006, he became head coach at Morgan State in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and in 2008-09 led the Bears to a 23-12 and their first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament.

It is difficult to predict whether Thomas has the patience and temperament that will be needed to overcome the pitfalls and build Florida International into a successful winner. He inherits a team that has posted a 23-39 mark over the last two seasons and hasn’t had a winning record since the 1999-2000 season.

Given the reputation hits that Thomas has taken in recent years, the job at FIU may be exactly what the one-time NBA star needs. Being in the Miami market will provide him with some notoriety and exposure, but he shouldn’t have the constant scrutiny that he endured during his tenure in New York.

If he is able to turn FIU into a consistent winner, then Thomas will not only be resuscitating the Panther basketball program, but also his own damaged reputation.

It won’t be easy, but considering the flair for the dramatic that Thomas has shown throughout his career, you can bet that his time at FIU will be interesting to watch.

Is this really happening? This can't be true. Seriously.

We're in a day and age where people are scrambling for employment. In fact, the unemployment rate may reach 10 percent if it hasn't already by the time I finish typing this.

And despite all of this, Isiah Thomas found another job. That makes me laugh a little and at the same time cringe.

Is Florida International aware who Thomas is? And before you look at your computer screen like you just smelled something foul, yes, I know that FIU realizes who Thomas is.

We are all aware of Thomas the basketball player. He was one of the stars in the 1980s with the Detroit Pistons. Although overshadowed at times by the likes of Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, Thomas made a name for himself and the Pistons by being part of the "Bad Boys" of the NBA.

Great. That's all nice.

After retiring in 1994, Thomas attempted to tackle the sport in the front office and on the sidelines. Despite a successful stint with the Toronto Raptors—drafting the likes of Marcus Camby, Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady—and Indiana Pacers, earning three playoff appearances, Thomas' endeavors and moves have been, unfortunately, laughable.

This is a guy who demanded respect on the court and now suddenly found himself failing off of it.

In 2000, Thomas took over the Continental Basketball Association after purchasing it for $5 million. The league abruptly folded after Thomas declined an offer from the NBA to become the official minor league of the NBA. The offer? It was for $11 million. That is what we call a profit.

Instead, he declined and the league came to a close with Thomas under fire for running the league into the ground.

This, as we all know, wouldn't be the first time that Thomas had his troubles running things.

Thomas joined the Knicks as President of Basketball Operations in 2003 after his coaching stint in Indiana. Over time, Thomas began piling up inane contracts with nothing to show for it.

Vin Baker? Here's our mid-level exception. Jared Jeffries and Jerome James? Here's $30 million each. Who needs some lottery picks? Oh, Chicago, you do? Just give us Eddy Curry back.

There were many more including all of the questionable coaching hires and fires, the trading of Penny Hardaway's expiring contract and Trevor Ariza for Steve Francis, trading for Stephon Marbury and trading away Kurt Thomas.

Oh, and there is that whole sexual harassment suit that Thomas and Madison Square Garden had to deal with.

You want more? He coached the Knicks to a franchise best 59 losses in his last season with the team.

I hate to say someone isn't qualified, but just who were Thomas' references when applying for the job at FIU? I realize that Thomas was a great player, but that doesn't necessarily make him a great leader of men.

And that is the biggest issue at hand with FIU. College kids, namely 18-year-old men coming into college, are impressionable. They are just looking for guidance and you have not entrusted your franchise, program, and school with Thomas.

It's touching that Thomas donated his first-year salary considering he's only owed $12 million dollars from the Knicks. Really, that's a great gesture. But what parent in their right mind would sit there during a recruiting visit and think to themselves, "This is the guy I want to put in charge of my kid's life and development as a man"?

People love to play for guys like Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski, and Jim Calhoun. They will do anything for their players. I find it hard to believe that kids will go to bat for Thomas when in the back of his mind he'll be itching to get out of there. The first phone call from a legitimate program Thomas gets, you think he'll tell them he'd rather stay in the Sun Belt Conference?

So, sure, FIU is getting the media attention and ticket sales they want with this hire, but they aren't getting much else. Just ask the Knicks.

Isaiah Thomas can now put his tenure with the New York Knicks behind him. Thomas will now try his hand at coaching at the college level. He will take over as head coach of Florida International University, replacing Sergio Rouco.

The hiring has certainly gained national exposure for FIU, but Thomas can finally exhale a sigh of relief. Once the dust clears, Thomas can fade into the background and do his job.

The hiring of Thomas is definitely a win-win for both sides involved. FIU is a school in the Sun Belt conference, which consists of just six teams, most of which have minimal to no notoriety.

FIU has never been a school that lands the big recruits, and has sent just three of its alumni to the NBA—Clyde Corley, Carlos Arroyo, and Raja Bell. While Bell is one of the league’s better defensive players, Arroyo is now playing internationally, and after being drafted, Corley did not have a successful run in the NBA.

In addition to Thomas, FIU considered former Miami Heat players Ed Pinckney and Tim Hardaway.

Pinckney is a current Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, while Hardaway will more than likely be the next Heat player to have his number hung up in the rafters. However, neither had a leg up on Thomas.

Pinckney, undoubtedly, has less notoriety than the latter two, and Hardaway has been considered black-listed from basketball as a result of his ill-chosen remarks post-retirement.

Thomas was the No. 1 choice all along. Bringing him in as coach will entice more local prospects—especially the guards—to commit to FIU.

While he has no college coaching experience, he brings Hall of Fame credentials, being the successful “floor general” for the Detroit Pistons of the 1980’s, leading the team’s championship runs,  and having carried two storied NBA franchises into the playoffs.

In reality, Thomas is certainly overqualified for a job like this, but frankly, it is a job he had no choice but to take. Thomas, however, is finally free from that prison otherwise known as the front office of the New York Knicks.

After replacing Thomas as President of Basketball Operations, Donnie Walsh held him hostage, having “reassigned” him as a scout for the organization. Even then, Thomas had a tough time keeping a low profile.

It was even reported that he was a victim of a drug overdose in October 2008, further lowering his creditability for a more serious position elsewhere.

While it is safe to say Thomas and his agent sought out offers over the past few months, none have really come to fruition, as his reputation has experienced an utter free fall.

FIU is a school with a tremendously low profile, of which Thomas is obviously in dire need.

FIU is, by no means, a final destination for Thomas, and one where he is not going to get comfortable. The school has suffered through five losing seasons and is hoping that the Hall of Famer can give them a boost, which will not even require any type of championship. All Thomas needs to do is keep his head above water and perhaps lead the team to a .500 record for a season or two.

Given his ability to lead the Indiana Pacers and the Knicks into the playoffs, that should not prove too difficult.

As much as he has faltered, Thomas can control his own destiny at FIU. They were extremely lucky to land a guy like Thomas and the school knows that.

His stay will be for as long as he wishes. However, once Thomas proves he can still coach, an offer from an NBA team (or at least a better college team) will certainly find its way to him. Thomas will then pounce on the offer, and should consider himself a very lucky and fortunate man.

Isaiah Thomas has certainly fallen from greatness. He has gone from a Hall of Fame point guard and playoff-winning coach to a failing executive accused of sexual harassment and a drug overdose.

His career has taken a hit for sure, but Thomas has now come out of it ready to revamp his career. He is ready to seize this rare opportunity and grab the bull by the horns.

Success is not guaranteed, but one thing is for certain—if Thomas can turn some heads, his return to greatness will be just as quick as his fall from it.

Back in January I wrote an article entitled “Knicks Represent Decline of a Culture in New York City,” which documented what has become of the once mighty New York hoops scene.

The two men I held responsible in that article were Mike Jarvis and Isiah Thomas, who ruined St. John’s and the Knicks respectively.

These are two men who I never thought would work in basketball ever again. Unfortunately for people who care about basketball (unless you have a twisted sense of humor like me, then it’s hysterical) two athletic directors at rival Florida universities weren’t paying attention.

That’s right, Mike Jarvis and Isiah Thomas will be pacing the sidelines in a division one rivalry game; coaching Florida Atlantic and Florida International respectively.

Back in December, I wrote about the illustrious Mike Jarvis era at St. John’s. Dr. Mike left halfway through the 2004 season and the program has never been the same.

St. John’s is now an afterthought in the Big East. Games against UConn, that used to sell out the 20,000 seat Madison Square Garden, now attract crowds of under 8,000 fans.

Norm Roberts, the current coach of St. John’s is still picking up the pieces five years later.

One of Mike Jarvis’ shortcomings was his reluctance to actively recruit. Jarvis just wasn’t a very good salesman, he felt the program sold itself.

On the other end of the spectrum, Isiah Thomas is nothing more than a salesman.

He was able to sell the Knicks' management on keeping him around for four and a half years as he wrote the manual on how not to run an NBA team. The Knicks never finished better than 39-43 with Isiah at the helm.

Isiah’s gaffs with the Knicks have been well documented. The Eddy Curry trade, the Steve Francis trade, the Jerome James signing, the sexual harassment lawsuit, the list is seemingly endless. And this is just with the Knicks.

This is the same man who, since he finished playing, failed as a broadcaster, took the job as commissioner of the CBA and ran them into chapter 11, failed as a GM with the Raptors, and failed as a coach with the Pacers.

That brings us to this upcoming season, where Florida Atlantic and Florida International will face off twice a year in the Sun Belt conference. It will be just like Duke-UNC, except the opposite.

What if you’re a New York kid that projects as a mid-major prospect and these two clowns are trying to recruit you? Does Isiah try to sell you on the chance to stick it to Jarvis? If Jarvis actually recruited would he sell the kid on sticking it to Isiah?

If either the MSG network or SNY has a sense of humor (YES certainly doesn’t have a sense of humor), these two games will be shown in 3D so New Yorkers can pretend to strike Thomas and Jarvis when they come into the picture.

We already watched these two ruin the game in New York, you might as well give us the perverse enjoyment of watching them ruin it somewhere else.

Isiah Thomas has left a trail of destruction virtually everywhere he has gone—Indiana, Toronto, New York, it really does not matter. Pick a team or an organization and Isiah Thomas will ruin it.

But now it appears that torching the reputation of NBA teams is no longer enough of a challenge for Thomas. Isiah Thomas has moved on to destroying college basketball programs.

According to FoxSports.com, Isiah Thomas will be announced as the new head coach for Florida International University on Wednesday afternoon.

Thomas, 47, will replace Sergio Rouco, who was fired on Monday after a 55-94 record in five years at the Sun Belt Conference school.

Sources told FOXSports.com that Thomas is intrigued by the opportunity for a fresh start after the way everything went down in New York, and also has been informed that FIU will make a significant commitment to its athletic programs.

Thomas has, according to one source, been intrigued by the opportunity to coach in college for years and has spoken with several of his close friends about it.

All I can say is this could and probably will prove to be disastrous for both Thomas and FIU. Going on track record alone, Isiah Thomas has trouble avoiding scandal and corruption. The loose and vague rules of the NCAA could be a marvelous playground for the former All Star.