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NCAA Coaches Vote Brad Underwood as Best New Hire of 2016

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Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish of CBS Sports spent the last few months on the road talking to NCAA basketball coaches at various recruiting events, compiling a list of the best hires this offseason. You probably know where we’re going with this, but check out the results of the 110 coaches that took part in the poll (and look at who is at the top and bottom).

New Coach, College Votes Received
Brad Underwood, Oklahoma State 27
Tubby Smith, Memphis 21
Jamie Dixon, TCU 18
Rick Stansbury, Western Kentucky 18
Greg Gard, Wisconsin 6
Bryce Drew, Vanderbilt 4
Kevin Stallings, Pitt 4
Chris Beard, Texas Tech 3
Rob Ehsan, UAB 2
Jeff Linder, Northern Colorado 1
Herb Sendek, Santa Clara 1
Jerod Haase, Stanford 1
Grant McCasland, Arkansas State 1
Travis Ford, Saint Louis 1

The sight of new head coach Brad Underwood’s 27 votes received, combined with former OSU coach Travis Ford’s one vote, has to make Cowboy basketball fans smile for the future of the program that seemed so murky just a year ago. Also making the list are fellow Big 12 coaches Jamie Dixon at TCU and Chris Beard at Texas Tech. Dixon comes over after a sustained run of success at Pittsburgh, while Chris Beard is an up and coming head coach who went 30-5 in his only season as the head coach at Arkansas-Little Rock, turning it into the Tech job.

The article also mentions some anonymous quotes about Underwood, who went a jaw-dropping 89-14 in his three seasons at Stephen F. Austin before accepting the OSU job this spring. By the way, that’s more than anyone has ever won in their first three seasons at a school other than Brad Stevens, the current Boston Celtics head coach and former Butler savior. If you weren’t pumped about Underwood before now, check out what these coaches had to say about him and his expected impact at Oklahoma State.

“I’ve gained a great respect for Brad Underwood after meeting him on the road and observing him over the years. I’ve known (Underwood assistant) Mike Boynton and been aware of the impact he can have on a program from his time at Wofford, but what that staff did at Stephen F. Austin was still remarkable. Offensively, defensively, pace, etc., Underwood has found his groove as a head coach. Now at Oklahoma State, I assume they will do many of the same things, but with better players. He was a great hire for any program.”

“I like Travis [Ford], but Oklahoma State was smart to move on him now because Underwood would not have been available next year. He was going to take a big job this year. Oklahoma State knew that and got a deal done fast. He’s perfect for them.”

“Brad Underwood to OSU. What he did at Stephen F. Austin was really impressive. Can flat out coach and understands the history of OSU basketball having played for Jack Hartman, who played for Mr. Iba. Also having spent time on the staff at Kansas State, he has a good idea of what it takes to win in the Big 12.”

Underwood certainly seems like the perfect fit in Stillwater and in the Big 12, playing at K-State under a Henry Iba disciple and even visiting Oklahoma State as a high school recruit. In fact, many Kansas State insiders were fuming when Bruce Weber was given more time this offseason, as OSU pulled the plug on Travis Ford and moved in on Underwood.

Combining a very strong core of guards and wings led by Jawun Evans, Phil Forte, Jeffrey Carroll, Leyton Hammonds, Tavarius Shine, Brandon Averette and Lindy Waters III with the uptempo, spread motion offense Underwood and his staff will utilize should lead to success and a run back to the tournament, even in Year 1.

The expectation at Oklahoma State should begin with making the tournament year in and year out, and Underwood is a popular choice among NCAA coaches to finally lead the Cowboys back to their rightful place of former glory.

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