You want a prediction?
Some day, when Flip Saunders decides to leave the NBA and coach the Gophers, one of the many reasons will be the great reception he received Sunday, when the 25th anniversary of the 1982 Big Ten championship team was celebrated. Part of that celebration was the introduction of the team on the floor during a timeout of the Ohio State-Gophers game. Saunders, who played at Minnesota, was also an assistant coach for the team.
When he walked off that floor to the tune of a big cheer after he had been introduced, I'm positive he was thinking of his big dream to one day coach the Gophers.
Topping off the day was the student body standing up and screaming: "We want Flip. We want Flip."
Rest assured, Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi took note of that reaction to Saunders, and there is no doubt that he is his No. 1 candidate. And for sure, they have talked.
University President Robert Bruininks also has made it clear that Saunders is the top candidate for the job.
Saunders faces a difficult decision on whether to leave the Pistons for the Gophers.
I have known this young man for more than 30 years, from the first day he walked onto the Williams Arena floor. I know he loves this university and bleeds maroon and gold.
I can't see him turning down the chance to have the job he has dreamed about all of his adult life, despite the difference in pay.
Former university athletic director Mark Dienhart recalled how hard he tried to convince Saunders to take the Gophers job before Dan Monson was hired.
"I spent a lot of time with Flip both here and at his cabin trying to convince him to take the Gopher job," Dienhart said. "He was interested, but we just didn't have the money to pay him at that time."
Saunders can't comment about the job, but he did say: "I'm a coach, and as I've always said to people, at some point I see myself ending my career as a high school coach or as a small college coach or as a college coach somewhere. As far as working with kids at some point down the road, that will happen."
There is another great candidate out there in one Robert Montgomery Knight. He would sell out Williams Arena in 24 hours. Like Saunders, he would be a great choice, but I don't believe it will happen. The Gophers could at least talk to Knight and find out whether he is interested and learn who the real Bobby Knight is -- and not how some in the media portray him.
But if Saunders wants the Gophers job, it's his.
Wolves have a chance
Does Saunders believe the Timberwolves have a chance to make the playoffs?
"The problem is that the West is so competitive and that you've got to climb over a few teams in order to get to that eighth spot," he said. "Then, when you get there, you're probably going to face Dallas or Phoenix."
Randy Wittman, the new Wolves coach, served as an assistant under Saunders.
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