Hoiberg wanted the job but the AD had his sights set higher. Had the AD known what he knows now, he would have hired Fred. He thought he was going to find a home run hire and settled for a base hit.
No link. Just heresay from people I know that have ties to Fred. His goal is to get back to the NBA as soon as possible. That is why his NBA buyout is peanuts compared to his buyout if he switches schools. His fastest route to get back was not at Nebby but at UCLA is a far easier comference with probably as much or more talent already on campus at UCLA. Originally there was an acquaintance of Fred helping UCLA with the search if I remember correctly but then the AD kind of just went his own direction and felt he could land a big fish. That acquaintance probably could have landed Fred the job originally, but at that point Fred met with Nebraska as he did not feel UCLA was going to be an option.
Just an off the wall thought, but I wonder if Luke Walton will ever wind up there. Fired by the Lakers and hired by Sacramento. If Cronin fails at UCLA, and Walton fails with the Kings, who knows? Again, just a thought.
That can all change if UCLA can land the right coach- just ask Kentucky before landing there current coach John Calipari 10 years ago.
Didn't Michigan State lead UCLA for much of the game?
