More rumors on the hire

The Chronicle has some interesting thoughts:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/28/SP4TVSP0J.DTL

Let's discuss the two new names:

Tony Bennett (Washington State):
Pro: One of the first of the very popular trend of a father passing his coaching job to his son, Tony took over for his hall of fame father Dick and took WSU to heights it never imagined. While Dick laid the groundwork of rebuilding the Cougars, Tony was the recruiter who landed Derrick Low, Kyle Weaver, et al. Prior to WSU, Bennett was at Wisconsin, again under his father where he helped lead the Badgers to the final four and again was the recruiter responsible for Devin Harris and company. A defensive dynamo, WSU plays as tough a brand of half court defense as anyone. Young, high energy and respected for his ability to mentor and connect with players, Bennett has been equally successful in getting his kids to work hard in the classroom with several P10 All Academic team honors
Con: Only two years in the head chair, Bennett inherited a strong foundation from his father. His defensive approach has been flatteringly called ugly and may not impress fans or recruits. Will Bennett, who has played and coached in rural locations adapt to the Berkeley culture.
Bottom line: It's very rare to see a head coach make an inter conference job move but WSU has limited upside for Bennett both in salary and in what he can do with the basketball program. Bennett has shown so much in a short period of time, you can't help but be impressed. His recruiting acumen, his youth and his defensive smarts would all be welcomed at Cal. The challenge is the culture fit. Indiana may also be calling on Tony and that may end up being a better fit for his rural background and slow down system.

Mike Dunlap: (Denver Nuggets Assistant)
Pro: Known as one of the great teachers in the game, Dunlap has coached all over the world and at virtually ever level. He started his career as a head coach in the Australian professional league before getting assistant gigs at some big time D1 college programs including Iowa and USC. He then had a 12 year stint at two D2 programs as their head coach, nine at Denver's MetroState which he turned into a national powerhouse winning two national championships and losing one other in the finals. He spent the last year as an assistant for the Nuggets in the NBA.
Con: No D1 head coaching experience, his recruiting acumen has to be a major question mark. With his resume, you have to wonder why he hasn't been tapped as a mid major head coach to this point.
Bottom line: Perhaps Dunlap is a hidden gem, if he's interviewed and comes across as a dynamic personality, leader and recruiter, he could be worth the gamble. However, it feels high risk. He's not a spring chicken and is unknown as a recruiter. I think Sandy has better options.