The coaching candidate buzz continues to headline Boston College Athletics. If the early reports hold true, the candidate can be chosen any day now. Recently, a name that’s floated around with the vacancy is no one other than John Becker.
Becker, 57, is the current head coach of the Vermont Catamounts. Dating back to the 2006-07 season, he began as the director of basketball operations with the team before he eventually was promoted to assistant coach, By 2011, UVM promoted him as head coach. He is the winningest
UVM Men’s Basketball coach of all time, currently holding a 329-132 record, along with seven American East Conference championships and six NCAA Tournament berths.
What Becker is known for is continuing to establish a dominant program for UVM. He’s developed high IQ principles with UVM, especially when it comes to defense. His defensive culture has allowed the Catamounts to boast nine top 3 finishes in allowing the fewest points per game each season. In many games this year the Eagles’ calling card was defense, so there’s certainly some similarities as it pertains to Becker and BC’s gameplay philosophy.
Why he’d be interested
This is an intriguing story with Becker reportedly interviewing for the position. Considering his success in the AEC, it could very well be in his best interest to continue on there. Why all of a sudden does he wish to leave a well-established program for one that’s been in turmoil for years? Personally, I think his name floating around has to do with the idea of Becker thinking he can rebuild the Eagles from the ground up. When it comes to Men’s Basketball, the ACC holds a more respected status than the AEC. Moving to the ACC with a newly built-in culture and transforming the Eagles for success is something to consider if you’re Becker. Not to mention BC could also offer more money if the price is right between both parties.
Why it could work
UVM was a successful program to begin with, but Becker raised their ceiling even higher. Year after year he finds ways to construct hard working rosters with a knack for toughness and intensity. Player development is big with Becker, something the Eagles desperately lacked – remember when Caleb Steger, Akbar Waheed III, and Marko Radunovic were supposedly going to be key developmental pieces this year? Earl Grant for some reason refused to play most of the freshmen when games were out of reach. Becker on the other hand gives me the vibe that he’d look at the big picture and evaluate what he has to work with, even if it means playing inexperienced freshmen.
Why it wouldn’t work
Coaching in the AEC generates lots of wins for Becker, but it does raise questions about the caliber of said wins. Winning over UMass Lowell, UNH, Bryant, and Binghamton consistently doesn’t exactly generate lots of buzz. That’s not to take away from his credibility, but facing the likes of Duke, UNC, Virginia, Louisville, and Miami is a different animal. Rebuilding Boston College (basically from scratch) is a high risk, high reward situation, but I think the risk outweighs the reward by a long shot.
Also, the elephant in the room needs to be mentioned. Becker carries some controversy in his past, dating back to a serious incident involving one of his basketball players with a UVM women’s swimmer nearly six years ago. What kind of look would the school be setting if he does end up being the guy?
How likely is the hire?
Out of seemingly nowhere, there is buzz with Becker reportedly a serious candidate. However, the same can be said with a few other names, so at this point it’s really difficult to pinpoint exactly who is the most likely candidate.
