This has turned into quite the tangent, but I agree with what’s been said about Illinois being a basketball school vs Miami being a football school.

Additionally, not the end all be all but Illinois does have a bigger basketball budget as well.

Illinois - $10.48 million (28th nationally)
Miami - $8.89 million (49th nationally)

And between the conferences, I don’t think you can go wrong either way. Year in and year out, while they trade places often, the Big 10 and ACC are pretty darn close.

Is there a sense that this may be the end for any legitimate reason or are we just going to have this thread every year?

Whenever a mid major school has this type of year, it’s always a possibility. I hope it’s not the end, but from the 30,000 ft view, his best player, along with a lot of others are (presumably) graduating, meaning next year is like a “rebuilding” year. If big money calls, it’s a “strike while the iron is hot” analysis. Although, 2018 was supposedly a rebuilding year after Milton graduated, so you never know.

Although, I do find it interesting we’ve recruited some pretty good grad transfers for next year. Porter’s system has always favored transfers to sit, but those guys won’t. They’re playing right away. That makes me think he’s back next year, but who knows.

We’re also set to be in maybe the best preseason tournament next fall, so that might play into his decision as well.

Money is always a strong motivator, no doubt. However, Porter is not a pauper and his family actually has money. He bought Ricketts house dirt cheap and he is doing pretty good for a Mid-Major Coach. I think if he left, it would be for the perfect job. Perfect being a true dream job, kinda like Bill Self leaving Illinois for Kansas. I don’t believe he will leave for lateral move or a program that is fractured and will require a huge rebuild just to be in better conference.

Now, if we get into the dance and ave a good run, maybe the PROGRAM gets recruited by a better conference and that solves one of the problems. Could Porter pressure LU into getting into P5 (BE?) conference in order to stay? Who knows.

NIU coach told Porter why screw with happy. So, let’s enjoy the ride this year and hope for the best.