[duncan_idaho]

Did some detailed research on Chris Mack today at the behest of a buddy in Ohio.

I'm much more in favor of a mack move at this point. In fact, I'd put him right up there with anyone not named Marshall or Howland.

REgarding that, here are some key points:

1) "Winning with Sean Miller's players" is one of the big critiques. MAck definitely did this, but he had a senior, some juniors and a sophomore. So it wasn't like he could/needed to immediately turn over the roster. But he has rebuilt the roster now and has the makings of a very strong squad for next year after getting back to the tourney this year. He also has gone 4/5 in the NCAA tournament bid department and would be 5/5 if not for losing Mark Lyons and Dez Wells before the 2012-13 season.

2) Speaking of that, wow, the Xavier Jesuits really screwed him re: Wells. I hadn't payed close attention to that, but it looks like a total screwjob. When you've got the local prosecutor criticizing the way Xavier handled it AND the NCAA granting an immediate waiver, that says a lot. (Wells was expelled by the school for violating code of conduct over rape allegations that were apparently ludicrous).

3) Recruiting. Looking at Xavier's team this year, it appears Mack has rebuilt with some guys he would have back next season (three leading scorers all juniors or seniors next year) and he has a stud class incoming (top 15).

So, consider my mind changed. Mack is now right up there with anyone not named Marshall or Howland. And maybe even preferable to Howland, since he's so much younger.