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He did something that has never been done before in the Summit League tournament: defeat three straight Dakota schools for the title. He also did something else that has never been done before in the NCAA tournament: advance to the Sweet Sixteen as a #15 Seed AND give their opponent everything they could handle in that third game (FGCU got blown out in their Sweet Sixteen game as a #15 Seed) He should be rewarded NOW; then watch how much FUN next season's "victory lap" could be: preseason recognition in the polls, unprecedented media coverage both locally and nationally, biggest crowds in years at the Mabee Center, and IF they can win 20+ games and the Summit League regular season title, the previously inconceivable possibility of an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament should they stumble in Sioux Falls.

I like where your head is at, but they can't make it much lower than it is. LOL! We need someone with a fire in his belly to fill seats, like we had a few years back. But alas, he's soaking up the sunshine in Southern California, living the good life.

Have heard that applications are up substantially...Let’s hope contributions track the same.

Here is an article from the Tulsa World from 1993 discussing the name change:

This run has highlighted excellent coaching decisions and significant player development, and has emphasized the solid recruiting by this staff as well. It can be argued that Coach Mills caused both the Ohio State and FL coaches to adjust their game plans and player substitutions to try to offset what ORU was doing. In other words, Coach Mills got in their head. I agree that the last 5 games of the season were all played on the razor’s edge and as a result this run almost didn’t happen. Nonetheless, the run did happen and it has highlighted many strengths of this team and coaching staff. Couple that with the excellent fit that Coach Mills represents with the university and they are absolutely compelled to significantly increase his and his assistant coach’s salary levels to try and keep this momentum rolling.

Agree 100%, the points made are the reality. Unfortunately, the old adage of 'it's not how many you win, it's when you win them" most likely applies here. In the right circumstances( a nationally televised sweet 16 run by a very compelling Cinderella) coaches are hired on perception not necessarily reality (although coach Mills is clearly an excellent coach). Its very easy to get a fan base to accept a new coach who just had the run we did It's not the OU or TX job, but the jobs opened to fill them that Mills will be considered for. You cant blame a guy for at least listening to offers potentially 2-3x or more, his current salary, especially when he hasn't yet had the big payday. I'm hoping the ORU admin is doing everything they can to keep coach as he is the key in my humble opinion to holding this entire very special group together, even if it means paying an amount above what they feel is coach's actual value. As I'm sure Coach Mills, Max and KO are all having a lot people in their ears right now talking about things that sound very tempting! Coaching opportunities, potential NBA & overseas money are all very attractive.

I realize that I'm in the vast minority, but this magical run was one possession away from never happening...several times. And, the season finishing in the conference tournament with a .500 record. I'm all for bumping him up a bit and maybe putting in some more carrots for hitting certain milestones, but I'd be cautious to unload the bank at this point. Now, if everyone comes back, we win the conference regular season, conference tourney, and 20+ wins, then get more aggressive with his salary, next off-season. That's just my $0.02.

Agreed. Bump it DOWN if anything. Capitalize on the run we just had and the excitement around Tulsa about ORU basketball and get as many butts in seats as possible.