Deja Vu

Michigan is meeting with three head coaching candidates this week, including WVU's John Beilein. Whether true or not, the West Virginia radio stations are blowing up that Beilein is the first choice and that Michigan is going to make a big run at him. Beilein, as always, is silent on the topic.

It will be interesting to see if West Virginia comes up with a package again to keep Beilein around. I think it is essential if WVU wants to stay on a national level in basketball that they keep John here because he saved WVU basketball from becoming a complete non-factor. However, much like with Rodriguez, West Virginia has been reluctant to restructure contracts every year.

Personally, I think West Virginia can keep Beilein if they commit to some facilities changes. The Coliseum is a great place for basketball, so I'm not suggesting doing much with it. But some programs need another place to practice and/or perform. In addition to the men’s basketball team, the Coliseum floor is the practice area for women’s basketball and volleyball. And although wrestling and gymnastics each have their own practice facilities, they still hold their competitive meets at the Coliseum. Throw in the fact that a handful of physical education classes are taught on the Coliseum floor, and you have no less than six different groups using the space.

Wrestling and gymanastics just received brand new practice facilities and men's and women's soccer just received a new stadium. Football has received considerable increases in funding over the past few years to make it a national powerhouse. But, while these programs receive funding and achieve success, the basketball program has achieved great success without much additional support.

If WVU wants to stay on the national scene in basketball, they need to find a way to show some support to the program. I think that is what will keep John Beilein at West Virginia. Otherwise, it will be Hail, Hail to Michigan...the Champions of the West.