Monday March 27th was supposed to be a day of celebration, a day of assurance, as former Villanova assistant Baker Dunleavy was named the head coach of the Quinnipiac men’s basketball team, according to Jon Pierson of WTNH.
Just hours after the signing was confirmed however, the day took an unexpected turn.
Dylan Fearon of Q30 Television reported the unthinkable, as the freshmen duo of Mikey Dixon and Peter Kiss had officially requested for their release from the university.
I'm told Mikey Dixon & Peter Kiss have each asked for their release from Quinnipiac, per source close to team. Both have 3yrs of eligibility
— Dylan Fearon (@DylanFearon_) March 27, 2017
While fans and the program were beginning to accept the reality of Kiss and Dixon leaving, Jaden Daly of A Daly Dose of Hoops reported that soon-to-be senior Chaise Daniels was also leaving.
Hearing that Chaise Daniels has also requested his release at Quinnipiac, and is expected to receive it. Would be third Bobcat to transfer.
— Jaden Daly (@DalyDoseOfHoops) March 27, 2017
It seemed as if Quinnipiac athletic director Greg Amodio had made a splash and commitment to his men’s basketball team by in bringing Dunleavy into the fold. The threat of having players jump ship before Dunleavy was officially introduce was imminent.
The pressure was certainly on. After four years of being a non-factor in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Amodio needed to reel in a big name with a proven history to spark some form of hope in an otherwise quiet program. The university had gone so far as to open up the checkbook to offer an $800,000 contract to woo the highest bidder on the national stage.
Seemingly the call worked, as the 35-year-old Dunleavy was pulled from a Villanova staff he had been on since 2012. After earning head coach Jay Wright’s trust and becoming associate head coach, Dunleavy helped guide the national powerhouse to a 62-8 overall record and two straight Big East regular season championships in two seasons.
Dunleavy comes from a basketball family, too. His brother, Mike, currently plays in the NBA as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. Their father, Mike Dunleavy Sr., is a former NBA Coach of the Year and 17-year NBA head coaching veteran.
Dunleavy has what you want in a rookie head coach; the pedigree of winning, basketball ties and an easy going personality. The only problem may be that he is too much like former Quinnipiac head coach Tom Moore.
Moore came from the University of Connecticut as a highly regarded close associate to the legendary Jim Calhoun. He was tabbed as being a great recruiter and someone who could connect with his players and help them with more than basketball.
As for Dunleavy, he is coming from Villanova as one of Jay Wright’s go-to guy’s. The duo won a national championship just a season ago. Noted for his recruiting and ability to help his players grow, Dunleavy was an attractive option for any school looking for a new head coach.
But, maybe that’s not what the players wanted. Current Iona assistant coach and former Quinnipiac alumni Jarred Grasso was a finalist for the spot. The program is at a dangerous precipice depending on the reactions of its players. While Daniels’ and Kiss are almost guaranteed to transfer, maybe hope is not lost for Dixon to stay in blue and gold.
Was told that, at least as of this morning, Mikey Dixon planned to meet with Dunleavy to hear his "vision" for program. Other 2 as well.
— David Borges (@DaveBorges) March 27, 2017
If Dunleavy can somehow convince Dixon to stay, it’d be the first major move of his tenure. If he can’t, he’d be losing the team’s leading scorer and a potential game-changer in the MAAC for years to come.
While it was rumored that “several core players” could leave if the right coach wasn’t hired, the news of transfers still comes as a devastating blow to the program. While this team wasn’t expected to become immediate contenders next season, the pieces were in place for a solid foundation.
On Quinnipiac front: Hearing good chance several core players may transfer if either Jared Grasso or Scott Burrell isn't hired.
— David Borges (@DaveBorges) March 24, 2017
However, Quinnipiac must give Dunleavy time. This is a move that can’t be judged right away, but rather must be looked at further on in the future. While losing key players could hurt this team in the present, Dunleavy has the chance to build the Bobcats into a force down the road.
With time on his side, the credentials of his past and his arsenal of recruiting skills, Dunleavy will have the chance to make Quinnipiac a winner.
One question remains; will he head down the same path as Moore?
